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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What Temperature Should Your Thermostat Be Set To?

September 21, 2023

Certain factors influence at what temperature you set your thermostat, but it’s primarily a matter of personal preference. Setting it too high or low could not only impact your comfort but also your energy bills and HVAC system. The following is information helpful for deciding what to set your thermostat to at your California home. Best Thermostat Temperature for Summer and Winter It’s typically best to set your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter and approximately 78 degrees during the warmer months. This will prevent your heating system or AC from coming on too frequently and running for shorter periods. It will also help keep your heating and cooling costs low while reducing the wear and tear your HVAC system experiences. Setting your thermostat to a much higher temperature in the winter or significantly lower in the summer will strain your HVAC system. This added strain can possibly shorten the life span of your furnace and AC or cause the unit to require more frequent repairs. It will also undoubtedly raise your energy bills. Programming Your Thermostat for Day and Night It is important to note that these recommended temperature settings are for the times when you’re awake and...

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How Ceiling Fans Impact Airflow in the Home

February 16, 2023

If you’ve ever endured a sweltering summer day, you understand the benefits of having a ceiling fan. However, you might be surprised to learn that it doesn’t actually generate cold air. It doesn’t function like an air conditioner. Instead, it cools down your home by creating a windchill effect through its circulating air, something that can also be reversed in the wintertime to distribute heated air and warm you up. Long story short, a ceiling fan can be a useful, multipurpose tool for all seasons. Let’s dive into how it actually works and how you can best utilize it for both temperature control and premium air quality. The Parts of a Ceiling Fan Ceiling fans are made of more than just blades. In fact, the full anatomy of a ceiling fan looks something like this: Mounting mechanism Downrod Canopy Motor Brackets or “arms” Blades Light fixture The motor is the most complex part of the ceiling fan. However, all parts work in tandem to support the fan’s function. For example, the brackets of the blades connect them to the motor, and the motor determines the blades’ speed and direction. How Ceiling Fans Work It isn’t difficult to understand the science...

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Zone Control Systems Could Cut Costs for Homeowners

November 21, 2020

Heating and cooling expenses seem unavoidable. After all, it wouldn’t be beneficial to sit inside a home that was uncomfortable hot or cold. The summer and the winter bring extremes in temperature, and those extremes won’t stay outside. The cold air, in particular, will drive down temperatures in the home. While comfort and, presumably, safety increase when properly regulating temperatures, monthly expenses rise. Solving comfort and safety issues, however, could lead to woes about the household budget. Paying bills with credit cards often leads to debt for already cash-strapped homeowners. Or does it? A solution may exist in the form of zoned control systems. Thanks to zone control setups, a home may maintain a better-regulated temperature in a home. What are some issues of concern that might lead someone to go with zone control setups? Here is some information, just to get you started. What Homeowners Get with Zone Control Systems A family may live in a relatively sizeable home, one with many rooms. Not every room ends up occupied all the time, and some rooms may remain empty for weeks and weeks. For example, a spare bedroom might not have an occupant when a young person goes away to...

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Symptoms of a Dirty Air Conditioner Coil

January 15, 2020

Keeping your HVAC system clean goes a long way toward maintaining optimal efficiency and performance. While you may be aware of how to clean and replace your air filter, there is still the evaporator coil to think about. The evaporator coil should not go overlooked. Our technicians at [company name] take pride in educating our customers on how to keep their HVAC systems performing at maximum efficiency. Our team is available to assist you with: Air filter cleaning and replacement Evaporator coil cleaning Efficiency testing Routine maintenance The following signs may indicate a dirty coil. If you observe any of these symptoms, have your evaporator coil cleaned promptly. Your System No Longer Cools Your Home One of the most immediate signs you are likely to notice if you have a dirty coil is difficulty cooling your home. When dirt, dust, and debris cover evaporator coils, the coils are unable to draw heat from the air that passes through the HVAC system. As a result, you may notice that when you run your system, air is circulating through your home without being adequately cooled. Your System Is Working Harder A dirty coil causes your HVAC system to work harder to move...

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How to Save Energy During the Holidays

December 7, 2019

The holidays bring so much joy, but they also are commonly associated with higher bills due to travel, shopping, dining out, and more. Implement some of our tips below to help you save some money on your energy bill to offset the other spending you’ll be doing over the holidays. Install a Programmable Thermostat Programmable thermostats are great at any time of the year, but you’ll definitely appreciate installing one a little more over the holidays. A programmable thermostat allows you to control and adjust your home’s temperatures to energy-saving levels when you are away. Whether you’ll be out shopping for a few hours or visiting family for a few weeks, you can program your thermostat to heat your home to a cooler temperature than you would if you were home. This can drastically reduce the amount of time your HVAC unit is running, which will result in noticeable energy and money savings on your next bill. Seal Any Leaks If warm air is escaping your home or cold air is getting into your home, your HVAC unit will need to work harder to keep your house heated. This is why it is important to locate and seal any leaks...

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New Year’s Resolutions for Your HVAC System

December 1, 2019

The new year is approaching so you’re probably already thinking of resolutions and goals. Saving money and reducing your carbon footprint are two impactful ways you can improve your lifestyle and maintain a more comfortable home. At , we specialize in providing efficient, affordable heating solutions to help you save money and conserve energy. Our experts recommend the following tips to boost your house’s energy efficiency in 2020. Stay on Top of Preventative Maintenance Preventative maintenance is important to keep your HVAC system efficient. We recommend having a licensed technician inspect your system annually to check for wear and tear and determine whether it is time to have components in your system cleaned to maintain air quality. This can help to avoid overworking your air conditioner and furnace. Change Air Filters Regularly The air filters in your HVAC system work hard to collect pollen, dust, and impurities all year. This keeps the air inside your house fresh. To work properly, these filters require regular cleaning and replacement. Depending on your system, you may need to swap them out every two to four months. Invest in a Smart Thermostat A smart thermostat is a worthy investment that will help you to...

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The Difference Between HVAC and AC

August 15, 2019

At , we realize that many people don’t understand the differences between HVAC and air conditioning systems. Knowing the unique features of each type of system is important for communicating your needs for a building. Different types of buildings may require various systems in order to stay comfortable throughout the year. What an HVAC System Does HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These systems can include a furnace, air conditioner, ducts, and air quality controls. HVAC systems are designed to keep a building comfortable regardless of the temperature outside. They are often equipped with a variety of air filters to ensure that they are circulating clean air. All the air is circulated through a central system. Standalone Air Conditioners An air conditioner is designed to keep the air in your building cool whenever it gets hot outside. There are two types of systems that can be operated without having a central ducting system. Window units sit in the window frame and are designed to cool single rooms or small areas. They aren’t overly energy-efficient or designed to regulate the indoor air temperature. Ductless or mini-split systems are a great option for cooling a home without a central ducting...

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