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Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

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8 Most Common Home Furnace Problems

8 Most Common Home Furnace Problems

The furnace is your home’s key heating system. It produces heat and can keep you warm on those cold winter nights when the power goes out, but what happens if it breaks? You’ll be left with no warmth at all! This article will teach how common problems affect HVAC systems so that hopefully we won’t have any customers asking for local repairs too soon (or ever).

The furnace is not Working—At All

The first thing you should do if your furnace is shut down, even though it may seem basic. Check and make sure that the thermostat setting on ‘heat’ with a circuit breaker or fuse intact for power supply as well in case there was an interruption from either source before calling La Mirada’s finest heating repair company!

Your furnace is not only an essential part of your house, it’s also very important to safety. If you have lost the access panel for any reason be sure that this problem gets fixed as soon possible because if there are no doors on your unit then they will just go out whenever someone removes them – which could cause major problems with carbon monoxide levels in some cases!

Not Enough Heat is Being Produced

The furnace is working, but you are still feeling cold. What could be the reason?

The furnace is not producing enough heat to make indoor temperatures cozier. Check your air filters for any debris or have them inspected from heating repair services because clogged filters are the leading problem of inefficient Furnace operation that leads towards subpar comfort levels indoors!

The Color of the Flame

A healthy furnace will have a blue flame, while an unhealthy furnace will have a yellow or orange flame. If you notice that the color of your furnace’s flame has changed, it’s important to call a professional for help. The Comfort Time team is highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and repairing furnace problems. We’re always here to help, so please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

A dirty or rusting burner can affect the efficiency of your HVAC furnace. An even, blue glow means that it’s working properly and producing sufficient heat while more magnificent yellow-golden tints indicate maintenance needs to be done on any reputable company’s service record!

No Air is Blowing from the Furnace

Check through inspection window whether or not the blower is working. Many furnaces are installed with flashing lights to indicate a fault (‘green’ for normal functioning and ‘red’ for failure) in the blower.

If you do not understand what’s going on there, then don’t exhaust yourself and schedule a visit from an experienced heating repair experts to deal with it.

Gas supply Issue

Maybe the furnace and all of its components are in their best condition, but not getting enough fuel to run. For that matter, you must check the gas supply line all through its length for any leaks and valve issues, i.e., from the burner to the primary inlet.

A quivering burner pilot is an indication that your furnace is not getting enough gas supply. Call for professional help, and they can guide you better whether it’s a fault in the furnace or you have to call your gas utility company.

No matter how well-maintained a furnace is, there comes a time when it can’t work to its full capacity. Experts from a local heating repair company can also help you estimate the remaining service life of the furnace so that you can have it replaced in time.

Give Comfort Time a call at (562) 245-9736 for all your heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration needs!
Our service area includes Downey, Hacienda Heights, La Habra, La Mirada, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier.

Tips To Clean Commercial Ice Machines

Tips To Clean Commercial Ice Machines

Commercial ice machines can make hundreds of pounds of ice per day. Exceptionally large ice machines are capable of thousands of pounds of ice per day.

But in order to keep that ice coming commercial ice machine cleaning needs to be a priority. Read on for a step-by-step guide to cleaning commercial ice machines.

How Often to Clean Commercial Ice Makers

To keep your ice machine running properly and efficiently, you’ll need to clean it often.

But how often is that? It really depends on your usage and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Most manufacturers suggest a deep cleaning of the commercial ice maker at least every six months. But you may need to clean it more often based on heavy use.

You’ll also need more frequent ice machine cleaning if you run a pizzeria a bakery or another shop where flour or yeast often floats through the air.

Your commercial ice maker will alert you when it’s time to clean it. Keep an eye out for poor ice quality (either too soft or not clear). Look for shallow or poorly formed cubes.

If the ice machine has a low capacity or is slow to harvest or release, it’s time for deep cleaning. 

Cleaning Commercial Ice Machines

These general steps will help you clean your commercial ice maker. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for model-specific instructions.

