How to Choose the Right AC Repair Company

/in , , , , /by

In the sweltering summer heat, you can’t wait to get home and into a cool environment. But when you turn on your air conditioning unit, it doesn’t respond like it normally does. The house is still hot and humid. What do you do now? You may feel this is a rather small repair job that you can have a company take care of easily. However, quite often people end up spending more money than they anticipated because they chose the wrong AC repair company. Even if the repairs seem simple enough and won’t cost a lot of money, it is important that you choose the right provider from the word go. This guide will show you how to choose the right AC repair company the first time so you can save money and hassle.

How to Choose the Right AC Repair Company

Why you should use a checklist when hiring an AC repair service

If you hire an AC repair company whose employees don’t have the appropriate certifications, you may end up with an improperly installed system that could break down again in a few months. You may end up paying more than you should, too, if you go with a non-licensed contractor. In most states, contractors who work on residential properties are required to pay a licensing fee, which covers the cost of administering the exam and the administration of the licensing program. If a contractor doesn’t have to pay a licensing fee, then they likely don’t have the same level of experience and expertise as those who do have to pay. Also, be sure the company has workers’ compensation insurance coverage, as the law requires in most states.

Don’t be fooled by ads and marketing

You may think you are getting a great deal when a company advertises $19.95 for service calls. Are they really going to come out for such a low price? It’s best to avoid services that advertise for extremely low prices. First of all, it’s probably not a legitimate AC repair company. If it is, the services performed will likely be substandard and not meet code requirements.

Another thing to watch out for is marketing which is designed to scare you into doing something right now. An example of this type of marketing is the claim that your air conditioner is on its way out. This is simply not true. If your air conditioner is 10 years old and you replace it every 15 years, then it is likely not even close to dying. It’s best to ignore marketing gimmicks.

HVAC equipment certification is key

All technicians who work on your AC unit must be certified, but not all certifications are the same. For example, if the AC repair technician is certified for refrigeration work, but not for air conditioning work, you may end up with a system that doesn’t work properly. There are several certification organizations, including the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET); the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA); and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). You can ask for certification cards from your technicians, but keep in mind these cards can be forged. You can also check these organizations’ websites to see if the company has applied for certification.

Get more than one estimate

A good rule of thumb is to get three estimates if you need to replace your AC unit. If the bids are close, you can then go with the AC repair company that offers a shorter installation time. If there is a wide difference in price between the companies, you can ask why there is such a difference. You can also check online review sites and see what other customers have to say about the companies you are considering.

Ask to see the company’s license

You should always ask to see the AC repair company’s license and call your local municipality to confirm the company’s license is valid. If the company doesn’t have a license, then you should consider finding another service provider. While you can find out information about a business’s license online, it isn’t always accurate, so you shouldn’t take it as gospel.

Ask for references and check them

You can ask for references from the company, but be sure to follow up on them. If all of the references are from other businesses, you may want to ask why they don’t have any residential customers. You can also ask for a list of recent customers who had the same type of work done that you need. You can then call these customers to see if they are happy with the work and if they would use the company again.

Check the warranty and make sure it’s in writing

When you are shopping for a new system, you will probably see companies with a variety of long-term warranties. You may be tempted to go with the company that offers the longest warranty, but you need to make sure it is in writing. If the warranty is just verbal, then you may be out of luck if the company goes out of business or the owner retires and no one else can honor the warranty. If the warranty is in writing, then you can take the company to court if they don’t honor it.

Be wary of up-front payments

Some companies will ask you to pay a large amount of money upfront for a new system or to cover the cost of parts for a repair job. If the work is legitimate and you feel the company is trustworthy, you can request a down payment. However, if you are asked to pay for work before the work is complete, you should be very wary. That money may be gone for good.

Conclusion

If you wait until the last minute to find an AC repair company, you may not be able to find one that can come out quickly and do the work during the heat of the summer. It is best to start looking as early as February, so you have time to find the right company and have them do the work. It is best to hire a company that has been in business for at least five years, has a good BBB rating, and is a member of a reputable trade association. Look for a company that offers a wide range of services, including repair, replacement, and AC maintenance. We hope this AC repair checklist will help you choose the right company.

Palo Alto Plumbing Can Help

If you are looking for AC repair companies near me, you should contact Palo Alto Plumbing today. Do not wait for a scorcher to find out your system is not blowing cold enough air or is leaking money out the window. Call today!

