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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.

Importance of Hiring True Blue Professionals Only For AC Problems

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.

Commercial AC

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.

Thermostat

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!