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8 Household Tips

Written by Kevin on June 12, 2023. Posted in Home Maintenance. No Comments on 8 Household Tips

Owning a home has its benefits such as the investment aspect, tax deductions and equity. Homeowners can get the most from their investment by knowing how to perform a few household basics. Here are 8 tips to know:

1. Install Weatherstripping – Save on utility bills and keep small pests outside where they belong. Seal cracks and air leaks with weatherstripping making doors and windows air-tight. The Environmental Protection Agency says, “air-sealing your home can save you about 15% on heating and cooling costs.”

2. Caulk Cracks and Gaps – For the cracks and gaps too small for weatherstripping, caulk is the best choice for getting your home air-tight. Cracks around window frames, doors, outlets, baseboards, wires, pipes, and the foundation can all be caulked/sealed with the right type of caulk for the job.

3. Clean High Efficiency Washing Machines – Set your washer on the regular wash cycle, hot water, and pour bleach where you would normally pour the soap. When the cycle is done, wipe the front door and gasket and leave it open to dry. When you smell musty odors or mildew, repeat these simple steps.

4. Change the Air Filters on Your HVAC System – Remember to check your HVAC filters monthly and change them every quarter. Dirty filters lead to poor air quality, breathing issues, and reduce your system’s lifespan. Swap out disposable filters or wash reusable ones as instructed for efficient operation. Keep your home and family healthy!

5. Air Conditioner – HVAC systems do endure wear and tear, so having a service/maintenance twice a year is optimal. The certified technicians perform various services to make sure parts are lubricated, cleaned, checked for loose parts and any cracks/leaks detected. Identifying problems early on means you’ll enjoy your air quality and comfort. Keeping up with regular maintenance means the life span of your system won’t be cut short and will run optimally as it was designed to do.

6. Set the Thermostat Properly – The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a thermostat setting of 68 in winter and 78 in summer (optimal efficiency). Consider this recommendation when setting your thermostat. If you’re away for a period of time, adjust your temps to save energy (not above 80 for AC; this may cause mold in warmer climates). Allowing the AC run even when away keeps the humidity out.

7. Test GFCIs – Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) detect electrical current disturbances and cut off power. GFCIs are found in water-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, etc., they have two buttons: reset and test. To test, plug in a lamp or indicator-equipped appliance, press Test (lamp should turn off), then press Reset (lamp should turn on). If this doesn’t happen as described, the GFCI is faulty. Regularly check GFCIs to ensure proper functionality and safety.

8. Main Water Shut-off Valve – Know where your main shut-off valve for the water is located. It’s the first step in case of an emergency and the first question a plumber will ask. Knowing its location beforehand eliminates panic during a leak or flood situation. Don’t add unnecessary stress—be proactive and find your shut-off valve in advance.

Homeownership requires regular maintenance for all major systems, including electrical and plumbing. Our skilled technicians can handle it all, ensuring your comfort and protecting your investment. Let us assist you in caring for your home and well-being.

Young woman in warm socks near electric heater at home. Young woman in warm socks near electric heater at home. Young woman in warm socks near electric heater at home. Young woman in warm socks near electric heater at home. Young woman in warm socks near electric heater at home.

Signs That Your Heater Is In Need Of Repair This Winter

Written by Kevin on December 29, 2021. Posted in Blog, heating, Home Maintenance.

When Old Man Winter makes his way into Glendora, CA, the last thing homeowners want is for their heaters to break down. When heating issues arise, homeowners need to be aware of the signs they should look for so they will know when they need heater repair. Prompt repair will help to protect the integrity of the heating system and will ensure a home is toasty and warm all winter long.

Signs of Heater Issues

Heating systems often go unnoticed because they work so seamlessly to keep homes warm during the winter. When problems begin to arise, homeowners quickly realize how much they rely on these modern appliances. If a homeowner notices any of the following signs, they need to call a technician for heating repair.

When a furnace suddenly begins producing odd odors, homeowners need to take quick action. Heating systems that run on fuel should not smell like fuel. A strong fuel smell means there is a leak that needs to be repaired right away. Homeowners should also monitor for burning odors.
If the heating system is difficult to start, this could be a sign of problems with function. Often, this issue stems from a wiring problem that needs to be repaired. It is best to leave all heater repairs to the professionals.
Is the pilot light of the heater discolored? When a heater is working efficiently, the pilot light should remain blue. If it turns yellow, this indicates a serious ventilation issue that should not be ignored. Carbon monoxide could be leaking into the home.
One of the first signs homeowners notice when they need repair for their heaters is a lack of heat. Some rooms may seem colder than others. Homeowners may notice lukewarm or even cold air coming from the vents instead of warm.
If the heating unit is making consistently odd noises, it is time to have it checked by the professionals. Any noises outside of the normal hum could indicate there are failing parts that need to be repaired or replaced in the heater.

