How to Keep Your HVAC System Safe During a Storm

July 18, 2022

Thunderstorms can do serious damage—and your HVAC system is no exception. To keep your home comfortable and your system protected, the experts at put together this essential guide for storm-proofing your HVAC equipment in Burbank. 1. Pre-Cool Your Home Before a storm hits, set your thermostat a few degrees lower than usual. This helps your home stay cooler during potential power outages. Close all windows and doors to keep cool air in longer. 2. Inspect Outdoor HVAC Equipment Check your outdoor unit for existing damage and take photos. This gives you a clear before-and-after reference in case repairs or insurance claims are needed post-storm. 3. Plan for Power Outages Storms often knock out power. Consider investing in a backup generator capable of powering your HVAC system. It’s a smart long-term solution for extended outages. 4. Cover Your HVAC Unit (With Caution) Use a weatherproof cover or build a debris shield if high winds are expected—but never run the system while it’s covered. Ensure any structure allows for adequate airflow. 5. Protect Against Lightning Surges from lightning can destroy HVAC systems. Turn off your system during severe weather and install a whole-home surge protector to guard against electrical damage. 6. Prepare...

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How to Fix Uneven Heating

June 20, 2022

Do you walk into one room and start sweating, while another feels chilly? This frustrating issue—known as hot and cold spots—means your home has uneven indoor temperatures. While many assume it’s a faulty HVAC system, there are actually several possible causes. At , we’re here to help you identify and fix the problem for good. 1. Try Changing Your Thermostat Fan Setting Most thermostats are set to “Auto”, which turns the fan off between heating or cooling cycles. Switching it to “On” keeps air circulating, helping to balance temperatures across rooms. Just remember: leaving it on all the time may raise energy bills, so use this tip strategically. 2. Schedule a Professional Duct Cleaning Blocked or dirty ducts can restrict airflow and cause uneven heating and cooling. Dust, pet dander, mold, and debris can accumulate over time. A duct cleaning service from can improve airflow and identify leaks that may be causing temperature imbalances. 3. Clean and Unblock Your Air Vents Furniture, dust, or debris blocking your vents can restrict airflow to specific rooms. Make sure all vents are: Uncovered and not blocked by furniture. Cleaned monthly using a vacuum hose or brush. Even this simple fix can make a...

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How to Shade Your Outdoor AC Unit

May 19, 2022

AC units are notorious for breaking down in the middle of summer, just when you need them the most. The constant sun that’s present in Burbank and Los Angeles County causes many problems for any piece of machinery and can be particularly troublesome for air conditioning units. If there is one thing you should remember to do this summer, it’s to keep your AC unit safe from the sun’s rays. You can take some relatively easy steps to ensure that your AC unit will continue to do its job properly during the hottest months. Build a Simple Frame If you plan to build a shade structure over your outdoor air conditioning unit, the easiest way to achieve maximum protection is by using a simple frame. A frame also makes it easier to measure and cut cloth for custom shading. But if you’d rather not build a structure, that’s okay. You can easily attach canvas or other materials directly to the sides of your AC unit. Attach a Shade Cloth Help protect your outdoor AC unit from the sun with a shade cloth that attaches to your air conditioner by using ties around the cage, allowing for a custom fit to...

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14 Best Indoor Plants to Promote Healthy Indoor Air Quality

April 18, 2022

Indoor air quality is an important theme that must be addressed in each home. especially with the increasing number of people who spend their time inside. Indoor plants are great ways for homeowners to improve the air quality of their households. The following are some of the best indoor plants that can promote healthy indoor air quality. 1. Ficus Benjamina The Ficus Benjamina, also known as the Weeping Fig, is a popular indoor houseplant that thrives in sunny spots. It can grow up to three feet tall and features dark green, glossy leaves. Benefits for Your Home This low-maintenance plant has few pest problems and is an excellent natural air purifier. It helps improve indoor air quality by filtering harmful toxins like formaldehyde. 2. Peace Lily: A Fast-Growing Indoor Plant That Purifies Air The Peace Lily is a popular houseplant known for its bright green, hanging leaves and rapid growth, reaching up to two feet within a year. This beautiful plant thrives indoors with proper care, helping to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Benefits of Peace Lily for Your Home or Office Air Purification: Peace Lilies absorb harmful indoor pollutants, creating a healthier environment. Rapid...

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How Different Weather Conditions Affect an HVAC System

March 15, 2022

HVAC units are designed to maintain comfort year-round but extreme weather can cause short- and long-term damage. Outdoor units face risks from wind, flying debris, heavy rain, snow, and ice, while indoor components may be affected by moisture and temperature swings. To minimize weather-related damage and extend HVAC life, homeowners should: Schedule regular HVAC maintenance and inspections Install surge protectors to guard against electrical surges Secure outdoor units with hurricane straps or tie-downs Clear debris and trim nearby foliage around outdoor units Ensure proper drainage to prevent water pooling Use breathable covers during off-season to protect without trapping moisture Winterize units and elevate components prone to flooding Taking these proactive measures helps prevent costly repairs. Improve HVAC efficiency, and maintain optimal system performance & extend the life of your HVAC units. HVAC & Heavy Storms and High-Speed Winds High-speed winds can loosen and damage critical components of your outdoor HVAC unit. Flying debris may break fan blades, panels, and electrical connections, while dust and dirt blown into the system can clog evaporation coils. These clogs create ideal conditions for mold growth, reducing indoor air quality and system efficiency. Clogged coils restrict airflow, preventing your HVAC from effectively heating or cooling...

