HVAC Problems 101: DIY or a Call for Professional Help?

The key to a happy home is maintaining it well. Your HVAC system should be no different, as preventive maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs down the line and prolong its lifespan for years! Find out how to identify and address these problems before it’s too late.

The U.S Department of Energy recently revealed that 70% of residential HVAC systems do not perform optimally, and most homeowners are unaware this is a problem for their homes! It seems like it’s easier to take the reactive approach by doing something when there’s been smoke coming out from your unit instead than waiting until things get worse – don’t let yourself become another statistic; find out how we can help you today!

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 25 years. But this is only achievable with proper care and maintenance. Homeowners can deal with basic HVAC care and maintenance tasks, but many require technical expertise. Meddling with issues that need professional handling will result in mistakes that may cause more significant problems in the long run.

Common HVAC Problems and How to Solve Them

Your HVAC system requires regular care and maintenance. These tasks range from the most simple, such as dusting and cleaning, to the most complex, like system inspection for mechanical degradation. Find out the common problems in HVAC systems and learn which ones can be done on your own and which ones are best left to the professionals.

Improper Operation

The U.S. Department of Energy lists this as one of the most common problems with residential HVAC systems. Most of the time, homeowners notice that their house isn’t heating up or it’s not getting colder. It is usually caused by an open window or door somewhere in the house, letting the cold in or the heat out. This forces your HVAC system to work harder and consume more energy, resulting in higher electricity bills.

Do It Yourself: If you’re wondering how to lower your electric bill in the summer or winter, consider looking around your home to identify areas with uneven room temperature. Check windows and doors for any air leaks. Additionally, determine if it’s a simple matter of closing them entirely or fixing their weather strips.

Dirty Filters

Your A/C unit’s filters prevent dust, pet fur and dander, and other pollutants from damaging the unit and compromising your home’s air quality. However, frequent use of the machine will accumulate large amounts of this debris in a short period. It’s the same thing for heaters. Common furnace issues, such as the heater not working, also arise because of clogged filters.

“When filters aren’t replaced, the HVAC system’s performance is compromised.”

Do It Yourself: Once you notice a change in your indoor air quality or poor performance in any of the units, it might be time to replace the filters of your A/C unit and furnace. You may also take the proactive approach and replace the filters every two weeks, depending on which unit is currently the most used.

Accumulated Debris

The HVAC system’s outdoor component can withstand the elements, but it’s not safe from nature. The leaves of fall Greenwich plant or dirt that accumulate outside may prevent airflow into your home and create problems with cooling as well A/C unit performance
There are many reasons why people experience issues in their furnaces including clogged filters due to animal droppings; however if this were true then wouldn’t these same animals have trouble breathing? It seems unlikely given how much time they spend running around trying get away from us humans!

Do It Yourself: Fix this problem by cleaning the unit regularly. Start by clearing out the area directly surrounding the HVAC system outside. Make sure to trim any branches that hang over the unit, to prevent leaves from falling on it. Then, remove the debris from the fan cage and sweep around the unit. Consider doing this twice a week to avoid mechanical problems in the future.

Broken Thermostat

When your heating doesn’t turn off or the furnace control board has no lights on, there might be something wrong with your thermostat. Programmable thermos are especially susceptible to electrical problems caused by tripped breakers and blown fuses; if these two solutions don’t work for you then an surge in power could’ve damaged its operation system!

Call the Pros: Thermostat malfunctions can be caused by broken internal parts, a problem that requires special tools and technical skills. Choosing to do this on your own might result in mistakes that will cost you more in repairs than if you simply called a professional.

Weird Noises

A sudden and weird noise from your HVAC system is sure to put you on edge. Although it’s not uncommon for this machine to make noises, grinding or clanging sounds are often signs of internal problems such as loose pieces. On the other hand, whining or squealing sounds are signs of motor problems.

Call the Pros: A technician can determine the exact cause of the weird noises, streamlining the repair process. In minor cases, they will simply tighten bolts and replace screws. However, a damaged motor will require replacement to prevent it from compromising the rest of the unit.

Leaks

The condensation that conditioners and furnaces produce is rarely a problem because of the drain pipes installed in your HVAC system. However, if these drains get clogged or there’s continuous leakage then you should address this issue immediately so as not to let anything worse happen!

Call the Pros: Persistent leakage from the HVAC system might be due to several factors, such as a broken evaporator drain pan, a malfunctioning heat exchanger, or a damaged collector box. A technician can correctly identify the leak’s source and carry out the necessary repairs.

Ignition Problems

Ignition problems are the leading cause of unit malfunctions. A thermocouple is used for ignition, and if it’s not working properly this can result in a variety of other issues with your HVAC system performance—including uncomfortable temperatures!

Call the Pros: Some of the causes of ignition problems include gas supply issues and component degradation. Since these elements are considered dangerous, it’s better to leave them to the professionals.

