Is Your AC Ready for Summer? Essential Preseason Maintenance Tips

May 4, 2025

A little preparation before summer hits Burbank, CA can make a big difference in how well your AC system performs when you need it most. By taking a few simple steps now, you can help avoid breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and stay comfortable all season long. Check and Replace Your Air Filter Your AC’s air filter plays a major role in both airflow and indoor air quality. A clogged or dirty filter forces your system to work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills and added wear and tear. We recommend checking your filter monthly and replacing it if it looks dirty. During peak cooling months, this small step can have a noticeable impact. Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit The outdoor condenser unit needs plenty of space to release heat properly. Leaves, branches, or other debris around the unit can block airflow and reduce performance. Take a few minutes to trim back plants, clear away buildup, and make sure there’s at least two feet of open space on all sides. Check Your Thermostat Settings Before the heat hits full force, test your thermostat to confirm it’s working properly. Set it to cooling mode and listen for the system...

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How to Prepare Your AC Ducts for Efficient Cooling All Spring

April 1, 2025

Leaky ducts can lead to wasted energy and uneven cooling throughout your home. Before the summer heat sets in, check your ducts for visible gaps, disconnected sections, or damaged insulation. If you notice weak airflow in certain rooms, it could be a sign of leaks within the system. A professional duct inspection can help pinpoint problem areas and improve efficiency. Clean Your Vents and Registers Over time, dust, pet dander, and debris accumulate in vents and registers, restricting airflow. To keep your cooling system running smoothly: Remove vent covers and wipe away dust buildup. Vacuum inside the vents to clear out any trapped dirt Make sure furniture or curtains aren’t blocking airflow Blocked vents force your system to work harder than necessary, reducing overall efficiency and increasing energy costs Replace or Clean Your Air Filters A clogged air filter reduces airflow and makes your system struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature. Check your filter monthly and replace it as needed. A clean filter helps improve indoor air quality and allows your cooling system to operate at peak performance. Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning Dust and allergens accumulate inside ductwork over time, restricting airflow and affecting air quality. A professional duct cleaning...

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Spring HVAC Maintenance: Why It’s the Perfect Time to Check Your Air Conditioning System

March 1, 2025

Spring is the ideal time to schedule maintenance for your air conditioning system. As temperatures start to rise in Burbank, CA, you want to make sure your AC is in top shape before the heat of summer arrives. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, keeps your home comfortable, and helps prevent costly breakdowns when you need cooling the most. Why Spring Maintenance Matters Seasonal maintenance is key to keeping your AC running efficiently and extending its lifespan. Over time, dust, dirt, and wear and tear can take a toll on your system, leading to reduced performance and higher energy bills. Regular maintenance helps catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs. Here’s why spring is the best time for an AC tune-up: Warmer weather is approaching, making it the perfect time to prepare your system. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your AC is ready before temperatures soar. Spring maintenance helps improve energy efficiency, reducing cooling costs. Technicians have better availability before peak summer demand. Addressing minor issues now can help prevent mid-summer breakdowns. What’s Included in an AC Tune-Up? A professional HVAC technician will inspect and service key components of your system to keep it running smoothly. A...

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The Importance of Indoor Air Quality: Keep Your Home Safe and Healthy This Winter

February 3, 2025

As temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, the quality of the air inside your home becomes increasingly important. Winter often means sealed windows and limited ventilation, creating the perfect environment for pollutants to accumulate. Understanding the impact of indoor air quality can help protect your health and comfort throughout the colder months. Importance of Avoiding Low Indoor Air Quality in Winter Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, from minor irritations like dry eyes and sore throats to more serious conditions such as respiratory infections, asthma flare-ups, and allergies. Dust, pet dander, mold spores, and even common household products can contribute to indoor pollution. In winter, these pollutants can become trapped inside, circulating through your home and affecting everyone’s well-being. Common Causes of Low Winter IAQ During winter, heating systems can contribute to indoor air problems. Furnaces and space heaters can release particles and gases if not properly maintained. Additionally, increased use of candles, fireplaces, and even cooking can introduce pollutants like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Dry winter air can also exacerbate respiratory discomfort, making humidification an important factor in maintaining comfort. Lastly, increased time spent indoors during winter means...

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How to Keep Your Home Warm Efficiently in the Winter

January 7, 2025

Staying comfortable through the winter months shouldn’t come with skyrocketing energy bills or surprise breakdowns. With just a few simple steps, you can keep your heating system running smoothly and your home warm, no matter how cold it gets outside. Here’s what you need to know to keep your system efficient all season long. Schedule Routine Maintenance Before Temperatures Drop A well-maintained heating system is the foundation of a cozy home during the winter. Scheduling regular heating maintenance with a trustworthy professional helps your system run efficiently, saving you money on energy bills while preventing unexpected breakdowns. During a tune-up, a technician will inspect, clean, and fine-tune your system to maximize its performance. Replace Your Air Filters Regularly Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and reducing its efficiency. We recommend checking your filters monthly and replacing them as needed, especially during peak usage. Clean filters improve airflow, maintain indoor air quality, and support consistent heating throughout your home. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation Small cracks around windows and doors can let cold air seep in, making your heating system work overtime. By sealing drafts with weatherstripping or caulk and ensuring your home is properly insulated,...

