Autumn HVAC Preparation: Tips and Tricks

September 5, 2024

When the summertime turns into autumn, you’re likely thinking about preparing your home for the colder weather. One household system that you don’t want to overlook is your HVAC system. There are various tasks that you’ll want to undertake in order to ensure that it’s in tip-top condition for fall. Schedule Professional Service One of the most important things you’ll want to do is schedule professional maintenance service. It’s important to have one of our HVAC technicians access your heating system to locate any potential problems and perform service on its internal components. One of the most crucial reasons to have this service performed is to ensure the warranty coverage on your system remains active for another year. Change Air Filters When the seasons change, it’s a good time to switch out the air filter on your HVAC system. You want to replace it with a filter of the exact same size to ensure optimal efficiency of the filter. It’s a good idea to have multiple filters on hand so that you can replace your filter whenever it becomes dirty. A dirty filter can really restrict the overall efficiency of your heating system. Program Your Thermostat When you’re officially ready...

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California Homeowners Guide to HVAC Maintenance

August 5, 2024

Burbank, CA, has hot, dry summers and moderate winters. Although it’s less prone to experiencing wildfires than other California cities, it regularly receives an influx of wildfire smoke and other pollutants. These are all important factors to remember when choosing, installing, and caring for your HVAC equipment. The following is everything you need to know about local HVAC maintenance. Air Quality and HVAC Air Filters According to a 2023 report from the City of Burbank, both indoors and out, local air quality has been a significant point of concern since the 1940s. People who live in densely populated areas and near busy, bustling freeways tend to have higher concentrations of gaseous chemicals, dust, and other allergens and contaminants in their homes. Burbank lies in a geographically challenging region. It has many heavily traveled roadways, multiple rail corridors, and massive highways along or within its boundaries. Rather than dispersing, the Verdugo Mountains trap much of the air pollution from these features. Homeowners nationwide are advised to inspect their HVAC air filters monthly and change them every 30 to 90 days. In high-pollution areas like Burbank, it’s best to examine these components every three to four weeks and replace them as needed....

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How to Save on Summer Cooling Costs in Burbank

July 12, 2024

It’s easier to beat the Burbank, CA summer heat with an efficient and reliable air conditioner. Even then, cooling costs can skyrocket when the temperatures soar. Try some of these tips and services to help keep your utility bills low and reduce the stress on your cooling system. Open Windows at Night Opening your windows on cool nights can be a highly effective way to reduce cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, utilizing natural ventilation during cooler hours can significantly lower indoor temperatures and decrease the reliance on air conditioning. This practice can lead to substantial energy savings. By closing windows in the morning before temperatures rise and then reopening them at night, you can create a more energy-efficient home, potentially reducing your monthly cooling costs by up to 30%. Utilize Window Coverings Curtains, blinds, or other window coverings are essential for shielding your home from the blazing sunlight, especially on south-facing windows. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77%, significantly improving your home’s energy efficiency. Keeping window coverings closed during the daytime when the sun is beating down can maintain a cooler indoor environment and help...

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Summer HVAC Myths Debunked: What You Should Know

June 12, 2024

When it comes to home cooling systems, it seems like every homeowner has taken advice on how to lower their energy bills. Unfortunately, not all the advice is based on truth. There are many common cooling system myths that we will debunk below so you get a better understanding of your system. Bigger Is Always Better When the hot summer weather hits, it’s easy to think you need a big cooling system to combat it. The reality is that an oversized air conditioning system for your home will decrease efficiency and skyrocket your energy bills. When your system is too big, it will kick on for a few minutes and turn off quickly as it reaches your desired temperature. This is referred to as short cycling. When this happens, your air conditioning system isn’t getting to run long enough to remove all humidity from your home. When humidity remains, it can make your home feel much hotter than it is. This will have you turning down the temperature on your thermostat. Your cooling system will be short-cycling more often and increasing your utility bill than if you just had an appropriately sized cooling system for your home. Closing Off Unused...

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Choosing the Perfect AC For Your Climate: 8 Essential Tips

May 1, 2024

Burbank, CA, characterized by its Mediterranean climate, experiences long, cool winters and hot, dry summers. While the summer temperatures here do not often reach the extremes of triple-digits, selecting the appropriate air conditioning system is critical. Making the right choice will ensure consistent performance, high efficiency, and a comfortable environment. Here are eight essential tips to keep in mind when choosing an air conditioner for this region. 1. Work With a Licensed HVAC Company You might encounter enticing deals on air conditioners at local big box and home improvement stores. However, purchasing a cooling system without the expertise of a licensed HVAC company carries significant risks. For example, you risk selecting equipment that is too large or small for your home, and this can result in excessively high energy bills, uneven humidity levels, frequent repairs, and a host of other issues. It’s crucial to consult with a professional to ensure you choose the right air conditioning system for your needs. Unfortunately, inventory buyers at big box stores may not always consider region-specific needs when stocking their air conditioner selections. While these air conditioners often come at attractive prices, they may not deliver the performance and efficiency that you deserve. It’s...