Looking for HVAC Companies Near Me? How They Can Save You Money

/in , , , /by

Are you tired of spending hundreds of dollars on your energy bill every month? Do you dread the summer and winter months when your energy bill spikes? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, you might want to consider getting your home’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system checked out by an HVAC company. An HVAC system is one of the largest energy consumers in a home, and without regular maintenance, it could be throwing your money out the window without you realizing it. If you’re looking for HVAC companies near me, here are some ways that your local HVAC company can help you save money on your energy bill.

Looking for HVAC Companies Near Me? How They Can Help Save You Money

What Is HVAC Maintenance?

HVAC maintenance refers to the recommended servicing and inspections of your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. When this is done regularly, you’ll be able to detect problems before they become costly. This can save you money by preventing issues that might require costly repairs and replacements. Some HVAC maintenance tasks may include changing filters, installing new seals and gaskets, or repairing refrigerant leaks. Other tasks may include lubricating motors or cables and cleaning dirty coils. You’ll want to find a licensed professional for your home’s HVAC maintenance. A licensed HVAC contractor from your HVAC companies near me search will have the expertise to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently all year round.

Below are some ways HVAC companies near me can help you save money on your energy bills.

Check for air leaks

The first thing an HVAC company does is check for air leaks in your home. Air leaks can allow hot or cold air into the house and spike your energy bill. These leaks could be due to cracks, gaps, or holes in the ductwork system. In order to fix these leaks, you will have to improve the insulation around the ducts.

HVAC Maintenance Improves Efficiency

One of the simplest ways to save money on your energy bill is to search for HVAC companies near me and have your HVAC system checked for efficiency. If you’ve had your system for 10 years or more, chances are it needs a tune-up. This will ensure that the system is running efficiently, and when the temperatures start to drop, you won’t be worried about shocking your utility bill with a spike in usage.

For example, a poorly insulated duct can waste up to 50% of heating and cooling energy. Additionally, poor air quality and high humidity levels can cause drafts, which lead to a chilly house during the winter months. The best way to avoid these issues is to schedule HVAC maintenance with a professional service provider every year or two. As well as improving efficiency, HVAC maintenance will ensure that your system is running at its peak performance. Your chosen technician from your HVAC companies near me search will inspect the inside and outside of your HVAC system before making any repairs or adjustments – this includes checking for leaks, dirt buildup, corrosion, and proper airflow throughout the home. If there are any problems found during the inspection, they will be fixed or replaced before you know it!

Avoid Breakdowns

The benefits don’t stop there: scheduling annual or biennial HVAC maintenance with HVAC companies near me can also reduce the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs. By having your technician come out to check on your equipment regularly, you’ll get a heads-up when there is an issue with something major like a compressor or a blower motor – these components can lead to expensive repairs if they break down without warning!

Install efficient furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps

You can save money on your energy bill by searching for HVAC companies near me and having your chosen HVAC company install efficient furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. Newer models of these appliances are better at conserving energy and running more efficiently than older models. By installing an energy-efficient appliance, you can cut your energy use by 10 to 15 percent.

Other Ways to Save Money on Energy

Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones

One of the easiest ways to save money on your energy bill is by replacing old appliances, like your refrigerator and dishwasher, with newer ones that are more energy-efficient. Most homes in the United States are still using a 1980s refrigerator that consumes at least 700 kWh of electricity per year. When you get a new fridge or dishwasher, make sure it’s Energy Star certified. These appliances have been tested and rated by an independent lab to meet specific standards for energy efficiency. You can also look into buying a water heater that is Energy Star certified, which will help reduce your electricity bill.

Insulate your home

The number one way to save money on your energy bill is to insulate your home, especially the attic, better. Insulating your home will help keep the heat in and the cold out. Doing so will allow you to use less energy for heating and cooling. By insulating your attic, basement, exterior walls, and doors, you can reduce up to an additional 10 percent of your energy usage each year.

Final Words

So there you have it. If you were searching for HVAC companies near me and found this article, we hope it answered some of your questions. HVAC companies near me can help you save money on your energy bill in many ways. The most obvious way is to replace your old appliances with newer, more efficient ones. You may also want to consider putting insulation on your home. Insulating all of the vents in your home and checking for air leaks can be a simple way to keep energy bills down. One of the last things you might want to think about is installing an energy-saving HVAC system. High gas prices make it more cost-effective to invest in an energy-efficient system. Replacing your old system with a new one keeps you from wasting money and helps the environment by lowering our nation’s carbon footprint.

