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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!

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

Why You Should Always Get Permits?

Why You Should Always Get Permits?

When you research a company to replace your air conditioner or heating system you should always get permits.

First and foremost, it is important to make sure everything being done to your home is up to code and it’s the law! Not getting a permit when replacing your heater or A/C is against the law. Every licensed HVAC contractor is required and knows to get permits when replacing your system. It’s even a question on the state exam to get your HVAC licensed(C-20) in California.

If the contractor is caught doing work without a permit in your home:
• He can lose his license
• Both you and the contractor can be held liable
• The city can require you to remove the HVAC equipment at your own expense
• The city can even sue you if you don’t comply with their demands

Secondly it saves you money! Getting permits when replacing your HVAC system will save you money. Knowing that the job is done right the first time. There are plenty of studies that prove the point that having your HVAC system installed properly will save you on energy your energy bill’s. When you get a permit, the city will verify that its installed properly. As of 2019 in California all building departments require a qualified third party to verify that the system is performing as it was designed to. This may seem excessive but studies have shown that only 10% of all HVAC installations nationwide are done properly. Showing that 90% waste some type of energy from leaky ducts to incorrect refrigerant charge levels.

Peace of Mind
Safety is the number one concern the city building inspector is looking for when they come to your home. They check for carbon monoxide hazards, electrical hazards and workmanship of the installation. There are plenty of ways that an air conditioning and heating installation contractor can cut corners when not pulling permits.

Cost for an HVAC permit
The average cost of an HVAC permit is around $250 to $400 plus the cost of the third-party duct/energy audit. The third-party report cost around $300 to $450. Most HVAC companies providing a permit to replace your system cost an additional $2000 or so from the guy cutting corners. The additional cost comes from additional parts needed to pass inspection that can be skipped over when you just want hot and cold air. The labor to make sure your installation is done right takes more time to complete the project. Getting the job passed by the city takes time, with going to the city, dealing with the third-party audit and doing all the paperwork. In the long run it’s a whole lot cheaper getting a permit than having your home burn down or your system failing on you when you need it the most.

Need more tips?
How to get the best deals when buying a new home air conditioning system (tips that work)

Give Comfort Time a call at (562) 245-9830 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.

Check These 5 Things To Resolve of Uneven Indoor Temperatures

Check These 5 Things To Resolve of Uneven Indoor Temperatures

Uneven indoor cooling is one of the problems that annoy residents the most. It disrupts the comfort of your abode for which an HVAC system is installed in the first place. If you are facing the problem of uneven temperatures in any particular area of the indoors, consider these measures to resolve the issue.

Check the Vents

Many times uneven temperature problem arises from blocked and clogged vents and registers. Check the respective vents for dust, debris and other obstructions (furniture, etc), where your air conditioner is failing to acquire and maintain the temperature like the rest of the house. Vacuum them to remove any debris.

Moreover, you can redirect the cold air to the affected space by partially closing some vents. If the problem persists, call a local air conditioning repair. They can check your vents and resolve the issue without much hassle.

Toggle the Blowing Fan

Blowing fan plays an essential role in circulating the conditioned air throughout the ductwork, which helps to maintain an even level of temperature in the entire home space. Its different settings can also lead to a difference in air pressure causing uneven cooling. Check your thermostat for ‘auto’ or ‘on’ fan mode.

In ‘on’ position, the fan continues to circulate the air even when the evaporator and condenser units of your HVAC systems are not actively working. It helps in maintaining the same cooler temperature throughout the interior for the longer time. While ‘auto’ mode works only when the HVAC system is actively running.

If your thermostat doesn’t have multiple fan settings, then replace it with the latest version. A local air conditioning repair services will come handy for this job.

Check the Air Leaks in Ductwork  

Increased humidity levels in La Mirada can make the ductwork of your HVAC system rusty. This gradual corrosion might lead to leaks and last air pressure drops. Therefore, make sure that you are having the regular inspection of your HVAC system from an experienced La Mirada air conditioning repair service.

Check the Insulations

Sometimes valuable cool air is lost to poor insulations. Inefficient insulation in some part of the house can also give way to the issue of uneven indoor air temperatures. For that matter, inspect the affected area for any such problem. For instance, cooling air can seep through loose window fittings or flabby ceiling panels might be directing it to the attic.

A thorough inspection of the interior will help you identify any insulation issue. By addressing them through minor repair works, you will get back the balance of indoor air temperature.

Go for a Zoning System

Uneven temperature problems can be resolved for good by integrating a zoning system with your HVAC system. It can customize different temperature zones in your abode according to your desire and requirement. La Mirada air conditioning repairing service can modify your residential HVAC system to resolve your indoor temperature problems.

If you are wondering, “Can an air conditioning repair near me address this uneven temperature issue?” The answer is in the affirmative.  Comfort Time Heating and Cooling deals in all things related to domestic HVAC systems and will provide you with the best services and solutions to resolve the issue of uneven indoor temperatures.

Give Comfort Time a call at (562)245-9769 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.

HVAC Systems and Improved Indoor Air Quality

HVAC Systems and Improved Indoor Air Quality

Breathing in poor air quality is not just uncomfortable, it can also cause you to feel exhausted and sick. This may be bad for your health both inside-and outside of the house!

How is Indoor Air Polluted?

