It’s Time to Install a New AC Unit

Written by Kevin on June 15, 2021. Posted in Air Conditioning.

For over twenty years, Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating, and Air has provided expert HVAC service to the residents of Glendora, CA. Offering air conditioning repair, replacement, and new installation, the licensed contracting team strives to give customers a stress-free experience on every project. With honesty and integrity, the technicians provide upfront pricing on each project with a guarantee that no hidden costs or extra fees will surface once everything is complete.

Bring Temperatures Down as the Heat Rises

The mild climate around Glendora, CA allowed people to build homes without air conditioning systems for many decades. As the average daily temperature has slowly risen for several years, many homeowners have begun pondering air conditioning installation for the first time. Fortunately, Accurate has knowledgeable technicians who can evaluate the size, layout, and cooling needs of a home to determine which AC make and model will serve the household best.

Finding the Best Route for Cool Air

During the evaluation and quote process, the technician will study the home’s floor plan to determine the duct size to install and the path it needs to follow. If heating ducts already exist, the technician will evaluate the layout’s efficiency and note anything that must be retrofitted to connect to the new unit. If the technician notes that ducts need replacing or should run differently, the homeowner will be made aware of the situation to decide what they want to do before the quote is finalized.

Equalize Uneven Household Temperatures

Of course, not all installations involve a central air system that services an entire house. Homeowners who only want air conditioning in part of their home can opt for a split or packaged unit that targets specific areas. These work great for areas of limited airflow that can benefit from a cooling system to keep them in line with the rest of the home.

Pamper a New Air Conditioner to Keep it Running Smoothly

Even after the installation of a new AC unit, homeowners should not neglect its care. Through the maintenance program available at Accurate, customers can receive a seasonal tune-up on their entire air conditioning system before the heat of summer hits. Early each spring, a technician will visit to clean out dust and debris from the unit, lubricate all moving parts, check and top off Freon, replace the filter, test the thermostat, and confirm the circulating air temperature. This process increases the efficiency of the air handling system, produces better air circulation, and extends the air conditioner’s overall life span.

Eliminate Excess Contaminants From Circulating

As air conditioner maintenance helps improve the air circulation, duct cleaning will drastically improve the quality of air the household is breathing. Since the air ducts run in long, unbroken sections, it is literally impossible for homeowners to clean them. Over time, dirt and dust settle in unreachable areas and are gradually blown out of the registers, a problematic situation for people with respiratory issues. Accurate’s team has the appropriate tools and training to clean out the entire duct system without damaging any ductwork or simply pushing the debris to the far, out of site corners. Without this debris, air will flow smoothly without reintroducing contaminants to the indoor atmosphere.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Want to install a new AC unit that keeps the whole house cool? Homeowners in Glendora, California can trust the professionals at Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating and Air to handle the job. If you need to improve your air conditioning system or install new AC all together, then give Accurate a call at (626) 833-6720 to learn more.

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Get Your AC Ready for Summer

Written by Kevin on May 21, 2020. Posted in Air Conditioning, Blog, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Home Maintenance.

One of the biggest energy expenses for most Americans is heating and cooling their home according to the U.S. Department of Energy. For some areas, there are a few times a year when these costs seem to level out a bit, but this doesn’t usually last.

As warmer weather gets closer, now is the time to get a home’s air conditioning unit ready for summer. This may include a new AC Installation or just a tune-up. Along with these professional services, there are a few things a homeowner can do to get their unit ready for summer too. Keep reading to find out what these steps are.

Change the Filters

This is one of the easiest, fastest, and most affordable ways to ensure an air conditioner continues to operate properly. It is also something that most air conditioning technicians recommend a homeowner to do every three months, or so. The frequency a person needs to change their AC systems’ filters depends on their home environment, along with the type of filters they use. By changing the filters, a homeowner can also help to reduce the need for AC repairs.

Clean the Condensation Lines

The pipe responsible for carrying condensation away from the unit may get clogged. If a clog occurs, it may back up into the air conditioner or even into the house. If this happens, a homeowner will be dealing with a huge mess along with a rather large repair bill. To help prevent this, find where the pipe drains out and be sure that it is draining properly.

Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed

If a homeowner doesn’t currently have one, they can see significant energy savings by calling the professionals to install a programmable thermostat and set it to reduce how much the AC or heater is used when it isn’t needed. This can save a lot of energy usage. One of the best things about programmable thermostats is that they are simple to install and easy to use.