First, dispose of any ice in the unit.

Then clean the machine’s water system. Your instruction manual will explain how to do this for your unit. Expect this step to take about 20 minutes.

Once this is done, unplug the ice machine. Take the ice maker apart so you can clean the individual parts.

Next, inspect the air filters. You can typically find a chart in the manual that explains how much cleaning solution to mix with water to clean the filters.

Clean all the removable parts with a cleaning solution. Then clean the surfaces such as the base, the sides, and evaporator plastic parts.

Don’t be alarmed if the cleaning solution foams. That means there is some kind of mineral deposit on the unit. 

Once it stops foaming, use a cloth to scrub those areas. Then rinse the individual parts with clean water.

Now, check the machine’s filtration system for even pressure. Then inspect the sensors, hoses, pump, cube sizing controls and thermistors.

If any of these don’t look right, request a commercial refrigeration service appointment. 

Clean the Condenser

Just like with the filter, it is vital that you clean the condenser at least every six months. 

When the condenser is dirty, air can’t circulate well. This leads to less ice, higher operating temperatures and ultimately, a shorter lifespan on your unit. 

First, make sure the power is off to the ice machine as well as the remote condensing unit.

Next, check for dirt by pointing a flashlight at the fins of the condenser. You can clean this by blowing air through the condenser hose.

Or you can rinse it with water starting from the inside. If there is still dirt after you’ve done these steps, you’ll need to make an appointment to have your unit serviced.

Once the commercial ice maker is clean, you can then sanitize it.

Sanitize Your Ice Machine

Now that your ice machine is clean, you’ll need to sanitize it. Use the sanitizing solution and lukewarm water according to the directions on the package.

Sanitize all the individual parts you’ve removed from your ice machine. Use a spray bottle to soak the parts or immerse the parts in a sink full of solution and water. Let the parts soak in the solution for a few minutes.

While those parts are soaking, use the sanitizing solution to clean all the surfaces of the machine. Be generous when applying the solution.

Once you’re done, you can replace all the components. You do not need to rinse these with water! 

Set a timer for 20 minutes and wait. When the timer beeps, plug in the ice machine and turn it on. 

Push the “clean” or “wash” button on your ice machine. The display should tell you when it’s time to add the sanitizing solution to the water trough.

Set your machine to make ice after the sanitizing cycle finishes. It may take over 20 minutes.

Throw out the first batch of ice and run another cycle. Check the freeze and harvest cycle times to ensure the ice machine is working well. 

How to Clean the Exterior of Your Machine

The outside of your commercial ice machine can be cleaned as often as necessary. If your kitchen has a lot of grease and flour, the outside of your ice maker will need cleaning much more often.

Cleaning the outside of your commercial ice maker is simple. All you need to do is wipe down the surfaces with a warm damp cloth. This will remove dust and dirt.

If the exterior of your unit has stubborn grease, use a soapy dish rag to wipe the grease away.

Make sure you don’t use any abrasive scrubbing cloths or brushes on the exterior of your machine. Check your machine’s manual for the recommended cleaners you can use. 

You should never use cleaners that have citrus, chlorine or abrasive ingredients on the panels or plastic trim.

Final Thoughts on Cleaning Commerical Ice Machines

Thanks for reading! We hope these step-by-step instructions for cleaning commercial ice machines help you keep your unit in tip-top condition.

Remember, proper maintenance will keep your unit running well. It will also extend the lifespan of your ice maker.

If you run into any concerns while you clean your ice machine, contact us. At Comfort Time Heating and Cooling we pride ourselves on giving you great service so that you refer us to all your family and friends.

5 Questions To Ask Before Choosing an HVAC Installation Company

5 Questions To Ask Before Choosing an HVAC Installation Company

HVAC Installation Shouldn’t Be Overpriced

The Hacienda Heights area is home to many small businesses, which means that there are plenty of competitors for any given service. It’s important you do your research and ask around before deciding on who will install your new AC or heat pump!