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How Do I Know if I Have a Heat Pump?

December 13, 2024

Understanding what type of heating and cooling system you have in your home is essential for proper maintenance and efficiency. If you’re unsure whether you have a heat pump, you’re not alone. Many homeowners aren’t familiar with the specific type of system they’re using. Here’s how to tell if your system is a heat pump and what makes it unique. Look at Your Outdoor Unit A heat pump often looks very similar to a standard air conditioner from the outside, which can cause confusion. However, a heat pump is capable of providing both heating and cooling, while an air conditioner only cools. To check if your system is a heat pump, look at the outdoor unit while your home is being heated. If the outdoor unit is running during heating mode, you likely have a heat pump. Check the Labels or Manual The manufacturer’s label or your system’s user manual can provide valuable insight. Most heat pumps will have a label or a model number that identifies them as a heat pump. Search for terms like “heat pump” or a model number that you can reference online. If you have trouble locating this information, your thermostat may also provide a...

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3 Things to Know Before Changing Your Furnace Filter

November 4, 2024

Even with our milder weather in Burbank, CA, keeping your furnace in good condition is essential for a comfortable home throughout the winter. Most furnace tasks require a qualified heating professional, but one of the simplest yet most impactful maintenance tasks you can do yourself is changing your filter. A clean filter improves air quality, boosts energy efficiency, and extends the life of your heating system. But before you dive into changing that filter, there are three key things you should know to ensure you’re getting the best results for your home. 1. Understand the Right Filter Size and Type Using the wrong size filter can lead to poor air quality and potentially damage your unit. Check your furnace manual or look for sizing information on the side of the current filter. Common sizes include 16x25x1, 20x25x1, and 20x30x1, but it’s crucial to double-check. Filter type matters as well. Filters come in different materials and ratings, with MERV ratings indicating their ability to trap particles. While a higher MERV rating can capture smaller particles, it may also restrict airflow if your system isn’t designed to handle it. 2. Replace Filters Regularly to Maintain Efficiency A clogged filter forces your furnace...

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When to Repair vs When to Replace Your Heater

October 4, 2024

Deciding between repairing or replacing your heater can be a tough choice. It’s crucial to weigh several factors, such as age, efficiency, and repair costs, before making a decision. By understanding these considerations, you can ensure your home stays warm and comfortable without breaking the bank. Assessing the Age of Your Heater One of the first things to consider is your heater’s age. Most heating systems have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this age, it may be time to consider a replacement. While regular maintenance can extend the life of your heater, older systems tend to be less efficient and may not perform as reliably as a newer unit. Evaluating Repair Costs Another key factor is the cost of repairs. If your heater requires frequent repairs or the cost of a single repair is more than 50% of the price of a new system, a replacement might be a more economical option. Continuous repairs can add up over time, making it more cost-effective to invest in a new, more efficient heater. Considering Energy Efficiency Older heating systems often use more energy to provide the same level of comfort as newer...

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How Often Should I Have My HVAC System Serviced?

September 5, 2024

Ensuring your HVAC system is properly maintained is essential for the comfort and safety of your home. Regular service not only helps extend the life of your system but also ensures it operates efficiently throughout the year. In this blog, we’ll explore how often you should schedule maintenance and why it’s crucial for keeping your HVAC system in top condition. The Importance of Regular HVAC Maintenance Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. Just like any other complex system, your HVAC system requires routine check-ups to ensure it operates at its best. Without regular service, you risk decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and unexpected breakdowns that could leave you without heating or cooling when you need it most. Recommended Service Frequency So, how often should you have your HVAC system serviced? We recommend scheduling maintenance at least twice a year—once in the spring before the cooling season and once in the fall before the heating season. This biannual approach ensures your system is prepared for the demands of the upcoming season, whether it’s the hot summer months or the cooler winter days. During these service visits, our technicians will thoroughly inspect your system, clean...

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Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell?

August 19, 2024

If you’ve ever noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your air conditioner, you’re not alone. Strange smells wafting through your home can be both concerning and uncomfortable, and they often indicate that something isn’t quite right with your system. Understanding the possible causes of these odors can help you address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. Here are some common reasons why your air conditioner might smell and what you can do about it. 1. Mold and Mildew One of the most common causes of a musty smell from your air conditioner is mold or mildew growth. This can occur when moisture accumulates in the system, particularly in the evaporator coils or ductwork. If the unit isn’t draining properly, mold can develop, leading to that unmistakable musty odor. This is not only unpleasant but can also impact your indoor air quality and health. Solution: Regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing the air filter, and ensuring proper drainage, can help prevent mold and mildew buildup. If you suspect mold growth, it’s important to have your system inspected and cleaned by a professional. 2. Dirty or Clogged Filters A dirty or clogged air filter can also cause unpleasant smells. When...

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