3 Tips for Picking the Most Efficient Heating System

Name: American Cool and Heat
Address: 1349 N. Columbus Av, Glendale, 91202, US
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The heating system keeps your home comfortable during winter. Unfortunately, it’s one of the most expensive components in your house. For that reason, energy-efficient Glendale heating is a huge consideration if you wish to keep the overall cost down. In this post, you’ll learn how to choose the most energy-efficient unit you can install in your home.

1. Understanding Glendale Heating System

To know how efficient the heating system is, you must first understand how it is rated by efficiency. The heating system uses Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) to measure the percentage of energy use that goes into heating the home. A furnace that has 85 AFUE means that every dollar spent on energy, 85 cents of it comes from heating the home. On the other hand, heating pumps aren’t rated by AFUE. Rather, it’s rated by HSPF. It represents total heat output. To know what heating system your house is using, ask an HVAC technician.

2. Knowing Which is More Cost-Efficient: Heat Pumps or Furnaces?

Heating systems work differently. But there are two main types of heating systems in Glendale homes.

Heat pumps. They are more energy-efficient. This system uses different ways to heat and cool the air in the house. It uses refrigerant to cool the air when it’s in cooling mode. It extracts heat from air when it’s in heating mode. Because of that, a heat pump doesn’t fare well in colder climates.
Furnaces. They are the most common heating system in LA. Their efficiencies vary widely. Newer units are highly efficient. They also run on gas, electricity, or oil. The cheapest one to operate is a gas furnace. However, it’s not as efficient as air-source heat pumps.

Between the two main types, though, it’s difficult to say which one you must choose when it comes to energy efficiency. But the rule of thumb here is that the more modern the system is the more energy-efficient it will be. When you choose to use a furnace heating system, you need to opt for an AFUE. If you pick geothermal heat pumps, they can significantly lower your energy bills. however, their installation cost can be quite expensive.

3. Maintaining the Heating System

But no matter how efficient your system is, its efficiency goes down every time you use it. Hence, it’s vital to regularly maintain it. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that all components of the systems are checked for any issues. And if there are issues, the technicians will patch them to prevent them from getting worse.

You should not wait for your heating system to shut down before you have it serviced. Instead, you need to service it once a year. How often to service it depends on how you use it. But once a year is reasonable.

To know more about regular Glendale heating maintenance and find out which system is better for your house, then give us a call to get a free estimate: (818) 722-8634.

Things You Must Know About Changing Central Heating Filters

The central heating in Burbank is one of the most vital appliances. It can provide your home warmer, more comfortable temperature during winter. However, this system will fail to provide you with the right temperature if you don’t change its filters regularly. Yes, the filters need changing. When should you do it? You’re going to find out below.

What is the Purpose of Filters in Your Central Heating in Burbank?

Filters are vital to your central heating system. They are designed to filter dust, pet dander, and fungal spores. These filters prevent these particulates and pollutants from entering the system and being distributed to the rooms. Unfortunately, they can accumulate easily if you don’t change them regularly. If the filters aren’t changed, the air can’t pass through and some pollutants can get through the mesh. As a result, they can harm indoor air quality.

How Often to Replace the Filters?

The general rule is to change them every six months and clean them every week or month. However, it all depends on your manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have pets in your house, you need to clean or replace the filter more frequently. And if you smoke or someone in your house smokes, you should change it more often. If you’re not sure how frequently to change the filters, make sure to ask our technicians during the periodic maintenance visits.

Signs You Need to Change or Replace Filters

You should make sure that you follow the regular replacement or cleaning schedule of your central heating. However, there are times that you can’t just follow it for some reason. Thus, you must know the signs that your system needs a new filter. One of the most obvious signs you need to recognize is that the filter is visibly dirty. If it is, then it simply indicates that you need to replace or clean it ASAP.

Another sign of filter replacement or cleaning is that you notice a huge difference in airflow. For instance, if the system is on but it’s still chilly inside, then the likely culprit for this issue is the filter. Go ahead and check it to find out if the filter is clogged or dirty. Make sure to replace it.

Call Professional Technicians

Although there are things that you can do on your own to maintain your heating system, you will still need HVAC professionals to check the heating unit. The professionals will perform a thorough assessment of your system to ensure that every part of it functions properly.

Hire a Top-Rated HVAC Company in LA

To ensure that your central heating works efficiently and properly every time you turn it on, you need to tune it up. But you must only hire top-rated professionals to do it. This will guarantee that your system is always in tip-top shape.