Clean the Coils on the Exterior Unit

During the colder months of the year, the outside unit for a home’s air conditioner is typically inactive, just collecting mud, dust, and other debris. This can be especially true if the outside unit isn’t protected with a cover. All of that can clog the unit, causing the AC to run sluggishly.

For a lightly soiled unit, just disconnect the power and spray the outside down using a garden hose. For a unit that is more heavily soiled, contact the technicians to come out and clean it for you. That way, you know it is done properly.

Clean the Unit’s Fins

Cleaning the fins on the exterior unit will also help it run more efficiently. Cleaning the fins is something that must be done carefully. To do this properly, use a soft brush, like a small car cleaning brush or a toothbrush to gently clean each fin. Make sure not to use too much pressure because this may cause the fin to bend. If there are some fins that are bent or damaged, there are several tools available that can be used to straighten them back out.

Inspect the Concrete Slab

Once the outside unit is clean, use a level to ensure the concrete slab isn’t tilted or unlevel. If it is, the unit must work hard to keep the house cool. If the slab is not level, a homeowner can try to fix it on their own. Try to pry the slab up, off the ground with a board and add some gravel under it. Just remove the port and check to see if it is level. If this doesn’t seem to work or provide the desired results, it may be time to call the professionals.

Remove Debris Around the Exterior Unit

High grasses, leaves, and plants that are located near the outside AC unit can reduce its efficiency and performance. Before turning the AC on, be sure to cut the grass, remove any debris, and think about removing any plants that are blocking the unit. During the summer, it is a good idea to check the unit for debris at least one time a month.

Check the Ducts for Leaks

Sealing leaky ducts can help to save a homeowner a significant amount of money when it comes to heating and cooling their home. If there are leaks in a home’s duct system, the unit has to work harder. Even if the ducts are only leaking 20% of the conditioned air that is passing through them, the system still has to work up to 50% harder.

To find out if the air ducts are leaking, look for disconnected joints. These are separated pieces or small holes in the ducts. If there are leaks, it’s a good idea to get ahold of the professionals to come in and seal those leaks the proper way.

Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

One of the best things a homeowner can do to get their AC unit ready for summer is to schedule a professional tune-up. The professionals can find any underlying issue with the system and make the needed repairs quickly. This is going to ensure the system continues operating efficiently and that bigger problems don’t develop in the future.

It is recommended for a person to schedule a professional tune-up at the change of seasons – usually during the spring and fall – to ensure the unit doesn’t have any major issues. This is going to minimize problems during the hot or cold months of the year and ensure the system is able to keep everyone inside the home comfortable, without having to work too hard. Being informed and knowing how to prepare an air conditioning system for summer will provide an array of benefits, saving money to a higher level of comfort. Contact the professionals at Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air today to learn more about the AC services available and the many benefits offered.

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What’s in an AC System Check-Up?

Written by Kevin on April 12, 2020. Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Home Maintenance.

Spring is here. Even though there’s still a chill in the air, and many of us are still relying on heat, warm temperatures will be here before we know it. That’s why now is the perfect time to schedule an annual home AC checkup. That way, when the hot summer temperatures arrive, you know your AC will be ready to keep you cool.

Early air conditioner maintenance can prevent minor issues from becoming expensive repairs. And since your AC has been sitting out of use for a prolonged period of time, it is in need of a check-up. Furthermore, getting your home AC checkup in the springtime means avoiding long waits and high rates with the high demand AC repairs in the summer.

What’s included in an A/C checkup?

Having a professional perform an annual AC checkup is important in ensuring your air conditioner’s health and longevity. A/C tune-ups include general maintenance to help make sure your air conditioner will run smoothly and efficiently. The common maintenance procedures provided by your HVAC contractor include:

Check the filter (will replace only with customer provided filter)
Check system voltage
Check start-up amperage
Check running amperage
Check fan start module
Check compressor start module
Check temperature differentials
Check refrigerant levels
Check air-flow
Check the thermostat

Benefits of an AC System Check-Up

Getting your A/C system checked and serviced before the summer heatwave hits is the best way to avoid costly damage and keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape for years to come. Without these maintenance checks, you could wind up with costly problems such as:

System failure
Improper airflow
Inefficient cooling
Strange sounds
Unpleasant odors
Thermostat failure

All of these air conditioning problems can be the result of larger issues that could end up in costly repairs. Plus the last thing you want to deal with on a hot summer day is not having A/C.