Do Not Try a DIY Approach

When homeowners in Glendora notice any of the above signs, they need to take action and call a repair technician right away. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is attempting DIY approaches to repair. Trying to take matters into their own hands will often lead to dangers. An improperly repaired heater could be a fire risk for a home. It is best to leave all repairs in the hands of expert HVAC technicians.

Expert HVAC Services

Homeowners need to rely on expert HVAC technicians for all their repair, installation, replacement, and maintenance needs. These experts handle the repair of all types of heater models. With a quick diagnosis and repairs, homeowners will find their homes are consistently warm again.

At Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air, we are committed to providing expert plumbing and HVAC services for our valued customers in Glendora, CA and surrounding areas. Since 1989, we have consistently raised the bar, ensuring we offer the highest level of satisfaction for our customers.

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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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The Importance of Keeping Your Air Filters Clean

Written by Kevin on April 7, 2020. Posted in Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Home Maintenance.

Every heating and cooling appliance – air conditioning unit, heater, or a furnace – has an air filter. These air filters are an important part of your HVAC system for many reasons. Not only do they help keep your equipment from getting clogged up with dust and debris, but they also help keep the air in your home clean by capturing allergens such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores.

Have you ever seen a dirty filter? It’s gross! And if you don’t regularly clean or replace your filters, you’re running the possibility of damaging your heating and cooling equipment and reducing your home’s air quality.

It’s recommended that filters be changed every 2 to 3 months. It takes only 5 minutes to preserve your air quality and the lifespan of your HVAC system. Some heating and cooling appliance manufacturers even require cleaning and changing your filters to keep your warranty.

Here’s why you should add the task of replacing your filters to your regular to-do list:

Improves Airflow and Efficiency

Having a clogged or dirty air filter or furnace filter can restrict the airflow within the equipment. This causes your HVAC system to work harder and perform inefficiently. Clogged air filters can lead to dirty coils and air ducts which can further cause a poorly running ventilation system. Not only is this bad for the lifespan of your heating and cooling systems, but it can drive up your energy bill costing you more in the long run.

Protects your HVAC Equipment

As mentioned above, clogged air filters can negatively affect other components of your HVAC system in your home in Rancho Cucamonga. It can also cause overheating and eventually lead to equipment failure. By replacing your air and furnace filters regularly, you’re preventing dust and debris from building up on fans, coils, motors, and other parts of the equipment. In return, this will help prolong the lifespan of your equipment.

Cleaner Air Overall

Filters not only protect the equipment from getting clogged, but they also protect the overall air quality in your home as well by capturing dust, debris, and other allergens. By not cleaning your air filter regularly, you’re allowing dirty air to circulate in your home. Breathing in the debris can affect your health and if left uncleaned for too long, can create a breeding ground for mold, dust mites, bacteria, and pesky allergens.

Other Resources

Most furnace filters are disposable and easy to replace. If your air filter is not disposable, check with the manufacturer’s manual to learn the proper methods of cleaning your filters. Having a clean air filter is important for your health and the health of your appliances.

If you need help deciding which air filter is best for your system or want instructions on how to easily replace a filter check out these videos from our home pros.

Prevent Costly HVAC Repairs with these Monthly Maintenance Tips

Written by Kevin on February 16, 2019. Posted in Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Home Maintenance.

Can I really prevent costly HVAC repairs with simple monthly maintenance?

In Los Angeles County and Orange County, you might be paying an arm and a leg for property taxes, mortgages, and more just to put a roof over your head. If your HVAC system fails you, all you basically have is the roof plus more costly expenses. If you can’t control the climate inside your house, why not just sleep outside? Okay don’t do that, but with high priced housing why would you want to spend more money on your home just to keep it bearable?