Palo Alto Plumbing Can Help

If you are looking for HVAC companies near me, you should contact Palo Alto Plumbing today. Do not wait for a scorcher to find out your system is not blowing cold enough air or is leaking money out the window. Call today!

How Often Should I Do HVAC Maintenance? Tips for Homeowners

/in , , , /by

HVAC maintenance is an important task for any homeowner.  HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It’s a term that encompasses both an air conditioner and a furnace, which are essential in any home. In fact, the HVAC system is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your home. So you need to keep it working for maximum efficiency. Regularly servicing your HVAC system will ensure that your air conditioner, furnace, and water heater are in good shape. It will also ensure that they continue to work when you need them most. Here are some ways to assure that your HVAC system is well-maintained so you can stay comfortable year-round.

Why You Should Service Your HVAC System Regularly

Below are some reasons why you should service your HVAC system regularly.

  •         Regular servicing helps identify any potential problems before they arise. You can address them before they become more severe and costly than they would be otherwise. Replacing your HVAC system is expensive, so regular maintenance is essential to protecting the investment you’ve made.
  •         Preventative maintenance will also help reduce your energy costs. A well-maintained heating and cooling system offers better efficiency and uses less energy than a poorly maintained one.
  •         The best way to enjoy a comfortable indoor living space is with an HVAC system that operates efficiently. The HVAC system provides the optimum temperature for your home. And well-maintained systems are less likely to break down during peak hours so you and your family stay comfortable.
  •         If your HVAC system is frequently serviced, it will last longer. With proper maintenance, the lifespan of your heating and cooling systems can be increased by up to four times. It’s important to have professionals help you maintain these systems because they have knowledge that you might not have. Professionals may also be able to find problems before they become more serious and costly.
  •         Service your HVAC system on a regular basis to ensure that you have the best air quality in your home. A dirty HVAC system can create bacteria, allergens, and other contaminants in your indoor air. By servicing your HVAC system on a regular basis, you can help prevent this from happening. And if you’ve never had your HVAC system serviced before, it could be time to make an appointment!
  •         We shouldn’t forget that HVAC systems have an impact on the environment. A serviced system uses less energy, which means you are using less waste and not impacting the environment as severely.

When and How Often to Schedule a Service Appointment

Depending on your HVAC system, service appointments should be scheduled every 12-18 months. But this time frame can change depending on the type of system you have.

For example, if you have a heat pump, it may need service every 6-12 months. If you have a gas furnace or condensing unit, it may need service every 18-24 months. A fuel oil furnace may need service once a year.

You should also check for signs that the system needs additional maintenance. These signs could include:

* Persistent noise coming from your HVAC system

* Frequent frosty windows in cold weather

* Unexpected fluctuations in temperature throughout your home

* A damp carpet or musty smell

If these issues persist after cleaning the filters and checking for clogs, book an appointment with a professional ASAP.

Other Important Factors in HVAC System Maintenance

The cost for HVAC repair and maintenance varies depending on the conditions and age of your system. Maintenance will also depend on the number of people living in your home. How often you use your heating and cooling equipment is also a factor

Older HVAC systems require more maintenance than newer ones because they use more energy. Older systems may also need to be replaced if they start making strange noises, shaking, or leaking.

Tips for HVAC Maintenance

  1.         Have a professional come out at least twice per year for an inspection of your air conditioner, furnace, and water heater.
  2.         Schedule an annual tune-up if you notice any problems with your air conditioner or a furnace.
  3.         If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall, have a professional come out once per year to clear the snow from the unit. This is so it doesn’t overwork itself trying to compensate for lost heat from outside sources like sunlight or wind.

NEED AN HONEST HVAC PROFESSIONAL?

We hope this list of tips to maintain your HVAC system has been helpful. When you think about it, it’s a lot of responsibility to take care of a HVAC system on a regular basis. That’s why we have HVAC services on standby to help you with any repairs or maintenance needs. We know you have enough to worry about, so let us handle your HVAC service needs.