We recommend all our neighbors to complete their annual AC system check-up before June. Call us today if you are ready to schedule your AC system check-up, we are booking appointments for May.

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Will these air quality products actually protect you from COVID-19?

Written by Kevin on March 19, 2020. Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

Looks like we all will be spending lots of time at home over the next few weeks, while our communities ride out the waves of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As we all adjust to this new normal, you may be wondering how to best protect yourself from this virus within your own home, and will any air quality products actually protect you from COVID-19? With information changing by the hour, and everyone claiming they know what’s best and it can be difficult to evaluate fact vs. fear. Unfortunately, there are also some who may use the current state of fear or anxiety to exploit or mislead. In order to help you navigate all that information, we have outlined the facts regarding a number of top home air quality products solutions currently being marketed to stop this virus.

UV Lights

Ultra-violet lights have a unique ability to kill small particles in the air that can be harmful to our health. There are a number of UV light products on the market that have been shown to kill bacteria, fungus, and even some viruses. However, it is important to note that these claims are only valid under the right circumstances. The light does not kill any of these particles instantly, it requires constant exposure for a certain amount of time to be effective. Unfortunately, since air-born particles are constantly moving, the likelihood that they will remain in the UV rays path long enough to be killed is low.

HEPA Filter

The HEPA air filter is often touted as “the best air filter” on the market due to its ability to catch very small air particles. According to the EPA, “This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.” Unfortunately, the Coronavirus has 0.1 microns meaning it could potentially get through even a HEPA filter.

Portable Air Filters

There are a number of portable air filters on the market that are able to trap debris, bacteria, mold, and viruses as well. These types of air filters are great for catching things like pet hair, dust, and other large air particles. They are great at reducing allergens in your home, however, most of them will run into the same issue as the HEPA filter above. Even if the filter was able to trap this virus, it is important to note that neither of these options kills the virus, meaning that there is still a risk of exposure, especially when cleaning them.

Air Scrubber

This avenged air filtration system comes as stand-alone units and can also be added to your HVAC system to enhance the air quality in your home. Unlike traditional air filters where airflow passes through a single filter before being recycled, an air scrubber passes air through a series of filters which are enhanced with UV light to trap particles, gasses, and other air-born contaminants. While the use of UV lighting in combination with the filter system increases the likelihood of killing Airborne viruses, the EPA has not yet tested or certified these machines as effective against COVID-19.

iWave Air

This self-cleaning air filtration system can be added to your HVAC system in order to enhance air purification. It uses a system of ionized coils to trap and kill pollutants in your home air. As the air flows through these coils the negative and positive ions kill mold, bacteria, and even viruses. Additionally, the ionization process also reduces allergens, smoke, and static electricity, and can help control odors in the home. But just like the air scrubber, the newness of this virus means that this product has not yet been tested against COVID-19.

Proven Preventative Measures

While this virus can be spread through airborne particles, you are more likely to get infected through contact with an infected person or by touching a surface they have coughed or sneezed on. If you or a loved one is sick, the best thing you can do to protect yourself and them if follow the CDC guidelines for homecare.

When it comes to making decisions about your home, our goal is to provide you with all your options and the knowledge you need to make the best choice for you and your family’s safety. We hope this information will help you navigate the between fact and false claims when it comes to preparing your home for this virus.

We are continuing to provide Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & AC services this time, and taking extra precautions to ensure your safety. You can read more about our COVID19 Update here.

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A Message to Our Customers During COVID-19 “Stay-At-Home” Order

Written by Kevin on March 17, 2020. Posted in Air Conditioning, Electric, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Our Community, Plumbing.

[Updated 03/19/20]

To our valued Customers,

Last night, an order went into effect that requires all California residents to stay home unless engaging in essential activities. Our services have been marked as essential and exempt from this order.

Accurate will continue to stay open to provide you with the electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling services you need to stay safe and comfortable in your home.

Your health and safety is my team’s top priority. We have implemented extra precautions to ensure that we are doing our part to stop the spread of this virus. Here is a full list of the steps we are taking to keep you and your family safe & healthy.

As you know, we wear booties or shoe covers while in your home, and we put down work mats at the worksite and as added protection, we are implementing the following:

1. We are screening our technicians each day before we send them out to your home to ensure they are not at a risk to you or your family.

