Your Guide to the 2025 HVAC Refrigerant Phase-Out

February 1, 2025

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that starting January 1st, 2025, only eco-friendly refrigerants will be used in newly manufactured HVAC systems. Here’s what this means to you as a homeowner in the Los Angeles, CA area. The Refrigerants Being Phased Out In 1987, the United Nations finalized a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. This agreement, known as the Montreal Protocol, targeted substances used in products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosols, and fire extinguishers. The Montreal Protocol’s goal was to mitigate global warming. The ozone layer filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which is known to reduce agricultural productivity, disrupt marine ecosystems, and increase the prevalence of skin cancer and cataracts. The Montreal Protocol was scheduled to be implemented in different stages as technology improved. After the Kigali Amendment was adopted in 2016, the next milestone in this effort was the 2025 HVAC refrigerant phase-out. This phase-out targets hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are powerful greenhouse gases that, while less damaging to the ozone layer than their predecessors, contribute significantly to global warming. The refrigerants affected in this phase-out include R-410A and R-22. Their production, importation,...

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How a Smart Thermostat Can Save You Money on Heating This Winter

January 23, 2025

If you’re looking for ways to save on your winter energy bills without impacting your comfort, installing a smart thermostat is one of the best and easiest options. Although it usually doesn’t cost that much to heat a home in the Burbank, CA area, a smart thermostat can still save you money on heating. We’ll explain how smart thermostats work and explore the various ways they can help you reduce your energy bills this winter. How a Smart Thermostat Works Many think smart thermostats are just programmable units with Wi-Fi and app control—but today’s models offer much more. ✅ Learning & Automation Smart thermostats learn your schedule and preferences in 10–14 days. After that, they automatically adjust temperatures to save energy when you’re away and maintain comfort when you’re home. ✅ Motion & Occupancy Sensors Built-in motion sensors detect activity. If no motion is sensed for a set time, the thermostat switches to Away mode, reducing heating or cooling to save energy. ✅ App & Wi-Fi Control Easily control your thermostat via a mobile app, even while on vacation. Adjust settings, delay schedules, or switch to Home mode remotely. ✅ Geo-Fencing & Phone Detection Advanced models use geo-fencing or Wi-Fi...

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8 Steps to Take to Improve Your Home’s Ventilation

October 4, 2024

Air pollution is an invisible threat to your health. Most of us expose ourselves to toxic chemical vapors and irritating particles every day without realizing it. The threat often comes from inside our homes. Houses tend to trap air pollution, which gives it a chance to build up to hazardous levels. Good ventilation solves that problem. The air outside of your home is relatively clean, and you can use it to dilute the air pollution. You just need to find a few ways to bring it into your house and vent the polluted air. 1. Open Some Windows Natural ventilation isn’t the most powerful solution, but it’s usually the quickest and easiest option. Every window that you open will help ventilate your house. Polluted air will flow out of your home, and clean air will enter it. It’s a gradual process, so it’s important to leave your windows open for as long as possible. You can accelerate the process by opening your windows as widely as possible, but even a cracked window will help. This method does have a few downsides. You should try to keep your windows closed if you’re heating or cooling your home. The open windows will...

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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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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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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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Is a Burning Smell Normal When I Turn on the Heat?

November 1, 2023

If you have recently turned on the heat and noticed a burning smell, it can be quite alarming. It does not necessarily mean that something is going wrong with your system, particularly if it hasn’t been turned on for a while. In instances like this, such a thing happening is actually pretty normal and is often not a cause for concern. There are times, however, when it could be an indicator of a real problem, so it’s important to know when it is time to relax and when it is time to shut down your system and call in a professional. When Not to Worry About a Burning Smell If your heater has not been turned on for a while, it is likely that dust and other particles have accumulated on the heat exchanger, burners, or other components. When you turn the heater on for the first time in months, the smell is likely these particles burning off. This smell is then carried through the air vents until it is all burned away. Let the heater run for about 10 minutes, and the smell will likely dissipate. If it does not go away, then it is time to call a...

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10 AC Problems You Must Know

October 2, 2023

Air conditioners keep us cool when the mercury is soaring, but even new air conditioners will eventually develop a problem. Whether your AC is struggling in the heat or not putting out cold air at all, your first concern is likely how to get that temperature back into a comfortable range fast. Our guide will help you learn the top 10 AC problems you need to understand to keep that cool air flowing again. 1. AC Won’t Turn on If your AC won’t turn on, you might panic, but an air conditioner that fails to cycle on doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re facing expensive repairs. First, check that your unit has power and is switched to the “on” position. Check the circuit breaker on both the indoor and outdoor units to be sure it hasn’t been flipped. Finally, check the thermostat to verify that the system is both turned on and set to cool. This is also a good time to check the air filter. A clogged AC filter won’t necessarily stop the AC from switching on, but it will certainly keep it from cooling effectively. Many things can interfere with your AC’s ability to cycle on, so if you’ve...

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