If you’re wondering why you should get permits for your next HVAC installation, check out our guide for tips.

Given that utilities cost the average homeowner a few thousand dollars a year, it’s vital to take your HVAC costs seriously. If you’re in the midst of a new HVAC installation, you need something that’s affordable and efficient to ensure you don’t overpay in the future. Choosing the right Hacienda Heights HVAC service installation company is a challenge but you need to ask the right questions.

Here are five questions to ask when you’re looking for someone to work with.

1. Do They Offer Emergency Services?

When you’re in the market for an HVAC installation company, it’s easy to be dazzled by their great work and forget that they could run into problems. But when there are no plans made about what might go wrong or how your home will fare during emergencies like power outages which can cause cooling systems shutting down immediately (and causing even more discomfort), these incidences will leave homeowners high-and dry without warning!

You need to know that the installation company is going to be offering 24/7 emergency services. Even if your HVAC system falls apart on a holiday, you need to ensure that you’re protected. Emergency services need to be provided by even the best HVAC installation company.

Just because they’ve installed an HVAC system that’s state of the art doesn’t mean it’s going to last forever. Problems arise with even the best systems on the planet and when that happens, they should be around the help yo with it. Since they’re the ones who installed it, they know how to fix problems better than anyone else in an ideal world.

2. Are They Certified?

When hiring an HVAC company, make sure they’re certified and registered with the state. Every technician who comes to install your new system should be qualified so that you know for certain if their work will withstand any challenges on-site before signing anything!

Ask your HVAC installation company about any certification they can provide. If they’re unwilling to show off certifications or try to skirt the question, they might not be the company you want to work with. They should be certified to both install and to repair the kind of system that you’re having put in.

It takes years of experience for mot HVAC specialists to become certified and experienced with any kind of system. These systems are updated and changed constantly, especially with the amount of smart home technology that’s been introduced in recent years. If you’re installing a new system, it’s going to have a lot of features that require an understanding of the future of smart home tech.

Make sure your technician knows how all of those features work and is ready to answer any questions you have.

3. Check The Reviews

We’re more empowered than ever before with the help of online reviews. With no Yellow Pages to guide us, consumers are forced into searching on Google or other sites like Yelp where they can find out information about products and services in their area without any hassle whatsoever!

Online reviews are a great way to find out if companies provide the products and services you need. Some people might think that they’re not trustworthy, but with detailed information on each company’s website or social media page including customer service contact details – it’ll be hard for anyone who searches them!

A search engine like Google will show several review sites when we click ‘search.’ We can read these critiques before making our decision about whom best suits us as well investors looking at investing in new businesses; this helps weed-out bad candidates by reading what others have experienced first hand (both good AND bad).

Read through for terms that look relevant to you and have to do with the kinds of products and services that pertain to you. If you’re looking for a specialized installation or a have a special kind of building you’re installing your new system in, look for details. You should be able to find more information to help you make a smarter decision about the kind of system you’re looking for.

4. Do They Specialize In What You’re Getting?

Every homeowner has their own particularities when they’re seeking a new HVAC system. Every home also sets up its own limits when it comes to the kinds of systems that are easy to install in it. If you have some clue as to what you’re looking to have installed in your home, then you should look to make sure they ‘re good at installing that kind of system.

Ask for details about how they’ve installed systems like that in the past. Find out what they can do differently than other HVAC companies in your region. They should be open and responsive.

If you find your HVAC company difficult to communicate with or that they’re a little squirrely on details, look to someone else. A reputable company is going to do everything in their power to be straightforward and open.

5. Are The Prices Competitive?

At the end of the day, you’re going to be looking for competitive prices. You need a company that provides you with value without having to haggle forever.

You should have a warranty that comes with the new system you’re installing. The price for repair and for service shouldn’t be out of this world. If you’re looking for a system installation that’s within your reach and your budget, ask for a breakdown of the price in advance. Reach out to us!

