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...

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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 Air conditioners that repeatedly trip circuit breakers are often overheated or in the process of overheating. This is but one of several failsafe measures that prevent ACs from completely breaking down, causing fires, or posing electrical hazards. Surprisingly, dirty air filters are a common cause of overheating in residential cooling systems. During operation, your air conditioner moves air through its filter so that dust and other particulates are collected before air is chilled and distributed. Buildups of thick, lint-like material that cover your filter’s mesh inhibit airflow. This causes air conditioners to work harder. It also subjects their moving components to excess stress that eventually causes them...

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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...

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How Damaged Ductwork Can Impact AC Performance

May 9, 2020

When the Southern California high temperatures roll around, especially in The Valley, a properly working cooling system is a must. You know that in Southern California, including Thousand Oak, high temperatures can arrive at the tail end of winter or in the middle of fall. It is just the way it is, so all you can do is to be prepared. In order for your AC to perform at its highest level, the ductwork has to be in good condition. Here are some ways damaged ductwork can impact AC performance. Leaks Ductwork is the system used in a home to distribute heated or cooled air throughout the house from a centralized unit. There are three common types of ducts. They are conditioned air, re-circulating air, and fresh air. Ductwork is often made from galvanized steel and aluminum. Older houses usually have ductwork because decades ago, it was the most efficient way to distribute air. Today, there are other options. The homes of today, thanks to research and technology, can opt for ductless units, which offer their own set of benefits. Leaks in the ductwork are one common damage that impacts AC performance. When you turn on the cooling system, your...

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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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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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