Are Heating Tune-Ups Necessary?

November 8, 2019

At , we offer affordable maintenance plans to keep your climate systems running at their best. In the autumn, our technicians will come to your home and give your furnace a careful inspection. We recognize that our customers are always looking to save money. The long-term benefits of an annual heating tune-up definitely outweigh the short-term savings of skipping this service. Higher Efficiency When we first install your system, everything is carefully calibrated to give you the most power and efficient heating possible. Over time, things will change. The low-level vibrations that happen when the system runs can make the settings less precise. The dust that accumulates over several months can make the system less responsive, so it has to work harder to pump warm air into your home. All of these factors can impact the unit’s efficiency. During an annual tune-up, our technicians will recalibrate, clean and lubricate the system. It will run to the best of its ability, saving you money on heating costs. Fewer Unexpected Repairs When our technicians look at your system, they can find small problems that could turn into larger issues. It is only natural that parts will wear out over time. When an...

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Ductwork 101

October 15, 2019

Ductwork is one of the most important components of an HVAC system. As the vessels through which warm and cold airflow, HVAC ducts keep each part of the home at the desired temperature. The integrity of the duct system directly impacts the overall performance of the heating and cooling equipment. Designing Ductwork Total renovations and newly constructed homes require ductwork. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America outlined industry best practices for design in its manual. The manual extensively details how to design and install ductwork for maximum balance and airflow. Although these specifications are clearly defined in trade literature, some technicians erroneously ignore the guidelines and design ductwork solely based on the home’s square footage. Ductwork Materials Ductwork must be made of approved permanent materials. Most ducts are fabricated from lightweight sheet metal, although fiberglass flexible ducts have recently been gaining popularity. Flexible ducts can be easily maneuvered to allow for soft turns, which minimizes restrictions to airflow. Another advantage is that fiberglass ducts are also insulated. This makes them suitable for unconditioned spaces as the insulation will allow little heat gain or loss. Best Location for Ductwork Uninhabited areas in the home, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces,...

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How to Care for Your AC System

September 10, 2019

Performing a few simple tasks can safeguard your AC system from breakdown and inefficiency. Homeowners should take a proactive approach to their air conditioner’s maintenance and not rely solely on their local technician’s scheduled tune-up visit. A few easy actions can save you money on your electricity bill while adding years onto the lifespan of your AC. Let’s take a look at a list of three maintenance tips that we at recommend to our Burbank customers. 1. Cleaning or Changing the Air Filters Having your AC run on a clean air filter will guarantee that your indoor air quality is of the best possible. Pollutants that escape through a clogged air filter can be detrimental to the health of those living in your home. Also, a dirty AC air filter increases the chances of a breakdown for your unit. Next time your local technician performs a tune-up on your air conditioner, ask them to show you how to clean and change the air filter as needed. They will be more than eager to oblige. 2. Removing Debris From the External Unit Your AC system’s external unit is especially susceptible to debris from the environment. Leaves, branches, dirt and other rubbish...

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Find Out What’s Wrong With Your Thermostat

August 5, 2019

The thermostat is the electronic brain of your AC unit, telling it what the current temperature is so that it can turn on and off at the right times. An inaccurate thermostat can make it much more difficult for you to get the comfort you want from your air conditioner. If you believe your thermostat may be wrong, can help you to get it back on track fast. Understand the Complexities of Your Thermostat Your thermostat is a complex and sensitive electronic component. It reads temperature data from a sensor located near the unit’s evaporator coils. Air passing through the AC system’s return vents tells the sensor what temperature it is in your home. The temperature sensor on any AC will lose some sensitivity over time, but this is especially true of older models. Eventually, your unit may become inaccurate. This will cause all kinds of unpredictable behavior and might accelerate wear and tear on the air conditioner. Other internal problems can also cause the thermostat to fail. Diagnose the Issue With Your Thermostat Odd behavior from your air conditioning unit can indicate a problem with your thermostat. Your AC could be having difficulty reading the temperature if it turns...

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4 Benefits of Cleaning Your Air Ducts

June 10, 2019

Your home’s air ducts play a very important role in circulating air from your heating and cooling system into each room. Since the air that cycles through your air ducts is the same air you and your family breathe, you want that air to be as fresh and clean as possible. Any issues with your air ducts could cause your heating and cooling units to work harder, resulting in higher energy costs, too. Professional air duct cleaning refers to a process in which contaminants such as dirt and dust are removed. This will prevent these substances from recirculating throughout your home. As part of a periodic AC maintenance program, air duct cleaning comes with an array of benefits. Here are the top four reasons to have your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. 1. Reduces Household Allergens Your air ducts may contain harmful contaminants like pet dander, dust, pollen, mildew, mold spores, and bacteria that could trigger allergies. Regular air duct cleaning relieves these allergy triggers, resulting in healthier living. 2. Improves Air Circulation Air ducts that are covered in accumulated dirt and grime could restrict the airflow of your HVAC system, resulting in increased energy costs and decreased...