How To Find The Best Furnace Installation Company in Hacienda Heights

How To Find The Best Furnace Installation Company in Hacienda Heights

 

Hacienda Heights has a reputation for warm weather, but the reality is that during winter months it can get fairly cold. In fact in December-January and February temperatures may dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius). This means most residents choose to invest in furnaces as well because they know how important heating your home properly is!

Are you thinking about installing a furnace in your home? Trying to find a high-quality installer? If so, read on! We’re going to explain how to find the best furnace installation company in Hacienda Heights.

Create a Pool of Candidates

The first step in finding a furnace installer is to create a pool of suitable candidates. You can find suitable candidates in a number of ways. However, the two best options are to look online and to ask friends or family.

When you’re looking for a company that can install furnaces near me, simply get onto Google and search “furnace installation.” Hacienda Heights-based companies will appear. Look at star ratings of these various businesses; then make your list with those who have four or more stars.

When asking friends or family, simply inquire as to whether they’ve used a furnace installer in the past. If they have, and if they were happy with the service, add said installer to your pool.

By doing these two things, you should be able to create a pool with at least 10 suitable candidates. This is more than enough candidates to choose from.

Prioritize Experience

Now that you’ve gathered your pool of candidates, you need to start studying them. Start your studying by finding out how long they’ve been in business. Generally, companies with more experience are more competent than companies with less experience.

In most cases, you’ll be able to find a specific company’s establishment date by looking at its website. This is usually found on the “about” page, and usually reads something like “Established in 2005”.

We recommend choosing a company with at least 5 years of experience. Any furnace company which has stayed in business for 5 years has proven its ability to get work done right.

Inquire About Insurance

Next, you’re going to want to find out whether or not your prospective companies have insurance. If they don’t, we recommend dropping them from your pool.

Insurance is a great way to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances. If your installer’s employees cause damage or injury on the job, they’ll be able cover it because their company has been insured all along!

When it comes to insurance, there are two types that you furnace installation service should have. One of these is general liability insurance. The other is workers compensation insurance.

While furnace installers can have other types of insurance plans, those plans are not important to you. The ones discussed above are important because they ensure that you don’t end up being financially responsible for any mishaps which occur on or to your property.

Look for Certification

Not only do you need to make sure that your furnace installer has insurance, but that it has certification as well. In the state of California, all HVAC contractors are required to be certified with the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board.

It’s simple: if one of the installers in your pool of candidates is not licensed, you need to drop it. Under no circumstances should you utilize the services of an unlicensed HVAC company.

Wondering how to tell whether or not a company is licensed with the state? All you have to do is use this license lookup tool!

Get a Feel for Reputation

Next, you need to do everything in your power to get a feel for your prospective companies’ reputations. There are a number of ways to achieve this, but perhaps the easiest way is by reading online customer reviews.

Sites such as Google, Yelp, and Facebook are loaded with reviews of businesses from past customers. By reading these reviews, you should be able to form a pretty good idea as to what each company can do for you.

If the vast majority of a company’s reviews are positive, it will probably provide you with good service. It the majority of its reviews are negative, you shouldn’t even think about utilizing its services.

Ask About Warranties

After you’ve narrowed your options down to only companies with positive reputations, you need to start taking a good, hard look at what they have to provide. While all of these companies can properly install your furnace for you, some of them provide warranties which set them apart from the others.

Our advice is to call up the remaining companies on your list and ask about any warranties or guarantees that they might provide. Most companies will provide warranties and guarantees of some kind. There’s no good reason to choose one which doesn’t.

Obtain an Estimate

Lastly, you need to ask for an estimate of the work that is to be done. While furnace installation cost is usually around the same price regardless of who installs your furnace, you can never be too careful. Make sure to call up each of the companies remaining on your list in order to get an idea as to what they charge.

You shouldn’t have any trouble obtaining an estimate from each of the companies that you call. If a company won’t furnish you with an estimate, you shouldn’t even consider using its services. Failure to obtain an estimate could result in surprisingly large bills hitting you months down the line.

