Around the Clock HVAC Blog

Best Ways To Upgrade HVAC Equipment If You Have Extra Cash

Al Uchitel — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:29 +0000

An IRS tax refund or other windfall may leave you wondering what to do with your sudden cash infusion. A vacation or a spin through the closest casino may sound like fun, but the wiser choice would be to use that money to upgrade your home HVAC equipment.

Here are some advantages you can expect from an HVAC upgrade.

Better efficiency: Improved system efficiency will give you noticeable savings on your seasonal utility bills. An Energy Star-certified system can reduce your yearly heating and cooling expenses by as much as 20 percent.
Improved reliability: A new or upgraded system is going to be more reliable than an older system, and it will be more likely to work well even during the high-demand days of summer or winter. Purchase proven brands from well-known manufacturers; these companies will stand behind their products and your local HVAC contractor will be happy to install and service them.
Quiet operation: If your furnace or air conditioner is running loudly, it can be a aggravation. Some systems produce noise at a decibel level similar to a kitchen garbage disposal. When looking for your upgrade, choose a model with features that reduce noise.
Consistent heating and cooling: You want your HVAC system to work consistently, keeping all areas of your house at a similar temperature. Choose a furnace or air conditioner with a two-stage system or a variable-speed blower motor to improve overall temperature consistency.
Improved indoor air quality: Newer HVAC systems are more likely to work well with high-efficiency filters. A whole-house air filtration system, in combination with your upgraded furnace or air conditioner, will keep your home’s air even cleaner.

Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning service since 1967. We serve customers in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Pasadena, Glendale and Santa Monica. Contact us today for expert assistance when you upgrade HVAC equipment.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC equipment and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating services Los Angeles, North Hollywood and the surrounding areas in California. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!

Upgrade image via Shutterstock

Expert Guidance For Buying A Programmable Thermostat

Al Uchitel — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:06 +0000

Every home heating and cooling system needs a reliable thermostat to control its overall operation. Older mercury-switch thermostats were effective, but they served as little more than on/off switches. Modern programmable thermostats give you a much greater range of control over your furnace or air conditioner, allowing you to choose when the unit runs, at what level and for how long.

Programmable thermostats offer pre-programmed and adjustable set points, which are temperature levels at which the system runs less and expends less fuel and electricity. You can use these set points, for example, to reduce how much the system runs when no one is home to need heating or cooling, which saves money and conserves energy. This control flexibility can save you almost a third on your annual heating costs and nearly 25 percent on your cooling expenses.

Consider the following features when buying a programmable thermostat:

Touchscreen control: Simple touchscreen controls give you quick and efficient access to system settings.
Backlit display: This option lights up the control screen so you can see it in low light or with no lights on in the room at all.
Battery operation and backup: Sometimes programmable thermostats can be wired into existing electrical systems. In this case, a battery backup will keep the thermostat’s settings intact even if your home’s power goes out. If the thermostat can’t be connected to existing wiring, a battery-operated model gives you a functional thermostat with flexible options for placement.
Remote programming: A remote-control module lets you change temperature settings or program your thermostat from your bed, couch or other locations.
Indicator lights: Indicator lights can give warnings when, for example, filters need to be changed or when batteries are running low.
Keyboard locks: A locked screen will keep unauthorized users from changing the thermostat settings you’ve selected.

For expert assistance with buying a programmable thermostat for the best home comfort and energy savings, contact us today! Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial HVAC service in the greater Los Angeles area since 1967.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Control Spring Allergies: 5 Options To Improve Indoor Air

Al Uchitel — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:57 +0000

It’s easy to welcome spring after a long winter, but no one can be faulted for dreading the inevitable return of allergy season. Here are five ways to use readily available equipment to keep your indoor air fresher and control spring allergies.

