5 Signs That Your AC Is on the Decline

July 12, 2020

When you turn on the cooling system in your home, you expect it to do its job. An air conditioner, however, is going to show its age eventually. A well-working AC is a must in a city like Burbank, CA. While the summer weather average is in the high 80s, it can easily feel hotter since the city is situated in a valley. At , we know how important it is to keep the cooling system operating as close to 100% as possible. Here are five signs that your AC is deteriorating. 1. Hot Air Is Produced Instead of Cold A cooling unit is supposed to produce cold air. If it ever generates warm or hot air, this is a sign that something is wrong. An AC unit might produce hot air or no cold air because the compressor is no longer working properly. The refrigerant level could also be low. Regular maintenance ensures that the unit is free of debris, especially the air filter. A professional looks for leaks in and outside of the unit. He or she also looks for corrosion in the coil and on other parts. If you have been keeping up with regular maintenance and...

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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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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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Steps to Fix Uneven Cooling in Your Home

July 30, 2019

Uneven cooling can be caused by several factors, and it is especially common in homes with two or more levels. The following covers some simple ways you can try to get cool air distributed more evenly in your house. However, you may also need to have your AC unit inspected by a helpful professional from in Burbank, California. Consider an AC Replacement When your AC unit is older than 10 years, there is a strong chance that it cannot properly cool down your home. If you require a major part replacement in an older AC unit, it may be best to have the entire AC unit replaced. Install a Zoning System A zoning system works with multiple thermostats. In fact, these systems sometimes use one thermostat in each room. You will not have to close off air vents with a zoning system to keep cool air from collecting only in the basement level of your home. Check for Window and Door Leaks If there are any cracks or openings around your doors or windows, this could be where cool air is escaping from. These openings will also let warm air creep inside your home. Turn on Ceiling Fans Even though...

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Can You Leave Your Air Conditioner Off When You Go on Vacation?

July 20, 2019

If you have a summer vacation planned, you likely have a list of things to do around the house before you leave. When you leave your home for a long time, you make sure the doors are locks and all the lights are turned off to save energy. Should you also turn off your AC unit while you’ll be away? The answer to this question is almost always no. While leaving the air conditioner off when you’re away will definitely help to cut your electrical costs for the month, it may also lead to more costly problems. Set the Temperature Higher Instead of Turning the Unit Off Before you leave for vacation, you can set the temperature on your thermostat to a higher level than you’d normally leave it. While you may typically keep your house around 72 degrees on a hot summer day, if you’ll be gone, you can set it around 83 degrees instead. Setting it this high can help to save you money on your electrical bill but won’t cause other problems. Why You Shouldn’t Shut Off the AC Completely If you shut off your AC unit for an extended period of time, it can lead to...

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Reasons Why Your A/C Won’t Turn Off

April 17, 2019

If your air conditioner won’t stop running, it’s more than just annoying—it could signal a problem that drives up your energy bills or shortens your system’s lifespan. Here are the top reasons why your A/C won’t turn off, and when it’s time to call a professional. 1. Thermostat Set Too Low If your thermostat is set too low, your A/C may run constantly trying to reach an unrealistic temperature—especially on hot days. ✅ Fix: Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature (typically 72–78°F). 2. Dirty Air Filter A clogged air filter restricts airflow, making your A/C work harder and longer to cool your home. ✅ Fix: Replace or clean your air filter every 1–3 months. 3. Frozen Evaporator Coil Low airflow or refrigerant issues can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, preventing the system from completing its cooling cycle. ✅ Fix: Turn off the unit and let it defrost. If it freezes again, call an HVAC technician. 4. Malfunctioning Thermostat A faulty thermostat may fail to signal your A/C to shut off when the desired temperature is reached. ✅ Fix: Test or replace the thermostat, especially if it’s older or battery-powered. 5. Fan Set to “On” Instead of “Auto” If...

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Air Conditioner Maintenance Schedule: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

April 7, 2019

When was the last time you gave your AC some TLC? Like any appliance, your air conditioner needs regular care to keep working efficiently—especially during those peak summer months. Following a clear air conditioner maintenance schedule not only improves performance but also extends the life of your unit and saves you money in the long run. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: what tasks should be done monthly, seasonally, and annually—plus tips from HVAC pros. Why You Need an AC Maintenance Schedule? Many homeowners wait until their unit stops working before calling a technician. By then, you might be looking at costly repairs that could’ve been avoided. A consistent home air conditioner maintenance schedule helps you catch issues early, reduce wear and tear, and keep your home comfortable year-round. Here are the benefits of following a regular schedule: Monthly AC Maintenance Tasks To stay ahead of problems, you should complete these simple checks each month: This is the core of a DIY air conditioner maintenance schedule—it’s simple and only takes a few minutes. Spring & Summer Checklist As temperatures rise, your AC works harder. That’s why it’s essential to prep it with a seasonal air...

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What is Super Cooling?

August 28, 2018

If you live in the greater Burbank, CA area, you are well aware of the necessity of an air conditioning system that is effective and reliable! But have you heard about the new more efficient and cost-effective process called super cooling? Today’s air conditioning systems are smarter than ever, and if you haven’t already, now is the time to upgrade to an advanced home system that includes an Energy Management Computer. Air Max Heating and Air Conditioning carries a full line of systems that feature Energy Management Computers and that can keep you cool in the Burbank area heat while helping you save money. It’s a win-win situation for you and your family. What, Exactly, is Super Cooling? In the simplest terms, super cooling is the process used to keep your home cool using the least amount of money possible. While it is a technique that you can work out yourself manually, today’s latest air conditioning systems come with the necessary Energy Management Computer that automates the entire process. If you wanted to create a super cooling environment manually, you can do so by following these simple steps: Determine the on-peak and off-peak hours that your energy company uses for...

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Can Air Conditioning Cause Headaches?

August 15, 2018

Air conditioning can be a blessing during the hot summer months, especially for those who would prefer to stop sweating profusely all over themselves. But not everyone feels good when they’re in a frigid retail store or even when they’re in their own home. They may struggle to find the right temperature, running hot or cold as they turn it a few notches up or down. Or they may even start to experience headaches when they feel their air conditioning kick on. Blood Vessel Constriction A cold stimulus headache effectively occurs when the blood vessels in the body constrict. If your body is trying to shield itself from freezing, it will slow the blood to protect the core. Unfortunately, this can also give you a headache because it’s interfering with the trigeminal nerve in the brain. If you’re in your house when this happens, you can turn up the thermostat. But if you’re out, you may just have to step outside. Humidity Your air conditioning makes it difficult to maintain a healthy level of humidity in the air. Too much humidity in the air can cause discomfort, but too little will dry out your skin and body. If you’re in...

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