2. We are pre-screening all our customers prior to sending our technician to their home to ensure we are do not spread the virus;

3. We are disinfecting all our iPads before and after each appointment;

4. We are no longer shaking hands and will be increasing our hand washing and use of hand sanitizer before and after each visit;

5. We are offering estimates over the phone, online estimate signing, and paperless payment options;

6. Our entire team is working completely remotely to ensure we are healthy and able to serve you;

7. We are committed to helping you feel safe and secure during the visit and are open to any questions you may have.

We will continue to provide our customers with excellent home service while also remaining vigilant to do our part in reducing the transmission of this illness. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call our office at 1-800-947-1747.

We look forward to serving you,

Jeff Seale

President & Owner

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Importance of a New Home Systems Status Check

Written by Kevin on December 3, 2019. Posted in Air Conditioning, Electric, heating, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing.

Moving into a new home is an exciting time. But it comes with many challenges and to-do lists, one of which includes getting a proper inspection to make sure everything is in a livable condition and working order. While it might not be required in the inspection before you sign the papers, it’s important to know the status of your electrical system, plumbing system, and HVAC system as well to help you avoid and prevent future problems.

Electrical System

Knowing when to get an electrical inspection in your home can be tricky, which is one of the best reasons to get one before you move into a new house. Having your electrical system inspected prior to moving into a new home is important to identify any potentially dangerous electrical situations that may become expensive to repair once the home has been purchased.

Plumbing System

Understanding your new home’s plumbing system is important as well. Having an inspection done on the plumbing can shed light on the state of the pipes, if there are any potential problems like pipe damage and leaks. It can also ensure that the plumbing is isolated away from any part of your electrical system which could cause other costly damages down the road. If the property inspection won’t cover the plumbing system, you can hire a plumber to do an inspection for you.

HVAC System

Having an inspection done on the HVAC system before moving into your new home is important to ensure the quality of comfort you’ll experience during the hot summers and cold winters. Not only that, it provides an opportunity to catch any issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as mold, mildew, unpleasant odors, rust, excessive noise, or any other issues that could be the sign of larger problems at hand.

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Resolving any potential costs associated with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC repairs will not only help you feel more at ease in your move, but it can also help you negotiate the cost of your purchase if any of the repairs are going to be particularly expensive. By having these systems inspected before you purchase a new home, you’ll be protecting yourself and your home from potential damages and unforeseen repairs in the future.

Already moved in? Check out our New Home Program which offers exclusive perks to help you settle into our new home. Plus be sure to download our FREE New Home Checklist, which covers all the home tasks we recommend you complete in your new space.

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Insights into the Freon Phase-Out

Written by Kevin on October 22, 2019. Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

Announcement:

Effective January 2020, Freon will cease to be manufactured due to its toxic and harmful nature. All homeowners who rely on Freon for all their refrigerant needs should start looking at alternate options. Our company will continue to provide top quality service through maintaining compliance with the Clean Air Act’s regulation of all Freon removal.

If you are wondering what Freon is and why the big fuss, here is a quick background summary of this common household chemical. Since its introduction in 1930 by General Motors and DuPont, Freon has become synonymous with refrigerant. It is now used as the main ingredient in all refrigeration equipment, like refrigerators, air conditioning systems, and freezers. However, due to its toxicity and harmful effect on the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency has been working on the slow removal of Freon.

The Freon phase-out doesn’t mean the end of refrigeration. Homeowners who use Freon-based cooling equipment will be seeing a gradual price increase to run, maintain, and replace their machines until there is no Freon left. Instead, we encourage you to look at alternative cooling options, such as sustainable refrigerant, especially if your current Freon-based equipment is in need of serious repairs. Depending on the refrigeration and air system employed in your home, our technicians could either retrofit the current systems or install a new system.

Click here to find out more about the Freon phase-out and how we can help.

About Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Air:

Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Air has been providing residents of Glendora, CA, and its surrounding areas with superior services since 2005. The company is home to professionally-licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, who each work hard to ensure every customer is 100% satisfied with their services.

To learn more about us, please visit our homepage.