“Fiddling with HVAC components puts your home at risk of a gas leak or an electrical fire.”

Mechanical Wear and Tear

The problems you face with your HVAC system don’t always have a sinister cause. Sometimes, the unit starts malfunctioning because of normal wear caused by age and use. When this mechanical wear and tear is left unaddressed, it can lead to worse problems such as overheating and airflow issues.

Call the Pros: A technician will carry out a comprehensive inspection of your HVAC system to identify the parts that need to be repaired or replaced. They can also determine the current state of belts and oiling bearings, determining when they will need to be replaced.

Insufficient Maintenance

The lack of care and maintenance can lead to most HVAC problems. Although your system isn’t a delicate machine, it still requires regular upkeep that includes making sure all internal parts are clean as well as external filters or screens on vents in order for them not be clogged by animal droppings; having an annual professional inspection done will help ensure everything’s working properly before any major issues arise.

Call the Pros: Working with a professional service company is essential to your HVAC system’s performance and lifespan. Continuing to take the reactive approach might result in the complete replacement of your unit.

The Importance of Working with the HVAC Professionals

Hiring professionals from the onset is often a good idea because it can save you money in two ways. First, if their services are needed at some point down the line and second-you might have been hesitant about hiring them initially due to cost but now seeing as how things haven’t gotten any worse this could make sense for you!

They get it right the first time.

Technicians have the training and experience to identify the cause of a problem efficiently. Knowing the problem right away allows them to determine the right course of action, streamlining the process and potentially helping you save more money in the long run.

They have the right tools and equipment.

Even DIY enthusiasts who have collected toolboxes don’t have the specialized tools and equipment technicians have. These include industrial-strength cleaners, high-powered vacuum cleaners, and other items that can’t be bought from a retail hardware store.

They have insurance.

When you take on the more complicated problems concerning your HVAC system, you risk making a mistake that may lead to an accident or injury. Although this is still possible with trained technicians, they have the coverage to manage the expenses.

They save you the trouble.

Hiring a technician for preventive maintenance saves you time and money in the long term. When your HVAC system suddenly breaks down, you have to immediately look for a replacement. Having someone who regularly checks the unit helps you avoid this situation because they’ll be able to address problems immediately, saving you the trouble of experiencing its consequences.

It is impractical to insist that professional services are only required for emergency situations, especially with complex machines like HVAC systems. Something as simple as your furnace fan not working on automatic mode might indicate problems with the control system.

Manufacturers advise owners that annual inspections and maintenance services are essential to the peak performance of HVACs. Your HVAC system’s maintenance is a year-round affair. When you have a professional services team, you can immediately call them to see what’s wrong with your HVAC.

If you’re wondering why your system isn’t working well and need HVAC services, drop us a line! Our team is ready to answer any of your questions.

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

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.

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?

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

Importance of Hiring True Blue Professionals Only For AC Problems

The options for heating and air conditioning systems in Norwalk, CA have never been so great. Not only do we offer HVAC units with built-in heat but even simple split unit ACs now come equipped with their own automated function to keep you warm during those cold winter months!

The key purpose of such systems is to ensure that your room remains really cool all through the harsh summer months and that it remains toasty warm regardless of how cold it may be outside.

Good care is necessary for any machine or appliance to last. This includes taking time out of your day (or week) in order make sure that these devices are properly maintained so they can continue providing their service without issue.

This is the part where Comfort Time Heating and Cooling comes into the picture. It is imperative that if something goes wrong with your AC, the last thing you should do is to call in just about any ‘fly by night’ operator. Only tried and tested ‘true blue’ professionals should be tasked with this job. It is an almost axiomatic assumption that a rank amateur is liable to do more harm than good, and it will take both time and money to undo the damage when you hire highly skilled technicians to redo the work. There are certain steps that have to be taken into consideration when looking for a good AC repair service in Norfolk, CA. These are some of the tasks they will have to undertake when repairing a malfunctioning air conditioner.

Charging Refrigerant Gas

If your AC is not giving you the desired level of cooling, the odds are that it could be something as simple as a refrigerant gas leak. This problem is simple to diagnose, but it is certainly not that easy to repair, since the leak may be very small and located pretty much anywhere in the system. If that is the case, then your air conditioning unit requires a simple ‘top up’ of refrigerant gas in the system.

This is a problem that can’t be ignored. If you don’t take care of it properly, then leaks will occur again and again because every leak needs meticulous attention to detail if we want them gone for good!

Other Norwalk CA air conditioning repair outfits will ‘top up’ the gas without finding and plugging the leak, the problem will almost certainly re-occur. The real professionals will be suitably well equipped with highly specialized equipment. And moreover, they will also have the requisite experience to both detect and plug the leaks in the pipes and coils of the AC unit.