We all are well aware of the factors that lead to polluting the external environment. However, fewer people are familiar with some of the common indoor air pollutants. Whether it’s a home or any commercial space, there are always some pollutants lingering in the indoors. From mold spores to dust to dangerous radon gas, these elements can pollute the indoor environment, and all these air pollutants have a very noticeable impact on human health.

For instance, airborne mold spores can lead to the inflammation of the lungs. Radon, a radioactive colorless and odorless gas that occurs naturally and usually ends up inside buildings through the plumbing system can transform a household into a habitat of different respiratory conditions including chronic coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, bronchitis, etc.

The above details have made it quite apparent that poor indoor air quality can undoubtedly affect the health of the inhabitants any building.

Role of an HVAC System to Improve the Quality of Indoor Air

A well-maintained HVAC system can certainly help in improving the air quality of any indoor with many of its features.

Dehumidification Helps in Getting Rid of Mold Spores

Maintaining a proper balance between moisture levels in your home is essential for preventing the growth of mold. If you live or work around Norwalk, CT with high humidity constantly present it’s important that an air conditioning system be installed to help control this problem before things start turning worse than they already have been!

Even if there is no mold growth inside the building, damp air itself can trigger coughing, shortness of breath wheezing, hoarseness and other respiratory conditions.

A Well-maintained Ductwork Ensures Better Ventilation

The ductwork of your commercial building or home can be properly ventilated by getting regular tune-ups from a heating and cooling repairing company in Norwalk. This ensures optimal ventilation that prevents clouds of dust, allergens, etc., from floating around inside the space as well as making sure you have better hygiene standards for this crucial part about air quality within any structure!

Air Filters Make Sure You Breathe Fresh

Heating and cooling systems of the building can also proactively make your indoor air cleaner with the help of air filters. Pleated nature of air filers ensures that cleaner air with no pollutants and allergens circulate through your heating and cooling system.

Therefore, it is generally advised to replace air filters after a couple of months to ensure better air quality in the house.

Keep in mind that only a well-maintained heating and cooling system can help you improve the indoor air quality and for that, you require timely tune-ups from the expert technicians of Comfort Heating and Cooling.

Give Comfort Time a call at (562)245-9687 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.

Does Your Building Require Commercial HVAC Maintenance?

Does Your Building Require Commercial HVAC Maintenance?

There are a few different things to consider when determining how often your HVAC system needs servicing. It all depends on the type of building and its individual specifications, including factors like size as well as age/date was installed in or if there’s any other unique features such us heating systems attached indoors without windows that require extra insulation against cold weather outside – these would include radiant flooring materials too!

Consider the following five points when determining how often your building requires commercial HVAC maintenance.

Age of Existing Equipment

In a perfect world, your building would have a top-of-the-line, new HVAC unit installed, which would require minimal maintenance. However, this is not always the case. Many buildings are equipped with an older unit. Regardless of the age, however, a good rule of thumb would be to have an HVAC professional service the unit at least twice a year. Ideally, this would be in the Spring and Fall, just before the heaviest demands will be put on the equipment. That said, older units may need additional servicing after the season to assure that it stays in good working order.

Demand for Cooling and Heating System

The more often you use your HVAC system, and the harder it works, the more often it will need to be serviced. The age and size of your building, materials it’s constructed from and how well it’s insulated all contribute to your unit’s efficiency. Other factors that determine the amount of demand are the number of people who use the space and how many hours a day it’s used. In addition, fluctuations in temperature outdoors can have a major impact on your unit. When faced with extremes for any of these factors, it may be wise to have your unit serviced more than twice a year to assure it’s in good working order.

Building Lease Requirements

Commercial building leases are full of requirements that must be met in order to fulfill the contract. Some items in a lease are meant to protect the property from reckless tenants, while others are intended to keep the building in good working order. Such is the case for HVAC equipment maintenance. You could be required to have the unit serviced annually, bi-annually, or even quarterly, depending on the landlord. Be sure to check your lease and schedule maintenance calls in advance to avoid voiding your lease, or incurring penalties.

Type of HVAC Equipment

Another factor that will determine how often you should schedule maintenance is the type of HVAC equipment that is being used. There are four basic types that are common; split systems, hybrid split systems, duct-free systems and packaged systems. Split systems have multiple components, some indoors and some out. External components are exposed to the elements and may require more frequent maintenance than interior components. Rooftop units are also vulnerable to harsh weather, meaning they need a little extra TLC.

How Often Filters Get Dirty

Your HVAC system’s filters keep harmful dust, dander, and pollen from invading your building. When they get dirty, it reduces the amount of air that can flow through the system, thus making it work harder. Retail establishments, office buildings, housing complexes and other buildings that have a lot of foot traffic tend to require filter changes and other preventative maintenance often. This assures that the air quality inside the building remains at the highest possible levels, keeping employees and customers safer and healthier. Likewise, buildings that are used infrequently can go longer between filter changes.

Keeping your HVAC system well-maintained is the best way to guarantee that it continues to provide proper levels of heating and cooling. If you’re not sure how often your unit should be serviced, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send out one of our highly trained HVAC experts to evaluate your building’s systems and we’ll recommend the most appropriate maintenance schedule for your system.

 

Comfort Time Heating & Cooling Service Area

Whittier, CA.

Hacienda Heights, CA.

Pico Rivera, CA.

La Mirada, CA.

La Habra, CA.

Norwalk, CA.

Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Downey, CA.

Surrounding Cities

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