Utilize Our Furnace Installation Services

If you’re looking for a high-quality furnace installation company in Hacienda Heights, look no further than Comfort Time Heating and Cooling. Family owned and operated since 2008, ours is the premier HVAC company in Los Angeles County.

Regardless of your heating needs, our team of skilled and dedicated technicians can help you.

Contact us right now to schedule an appointment!

Whittier Heating and Air Installation

Whittier Heating and Air Installation

When it comes time for installation or repair of heating and air conditioning equipment in Whittier, California – be sure that you understand what licenses are required. On no account should anyone without these certifications handle your job!

The installation of heavy duty appliances like dishwashers requires highly specialized skills that are only possessed by those who have been trained and experienced in this particular field. Here, the skill set ranges from electrical experience to masonry or even plumbing for those operating delicate equipment on site at all times!

In order to ensure that you get the job done right, it is important not only have relevant equipment but also know how and when best use them. It would be better for someone else if we let our professionals do their job instead of trying doing yours half-way through!

Whittier Air Conditioning Installation

When installing a split HVAC unit, there are many things that have to be taken into consideration with regard to Whittier air conditioning installation in sunny California. Broadly defined, in any split AC (indeed as the very term implies), there is an internal unit and an external unit, along with all the relevant ducts and pipes that effectively connect them to each other. All of them have their own installation procedures that must be followed to the letter in order to ensure that the appliance continues to function properly throughout its service life. Let us take a quick look at how Whittier air conditioning installation is conducted by the experts at Comfort Time Heating and Cooling.

Installing the Internal Unit

We here at Comfort Time take the job of Whittier air conditioning installation seriously and will seek out the best possible place when it comes to the installation of the indoor unit. We will ask for your opinion, but it is always better to let the specialists take care of these issues. There is a certain checklist that can help you decide the right place for such an installation.

  • Always try and avoid any direct sunlight or any other heat source when placing the indoor unit. This way, the cold air being discharged by the AC will not be affected by the sunlight or another source of heat
  • As a general rule, always try and avoid any locations where there might be a chance of a gas leak
  • Always make sure that your brand-new AC’s indoor unit has at least half a foot of clearance in the immediate vicinity
  • It is imperative, that the unit is firmly mounted with iron brackets held by strong and sturdy bolts that have been bored into the wall where the unit is being installed. A metal frame can be added for additional support for the unit so as to eliminate any chance of the unit falling onto the floor
  • The unit should be placed at least 7 feet (or more), above the floor of the room in which it is being installed. However, this is but an average setting only, and the professionals you will hire for the task of Whittier air conditioning installation will be able to guide you better with regard to the overall height of the unit.
  • The unit has to be suitably well-placed above the doors and windows so that ambient sunlight does not interfere with the airflow of the unit, or in any way, decrease the efficacy of the air conditioner cooling capacity.

Ductwork and Piping Issues

The unit needs to be securely attached and then a large enough opening made for wires or pipes connecting it with the exterior. Once this has been done, they can proceed in cementing their pathways along these fixtures before finishing off by fixing them into place via openings that will allow air flows throughout your home’s entirety!

 

This has to be done in order to ensure that no external air or water is able to leak into your home.

 

When you’re installing an electrical system in your new home, there are many things to take into consideration. First of all, it’s important that the wiring is installed correctly and safely so as not risk any exposed wires near power lines or other vital components like plumbing pipes which could lead them coming loose tragic consequences such deadly ones!

Installation the External Unit

  • The outdoor unit of your split AC should always have the area around it cleared of any obstructions to allow for peak performance
  • The external unit also requires a raised pad, which will be its base, so that it remains rock steady when the unit is working at full speed
  • The unit should have at least half a foot of clearance all around it so that it does not overheat, even when the external temperature is very high. If it is installed too close to the surrounding walls or floor, the hot air that it is being discharged into the atmosphere will not be able to dissipate, and it will heat up the unit beyond its capacity.
  • Finally, all the connections between both the units should be routinely inspected by a certified Comfort Time technician in Whittier air conditioning installation to ensure that there is no leakage.
  • Whittier HVAC Installation

The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit is the heavier and bulkier counterpart of the more common central air conditioning and heating system. The HVAC system can easily create a climate control environment for an entire building. Installing an HVAC system is no easy task, however, and if you do not get it right, then not only can it lead to massive power bills, but it can also result in leakage issues as well, which can be harmful. This is why investing in a Whittier HVAC installation should only be conducted by highly skilled professionals who do this sort of installation on a daily basis.