Call American Clean Air and Heating if you need repair or tune-up for your central heating in Burbank. Please dial (818) 722-8634.

Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Central Heating

Your central heating in Burbank will give you a comfortable temperature when you come home on a winter night. But what happens iif it no longer works? You don’t want that to happen. It’s everyone’s nightmare. You want to be prepared for it. So, what can you do to increase the life of your central heating and avoid coming home, finding out that it’s on its deathbed?

Replace the Air filter of Central Heating in Burbank

If its air filter looks dusty, then it’s time to replace it. The air filter causes the heating system to blow cold air. If you don’t replace or clean it regularly, it’ll drain its life out. Keep in mind that its function is to clean the air and prevent dirt and debris from entering the system.

However, if dirt starts to cover the filter, the central heating starts to work harder to move air. It also causes less air to move through the system. As a result, it needs to run longer to raise the temperature. Thus, it’s pertinent that you clean and check your air filter regularly. After cleaning it, you’re allowing the system to blow warm air in the winter.

Fix Air Leaks

Your central heating works hard to produce warm air. However, if there are air leaks, they can rob you of the warm air you need during winter. Unfortunately, they don’t just drain your home’s warm air but it also forces the system from working harder and longer. As a result, it increases wear and tear, thereby, reducing its lifespan.

There are various parts of your house that warm air can leak. Check your windows, walls, front doors, and kitchen vents. They are typically the culprits in allowing air to escape. Thus, it’s important to ensure that your home is properly sealed and insulated. This will help in improving the comfort of your home. Talk to our HVAC technician to patch the air leaks.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

When your central heating works hard all the time, it leads to the premature death of your system. Even if you are toasty warm now, when you let the system work harder than it should, you’re only shortening its life. The best thing that you can do is to start creating a balance in how you use it. To create a balance, you may install a smart, programmable thermostat.

It controls the usage of your heating system. When no one is around, it automatically turns the heat down. You can also find a thermostat that reacts to movement, creates schedules on the fly, and comes with a smart control through your phone.

Schedule Maintenance

If you want to extend the life of your central heating, you need to have it maintained regularly. During regular maintenance, our HVAC technician will run a thorough check of your central heating in Burbank to ensure that it doesn’t have issues. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance with us: (818) 722-8634.

What are the Different Types of Heating?

Central heating in Glendale is no longer the heating system that was originally designed in 1919. Nowadays, the heating solutions in your house can be big or small, depending on your needs. Unfortunately, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult for you to decide which heating system is ideal for you. Keep reading to know the different types of heating.

Furnace Heating in Glendale

It’s the most common type in the US. This type of system includes a furnace and blower fan. The furnace treats the air while the fan distributes the treated air through ductwork. This type of system can be powered by electricity, fuel oil, propane, or natural gas. It can be installed anywhere but it’s typically placed in the attic. Many homeowners would opt for this type of heating because it’s relatively low cost.

Boiler

This type of heating is slowly becoming antiquated. However, if you live in an older Southern California home, your house is likely using a boiler or radiation distribution system. But you may also see it in an older apartment building where one radiator is required to heat a small area. This type of heating uses hot water to heat the home. It brings cold water, heat, and treat it. Then, it is sent to connected radiators to be dissolved into the air. This system utilizes pipes to send heat-treated water to the home. Unfortunately, heating your home with this type of system can take a lot of time.

Heat Pump

It’s a relatively new heating system. It works similarly to an AC. That is, it extracts heat from the air before distributing it through your home with an air handler. It uses refrigerant to pull warmth from the air and distribute it to your home. Because of how it works, heating your home with this system is more efficient. This system doesn’t involve gas. Instead, it uses electricity. Thus, if you wish to cut down on the gas bill, this might be a good option. However, this is ideal if you live in Southern California or places with moderate climates. It doesn’t do well in areas where the weather can go below freezing.

Ductless

It has become more common today. It has two components that work together. The outside component is a condenser while the inside part is an air handler that cycles the air. You can connect different air handlers to just a single condenser. This is ideal if you have existing ductwork. You can use it in an older building. It doesn’t utilize any pipe or duct. However, the price tag of owning it can discourage you.

Do You Want to Install a Heating System in Your Home?

The best heating in Glendale will depend on the type of house you’re living in. Call our HVAC experts to find out what type of heating is best for your current living condition. Please dial: (818) 722-8634.

What are the Dangers of DIY Heating Repair?

Long Beach heating repair must only be done by a professional. Sure, you can find a video tutorial online that teaches you how to fix your heating system. The problem is the same issue you’re facing. Even though the heating unit in the video isn’t the same model, you still want to try and follow the solution provided. The video may seem easy to follow. But you need to stop right there.