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What to Do During a Brownout/Blackout

Written by Kevin on October 4, 2019. Posted in Air Conditioning, Electric, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

Summer months can be hot, warranting additional AC usage across the board. But this energy usage can sometimes lead to brownouts and blackouts. Power outages can be caused by a number of things like bad storms or heat waves, forcing our cooling systems and power to shut down and leaving people sitting in the dark (so to speak), and having to deal with the heat. However, there are a few tips and tricks to keeping cool and staying safe during a power outage in the heat.

Before we go into what to do during one of these power outages, let’s look at the difference between a brownout and blackout in Glendora to help you be better prepared.

Brownout Vs. Blackout

A brownout is a partial, temporary reduction in total system capacity often planned by the utility companies. They are meant to only last for a few minutes or hours but are used for a power load reduction so the power companies can ease the strain on the power supply system.

A blackout on the other hand typically occurs without warning as they are usually caused by unexpected causes such as stormy weather or some form of heavy impact on a power line, such as a car hitting a telephone pole. Unfortunately, there is no telling how long a blackout might last.

So, what can you do when the power goes out to be safe & stay cool?

Tips for Staying Cool

Block Out the Sun – During the day. Draw the blinds and curtains to prevent even more heat from coming in. If you have rooms in the house that tend to get warmer than others, close the doors and stay in the cooler rooms.
Open Up All the Windows – At night. While you want to keep the house closed during the day, if you experience a blackout at night, open up all the windows to enhance your chances of letting a cool cross breeze cool down the house.
Keep a Supply of Water on Hand – Having a backup supply of water is important for many reasons. For one, it’s important to stay hydrated in the heat. Secondly, we use water for things like washing our hands, cleaning dishes, and cooking. There are times during a blackout when the city shuts off the water supply as well. If you don’t have backup water stored, you can always fill up your sink immediately after a blackout for water to use throughout the day.
Create Your Own “Swamp Cooler” – For this one, all you need is a 5-gallon bucket, a battery-powered fan, and some ice water. Here’s a quick DIY to building your own at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHbQYajfGqM
Keep the Fridge Closed – Only open the refrigerator when you absolutely need to. Keeping it closed will help keep the inside of the fridge cool and lessen your chances of spoiling food.
Charge Up In the Car – Without power, you still have phone charging options. Option 1 is to have a backup portable phone charger powered up and ready to go. But if you don’t have a portable phone charger, you can always use your car charger. Just be sure you don’t kill the car battery.
Use Non-Electrical Lights – You can use a blackout as an excuse to get romantic and light a bunch of candles. Or, if you’re not much of a candle person, always have a flashlight and batteries handy. You can also bring your outdoor solar lights inside to light up the house at night.

We hope these tips help you feel more prepared to survive a blackout. Stay cool out there!

For those times when you do have power, we can help you with money-saving, energy-efficient cooling options. Call to schedule your consult today.

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Lifespan of an HVAC Unit

Written by Kevin on October 4, 2019. Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

You were hoping until the end of time. We all were, but unfortunately, just like the Dinosaurs, nothing lasts forever. It’s possible for some things, like the Dinosaurs, to try and make a comeback, but that only happens in the movies. Your central air and heating system are real life. You breathe air in your home every day utilizing the temperature settings and airflow when the elements of nature decide to be less than kind. We could ‘Accurately’ tell you that time is more of a concept depending on the variables, but that would be a super complex answer. So here’s the deal:

Typically Central Air Conditioners have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of a new heating system or furnace is 16 to 20 years. That’s an estimated answer without the complicated scenarios or real data if you like round numbers. Our goal isn’t to rush you out into the world to make a purchase on a new unit. We aim to provide you information that can help figure out when your Air Conditioning System and Heating System has passed their prime.

Living in Southern California is quite different from living in Minnesota, New York, or even Nebraska. There are certain factors that play a role in determining how long HVAC units last. Between running times, performance value, geographical location, and the cost of repairs, your HVAC units is on its own schedule.

Running Cycle

While your air conditioner can last 12 to 15 years, depending on the wear and tear, it may be less than that if you are blasting it all year long. The most expensive part of the air conditioner is the compressor. If the compressor gets worn or fails and your unit has survived past its warranty, this is a good time to purchase a new air conditioner.
With the recent ending of R-22 refrigerant as well, the sun is setting for older air conditioner units. Since the EPA has ceased all R-22 manufacturing, many older units are being retrofitted for an alternate refrigerant chemical called R-410A. However, these retrofits over time prove to run your units into the ground and at less than desirable capacities so you’ll miss getting the most out of your system, but the power bills may not show that.