Commercial HVAC Installation

 

Installation of the Ducting System

When an HVAC system is performing properly, it can generate large amounts of hot or cold air that are needed to cool down various rooms in your home. If you’ve noticed more frequent issues with the ductwork on this unit after installing new appliances at one point during repairs then there’s probably a problem and our team should be contacted immediately!

This means that the whole system will have to work harder in order to achieve the desired temperatures. This is the part where the professionals at Comfort Time Heating and Cooling who are highly skilled in Whittier HVAC Installation come into the picture. Not only will we make sure that the ducts are safe from leakage and there are no pressure points around the bends that can give out with the passage of time, but we will also make sure that system does not stop working whenever the system is used to heat or cool a climate-controlled environment.

The trained and experienced team at Comfort Time will make sure your ductwork and insulation is designed properly for your HVAC installation in Whittier. We will seal all the ducts, vents, and registers to ensure that your home will have no air leaks and allow your system to run at peak efficiency. This is all covered by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Getting the Refrigerant Just Right

All HVAC units need the right amount of refrigerant in order to ensure peak performance of the unit. Should there be an insufficient quantity of the refrigerant, the system will become inefficient and will not be able to do its job properly, thus leading to increased wear and tear and higher energy bills.

Conversely, should the system be overcharged, a phenomenon known as ‘refrigerant slugging’ can potentially occur. This problem occurs when liquid will enter the compressor and cause severe or even irreparable damage to the compressor. The Comfort Time team in Whittier HVAC Installations and repairs will ensure that the refrigerant is neither over pressured nor undercharged.

Whittier Furnace Installation

The first step in a Whittier furnace installation is to go about preparing the unit for its initial installation. Here at Comfort Time will make all the preparations for a Whittier furnace installation including any required permits, licenses, and equipment.

We will determine the best place for a furnace return air duct taking into account any space restrictions. We will also place rubber isolation pads beneath the unit while performing a Whittier furnace installation so as to minimize the noise created by the furnace during operation.

Comfort Time has been installing furnaces for many years in Whittier, CA and we know how important it is to have a secondary pan under the unit in case of any issues with your primary drainage system. We will place one directly next our installation area so there’s no risk of damage caused by seepage or flooding!

The next step in Whittier furnace installation will be to connect the gas and power supply to the furnace unit. It is absolutely imperative that there should be at least one gas shutoff valve that should be installed outside the furnace as a failsafe device. Finally, the furnace should be coupled to the main power line of the house so that it can become fully functional.

With our years of experience, we can help you decide on the best HVAC system for your home. We’ll take care not only during installation but also after sales service so that there are no problems when it comes time to replace or fix anything!

 

Why Whittier, CA Loves Us! 

 

  • We Are Local, Only 10 Minutes Away
  • We Offer Same Day Service
  • Warranties With Every Repair & Installation
  • Family Owned & Operated
  • Experience & Established HVAC Company

When is it Time to Get a Brand New AC System?

When is it Time to Get a Brand New AC System?

No matter how many times you may get your air conditioning or heating unit fixed, it is inevitable that at some point the technology will change and wear out parts. This leads to a replacement of these systems which can be expensive!

However, the critical thing to figure out is, when to replace your HVAC system and who to hire to do it?

The Total Life of the System

A general rule of thumb is that if your air conditioner is over ten years old, it is probably emitting harmful CFC gas (Chlorofluorocarbons). Apart from that, unlike its newer more modern counterparts, it does not have energy efficient components.