Do you need a professional HVAC companies near me to help with your HVAC system and perform honest, routine maintenance? You can always find help by searching for “HVAC companies near me,” but know that we are right here in Palo Alto and ready to help! HVAC maintenance is essential for many reasons. You could be breathing cleaner air, saving money, and enjoying greater peace of mind with a reputable company like Palo Alto Plumbing.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY

If you’re from Palo Alto and other nearby areas, choose Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating and Air for HVAC companies near me. We offer a variety of routine and essential services that include 24-hour emergency HVAC calls. For fast, reliable, and honest HVAC repair and maintenance, call us at 650-405-1460 or contact us here. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Will High-Efficiency Filters or High-MERV Filters Harm My HVAC System?

/in /by

High-efficiency filters and high-MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating filters seem beneficial because they filter out very small particulates, such as pollen, dander, and other allergens. Yet these types of filters have some negative consequences too. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of high-efficiency and high-MERV rating filters.

The Role of the Filter in HVAC

The primary purpose of a heating and air conditioning filter is to prevent dust and debris from clogging the unit. Many homeowners also purchase filters for their air quality enhancing properties, making them a must-have purchase for allergy sufferers. High-efficiency or high-MERV rating filters may capture more particulates, but their construction may not benefit the HVAC system. Filtering smaller particulates may lead to decreased airflow.

Do These Filters Harm HVAC Systems?

Most systems use either PSC (permanent split capacitor) or ECM (electronically commutated motors) technology. PSC motors have two settings: “on” and “off.” ECM motors are variable speed motors that adjust according to the needs of the environment and thermostat.

In most cases, high-efficiency filters (i.e., restrictive filters) won’t harm HVAC equipment, but they don’t offer as many benefits as a homeowner might believe. A PSC motor can only provide a certain level of air output, regardless of filter conditions. If the filter is too restrictive or too dirty, it will slightly reduce airflow through the system and into the home. An ECM motor, on the other hand, always tries to compensate for differences between its running capacity and the home environment. A dirty or restrictive filter may cause an ECM motor to use more energy to force more air through the system. Instead of saving energy, this type of reaction can significantly reduce HVAC efficiency.

How Different MERV Ratings Affect HVAC Systems

Some of the most common MERV ratings for high-efficiency filters range from 8-14. The higher the MERV rating, the more a filter can capture. Some filters may even capture certain viruses. Most systems expect a pressure drop of up to 0.5 inches, but high-MERV rating filters may cause a pressure drop higher than 0.18 inches, rendering the system even more inefficient.

To account for these pressure-related differences, talk to a professional HVAC technician about compensating for a high-efficiency or high-MERV filter. A trained professional can recommend accommodations to offset the airflow and pressure consequences of a high-efficiency filter and to keep the heating and air conditioning system running efficiently over time.

Choosing an Air Filter

The next time you purchase an air filter at a big box store or online, take a moment to look at the specifications. Look for the MERV rating and any information about air flow speeds. A thicker filter may not always provide better filtration results. A high industry rating, such as a MERV rating, may not always tell the entire story.

If you have any questions about what filter will improve efficiency, contact Palo Alto Plumbing for a recommendation.

 

Carbon Monoxide: What You Don’t Know is Putting Your Family at Risk

/in , , /by

“It started as a nagging headache,” Diane said. “And then it became worse before turning into a horror show.”

It was around 9 pm on a cold December night and both of them were sitting in front of their fireplace, decompressing from the hard day’s work. The baby June was in her crib. Suddenly, Liam, Diane’s husband, became sick – headache, vomiting, the works. That made Diane concerned for her husband’s health but she chalked it up to the bug that was going around the neighborhood. “Must be the flu.”

Two hours later, Diane felt her heart thudding in her chest, wanting to come out. She became nauseous and lightheaded, and her whole body went cold. She panicked and rushed to “Google” the symptoms – finding it just might be Carbon Monoxide poisoning. She called 911 after finding out that they were indeed being poisoned by the stealthiest killer: Carbon Monoxide.

Her family was saved thanks to Diane’s quick reaction and pure timing but, everyone is not so lucky.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

CO is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas. That means between 1999 to 2010 most of the 5,149 Americans that ended up in graves because of non-fire-related Carbon Monoxide poisoning had no idea what hit them. No bad odor, no horrible taste, nothing – except for the untimely death.

Although, like all accidents you can minimize the chances of dying from CO, most people avoid taking the right precautionary measures until it happens to them. When, unfortunately, it is already too late. And the damage is done.