Turn on the air conditioner: Even if the outdoor temperatures don’t quite demand air conditioning yet, you can use the unit to filter your air and reduce the humidity inside your home. When your household air is cleaner, you’ll be exposed to less dust, pollen and particulates. Reduced humidity means less mold growth.
Change your cooling system filters: A dirty air conditioner filter will make the system run poorly, but it will also let more allergens back into your indoor air. Change filters once a month, at least. If you want even better levels of filtration, install a high-efficiency air filter; be sure the filter is compatible with your system.
Use an air cleaner or purifier: Air cleaners and purifiers, when installed within the airflow of your existing cooling system, will make your indoor air even fresher. Depending on the model you choose, these devices are capable of capturing mold spores, bacteria, viruses and other biological contaminants that your regular air conditioner filter might not be able to stop.
Use a germicidal ultraviolet (UV) light: An ultraviolet light destroys potentially harmful living microorganisms and is a powerful defense against allergens. These lights are also installed within the airflow of your cooling system. Exposure to UV light kills mold, bacteria, viruses and other tiny living organisms that aggravate allergies and cause disease.
Vacuum using HEPA filters or double-layer bags: A HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner will capture large amounts of allergens such as dust mites, pet hair and dander, dust and other allergy-causing material. Double-layer bags keep these allergens effectively sealed in and out of your air.

For more information on improving your indoor air to control spring allergies,
contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been a trusted source of residential and commercial HVAC service since 1967, serving customers in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Pasadena, Glendale, and Santa Monica.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Allergens image via Shutterstock

As California’s Weather Heats Up, Maintain Home Energy Efficiency To Boost Savings

Al Uchitel — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:00:58 +0000

While the relatively mild and comparatively short winter in southern California doesn’t require much expense for heating, the many months of cooling season can account for considerable expenditures for indoor home comfort. Here are some suggestions you can use to improve the energy efficiency of your home and save each month on cooling expenses.

Schedule preventive maintenance: Preventive maintenance is critical to keeping your air conditioner or heat pump working efficiently and effectively. A maintenance tune-up will make sure the unit is ready to work and in good operating condition.
Change the filters: Dirty filters are a major cause of air conditioner breakdowns, so replace them frequently. Change them more often if your air conditioner’s performance seems diminished or if there is more dust in your indoor air than usual.
Turn up the temperature: When the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air is smaller, your cooling bills will actually decrease.
Close the drapes: Shut the curtains on windows that let in a lot of direct sunlight. This prevents sunshine from heating the inside of your home.
Seal air and energy leaks: Seal around doors and windows with foam or rubber weatherstripping. Close gaps around glass panes with silicone caulk. Seal any other holes where cool air can escape from your home.
Install and use ceiling fans: A ceiling fan circulates cool air throughout the room and can lower room temperature by as much as seven degrees.
Avoid using ovens: Reduce the use of large kitchen ovens and you’ll eliminate a major source of extra heat in your house. Use microwaves, toaster ovens or countertop grills for meal preparation whenever possible.

Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning service in greater Los Angeles since 1967. Contact us today for information on effectively improving your home energy efficiency and increasing savings on your seasonal utility bills.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

5 Ways To Prepare Your Air Conditioning System For Regular Use

Al Uchitel — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:30 +0000

Before switching on the cool air this summer, there are a few things you should do to make sure your cooling system will provide effective comfort all season long. Here are five things that will get your air conditioning system ready for regular use after its winter hiatus.

Check the unit’s function: Even while sitting idle, things can still go wrong with your air conditioner that cause it to not work. Animal damage, dirty internal parts and cumulative wear and tear can keep it from functioning when you want it to. Set the unit’s thermostat to cooling and turning the unit on for a few minutes. If you don’t get any cool air, contact your local HVAC professional for repair.
Change the filter: Change your air filter at least once every three months to keep the unit operating efficiently and effectively. Change them more often if you are noticing performance issues or more dust or particulates than usual in your indoor air. Dirty filters are a prime cause of air conditioner breakdowns, so if in doubt, change the filter.
Clean the unit: Clean the outside and inside of your air conditioner, especially the outdoor unit. Clear away accumulated dirt, leaves, twigs, grass and other yard debris from the exterior and from top and side grilles. Wipe down the case with soft cloth and mild cleaner. Brush away debris from inside the casing.
Trim the trees: Make sure there is at least two feet of clearance on all sides of the outdoor unit. Trim nearby tree limbs, bushes, shrubs and other vegetation.
Get maintenance: Schedule professional preventive maintenance for your air conditioner. Your HVAC service technician will make sure your cooling system is in top operating condition and that all components are clean, secure and working properly.

Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. has served customers in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Pasadena, Glendale and Santa Monica since 1967. Contact us today for information on pre-season maintenance and getting your air conditioning system ready to keep you cool all summer.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioning systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Maintenance Man image via Shutterstock

Lifetime Costs Of Solar Systems Make Them A Valuable Addition To Any Home

Al Uchitel — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:00:29 +0000

Despite the larger initial investment, the lifetime costs of solar power systems make them very cost-effective choices for home energy needs.

Solar power systems offer many advantages for the Los Angeles-area homeowner. Sunshine, their main source of energy, is plentiful, freely available and constantly renewable.

Solar power is also clean and environmentally friendly. It reduces your reliance on the general power grid and lowers consumption of energy produced by sources such as fossil fuels. Since you generate a large portion of your own power, you don’t need to buy as much energy from the local electric company.

Solar power systems can also qualify for various tax incentives. For example, the U.S. government offers federal income tax credits for the purchase of solar power and solar water heating systems. The credits, in effect until the end of 2016, amount to 30 percent of the cost of the solar equipment, with no upper limit.

A life cycle cost analysis will help put the lifetime costs of solar power in perspective. This analysis will give you a clear picture of how much you are likely to save on your electricity and energy needs over the useful life of your solar equipment. It accounts for three significant factors:

Cost and benefits of ownership – This includes the initial price, possible expenses related to the system over time and intangible non-monetary benefits such as improved performance or quieter operation.
Time period – This covers the amount of time the system is owned and operated, most often 20 years or more.
Discount rates – Rates determined by the U.S. Department of Energy that apply to future operation costs in comparison with current costs. Discount rates take into account changes in the economy, cost increases and differences in buying power.

Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial HVAC service in the greater Los Angeles area since 1967. Contact us today for more information on the benefits of solar power systems, to get an estimate or to schedule an installation.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about solar and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

A 5-Step Guide To Planning For Solar

Al Uchitel — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:00:49 +0000

By adding a solar power system to your home to supplement your normal electricity consumption, you are taking an effective step toward lowering your utility bills, decreasing your energy consumption and improving the environment for you and your community. Solar power is clean, perpetually renewable, reliable and free, and it offers you a genuinely effective and efficient alternative to traditional energy sources.

Here are five important steps to take when planning for solar power system installation.

Check your roof to ensure it gets enough sunshine. An abundance of direct sunlight will ensure your solar power system works at its best and generates the most electricity possible. Place solar power modules on roofs with southern exposure, as they are more likely to get the correct amount of sunshine. Make sure there aren’t too many trees, chimneys or other structures that could block sunlight.
Make sure your roof can hold all the solar power modules you want to install. Each module requires about 15 square feet of space. More modules will generate more power, but you’ll be limited by the amount of space available.
Make sure your neighborhood organization, homeowners’ association or municipality has placed no restrictions on installing solar equipment. There may be limitations on the type, number or placement of solar units.
Ensure your solar power system complies with local utility service specifications, building and electrical codes, and other relevant standards for power generation and connection to the power grid. Confirm proper utility service and electrical wiring compliance.
See if your local utility company offers any solar-based programs, rebates or other incentives. In some cases, local utilities may give credits for the energy your solar system generates. The U.S. government offers tax credits on solar power and water heating systems until the end of 2016.

Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning service in the greater Los Angeles area since 1967. Contact us today for more information on planning for solar power systems, to get an estimate or to schedule an installation.

Solar image via Shutterstock

Why You Should Get An Air Conditioner Tune-Up Before The Cooling Season Begins

Al Uchitel — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:58 +0000

Before you turn on your air conditioner after its winter downtime, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional air conditioner tune-up by a trusted local HVAC contractor. A pre-season tune-up and maintenance check will improve your cooling system’s efficiency and ensure reliable performance all season long.

When conducting the tune-up, your HVAC technician will be concerned with finding broken or malfunctioning parts, improving the overall performance of the system and fixing small problems before they have a chance to blossom into serious performance issues that can cause breakdowns or total system failure.

Professional HVAC technicians will do such things as:

Fill refrigerant to manufacturer-specified levels and check for leaks
Inspect and seal ducts to prevent air and energy loss
Service and maintain electrical connections
Lubricate fans, motors and moving parts
Check belts for tightness and overall condition
Check and calibrate thermostat

Regular preventive maintenance will help keep your air conditioner operating at its highest level of efficiency even as the system accumulates wear and age. By scheduling tune-ups at least annually, you can expect to see minimal drops in efficiency. Preventive maintenance can sustain an air conditioner’s performance by as much as 95 percent of its original efficiency.