Why Long Beach Heating Repair isn’t a DIY Job?

You might have pulled off a DIY job before. Perhaps, you have managed to fix a leaking faucet. But the HVAC system isn’t a simple one. That’s why repairing it must not be treated as a DIY job. However, if you insist on repairing the system on your own, you must be aware of the dangers you will face.

Carbon Monoxide Exposure

If your heating system is gas-powered, you must know that several things can go wrong with gas lines. Trying to repair your furnace yourself could easily lead to a harmful gas leak. There’s a reason HVAC technicians took years of training to work on this type of system. If you don’t have any experience in dealing with gas lines, you are exposing your family to dangers, such as carbon monoxide exposure.

According to Mayo Clinic, “Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death.”

Before you repair your HVAC on your own, you should think about this danger first. Don’t put yourself at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning because you want to save money. It’s better to call a professional. And have the issue repaired properly and safely.

Injuries

You’re not a fully trained professional. Thus, even if you have found a video that thoroughly explains what to do to fix the issue, you are still likely to cause more harm than good to the system. Keep in mind that if the repair is done incorrectly, it can lead to injury. You will end up hurting yourself. It’s best to just leave it to the professionals as they know what to do to fix the issue without harming anyone.

Electrical Hazards

Even if the furnace is gas-powered, there are still electrical components involved in the system. Because of these components, you are likely to run into electrical hazards. Shorted wire, for instance, can easily electrocute you. But a professional HVAC can take precautions and avoid those hazards.

Don’t Attempt to Solve It

It’s not a good idea to perform a heating repair in Long Beach. Please heed the dangers mentioned above before you try to repair the heating on your own. Call our professionals today to schedule a repair appointment: (818) 722-8634.

What are the Reasons for Uneven Home Temperatures?

Is your Glendale house dealing with uneven temperatures? How long has it been going on? If there’s a room in your house that feels like you’re inside a refrigerator, then it’s a sign that you need to call a Glendale heating repair service. Having uneven temperatures is simply unacceptable. The good thing is that American Cool and Heat can solve it for you.

How Can Glendale Heating Repair Solve Uneven Temperatures?

The solution will depend on the reason. To know the reason, our HVAC technician will perform a home energy audit. This process requires assessing your home and auditing the areas in the house with energy loss opportunities. Your house might have drafty doors or windows. The HVAC ductwork might be leaking. Keep reading to know more.

Leaky Air Ducts

They create several numbers for your house. And it’s one of the things that HVAC professionals will look into. A ductwork leak can result in one of the rooms receiving insufficient heat. Fix the leaky air ducts by calling our professionals.

Zone Control Issue

Zone control is a ductwork system. It has dampers that enable the heating system to heat an area of the house called a zone without affecting another area of the home. Unfortunately, a damper can get stuck. As a result, the room that needs heating isn’t getting it.

Clogged Air Filter

Air filters are prone to clogging. Clogged air filters can cause multiple problems. Remember that air filters block due, dirt, and other debris. If they are clogged, they can perform their function properly. They can restrict airflow causing the system to run longer to achieve the desired temperatures. As it runs longer, though, it makes the system inefficient. The warm air won’t reach all rooms of your house that’s why you experience uneven home temperatures.

Thermostat Trouble

When the heating system’s thermostat senses incorrect temperatures, it causes the heater to run for too long. This situation can be alleviated by a simple calibration. It’s a quick fix. However, in some cases, the error is a sign of a connection problem between the heater and the thermostat. There’s no quick fix to it. You can’t just calibrate it. Instead, you need a professional to troubleshoot the misbehaving thermostat.

Frequent On and Off

Short-cycling is the process that involves the HVAC system to cycle on and off frequently instead of undergoing regal heating cycles. Unfortunately, this short-cycling is inefficient. It can lead to uneven temperatures. If your system is short-cycling, it’s best to call a professional to resolve the issue.

The Result of Lack of Furnace Maintenance

Call a Reliable Professional

There are other reasons the heating system in your Glendale home is causing uneven temperatures. Call our Glendale heating team today to schedule a repair or home energy audit. Please dial (818) 722-8634.

Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks in Your Heating System

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. This gas is found in any Glendale heating system. It can be deadly if you inhale it. That’s why there are carbon monoxide detectors in place to detect it right away. For this gas to make its way to your Glendale home is through a leak in your heating system. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent it from happening.

What are the Ways to Prevent Leaks in Your Heating System in Glendale?