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Saving Money With a Whole-Home Humidifier

May 21, 2019

A whole-home humidifier is often installed directly into your home’s central cooling and heating system. In contrast to a portable humidifier, a whole-home humidifier can humidify every single room in your house. Many people and research studies have conveyed the benefits of a portable humidifier, but how can a whole-home humidifier help you save money? Keep Warm Air Flowing in the Winter Months Once the weather starts to get cooler, our immediate reaction is to bump up the thermostat. In fact, the months with the highest usage of electricity are often in the winter and summer—for obvious reasons. Still, what if you didn’t have to raise the thermostat right away? What if you could save money on your winter heating bills by adding a whole-home humidifier? What many homeowners are realizing is that a whole-home humidifier actually makes the circulating air feel warmer. As a result, you can stop fidgeting with the thermostat. A certified HVAC specialist who can efficiently install a whole-home humidifier can help you save money on your energy costs. Prevent the Flu and Irritated Respiratory Systems Your health is your wealth. When you’re battling a tough cold, the only thing you can think of is getting...

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The Top Benefits of Product Warranties

April 10, 2019

When it comes to air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and other heating and cooling equipment for the home, products usually include a warranty. Basic warranties often vary from one brand and model to the next. Certain aspects of these warranties are required by law, but they are also an opportunity to distinguish a product and give consumers confidence in a brand. Product Life Expectancy Confidence At Certified Service in Burbank, we work with all brands and models but are proud to be a Carrier factory-authorized dealer. A big reason for that is the product warranties that Carrier includes with its air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and other equipment. If an AC unit is intended to last at least 10 years, you get some level of guarantee that out-of-pocket expenses will be mitigated or even eliminated should that particular unit not last that long. Reduced Total Cost of Ownership Another benefit is that you can have great confidence in the total cost of ownership of your products. If a new AC unit, for instance, were to falter or even fail within the warranty period, then much, if not all, of that cost would be covered by that contract. Home Value Many...

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Understanding the Core Differences Between Heat Pumps and Furnaces

March 14, 2019

If you’ve purchased a new home or you’re looking to upgrade the heating system that’s currently installed on your property, you should understand the differences between a heat pump and furnace, both of which are designed to provide for all of your heating needs. Once you know more about how these systems differ, you can decide which option is right for you. What Is a Heat Pump? A heat pump is a type of system that’s very similar to an air conditioner but with the added benefit of including a heating component. These systems can be placed in cooling mode during the summer, which allows them to operate as an air conditioner. A heat pump doesn’t create heat, which makes it very energy-efficient. Instead, these systems remove heat from the outside air before transferring it indoors, which is done with electricity. Heat pumps can also be zoned, which means that you can set the system to different temperatures for each room in your home. What Is a Furnace? A furnace is a system that makes use of fuel to create heat that’s circulated throughout the home. This heat can be created from such fuel sources as oil, gas or electricity....

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Trouble Ahead: Signs That Point to a Heating System Problem

February 19, 2019

The most obvious sign that your heating system has a problem is when it stops working altogether. If you had only known sooner, you wouldn’t be making an emergency repair call in the middle of the night. Here are some common warning signs that a heating system problem may be on the horizon. Your Furnace is More Than 15 Years Old Like many things in your home, furnace technology continues to improve each year. By the time your furnace is 15 years old, its ability to run efficiently has dropped a great deal, especially when compared to a more modern furnace. For example, most old furnaces can only heat at a single setting. Modern furnaces have low and high heating settings, burning less fuel over time. The same goes for the air handler in your furnace. Older models run at a single speed, while modern air handlers blow air at multiple speeds depending on demand. Loud Noises Every heating system makes some amount of noise as the burner ignites or circulating fans turn. However, when a system begins to fail, you may hear the high-pitched whining of a loose motor belt, the rattle of loose screws, or the scraping sound...

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5 Benefits of Regular Heating Maintenance

January 22, 2019

Whether you have a furnace or heat pump, maintenance is essential to the life and performance of your system. Scheduled maintenance will bring you peace of mind knowing that all the components of your unit will work when you need them most. 1. Your HVAC System Will Last Longer If you take care of your furnace, it should last 15 to 20 years. Preventative maintenance will lessen the likelihood that your equipment will break down unexpectedly. A professional HVAC technician can perform a routine inspection of your system to identify small issues that normally occur. Once they detect the issues, they can fix them before they turn into big problems. 2. Your HVAC System Will Operate More Efficiently If you neglect your heating unit, the components will wear down quickly. Consequently, all the equipment will work harder to produce the same level comfortable heat throughout the house. This results in an inefficient system that utilizes nearly twice as much energy and costs you twice. You’ll notice a significant spike in your energy bill each month. Regular heating maintenance solves this problem by keeping your HVAC performing at optimal efficiency. 3. You Will Spend Less Money on HVAC Repairs Preventative maintenance...

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