CO is produced any time you burn fossil fuels like in cars, trucks, fireplaces, and good old furnaces. Everyone is at risk regardless of gender or age, but children and elderly and those with preexisting diseases of heart or lungs are at higher risk of developing complications such as permanent brain damage, life-threatening heart complications, and death.

How Does Carbon Monoxide Affect Our Health?

Once inhaled, it goes into the blood stream and displaces oxygen from hemoglobin, that results in a deficiency of oxygen which leads to hypoxia and eventually death.
The symptoms of CO are non-specific and often don’t tell anything by themselves. Most common symptoms include altered mental status, headache, nausea, weakness and chest pain.

Fortunately, science has made it really easy to prevent against CO exposure. Take steps to prevent accidental exposure to Carbon Monoxide. Because it is real. And it kills.

How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Here are just a few ways that you can avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

1. Install and maintain a CO detector: This is the single most important thing you can do to protect your family against the possibility of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Make sure to buy a battery operated detector with a loud enough alarm to wake you up. But that’s not all, replace the battery every year and change the detector once every 5 years.

2. Don’t use portable gas camp stoves indoors. Small appliances like these also contribute to the buildup of Carbon Monoxide and when indoors, the harmful gasses can’t escape and your family can’t escape from them. Get rid of them folks.

3. Get your gas appliances checked by an expert. Make sure that they are working correctly and all the stuff that is supposed to be inside is staying inside and not spilling out to kill you when you’re asleep.

4. Never ignore any unusual odor coming from your refrigerator. CO itself has no odor, but in this case, other gasses mixed with CO have a particular odor that might give it away.

5. Clean your chimney. Debris can clog up your chimney real bad. So, now all the gasses would accumulate inside your living room instead of escaping through the chimney. Get your chimney cleaned before it cleans you.

6. Be smart. Don’t burn charcoal indoors, use generators inside of your home or basement, or patch a vent pipe with chewing gum. We’ve seen it all and it’s always dangerous.

One last thing, if you ever suspect that you or a family member has been exposed to Carbon Monoxide, immediately evacuate the house and call 911. Learn more about how to maintain healthy air quality in your home and to have your HVAC system checked for safety, and contact us to schedule an inspection with us today!

10 Benefits of Living in Your Ideal Home Temperature

/in , /by

We all love a comfortable, secure, stylish home with your ideal home temperature – just the right amount of heat or cold, be it a modest house or a lavish mansion. What constitutes comfort, security, and style varies from person to person and so does the perfect temperature. Below, we will discuss what the ideal home temperature is and the benefits of cooler and hotter home temperatures.

What is The Ideal Room Temperature?

Unfortunately, there is no exact answer to this question. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 18C/64F for healthy individuals, 16C/60.5F for those with respiratory problems, and a minimum of 20C/68F for the very young, sick, or aged.

When looking for your perfect thermostat setting, it might be a good idea to consider the following benefits of warm versus cold houses, noting of course, that this does not include extreme temperatures.

10 Benefits of Living in Your Ideal Home Temperature

5 Benefits of a Warm House

Here are some of the benefits of making your home environment warmer:

1. Makes You Physically Active

A warm house makes you want to be up and about. You are more likely to think about dusting the bookshelf and finishing the DIY project you started last summer, rather than cuddling on the couch.

2. Good for Your Memory
The reasoning is simple, with increased blood flow to your head and vital organs, you will be more alert and able to more easily remember things.

3. Reduced Respiratory and Allergic Conditions
Respiratory and allergic conditions are notoriously stubborn, and the last thing you need is a cold house to send you looking for your anti-allergy pills.

4. Heart and Lungs
Due to the need to keep your body at an optimum temperature, your heart and lungs must work harder in cold surroundings to ensure this goal is achieved. Too much of this for too long could result in higher blood pressure and associated conditions.

5. Makes it Easier for Some to Sleep
It’s last on the list because it may relate to your preferred bedroom thermostat settings and sleeping habits. Some love to be under a duvet, while others love sleeping with their t-shirts only.

5 Benefits of a Cold Home

And if you love it when your house has a cold, slightly chilly ambiance, you are not alone. Here are the benefits of living in a cooler environment:

1. Burns Calories

This is the realm of cutting-edge science, but it turns out that cold conditions tend to cause certain types of body fat to be combusted to keep us warm. Weight-watchers will love it.

2. Disease-Carrying Bugs Hate Cold Conditions
Disease-causing insects such as mosquitoes and cockroaches find it inhospitable to be in cold surroundings. This helps keep your family safe and healthy.