In most cases, without major repairs or replacements of components that are prone to frequent breakdowns it will be financially advantageous not have an endless maintenance routine. However if your appliance has small problems like debris clogging up its condenser unit then this could lead you down a path where throwing money away becomes inevitable because there’s nothing else can do about these issues other than wait until they worsen before fixing them again – which may never happen!

When deciding to replace or repair an AC, many people tend to forget the critical importance of the ducting system. If the ducts are clogged or there are ruptures in the seals, then your cold air will start leaking. This is not AC’s fault at all. On the contrary, buying a new AC will not be able to solve the issue since the Pico Rivera air conditioner replacement will not be able to provide you the kind of relief that you expect and desire from your brand-new AC unit.

You can ask Comfort Time Heating and Cooling in Pico Rivera about an air conditioner replacement to take a look at the condition of your existing equipment, as well as the ducts that are responsible for delivering cold air to the room. Another point to take into consideration will include the quality of the insulation in your office or house.

 

If you were to improve your home’s ducting and padding, there is a high chance that you might not even need to opt for an air conditioning replacement in Pico Rivera. Conversely, if you were to go ahead and replace your old air conditioning system without taking care of these issues, then you might have to face the same problems all over again. There are various points that you should take into consideration before deciding on getting an air conditioning replacement in Pico Rivera:

Assess the Overall Efficiency of Your Current Cooling System

Older units were not equipped with inverter control technology. This meant that the compressors, as well as various other components, required a lot of energy, both at startup and during operation. However, today’s current crop of highly energy-efficient AC units is more energy efficient than before. It would not be wrong to state that even if your current AC unit is only a decade old, it could still require twice the amount of electricity compared to its more modern and energy-saving counterpart.

The SEER Advantage

The new age units typically operate at or below at least 10 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This is the total amount of electric energy required to provide a specific cooling output. As of 2006, 10 SEER was the standard for many AC units. But the SEER values have increased drastically over the past few years, and these days the absolute minimum allowed by federal law is 13 SEER. California goes even further with the Minimum SEER being 14 in California.

In layman’s terms, this means approximately 30 percent less electrical energy consumption. And by extension, that means a thirty percent decrease in cooling bills when compared to equipment that had been installed just a few years ago.

If you live in a 1,800 square foot home, then a new 14 SEER unit will easily set you back by around $3,000 to $4,000, saving you potentially more with the hot temperatures here in Southern California. But it is possible to effectively double your total energy savings by moving beyond 14 SEER units— up to 16 SEER.

Yes, these super-efficient AC units are not cheap since they can cost you as much as $5,000 to $6,000 more from the manufacturers. But that is only the short-term cost of getting air conditioning replacement Pico Rivera since they will also decrease your power bill by 60% over the average 10 SEER AC unit. And there is a bonus here as well. If the group has a SEER above 16, you can also qualify for federal tax relief of $300.

Thoroughly Inspect the Overall Condition of the Ductwork

It does not matter if you have upgraded to a ‘state of the art’ AC unit that you have selected for your Pico Rivera air conditioning replacement; you can still suffer from excess heat and humidity on hot days. This is partly because the mechanical components are only one part of any climate control system.

Sometimes, damaged ducts can easily leak 10% to 30% of the cold air being blown into the system. This is why, before deciding to go for a Pico Rivera air conditioning replacement, it is deemed pertinent to have all the other parts of the entire system thoroughly checked by the proven experts at Comfort Time in the Pico Rivera area.

Consider the Building’s Construction Envelope

If the house is poorly insulated, it will put additional strain on your already aging air conditioner. On the other hand, if you were to resolve the house’s construction-related flaws adequately, then it might enable you to get rid of your larger system and replace it with a smaller, more energy efficient one. Not only will it lower your upfront costs, but your ongoing energy costs will also decrease quite significantly.