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An In-Depth Look into the Advantages of Ductless Mini-Splits

April 18, 2024

You may have heard about ductless mini-splits if you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system. They offer a distinct and unique cooling solution compared to traditional ducted central AC systems. However, even though they seem like a recent innovation, they actually have a long and successful history. Here is everything you need to know about ductless mini splits and all of the advantages they offer compared to other AC systems. A Brief History of Mini-Splits The first ductless mini-split went on the market back in 1959. Designed in Japan by Mitsubishi, it was a product of the unique needs of citizens there in the post-war period. In Japan’s big cities, space was tight, and walls were thin. Innovators realized that homeowners and apartment dwellers needed an efficient type of AC that was simultaneously efficient, small, and quiet. As a result, Mitsubishi looked for a way to create an AC that didn’t require bulky and extensive in-wall ductwork since nobody had the room for that. What they came up with was an AC system that combined a slim, wall-mountable outdoor compressor unit that served one or more wall-mounted indoor air handlers. The small size of the outdoor units...

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7 Reasons Why Burbank Homeowners are Getting Home Energy Audits

March 1, 2024

More and more homeowners in Burbank are prioritizing energy audits and with good reason. Also known as a home energy assessment, an energy audit involves a complete evaluation of your energy usage and identifies any issues affecting your home’s energy performance. Following the recommendations provided after a professional energy audit allows homeowners all across the region to enjoy several benefits. To maximize these benefits, savvy homeowners get their homes assessed every two to three years or after completing any major home projects. A DIY audit may not be as thorough as a professional home energy assessment. When you attempt to conduct a DIY energy evaluation, you risk missing some energy-saving opportunities due to a lack of expertise and specialized equipment. 1. Save on Utility Bills Energy inefficiencies can cost you a lot of money every year. A professional energy audit will not only reveal these inefficiencies but also provide a roadmap with targeted recommendations for improvement. Every improvement has the potential to reduce your utility bills significantly, so it is best for your wallet if you implement all the recommendations. From upgrading your home’s insulation to sealing air leaks, implementing audit recommendations will help optimize your energy use and avoid...

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The Science Behind Air Purification: What You Need to Know

February 8, 2024

Indoor air quality is a common issue for Burbank, CA, households. Outdoor contaminants that cause problems with seasonal allergies, pollution from nearby roads and wildfires all contribute to lower air quality. Poor air quality can even impact residential heating and cooling systems. This is why it’s crucial to do all you can to make the air in your home cleaner. To do this, you’ll first need to understand your air purification options. Fortunately, for Burbank homeowners, there are more than a few available. Understanding how each system works makes it easier to choose the best ones for your particular circumstances. How Does Indoor Air Quality Work? The term indoor air quality, or IAQ, describes how the air inside a home affects the well-being of its inhabitants. Ventilation, air circulation, pollutant levels and the presence of pollutants like dust, mold or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are some of the many elements that affect IAQ. Keeping interior air quality high requires a combination of strategies, including adequate ventilation, frequent cleaning and the use of air purifiers to mitigate contaminants. What Is an Indoor Air Quality Audit? To determine how clean or dirty the air is inside your home, you need to schedule...

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Complete Guide to Maximizing Winter HVAC Efficiency

January 3, 2024

Before the full brunt of winter hits, you need to be sure that your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is operating to the best of its ability. An inefficient system leads to higher energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system’s components. By taking a few preventative steps now, you can optimize performance, reduce costs, and extend the lifespan of your system. This article outlines key maintenance tips, ideal thermostat settings, and reasons to connect with a professional HVAC company as colder weather settles in. Unique HVAC Challenges to California Residents While the Golden State may not experience bone-chilling winters like some of our northern neighbors, California homeowners have their own set of HVAC challenges to tackle. The mild climate creates a different dynamic, influencing how HVAC systems operate. Infrequent Use and Dust Accumulation: California’s moderate temperatures mean you don’t always rely heavily on our HVAC systems, especially during the winter. However, this infrequent use can lead to unexpected challenges. Dust, the silent culprit, tends to accumulate in unused systems, affecting their efficiency when we finally do need them. Sudden Temperature Drops: The occasional warm, sunny day turns into a chilly evening, catching us off guard. The...

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How Long Should Your Furnace Last?

December 4, 2023

Most furnaces last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. There are many variables that come into play when it comes to determining how long a furnace should last and whether or not it’s time to buy a new one. Calculating the cost of expected repairs against the cost of buying a new furnace is an excellent way to decide between spending your money on repairs or a replacement. Learning what warning signs to watch for can also help you decide between repairing the furnace or replacing it with a new one. Age Older furnaces are less reliable and use more energy than modern ones do. If your furnace is over 10 years old, it’s important to carefully consider the costs of expected repairs versus what it will cost to buy a replacement. Many times, purchasing a new furnace is a wise decision that ends up paying you dividends in the form of reduced utility bills and better interior comfort over time. Increasing Heating Bills As the heater gets older, it uses more power than it did when it was new, causing your heating bills to get higher and higher. If your heating costs keep going up, it’s often smarter to...

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