3. Reduces Inflammation and Boosts Muscle Recovery
Ever wondered why ice is applied on swollen surfaces? Or why do athletes immerse themselves in icy water? Cold conditions tend to reduce inflammation of muscles and promote muscular recovery.

4. Promotes Better and Longer Sleep

When you lay down to go to sleep, the temperature of your body naturally cools off. Cold temperatures can help you cool down faster, leading to higher quality and long-lasting sleep.

5. Closer Together
One happy family. When it’s colder, we tend to huddle closer like all members of the animal kingdom, the only difference is we would probably be around the kitchen table or in the TV room.

Whether you like it warmer or cooler, it is important that you keep your HVAC system well-maintained so that it can keep you comfortable year-round. If you need help achieving an ideal home temperature, give us a call today.

Ductless Heating & Air Conditioning

/in /by

Most people are familiar with forced-air HVAC systems. The type of system that has a central heating and cooling component and ducts to carry the heated or cooled air throughout the house. A lot of homeowners have become frustrated with these systems due to inconsistent performance, expense of operation, and the dust they tend to distribute as evenly as the air they handle. But what other options do you have?

Ductless Systems

Managing the air in a home with a ductless system is advantageous over a forced-air system for a number of reasons. Whether you’re retrofitting a historic home and don’t want to drop the ceilings to house ductwork, are frustrated with the performance of central air, or tired of the allergen-containing dust that is blown around by them, ductless systems offer highly efficient and customizable performance at reasonable pricing.

A ductless system can save you money in a few ways. Firstly, their efficiency ratings are off the charts. A ductless system will operate with at least a 30% efficiency increase over a forced air system. Secondly, it is very easy to do zone-by-zone environment management by setting the thermostats on the ductless units to different temperatures in different rooms, giving you environment management where you need it. They also do away with the losses incurred as air is moved through a duct, making them even more efficient. Every forced-air system will lose some efficiency to the ducts that carry the air through the home.

An often overlooked benefit to the ductless system is a cleaner environment. They will filter the air in your home much better than a central heating system or a radiator system – which does no filtering at all. For allergy sufferers, the ductless system can make a huge difference in the severity of their symptoms by helping to filter out all the allergens from the air.

This method of heating and cooling is among the most, if not the most, efficient methods of environment management for a home. Their myriad benefits make them an attractive option for just about any home.

If you would like to discuss your options in ductless heating, give us at Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating & Air a call today!

What are the True Benefits of Programmable Thermostats?

/in /by

When you read articles about programmable thermostats promising 10-30 percent reductions in energy usage (a figure that comes from the Environmental Protection Agency), you’re probably skeptical and that’s understandable. It isn’t clear how thermostat technology alone, no matter how responsive and precisely programmable it might be, could cause such a radical reduction in energy consumption.

In fact there have been studies carried out that failed to back up the EPA’s claims. One 2007 research project, for example, found that homeowners who installed ENERGY STAR smart thermostats were only able to reduce their use of natural gas by an average of 6.2 percent per household.

But skepticism about programmable thermostat technology is misdirected. Unfortunately many people who purchase these innovative control devices don’t put enough thought into how they are used, and for this reason their investment doesn’t pay off the way it could or should.

Sound Strategies for Programmable Thermostat Use

If you reduce your thermostat setting by one degree Fahrenheit for eight hours each day in winter, you can cut your total monthly energy usage by one percent. This means a 10 degree reduction for eight hours each day (presumably while you sleep) could reduce your energy consumption by 10 percent, which is in line with the low end of the EPA’s projection.

This is an example of how programmable thermostats can save you money. When you know you’ll be away from home or sleeping you can program your HVAC system to produce lower or higher temperatures than normal, depending on the season. You can also program the system to heat things up or cool them back down again shortly before you wake up or return. This is especially easy to do if you have a thermostat with Wi-Fi capability, since these devices can be remotely programmed from any location (as long as you have a mobile phone or computer access).

The key to successful programmable thermostat use is attention to detail. Set if for one temperature when you’re home, another for when you’re sleeping and another for when you’re away. Plan ahead of time and program your thermostat ahead of time to make sure your time is exact, and don’t start the process of warming up or cooling down the home any earlier than 30 minutes from the time you expect to return home or get up in the morning.