The top-notch professionals here at Comfort Time Heating and Cooling will assess and, if required, upgrade the building’s overall envelope. For example, they might seal the cracks and gaps in the vent or duct seals, or they can ensure better insulation in the attic. If the job is done right, it can decrease your energy requirements by 30 percent for heating and air conditioning systems. And when coupled with a more energy efficient replacement unit, you will be able to lower your AC bills by up to 50 percent.

Your HVAC System Already Had Multiple Major Breakdowns

Ceiling with Ductwork and Vents

If the heat exchanger, compressor, or even the motor tends to fail with regularity, then the odds are that their repeated replacement with new components could cost several thousand dollars (not including labor fees). If your HVAC system has had way too many significant breakdowns in the past few years or if it frequently requires substantial repairs, the better and more cost-effective option would be to opt for Comfort Time Heating and Cooling performing an HVAC replacement in Pico Rivera.

Make Sure that Your New HVAC System Is Sized Just Right

If you have finally decided to go to Comfort Time for Pico Rivera HVAC replacement, you will be assured to get the correctly sized unit for your home or business.

As a general rule, when considering Pico Rivera HVAC replacement, you should do well to remember that most cooling machines are measured by the ton. In other words, they are regulated by the cooling power of a ‘full one-ton block of ice melting in 24 hours’. If your heating and cooling requirements center around 400 to 600 sq. Feet or so, then a one-ton unit is good enough for cooling and heating purposes (this applies only to AC units that have a built-in heating function). Many people going for Pico Rivera HVAC replacement can opt for smaller groups. This will mean less frequent on/off cycles and higher energy bills.

 

Conversely, going for units that are too big would mean more frequent on/off cycles. This means that the parts will be subjected to greater wear and tear, not to mention the initial costs of Pico Rivera HVAC replacement. Another problem with an overly large unit is that it will not get a chance to dehumidify the air properly.

Any reasonable contractor should bring with him proper load calculation instruments and software. These instruments should also vector in such critically important data as the total number of windows in your house, the configuration of the attic, the thickness of insulation, and even the building’s orientation to the sun. This will not only produce highly exact tonnage and heating requirements for Pico Rivera HVAC replacement, but in the long run, it will also determine precisely how much cold or hot air each room will need. This is why it is imperative that when you decide to have your HVAC replaced, you should also ask the contractors to include this one-page data printout as well.

Pico Rivera Furnace Replacement: Is It Time for a New Furnace

You will almost certainly have to replace an old furnace if you can smell leaking gas or the system has ruptured in multiple places. Furthermore, if the pilot extinguishes itself every few hours, then simple replacement of parts is not the answer; instead, you will have to go for outright Pico Rivera furnace replacement. Yes, replacement costs can be pretty high, but then the good news is that the new furnace will almost certainly be far more efficient. Which means a substantial reduction in your heating bills, while you will be able to keep your home toasty warm and comfortable on even the coldest winter nights.

Here it is pertinent to understand that Pico Rivera furnace replacement makes excellent sense if your old furnace is already beyond three-quarters of its overall life expectancy. In such a case, repairs would end up costing considerably more than replacement. Add to this the fact that older furnaces, at the end of their service life, barely work and can quickly inflate your energy bills to a great extent. You can check the manufacturing date and make a decision accordingly. The general rule of thumb is that an average furnace can last up to 15 to 20 years max. And then regardless of how well-maintained the unit may be, it will still start giving problems. This means it is time to go for Pico Rivera furnace replacement.

Apart from that, another reason to consider replacing your old furnace is energy efficiency. Old heaters operate on an 80% efficiency ratio. That means that 80% of the energy is transferred to your room, while the remaining 20% goes up the chimney. However, with time, this ratio can become skewed as the layers of soot and grime as well as worn out parts decrease this ratio to unacceptable levels.

When compared to the 98.5% efficiency ratio of the modern furnace today, these old furnaces are little more than energy traps and should be replaced immediately.

Conclusion

Maintaining old equipment is costly and time-consuming. If you’re tired of paying for repairs, it might be worth considering replacing them instead with newer models that use less energy per unit output!

Thermostat

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