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HVAC Issues That Can Cause Hot and Cold Spots in the Home

February 17, 2022

If some rooms in your home are sweltering while others feel freezing, you’re likely dealing with uneven heating and cooling—one of the most common HVAC issues homeowners face. While frustrating, this problem can often be resolved with professional help and a few strategic fixes. Here’s what the experts at recommend. 1. HVAC System May Be the Wrong Size If your furnace or air conditioner is too small (or not efficient enough), it may not be able to maintain even temperatures across your entire home. Signs of adequate heat or cooling issues include: One area consistently too hot or too cold HVAC system constantly running without reaching set temperatures Proper HVAC sizing depends on: Square footage of your home Ceiling height Sunlight exposure Local climate (e.g., Burbank is in Climate Zone 2, requiring specific BTU/tom ratios) Even the unit’s efficiency rating matters. For example, an 80% efficient furnace rated at 100,000 BTUs only outputs 80,000 usable BTUs. Choosing the right size and efficiency level is best done by a qualified HVAC technician. 2. Your HVAC System Needs Maintenance or Repair Sudden changes in indoor comfort could mean your HVAC system is malfunctioning. Even something as simple as a dirty air filter...

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How a Furnace Works Made Simple

January 11, 2022

Your furnace is an integral part of your home, but it often goes without much attention or thought. However, without the right attention at the right time, you may be left with a cold house. Let’s get to the fundamentals of what makes your furnace work, what poses risks to your family, and what attention you should give it as it serves your home. Types of Furnaces When it comes to furnaces, you have two distinctly different types. In moderate climates, like southern California, you may see electric furnaces. These use an electric resistance element to generate the heat needed to warm your house. They are simple, generally safe, and do not rely on any type of fuel to operate. Plus, they are more efficient, with some models reaching a 100% AFUE rating. However, they are still more expensive to run, being electricity is more expensive than furnace fuels. The most common type of furnace used in residences around the United States are fuel-burning systems. There are a variety of options for fuel used, including natural gas, propane, and oil. In more heavily developed areas, natural gas tends to be the fuel of choice, being it’s delivered to the house...

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What Is a Thermostatic Expansion Valve?

October 20, 2021

The Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV), also known as the thermostatic expansion valve, is a crucial component found in most refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Positioned just before the evaporator, its main role is to precisely regulate the flow of refrigerant entering the evaporator to optimize system efficiency and prevent liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor. How Does the TXV Work? The TXV manages the refrigerant’s pressure and flow by maintaining a separation between the high-pressure side (liquid refrigerant from the compressor) and the low-pressure side (the evaporator). When the high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the TXV orifice, its pressure drops significantly, causing it to partially evaporate and absorb heat inside the evaporator coil. Main Components of a TXV: Valve body Pin Sensing bulb Spring Diaphragm Working Principle The sensing bulb detects temperature changes at the evaporator outlet. As the cooling load changes, the bulb’s refrigerant pressure changes, causing the diaphragm to move the pin. This movement adjusts the orifice opening, increasing or decreasing refrigerant flow to maintain optimal superheat (the vapor temperature above boiling point). The valve balances the forces of the sensing bulb and spring to ensure just the right amount of refrigerant flows to the evaporator, improving system...

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How to Clean Your AC Filters in 5 Easy Steps

September 15, 2021

Your HVAC system’s filters play a vital role in keeping the air inside your home clean by trapping dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other small particles. Over time, these filters collect debris and become less effective, which can impact your indoor air quality and system performance. Signs It’s Time to Check or Clean Your AC Filters Increased dust buildup in your home Allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing or congestion Reduced airflow from vents Higher electricity bills Strange noises from your AC unit (working harder) Uneven temperatures throughout your home Your AC runs more frequently to maintain set temperature Mold growth on bathroom walls, window sills, or fabrics Types of AC Filters: Permanent vs. Disposable Permanent filters can be cleaned and reused. Disposable filters are not designed for washing and degrade if cleaned with water or vacuumed aggressively. Cleaning disposable filters is only a short-term fix until you replace them. Wet or damp disposable filters can promote mold growth, so be cautious. Benefits of Cleaning Your AC Filters Saves money on energy bills by reducing system strain Maintains better indoor air quality and reduces allergens Helps protect vulnerable family members (children, elderly, people with respiratory issues) Prevents dust circulation and buildup...

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Avoid These Home Cooling Myths

August 3, 2021

Common Myths About Saving Money on Cooling Costs — Busted! Keeping your home cool without overspending on energy bills can be tricky, especially with so much advice floating around. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common cooling cost myths to help you save money and stay comfortable. Myth 1: Air Conditioners Manufacture Cold Air Reality:Air conditioners don’t create cold air; they remove heat and moisture from inside your home. They pull in warm, humid air, extract the heat and moisture, then pump cooler, drier air back into your rooms. Myth 2: An Energy-Efficient AC Will Automatically Keep Bills Low Reality:Even the most efficient AC won’t save money if it’s poorly installed or neglected. Regular maintenance and filter replacement are key to keeping your system running efficiently and saving you money. Myth 3: Closing Doors and Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy Reality:Your HVAC system is designed to cool your entire home. Blocking airflow by closing vents makes your system work harder, increasing energy use and costs. Myth 4: Bigger AC Units Cool Faster and Better Reality:An oversized AC cools your home too quickly, leaving humidity and allergens behind because it doesn’t run long enough to properly dehumidify. The...

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