Annual Maintenance

There are regular maintenance procedures that you can do on your own. However, you still need to hire an HVAC contractor to perform yearly maintenance on your heating system. A contractor is highly trained to ensure proper cleaning of the furnace. The technician will also check the system for any cracks and leaks.

If the technician finds leaks, a repair must be done immediately. Don’t use your heating system without first addressing the leaks. You should also not attempt to repair the leaks yourself.

Install Detectors in Your Home

There are different models of carbon monoxide detectors available on the market. However, you should consider getting a model that can detect even the smallest trace of gas leaks. And when you install it, consider installing a few around your house and not just in one place. The ideal places are near your bedrooms.

Replace Filter Regularly

Carbon monoxide leaks can arise if there’s a backup of airflow in the heating system. This can be easily prevented by changing the air filter regularly. How often you need to change it will depend on how you use the furnace throughout the heating season. It can be every few weeks. You may check the instructions of your heating unit’s manufacturer. Replacing the filter is necessary to prevent leaks and you can breathe easily.

Check the Installation

In some cases, the leaks are the result of incorrect insulation of the heating system. If the blower motor wasn’t installed properly, problems could arise and one of them is venting carbon monoxide. For that reason, it’s always ideal to have the heating system installed by a qualified professional. In that way, the installation is done properly and you won’t face any issues with the system later on.

Avoid Vent-Free Gas Fireplaces

Venting carbon monoxide out of your home may be necessary so that none of the gas enters your living space. It’s necessary to have exhaust so that the poisonous fumes that the fuel burned would be released to the outdoors. But this isn’t possible if you choose a ventless gas fireplace. If your home has a vent-free heating system, make sure to replace it right away.

Take the Necessary Steps

You can protect your Glendale home from carbon monoxide leaks by ensuring that the heating system is working properly. To avoid carbon monoxide leaks from your Glendale heating system, make sure to follow the tips above. Or schedule an HVAC contractor for repair or yearly maintenance: (818) 722-8634.

Is Heating Maintenance Plan Worth It? (Or Should You Skip)

Yes, the Glendale heating maintenance plan is worth every penny. The reason for this is that it helps you prevent costly repairs in the future. The benefits of it can be worth the cost because its goal is to protect your home from any unexpected repairs and replacements.

What Does Glendale Heating Maintenance Plan Include?

After getting a new HVAC system, you may be offered a service contract. This contract is an agreement where you pay a fee to get ongoing HVAC services from the service provider. But what are the services included in the plan?

Tune-ups
Seasonal maintenance
Parts and services
Priority treatment
Checkups

The services included will depend on the provider.

Why Do You Need Heating Maintenance?

The maintenance will ensure that you get seasonal and yearly tune-ups and check-ups. These services are needed to keep you and your family toasty warm in the winter. Heating maintenance is the best way to prevent any heating issues to occur. Allowing professionals to inspect the system regularly will help find a small issue before it gets severe. Regular cleaning ensures that you and your family have a healthier environment. Here are the main benefits of signing up for heating maintenance:

Prevent breakdown
Replace dirty filters
Maintain an energy-efficient system
Find small issues before they blow up

Does it Cost More Than Repairs?

One of the reasons many homeowners skip heating maintenance is the cost. Depending on the services included in the plan, the cost can go from $150 to $500 a year. It’s easy to see why homeowners would wait for their heating system breaks down before they call a maintenance service or repair.

However, if you have a new heating system, you must remember that you will risk losing the warranty if you fail to follow a maintenance procedure. Many manufacturers of an HVAC unit require a maintenance service contract as a term of the warranty. Thus, before you skip this service, you need to read the fine print. Otherwise, you may lose the warranty and risk spending more on costly heating repairs.

But before you even buy a service contract, you need to check the company’s reputation before signing. You should only sign up for a maintenance service contract being offered by a trustworthy company. You can easily review the company’s reputation by reading its reviews online. Even if the company has positive reviews, you still need to verify the company’s reputation by asking plenty of questions. This will ensure that it has the right equipment to perform maintenance tasks properly.

Should You Obtain a Heating Maintenance Plan?

Yes, you should. It’s like having insurance. Although there’s no guarantee that you’ll be using all of the services included in the plan, you’ll be relieved knowing that it’s there when you need it. To know more about the Glendale heating maintenance plan, please call American Clean Air and Heating today at (818) 722-8634.

Do I need Furnace Service Every Year?