In a heating unit, the heat exchanger is the most expensive part. In regions like Minnesota and the northern central states, heaters are utilized more frequently than Southern California and at higher capacities. Whether or not you use your heater that often in Orange County or Los Angeles County, the main key to knowing when it’s time to upgrade is if your heat exchanger is cracked. If your unit has surpassed the warranty period, the real investment would be to get a brand new heater than to try and salvage one that may end up failing you at the worst time possible.

On-off cycling can really burn out your air conditioner or your heater. The on-off cycles are hard on the electronic parts. Technicians consider the starting and stopping of these units as the natural wear and tear. With hard contractions of the heath exchanger and the start-up period being the hardest on the compressor of your air conditioner, if the units are older this really runs down the electrical components of the machine. Upgrading may be the best solution if parts become no longer available or you find yourself waiting more and more for ordered parts.

Geographical Location

The hot summers and chilly winters inflict their worst on our home systems. If you run your units at higher capacities this can eventually wear down all the electrical parts. One way to figure out if your unit is lasting as long as it should is it try and conduct your own temperature readings near vents and in different rooms. With longer summers and shorter winters, the Southern California region might present itself as a place that has a lot of air conditioner turnover.

However, with less use of the heating systems, it’s possible many homeowners in Glendora don’t keep up on preventative maintenance so when they do run their heaters, there are quite a bit of failures. With the build-up of a variety of chemicals in the air (while living on the coast has many positives) these chemicals wear and tear at the electronic parts of HVAC units.

Sulfur and saltwater have a tremendous effect on metal, plastic and the interior of our ventilation systems. If you put off cleaning your HVAC units or only servicing them every three to four years, it’s possible even by living inland that the salt in the air will erode away parts of your unit. It’s important to remember that just because the temperature extremes don’t top or bottom out the way they do in the Northeast or Midwest, that our HVAC units aren’t safe from eventually turning over. You can expect about 14 good years on the coast of California depending on your usage and ongoing maintenance.

Cycle-Running

How often you are running your HVAC units and at what temperatures can be the defining difference of longevity. Just like a car, if you floor it every single time you are going to burn the motor out.

Think about the behavior or day-to-day routines you are conducting at home. Are you opening the doors all the time while the air conditioner is blasting cool air? Are you lounging on a couch reading next to an open window while it feels like there is a fire in the middle of your living room?

If you set the thermostat at lower or higher temperatures to get cooler or warmer faster, this runs the system really hard. If you do want your older unit to last longer, run the cooler temperatures at a higher degree and run the warmer temperatures at a lower degree. You can always take other actions to help your cause. Blankets and fans work the best.

Performance Value

You can say your air conditioner and heater are still working, but if they are not functioning at full capacity, has your HVAC unit already failed you? At what point do you sacrifice efficiency and settle with a system that’s only giving you a good 70%. Performance value should be evaluated when deciding how long your HVAC unit will last. If the cold air doesn’t seem cold enough or the warm air doesn’t seem to heat the room the way it used to, it’s probably time to make the switch.

New technology has made efficiency so much more capable at evening out temperatures in multiple rooms of the house. Plus, most of the newer units are using a considerable less amount of power. Many of the newer HVAC models operate in more than one type of mode and can really save you big money in the long run. And don’t get us started on smart thermometers and how they can help you save in Rancho Cucamonga.

Cost of Replacement

If the cost to maintain your unit or keep it running has encroached on the total amount you have paid for it, cut it loose. It’s not worth it to your family or yourself to continually invest money into a never-ending problem unless you find this unfortunate scenario somehow comforting. Do you have a special place in your heart for that air conditioner in your backyard, or do you just like the rattle and clanging noises your heater makes when you turn it on in December?

If your HVAC unit is older than fifteen years and you have been spending more and more money to maintain a comfortable temperature, you can at least browse the market to see what’s out there.

If you have any questions regarding your HVAC system or individual units, call us today and we can answer them for you.

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Air Conditioning Vs. QuietCool

Written by Kevin on October 4, 2019. Posted in Air Conditioning, Air Quality, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

This is the ultimate matchup for cooling comfort in your home. Do you run the air conditioner constantly eating an oversized power bill, or do you flip on the QuietCool fan and take advantage of a low-costing energy-efficient system? Does running the air conditioning win the day, or will the QuietCool surprise everyone jumping from the top ropes, double-suplexing the competition and win the crowd? Two titans of home technology built to make your life more comfortable and you have choices.

