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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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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HVAC Safety Tips For The Christmas Season

December 20, 2022

9 Essential HVAC Tips for the Christmas Season The Christmas season is a time of joy, peace, and holiday cheer. As Christmas day draws nearer, you will likely see an increase in decorated homes and neighborhood festivities. Unfortunately, safety hazards, HVAC unit failures, and energy bills are also on the rise during this time. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to help keep you and your loved ones safe and warm during the upcoming holiday season. 1. Unclog Your Air Vents Whether you are a minimalist or maximalist Christmas decorator, there’s a chance you could unintentionally block one or more of your interior air vents. Christmas trees, Santa Claus statues, and life-size nutcrackers are just a few of the décor pieces that can potentially block airflow. Smaller pieces, such as decorative ribbons or cracked ornaments can also sneak into your ventilation system. As you are mapping out your décor plan, make sure that your décor pieces are as far away from your air vents as possible. When your vents are blocked or obstructed in any way, airflow is restricted. Along with overall discomfort, restricted airflow can cause a sharp increase in your monthly energy costs because your system will...

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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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Does Rain Damage My Heating System Over Time?

October 8, 2018

Many people want to know if the rain and weather can damage an HVAC unit. Fortunately, your heating and cooling system is specially designed to handle moisture and extremes of temperature all year long. That means the weather is unlikely to cause any significant problems that regular maintenance can’t prevent. However, there are a few issues you should keep in mind to keep your HVAC system running safely. Hail Severe hail can cause damage to just about everything you own. If you expect a hail storm you should find some way to shelter an outdoor unit. Covering it with a free-standing wooden shelter might be the best solution. Do not use a tarp or plastic bag that will block ventilation. Flooding Instances of flooding where 15 inches or more of rain accumulates can damage your HVAC system. Sandbag barriers may prevent some damage. If your system is properly insulated, there is a chance it will not be damaged. However, electrical hazards can pose a serious threat to your safety. If your unit has endured severe flooding, it’s best to have it inspected by a heating and cooling professional. Snow If your outdoor unit becomes covered with snow, the vents can...

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