Why Is My Heating System’s Filter Black?

November 1, 2019

Strange things can happen with a heating system. Unexpected mishaps may require service calls, and routine maintenance is also necessary at times. You should, therefore, expect to replace a filter at some point. When the screen becomes black, something is seriously out of the ordinary. Putting in a new filter might not be enough. Depending on the cause, other work may be required. Dirt Accumulates in the Filter The filter catches dirt and, eventually, becomes so dirty that it turns black. Changing it before this point would be best. If you waited too long to change it, get the work done now. If you live near Burbank, CA, you can turn to . ​ Mold Finds a Home Mold might not be the first thing you suspect when you see a black filter, but the organic growth may very well be the culprit. Mold can grow in any environment that’s hospitable to it. This includes the interior of a heater. If there’s dampness inside the heating system, any mold spores present are going to grow and feed. Once mold affixes to the filter, the organic matter on the screen will give mold a food source. The filter has to go....

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Fall Indoor Air Quality Concerns & How to Prevent Them

October 30, 2019

Spring might be a harsh allergy season, but fall can be equally difficult for allergy sufferers. Even indoors, we can experience allergy symptoms, so you want to keep the indoor air quality at a healthy level during the fall season. Here are a few things to do to counter those fall air quality concerns. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality There are several things that you can do to improve indoor air quality during the fall. For starters, you can open the windows to let out that stale air and allow some fresh breezes into your home. However, this can open your home to outside pollen, and it might not be a suitable solution for those with allergies. If you need to test the air quality of your Burbank home, our technicians will make sure that you are breathing high-quality air. Use a HEPA Filter on Your Vacuum You can keep pollutants, pet dander, mold, and dust mites under control with the help of a HEPA filter. These filters will trap the harmful particles in the filters, helping you to breathe a little easier this fall. Change Your Heating Air Filter It is important to change your air filter throughout the...

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5 Ways to Save Energy this Fall

October 10, 2019

Whether you own a packaged unit or a heat pump, it will start to get a workout in the autumn. Below are five ways to mitigate the rise in energy bills that you’ll see during the fall season. 1. Replacing Air Filters Any ducted unit will have trouble heating if the ducts and filters are dirty. This means higher bills for increasingly mediocre performance. Pleated air filters, which are the highest in quality, should be replaced every three to six months. At , we can handle this and other minor heating repairs throughout Burbank, CA. You could even request regular maintenance. 2. Schedule Heating System Maintenance With a tune-up every autumn, you won’t have to worry about your system breaking down in the middle of winter. Tune-ups also help you save energy by eliminating any issues that were compromising the unit’s performance. 3. Checking for Adequate Insulation Your attic and walls may be lacking in the way of insulation, which means it will do little to slow down heat loss. Once you know the type, thickness, and R-value of your insulation, you can choose between adding more layers or upgrading to something with a higher R-value. 4. Preventing Drafts Drafts...

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Questions First Time HVAC Buyers Should Ask

October 1, 2019

The decisions you make regarding your new HVAC system are some of the most important determinants of the quality of life you will enjoy in your new home. Keep in mind the below questions when making your decision. What Is the Proper Size of Equipment for Your Home? Check with a reliable HVAC specialist for suggestions on the equipment he or she deems fit for your house. By conducting a load calculation, a technician can give you precise recommendations so that your residence is heated and cooled without overworking the furnace, thermostat, and AC unit. How Much Does the New HVAC System Cost, Including Installation? Ask for a quote that details costs for equipment and installation. A reputable HVAC service will gladly offer case studies, testimonials and references from other clients so that you can see if working with them is a good fit. Costs will depend on variables such as chosen fuel source, size of equipment and degree of difficulty of installation due to your home’s design. What Is the Best Fuel Source for My Home’s Heating? Choosing between oil, electric or natural gas will determine a lot about your HVAC system. From what kind of ventilation system you...

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Signing an HVAC Contract? What You Need to Know Before Agreeing to Services

September 24, 2019

If you’re considering purchasing a maintenance agreement for your HVAC system, there are several questions you may want to ask your technician. Service agreements are offered for customers that depend on their HVAC systems to work and could stand to lose out if they don’t. It’s added peace of mind and serves as a tune-up to help prevent unnecessary repair calls that can be costly. Finding the right maintenance agreement can save you money if you find it’s the right decision for your home. is happy to provide you with more information regarding service agreements. Find Out What’s Covered, When It’s Covered, and If There Are Any Charges Most service contracts for HVAC will cover one or more components of your system. For example, a contract may cover just your air conditioner or just your heating system. Many of them cover both items. You’ll also want to find out how many maintenance visits you’re entitled to each year. Most plans offer a minimum of two; however, this can vary widely depending on the agreement. You’ll also want to find out what items are covered, specifically. If an item isn’t covered, you’ll want to find out if there’s a discount on...