Saying that an Air Conditioner and QuietCool Fans are similar when comparing an Android and iPhone would be incorrect. In fact each system actually works completely different and while the results are excellent in both cases, the variables from the outdoors have a crucial impact.

How they work:

Your air conditioning system keeps your house from sweltering by using a compressor, specialized fan and a ventilation system. When functioning properly, cool air is distributed throughout your home regularly to maintain the preferred temperature. An air conditioner is a work of art to any technician. Air conditioners keep people alive, keep families cool, and offer what much of history lacked before the twentieth century – healthy and comfortable accommodations.

QuietCool Fans operate by replacing your inside air with the outdoor air. Whenever the outside temperature is cooler, you open your windows and turn on the QuietCool fan which pulls air into your attic, while simultaneously pushing the hot stale air outside. Usually, the whole house fan is installed within the attic of your home or ceiling area above your living space. QuietCool fans don’t use compression or freon or any other type of chemical. QuietCool is a natural process that essentially shifts air to fit your comfort.

So put air conditioning and QuietCool in a wrestling ring and let these two processes bash it out. Which do you think would walk away with a championship belt? Here’s the first part of that answer:

Temperature

Air conditioning can definitely cool your home, but in actuality, it doesn’t always cool every part of your house. If you have multiple levels to your home, or your property stretches out narrowly, your air conditioner may have to work harder to create all the cool air in order to keep everyone comfortable.

QuietCool exchanges air every 3-4 minutes by taking in the cooler air outside. A QuietCool fan can literally cool your home 20 degrees less by circulating cooler air and pushing out all that stale hot air that’s been sitting around all day. If outside temperatures are not too extreme QuietCool can cool a house even better than an air conditioner.

Air Quality

Air conditioning can make a house cooler and is very dependable. However, if your ductwork hasn’t been clean or your vents have built-up dust, this can cause the circulation of pollutants. Air quality is in a sealed environment and can expose you to indoor air pollution.

QuietCool Fans pull air from the outside, so typically the air quality is healthier from a QuietCool fan. However, this also depends on the outside environment where you live. If you reside in a highly polluted area, you actually may be causing yourself more harm by bringing in the outside air. Obviously, if you live in the mountains or away from the big city, you probably have cleaner air outside so QuietCool can do wonders for your health. Again it depends on your allergies or the time of year with pollens and vegetation blooming.

Energy

QuietCool fans run for a fraction of the cost from the amount of energy an air conditioning system uses. You know how Rancho Cucamonga feels in August. And we all account for our power bill to go up in the summer because we run the air conditioner constantly. QuietCool fans run use about 90% less energy than air conditioners.

Still, for humid areas or warmer evening temperatures, the air conditioner can be counted on as a comfort provider. So while the energy savings is there with a QuietCool fan, it’s not always the best scenario.

Cost

During summer months, depending on the size of your property, air conditioning can cause your power bill to increase almost $300 more. QuietCool fans can run in your house 24/7 for pennies.

Noise

Some air conditioning systems can create noise either by their fans or internal mechanical parts. QuietCool fans are virtually silent. Some homeowners do find the noise from an air conditioner comforting, plus you know that it’s on and running! QuietCool fans are like new cars with electric starts that barely even hum.

Collaboration:

You may be thinking QuietCool fans are the stronger choice over air conditioning systems. While this is partially true in some cases, the real truth of the matter is that together as a team, QuietCool Fans and a solid air conditioning system can do wonders for both your interior comfort and your wallet.

You can interchange the two and use them according to the weather, the time of year and the environment you live in. For instance, utilizing the fresh air that QuietCool Fans provide by pulling outside air can help clean what’s circulated during those hot days you want to use the air conditioner. When the heat lets up outside, you can utilize the QuietCool fans to help bring down that uncomfortable temperature when it is in reach.

QuietCool Fans can alleviate the hot air within your house and you can top off the temperature if need be with a few blasts from the air conditioner. Now that Smart Home technology allows you to monitor how much energy you are using, keeping track of your power usage has never been easier. If you find you think you’ve been running the AC too long, you can switch it up by turning on the QuietCool fans. The combination is a bonafide sure way to keep your energy bills down and keeping your home nothing less than exceptionally pleasing.