Whether you like it or not, you would need furnace service in Los Angeles every year. You may be surprised but it has to happen to ensure that the system works properly when you need it most — in the winter. Keep in mind that when the damp winter months arrive in LA, you will be busy looking for ways to stay warm. And if you can’t trust your furnace, then you won’t be comfortable in your home.

Issues When You Don’t Use Furnace Service in Los Angeles Every Year

Dirty Filters

A clogged-up filter can cause issues with your heating system because it forces the furnace to work harder than it should just to keep you warm at home. Because it works harder, it can break down sooner. When you call in for furnace service, the technicians will change up the filter. American Clean Air and Heating offers a worry-free maintenance plan and it includes regular filter changes.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

It’s a dangerous issue if you don’t service your gas furnace every year. The heat exchanger is prone to crack. If that happens, it could leak toxins, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. When you inhale them in large quantities, they could endanger your and your family’s health. This problem typically arises when the filter is clogged as it restricts airflow. However, other problems may also cause it. If your furnace is serviced regularly, this problem won’t arise. During furnace service, the technicians will inspect the heat exchanger and make sure that there are no cracks in it.

Health Issues

The furnace should distribute clean, warm air. But if you’re breathing dirty air, it can cause a variety of health issues. Unfortunately, if you are prone to asthma, allergies, and other breathing problems, dirty air can inflame your lungs and trigger an allergy attack. But if you have it serviced every year, your furnace will be clean, allowing it to distribute clean indoor air that’s safe for you and your family.

Insufficient Warm Air

It’s a common issue experienced by a furnace that’s not properly maintained. If it’s not cleaned properly, your furnace won’t provide the warm air that you need for your home this winter.

When is the Best Time to Hire Furnace Service?

Furnace service is crucial to keep you warm in winter. But when is the best time to have it serviced? The most appropriate time is before the winter to ensure that the filter is clean, so it’s free of any dirt, dander, and other particulate matters. Furthermore, the technicians will inspect the furnace to find issues that can become too big to manage later on. Although furnace service is necessary once a year, you can have it cleaned and maintained twice a year. That is, after the winter, you may choose a furnace service to clean everything that has accumulated in the furnace over the winter.

Call a Furnace Technicians

Cleaning the furnace requires the expertise of a professional. To hire a furnace service in Los Angeles, call our top-rated air and heating company at (818) 722-8634.

Who Can Repair Heating in Long Beach?

Any company that offers air and heating repair service can fix your heating system. Unfortunately, not all Long Beach heating repair companies offer the best options for homeowners. For that reason, we’ve highlighted the tips below on how to pick the right technician to repair your heating system.

Tips to Consider Before Hiring a Long Beach Heating Repair Company or Technician

Know More About Your Heater

You don’t have to enroll in a class just to get a complete knowledge of your heater. However, you need to know the basic details of your heating system. These details would include brand, model, and maintenance history. They are vital because technicians will ask you about these when you call them in. Being familiar with your heating unit will also help you easily diagnose small issues. Yes, there are issues that your heating system may experience, which don’t require a technician. However, it is important to remember that you only repair it if the problem is not tricky. If it requires that you open the unit and expose its internal components, then it means you have to contact a reliable heating repair company or technician.

Ask for Recommendations

Your friends, colleagues, and family members might know of a reliable company that offers heating repair. Or you can search for such a company online by reading reviews and ratings. Make sure to read the reviews of the company’s actual customers to get a feel of what your experience will be like when you hire it. Before you decide which company to hire to repair your heating system, make sure to review up to three technicians. Compare their services and costs before finding the most suitable one.

Choose the Company with the Most Experience

Although you should not dismiss a company with only one year of experience, an experienced company or technician can provide you with better services. When perusing one company from another, you need to uncover the basic details, such as its area of expertise and how long it has been in the business. It’s great if the company that has worked on a heating unit that’s similar to yours. In that way, you can be sure that it can completely repair your heater with no difficulty.

Opt for Licensed and Insured

The license and insurance can make a huge difference. Keep in mind that repairing your heating unit can be tricky. If the technician is injured while working on it, you might be liable for his injury if the repairman doesn’t have a license or insurance. Even though the technician can show you the license or insurance, make sure that it’s active.

Know the Repair Cost

Any reliable heating repair technician can give you a proper estimate on how much it will cost to repair your unit. Make sure that the estimate includes the labor and material costs. You must not pick a technician that offers the cheapest quote. The reason for this is that it’s likely the technician is still new or unskilled.

Who To Call?

To save you from trouble, you may dial this number if you are looking for a reliable Long Beach heating repair technician: (818) 722-8634.