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What to do About a Rusty Air Conditioner

September 14, 2019

Though air conditioners are very sturdy machines, they still have the potential to rust just like any other piece of metal that is exposed to moisture. If you have noticed the appearance of any rusty streaks and spots on your AC unit, do not panic. This is typically a very easy problem to solve. Here are some tips for dealing with rust on your air conditioner. The Problem with Rust Can you just leave the rust alone? A lot of people pick this option because they think rust is just unsightly. However, it does real damage as it eats away at the metal, especially if it gets into the condenser. Another issue is that letting rust build up instead of calling for AC repair can end up voiding your warranty. Removing Rust Yourself If the rust is very light, you can usually remove it yourself. First, turn off the power to the unit entirely. Using sandpaper or a nylon brush, remove all the rust. Then, clean the area with a degreaser and paint over the cleaned area with a rust-proof paint and primer. Deciding If You Need Professional Help It is possible to remove the rust yourself in many situations....

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Protect Your Home With Proper HVAC Services

September 4, 2019

If you live in a home or will be moving to one soon, you may or may not be aware that there are special considerations for the HVAC system in your home. With careful attention to detail, an HVAC system will not only keep you comfortable all year long, but it’ll also act as a second level of defense for your belongings and furnishings. A heating and cooling system is an essential component to keeping your Burbank home comfortable. A malfunctioning heating or AC system can cause significant indoor air quality problems, leaving you and your family stressed and annoyed. Hence, it is vital to conduct proper HVAC services to ensure that your system operates perfectly year-round. is happy to provide you with this information for maintaining and protecting your most valuable assets. Proper Ventilation and Humidity Levels Your most valuable items like artwork, antiques, jewelry, wallpaper, and furnishings all depend on your home’s temperature being correctly maintained throughout the year. Humidity for warmer climates can also pose significant risks to not only your home but also your health. This is especially true for homes with asthmatics, those with special needs, children, and/or seniors. If humidity gets out of control,...

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Everything You Need to Know About Smart Thermostats

August 25, 2019

Smart thermostats are becoming more common in residential properties because they offer a high level of convenience to homeowners. The technology associated with these devices makes it possible to have more control of your energy usage each season. If you’re looking to improve the precision of your temperature settings. Here are a few facts about smart thermostats. 1. They’ll Save You Energy Smart thermostats help homeowners save energy and reduce monthly utility bills. These devices learn your preferences, optimize HVAC usage, and reduce system wear by adjusting temperatures when you’re away. At Air Max HVAC Inc, we help Burbank homeowners upgrade to smart thermostat technology for better comfort and long-term savings. 2. More Comfort A higher level of comfort is provided with smart thermostats because they include remote sensors that can be placed in each room of the house. The temperatures throughout the residence are prone to vary, which makes it necessary to have more control over the thermal temperatures in each room. 3. Smart Home Integration Smart thermostats are capable of integrating with smart home systems, which allow the device to be compatible with smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa. For personal ease, you can ask the assistant to...

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The Difference Between HVAC and AC

August 15, 2019

At , we help homeowners and businesses understand the difference between HVAC systems and air conditioning systems. Choosing the right solution for your home or commercial building ensures energy efficiency, reliable climate control, and year-round comfort. What an HVAC System Does HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These systems include components like a furnace, air conditioner, ductwork, and air filters to provide year-round indoor comfort. HVAC systems also improve indoor air quality by circulating clean, filtered air through a centralized system for efficient heating and cooling. Standalone Air Conditioners An air conditioner cools indoor spaces during hot weather and can operate without central ductwork. Window air conditioners are designed for single rooms or small areas but are less energy-efficient. Ductless mini-split systems offer better energy efficiency and allow zoned temperature control, making them ideal for smaller homes, apartments, and buildings without central air. Your Heating and Cooling Specialist is proud to serve the heating and cooling needs of residents in Burbank, Beverly Hills, and Thousand Oaks. We value each of our customers and have certified technicians ready for jobs large and small. Our team can help with cooling and heating installation, repair, and maintenance services. To find out...

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How to Care for Your AC System

August 5, 2019

Your AC system is an investment. It requires ongoing TLC, and an optimal approach to maintenance can help ensure the lowest total cost for operation. Initial Inspection has been serving homeowners in Burbank and the neighboring communities with a full range of AC services since 2001. When you purchase a residence with an AC system already in place, you never know how diligent the last owner was. That’s why we recommend scheduling a comprehensive professional inspection as soon as possible. Seasonal Inspection and Maintenance After installation or full inspection, you only need a seasonal inspection. Early spring is a good target since it lets you identify and correct any issues well before the hottest months arrive. Scheduling service is advisable whenever you notice anything that seems unusual. A Monthly Basic Inspection Our company also recommends that you perform a basic inspection each month. This is especially important if there has been a serious storm that may have damaged any equipment outside. Change Air Filters as Needed Air filters should be swapped out, or cleaned if you have reusables, after three months of use. However, we recommend examining them during the monthly inspection and replacing any that are visibly dirty. Check...

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