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...

View Article

Read More

What to Do If Your AC Keeps Tripping the Circuit Breaker

July 15, 2023

Constantly having to reset the circuit breaker in your Burbank, CA home is guaranteed to prove frustrating. This is especially true if your air conditioner is what’s causing the breaker to trip. Although you can temporarily resolve the problem with a quick flip of the breaker switch, the issue will continue until its underlying cause is identified and addressed. Read on to find out what you can do to restore normal AC functionality and whether or not you need an AC repair service to solve it. Start by Inspecting Your HVAC Air Filter If your air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it’s often a sign of overheating. This safety feature prevents damage, electrical hazards, and potential fires. Surprisingly, one of the most common causes of overheating is a dirty air filter. When filters become clogged with dust and debris, airflow is restricted, forcing your AC to work harder and overheat. Regular filter maintenance helps prevent this. Most homes should replace air filters every 30 to 90 days, but households with pets, high dust levels, or frequent AC use may need changes every 3 to 4 weeks. Checking filters during routine maintenance can keep your system running safely and efficiently. Check...

View Article

Read More

6 Major Reasons Why Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air

June 1, 2023

All air conditioners are designed to provide a cool and comfortable living environment inside your home. One of the worst feelings you can experience as a homeowner is walking into your home during a hot summer day to cool off, only to discover that your AC is blowing warm air. Not only will you likely experience stress when your AC fails to keep you cool, but HVAC technicians are busiest during the peak season. To help avoid these problems, you should set up an appointment to have your AC unit serviced regularly. Here are some of the top reasons your AC could blow warm air. 1. Thermostat Settings One of the first things you should check when you notice warm air coming from the vents is your thermostat settings. Thermostat problems usually occur in old dial-type units when they are incorrectly calibrated. If you have the manufacturer’s manual, check that your current thermostat settings are correct. You might also want to check that you did not accidentally flip your thermostat to heat mode, a mistake that frequently goes unnoticed. If that does not resolve the problem, you may want to have your thermostat recalibrated or replaced. You can also consider...

View Article

Read More

How Damaged Ductwork Can Impact AC Performance

May 9, 2020

When Southern California’s high temperatures hit—especially in places like Thousand Oaks and The Valley—having a reliable, efficient air conditioning system isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Around here, triple-digit temperatures can show up at the tail end of winter or even during the fall. That’s just how it goes. If you want your AC system to perform at its best, one key component often overlooked is your ductwork. Damaged, leaky, or outdated ducts can significantly reduce your system’s efficiency, drive up energy costs, and leave you uncomfortable in your own home. Here are some of the biggest ways damaged ductwork can affect your cooling system: 1. Leaky Ducts Waste Cooled Air Your ductwork is responsible for distributing cooled (or heated) air from your HVAC unit to different rooms in your home. But when there are leaks, that air escapes before it reaches its destination. What happens next? Your AC runs longer trying to compensate. Your home takes longer to reach the desired temperature. You pay more on your energy bill without getting the comfort you expect. Leaky ducts are one of the most common and hidden culprits behind poor AC performance. They’re hard to spot on your own, but...

View Article

Read More

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....

View Article

Read More

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...

View Article

Read More