With the extreme heat and the sneaky cold winters in Southern California, your HVAC system’s efficiency is an important part of your life. If your heat breaks down during the winter or you don’t have any cool air during the summer, things can be rough at home. Nobody wants to feel miserable at home. We know HVAC systems are not completely perfect, but we wanted to provide you a few ways you can avoid wasting your money on repairs with these HVAC maintenance tips:

Maintenance Check-Ups

Your heating system and air-conditioning are made up of several vital components. If one part breaks down a mechanical domino effect can potentially take place and cause other components of your system to operate erratically. This is why a bi-annual maintenance check-up is always the best way to ensure everything is doing what it’s supposed to do as efficiently as it should.

You take your car in to get an oil change, or you replace a light bulb when it goes out, the same goes for monitoring your heating and air-conditioning. The best times to schedule a maintenance check-up are in the spring and fall. You want to be ready for the hot Los Angeles County and Orange County summer and you want all of your HVAC maintenance locked down before the winter comes. This will prevent unexpected failures and breakdowns.

Replace Your Air Filters

Every few months, depending on your system) you should replace your air filters. Remember your heating system and cooling systems need proper airflow to cycle within your home. If you don’t have the proper circulation of air, not only will you not get all that comfortable cool air or comfy heat, but also you might get a lung full of dust, debris, and allergens. Replacing your filters guarantees air flow, fights poor air quality, and avoids overworking your heater or air conditioner to prevent it from running itself into the ground.

Clear Visible Debris

Another important item is to make sure you don’t have visible debris
blocking your heating system or forming around your exterior unit. Sometimes debris will build-up on the cage and fins of your outside unit. There are a few ways to safely clean your unit but you have to be able to put everything back properly otherwise your system could malfunction. Accurate’s professionals have extensive knowledge in performing this and can show you how to do it yourself.

Remember as a safety precaution as well, keep furniture, storage items or trash away from your heating system to avoid any potential fire risk. Remember not to lean garden equipment, bicycles, or storage boxes up against both your interior and exterior unit.

Pay Attention to the Weather

Besides simple HVAC maintenance tasks, you should also pay attention to
your environment. Check the weather for Los Angeles County and Orange County. We all lead busy lives and are constantly on the go, so some of us are guilty of forgetting to turn our air off during the day when we are not home. Sometimes you don’t even need your heater or an air conditioner on throughout the day during peak temperatures. It all depends on the weather systems moving through your neighborhood. If you can go for a few days a week without having to use your HVAC system, you will automatically reduce costs and repairs by not overusing it.

Utilize Your Natural Habitat

We don’t have to sleep in a pack in the middle of the floor or rely on blubber layers like Polar Bears to keep warm in the winter. We can use our ingenuity. Without having to use energy or run your HVAC system all the time you can close the blinds to your windows to cut down the heat. You can search your home for leaks in doorways and window frames and easily seal those to keep cool air within your home during the summer. Depending on how your property is situated you might even have a few trees that help a lot with shade protection beyond your roof. If you know a room gets cold during the day, open the window blinds and let the sun in or do the opposite when it comes to staying cool in the summer.

Checking your insulation will also give you some information about how much air is staying in your home or is leaving. The better insulation you have the more you can control the temperature on your own and use your HVAC system even less. You’ll save money on your energy and you won’t have to worry about it breaking down either!

Clean Your Ductwork

Regularly checking on the ductwork of your property will help you save an
immense amount of money on your HVAC system maintenance and your energy bills. If your ductwork has a build-up of debris, is tampered with by some inhabitant of the wilderness or hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, you could be wasting more energy on your heating system and central-air than you think. If the system is running at a high capacity but is unable to produce the proper temperature control results, that’s like running an engine for no reason. Clear air flow is like nice blood circulation in the human body. The better the circulation you have, the stronger you are and the more efficient you can perform to rigorous tasks. The same goes for your ductwork. Perfect flowing ductwork ensures you don’t have over compensation with your HVAC system.

Schedule a Tune-Up

A tune-up will do wonders for your HVAC maintenance. This is one of the best HVAC maintenance tips we can provide. Receiving a tune-up will prevent unexpected component failure, ensure you are comfortable within your home, and rejuvenates the operating power of your heater and air-conditioner. If you can understand how these mechanical systems operate you will know why a tune-up is valuable to system longevity. A tune-up will keep your wallet from spending money you could be using on more important things, like vacations, groceries, swimming pools, and well… you’ll think of something.

Remember you can call us at Accurate to help you with your HVAC maintenance. We’re all over Los Angeles County and Orange County and we know the weather here well.