Learn More about Bryant Programmable Thermostats from Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating and Air

If you use your programmable thermostat correctly it will reduce your energy bills, and it will do so consistently and significantly enough to pay off your initial investment many times over.

At Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating and Air we can introduce you to the marvels of Bryant smart thermostat technology, brought to you by the foremost name in the HVAC industry. We are the Bay Area’s premier authorized dealer of Bryant HVAC equipment, and we invite you to contact us today to learn more about their full line of programmable thermostats. Bryant has something for every home and every budget, and when you purchase one of these amazing devices from us quality assurance and perfection in performance are 100 percent guaranteed. We’ll even install your thermostat for you if professional services are required.

Follow us here for insider information that can help you overcome any heating, cooling or plumbing challenges you might face.

How to Select the Right Size Heat Pump

/in /by

There are a variety of factor that go into selecting the right HVAC system. You’ll want to consider the efficiency rating, the installation method and your desired features. Once those have been established, you can select the appropriate size heat pump, whether it be a ground source, water source or air source heat pump.

 

Using the Manual J Method

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America have established a standard sizing practice that the HVAC industry follows throughout the country. This methodology, called the Manual J Method, requires the contractor to follow certain steps in selecting the right size heat pump.

The Manual J Method requires taking eight factors into consideration:

  1. The local climate, and the variation in degrees for heating and cooling in the region.
  2. The home’s design, including the shape of the home and the overall square footage.
  3. The home’s insulation and whether it meets the needed efficiency rating for the particular region.
  4. The number and location of all windows.
  5. The occurrence of air infiltration.
  6. How many individuals live in the home.
  7. The residents’ preferences for indoor temperature, and how they use the home.
  8. Other appliances and lighting that generate heat in the home.

The contractor should consider all these factors in order to appropriately follow the Manual J Method.

 

Why the Size of the Heat Pump Matters

Getting the right size heat pump saves you money on energy costs and helps maintain the longevity of your HVAC system. There are a number of problems that can occur when a system is too big or too small, including:

  • Increased on-and-off cycling, which places stress on the blower motor
  • Drastic and uncomfortable differences in temperature inside the home
  • Ineffective control of humidity indoors
  • Higher energy costs
  • Short-cycling

When you hire a contractor to give you an estimate on an HVAC system, make sure he or she uses the Manual J Method to calculate what size heat pump you need. The contractor should input figures into the software program, as well as ask you questions about your preferences and physically look over your home’s setup. Selecting the right size heat pump will help ensure that your system is being used effectively, which saves you money.

Follow us for additional information on heating, cooling and more.

The Basics About Legionnaires Disease And HVAC Systems

/in /by

All residences and homes have indoor heating and cooling systems have space built in for heating and cooling systems. Once the system is in place, everything can be controlled through a central monitor. Most HVAC firms install the systems according to federal and local regulations. However, problems do happen.

 

Dangers of Poorly-Maintained HVAC Systems

Improperly installed heating and cooling systems do cause problems. For example, on July 13th 2003, doctors were baffled by an outbreak of fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, and headaches. The numbers of patients were so alarming that the CDC was notified. Immediate lab results showed that all patients were suffering from an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease. Director of surveillance and investigations for the Virginia Department of Health, Diane Woolard had stated that the sudden rise in the disease was baffling but it could have been due to improperly installed and maintained heating and cooling systems.

This problem can happen in modern day systems as well. HVAC systems use water in the cooling towers and heating systems of large central air-conditioning and heating systems of buildings. The L. Pneumophila bacterium that causes the disease flourishes in wet environments. Improperly maintained and cleaned HVAC systems will cause water stagnation and the bacteria will flourish in the closed environment. The central ventilation system will then carry this bacterium all over the building resulting in multiple infections. As a result, employers do need to be careful about the HVAC systems and installation companies they use.

 

Modern HVAC Standards

You should know though that most modern HVAC system use state-of-the-art automatic controls that control the entire system. Installers use manual and automatic controls to regulate the temperature, modulate airflow, and ensure proper ventilation. Regular maintenance and calibration is not required but it is a good idea to ensure a patent healthy system. Legally, professionals have to follow ASHRAE 62-1989 standards while designing and installing modern heating and cooling systems. HVAC Systems are also tested according to Standard 52-76 in which the ventilation filters are tested for particulate matter and air filtering efficiency. With these standards, a good HVAC system can filter most particulate matter and ensure better building health.

We know that this is a vast topic but you can always write in to us for more information.