Keep in mind that demands on your local HVAC expert’s time will increase as heating season gets closer. To avoid long waits and delays before maintenance visits, schedule your air conditioner tune-up as far in advance as possible.

Remember, too, that there are a few tune-up tasks you can perform yourself. You can change the unit’s filter, clean vents and grilles, wipe down the outdoor part of the air conditioning system and trim vegetation away from the external unit. By doing these chores yourself, you can maximize system efficiency all season long.

Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial HVAC service since 1967. We serve customers in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Pasadena, Glendale and Santa Monica. Contact us today for more information on pre-season maintenance or to schedule an appointment for a professional air conditioner tune-up.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioner tune-ups and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Homeowners With A Red-Tagged Furnace Should Follow These Steps

Al Uchitel — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:08 +0000

During a maintenance service call or utility company inspection, your furnace may earn the unfortunate status of being red-tagged. A furnace is red-tagged when an HVAC or utility professional finds a dangerous safety problem such as a cracked or damaged heat exchanger. Red-tagged furnaces cannot be operated until the problem is fixed.

Red-tagging may seem drastic, but it is done only when the furnace presents an immediate threat to health and safety. The broken heat exchanger could allow deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak back into your home’s living environment. A major leak of this substance, especially during the night when you and your family are sleeping, could result in death.

It most cases, it’s cheaper to completely replace a red-tagged furnace than to fix or replace a heat exchanger. When looking for a new furnace to replace your red-tagged unit, you should:

Contact your trusted local HVAC contractor for selection and installation. If using a contractor you’re not familiar with, check their references and licensing, ask about their experience and check with your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Look for a unit with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This number represents how much energy in the fuel is converted to heat that can actually be used. High-efficiency units have high AFUE numbers—usually 90 or above.
Make sure the new unit is correctly sized for your home. A furnace that is too small won’t heat properly, while a too-large unit will overheat and waste money and energy.
Use the replacement as an opportunity to check the ductwork and fix loose sections, air and energy leaks, damaged areas or other problems that could reduce the furnace’s efficiency and decrease your indoor comfort level.

If you’ve found yourself with a red-tagged furnace, the experts at Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating can help. We’ve been serving residents of the greater Los Angeles area since 1967. Contact us today!

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Maintenance Checklist image via Shutterstock

Water Heating: A How-To Guide To Maximizing Savings

Al Uchitel — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:00:32 +0000

In the average American household, water heating accounts for as much as 25 percent of monthly energy purchases. However, you shouldn’t have to worry about how much you’re increasing your utility bills every time you reach for the faucet handle. Here are some effective ways to make the most efficient use of your hot water supply while maximizing savings on this necessity.

Fix leaks: Leaks in your hot water system will quickly waste large amounts of water and energy. Check for and fix leaks near the heater or anywhere along the supply pipes. Repair leaky faucets as quickly as possible.
Insulate: Insulate the pipes and storage tank on your hot water heater. Your hardware store or HVAC supplier should have insulating sheaths made for this purpose. Do not cover the thermostat on electric units, and do not cover the top, bottom, thermostat or burner chamber on gas or oil models.
Use low-flow fixtures: Low-flow faucets and plumbing fixtures reduce water use by 25-60 percent while still giving you plenty of water for your needs. Shower heads should have a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Flow rates for kitchen faucets should be below 2.2 gpm, while bathroom fixtures should fall between 0.5-1.5 gpm.
Reduce hot water temperature: In most cases, a lower hot-water temperature will still be sufficient for household needs. Turn the thermostat down a few degrees to improve savings.
Drain sediments: Every three months, drain a quart or more of water from the hot water heater to remove sediments that reduce the unit’s efficiency. Follow manufacturer instructions for draining.
Install a more efficient unit: Installing a high-efficiency water heater will reduce your utility expenses dramatically. These units can be expensive, but the savings they provide will be noticed immediately and will add up quickly.

For more information on how to better manage your water hating costs for maximize savings, speak to the experts at Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ve served greater Los Angeles-area residents since 1967. Contact us today!

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about water heating and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.