As a matter of fact, the better outfits who typically perform Norwalk CA air conditioning repair will likely purge the system as well once they are able to find the errant leak. And what is more is that they will do this even before they start pumping in the new refrigerant gas. This way, they will get rid of the stale refrigerant and charge the AC with fresh cooling gas.

Once the leak (or leaks as the case may be) has been identified and the old gas is removed and replaced with new gas, the chances are that all of your AC’s gas related issues may well have been solved, at least for the foreseeable future. However, it is advisable to switch your AC on and off for a few minutes, even when not using it. This is because lack of circulation of the refrigerant gas will force it to escape into the atmosphere, and this will mean another visit from the good people at Norwalk ca air conditioning Repair.

Norwalk CA HVAC Repair

HVAC units are a more complicated version of the usual AC. In fact, in areas that suffer extremes in terms of both winter and summer times, the HVAC unit is pretty much the ideal way to make good and sure that your home and workplace are well serviced by the ‘state of the art’ climate control system. This is because an HVAC system can easily dispense both hot and cold air whenever required so that it is able to maintain the overall temperature setting at the desired level.

However, an HVAC unit is also just like its regular AC counterparts, at least in the sense that this type of climate control system also requires a certain amount of servicing and periodic maintenance in order to ensure that the entire system is able to remain as fully functional as it was on the day it had first been installed. In the rare event that the system starts malfunctioning, then you will have to call in the experts at Norwalk CA HVAC Repair. These highly skilled experts will perform a series of steps to ensure that your system is back to normal again. Some of these steps include the following:

Changing the filters

The air filters in your HVAC system are your very first line of defense against different types of bacteria, pollutants, pollen grains, germs, and many other types of highly noxious air contaminants. Apart from that, clogged and dirty filters can more often than not force the system’s compressor to work overtime. This will lead to markedly higher energy bills and will also create a bigger ecological footprint. Yes, swapping old and worn out filters with new high efficiency, pleated air filters can be pretty expensive. But as the good people responsible for Norwalk CA HVAC Repair will tell you, these new filters are well worth the price since they will protect your family from various diseases, allergens and inflated energy bills.

Norwalk CA Heating Repair

Apart from furnaces, there are many great heating options available to the discerning consumer. Some of them include heat enabled split AC units that do not require a furnace to operate but can effectively ensure that your room remains as snug and warm as you want it to be so that you are able to sleep in comfort. However, should such an AC or HVAC unit malfunction, then it will be time to call in the leading experts at Comfort Time for Norwalk CA heating repairs. These great professionals will have your system up and running in no time at all.

Norwalk CA Furnace Repair

Theoretically speaking, there are myriad different reasons due to which your furnace might need extensive repairs and the attention of professionals at Comfort Time in Norwalk CA Furnace Repair. However, there are a few common reasons that we can check out in order to understand the whole process a bit better.

A Faulty Thermostat is Often the Culprit

If your thermostat is on the fritz, then the chances are that you will most certainly experience a certain level of discomfort wherever your heating system has been installed. A malfunctioning thermostat will turn itself off at odd times or switch on the fan when it is not supposed to do so.

Here it is pertinent to add that the faulty thermostat is one of the most common reasons due to which the furnace might run between the on and off cycle a whole lot quicker than it is supposed to do so. Not only will it leave you cold and shivering, but the whole system might also break down completely. This is the part where you will certainly require a helping hand from Comfort Time’s professional furnace repair services who know the nitty gritty details of Norwalk CA Furnace Repair in order to get your climate control system right back on track.

The Pilot Light Is Not Working Properly

If the pilot light is not working or the system’s ignition is faulty, then the chances are that it will prevent the furnace from starting in the very first place. There are many reasons due to which either of these issues can come to pass, ranging from thermocouple problems all the way to sudden drafts or clogs in the furnace.

The Furnace Is Too Old

All mechanical and electronic devices have a certain service lifespan. And with the passage of time, these appliances reach the end of their service life, regardless of how well maintained they may have been in all the years they were functional. Eventually, there will come a time when simply replacing the thermostat and the filters or even the pilot light, will be of little use and the furnace will continue to give issues and problems. There is a very simple reason behind it.

The appliance has quite simply been worn down to its old mechanical bones and will just simply have to be totally replaced.

Along with being a general contractor, Comfort Time also offers furnace repair services. They will help you figure out what is wrong and how to fix it without having an expert come into your home or spend thousands on repairs if we can avoid that cost altogether!

We will also install the unit at your home or workplace so that you will not have to worry about it again.

At the end of the day…

In the light of the above discussion, we can easily see that the repair, installation, service and maintenance of any AC, HVAC or even simple heating furnace is not a task that should be taken lightly or entrusted to any novices who are just in this field to make a quick buck.

This is why you need to only hire the most experienced and skilled professionals who will be able help guide your way towards repairing or replacing any heating & cooling systems. This way, there’s complete peace-of mind for all those AC worries!

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