Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

A Guide to AC Repair or Replacement

Monday, February 13th, 2023

When contemplating calling for air conditioner repairs, homeowners often are not sure if the system is not working properly or if it is time to schedule service. Common signs include warm air, weak cooling, and strange noises or odors from the unit, all of which can signal the need for professional troubleshooting before bigger problems develop.

For non-emergency repairs, it is easy to ignore small signs that your air conditioner needs help, but delaying service can lead to higher repair costs and more system damage. In this blog post, let’s go over the factors that professional HVAC technicians take into consideration when determining if air conditioning repair or replacement is needed, and how prompt repair can restore comfort and help prevent major damage.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair
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What Is SEER2 and Why It Impacts Your Next AC Installation

Monday, December 5th, 2022

The thought of replacing an air conditioner is already a daunting one. There are many factors to consider in order to find a system that will meet your family’s needs, all while staying within your budget.

To complicate matters even further, there are new Department of Energy (DOE) regulations to consider. New energy-efficiency standards that will take effect in 2023 have impacted air conditioner manufacturers and, as a result, consumers.

If you’re considering replacing your air conditioner, learn what these new SEER2 regulations entail, and how they impact your options when it comes to your next air conditioning installation in Concord, CA.

Tags: air conditioning installation, Concord
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As the Season Ends, What Grade Should You Give Your AC?

Monday, November 21st, 2022

November is here and with its arrival comes the cooler weather. As you get used to the change in seasons, it’s a good time to evaluate the performance of your HVAC in Walnut Creek, CA during the previous summer.

You might be wondering why you should be giving any thought to your air conditioner. After all, it’s November. But with the warmer winters we’ve been having, you may find there are days when you’ll need to switch on the AC.

Assessing how well your air conditioner performed over the summer is a great way to determine if you should schedule repairs or maintenance now. You can assess it by grading its performance and then decide how to proceed to ensure reliable cooling from your AC if you need it this winter.

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Don’t Ignore These End-Of-Season AC Problems

Monday, November 7th, 2022

Despite the warm fall weather, you’ve possibly made the transition from using your air conditioner to using your heater. But that doesn’t mean some unseasonably hot days aren’t on the horizon.

Scheduling maintenance for your air conditioner isn’t something many people think about this time of year. But your air conditioner has been working hard all summer to keep your home cool and comfortable through high temperatures. That wear and tear can begin to show in the fall.

Tags: AC Repair, Brentwood
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Why You Should Consider Professional Duct Sealing

Monday, October 24th, 2022

As homeowners, it seems like home maintenance tasks are never-ending. Ensuring that your home systems are all running smoothly and efficiently is something that not everyone has the time or energy for. And yet, prioritizing routine maintenance can save you time, energy, and money in the long run.

Your HVAC system’s ductwork is one of those home maintenance items that you might want to pay special attention to sooner rather than later. Your ductwork plays a vital role in the functionality of your HVAC system. Leaky ducts not only waste energy, but they also take a toll on the longevity of your entire HVAC system.

Tags: Concord, duct sealing
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Why You Should Replace Your Old AC Now

Monday, October 10th, 2022

two-technicians-working-on-air-conditioner

Do you have an aging air conditioner in place currently? When we say aging, we mean a system that is a decade old, or older. The average useful service life of a well-maintained air conditioner is about 10-15 years, and once it reaches past this point it will start to work less efficiently, have more frequent repair needs and breakdowns, and ultimately cost you more to run than it’s worth.

Still though, if your air conditioner is working “okay,” you might be tempted to put off thinking about an air conditioning installation in Orinda, CA for at least another year or two. Unfortunately, this may end up being a mistake for you financially. Why? Because of an updated mandate by the U.S. Department of Energy known as the SEER2 update. Read on to learn more about this, and what it means for AC costs and your wallet.

Tags: air conditioning installation, Orinda
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Heed These Signs That You Need AC Repairs

Monday, September 26th, 2022

Imagine your AC unit going out on the hottest day of the year. You’d probably be quite upset.

However, AC units rarely just quit working out of nowhere. There are usually warning signs that something isn’t right. Homeowners may not notice them or may ignore them, hoping they’ll go away.

But if you want to avoid a super hot catastrophe, you should heed these signs that you need AC repairs.

Tags: AC Repair, Orinda
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Why You Need to Change Your AC Filter Regularly

Monday, September 12th, 2022

In our previous blog post, we talked about the difference between an air filter and an air filtration system. We mentioned how an HVAC air filter is not enough to improve your indoor air quality. But that doesn’t mean that your air filter doesn’t have a very important job! It is tasked with keeping debris out of the system, helping it to perform at its best.

Changing the air filter has a huge impact on your air conditioner, contributing to its effectiveness, efficiency, and even longevity. Read on to learn just why you need to change your air conditioner’s filter on a regular basis (every 1-3 months during periods of system use).

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“Do I Need to Worry about Insulation in the Summer?”

Monday, August 1st, 2022

If you’re like the average homeowner, you probably associate insulation with cold weather, right? We don’t blame you if you do! After all, it’s wintertime when we want and need to be protected from the cold, and more insulation will help you get that protection. While it may not get as bitterly cold here as it does in other parts of the country, we want to stay warm too!

Insulation is about more than protecting you from the cold, though. It actually benefits your comfort just as much in the summertime as it does during the winter. This is because the job of insulation is to block heat transfer, whether in or out. Read on to learn more!

Tags: Concord, insulation services
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Call Us If You Hear This From Your AC…

Monday, July 18th, 2022

two-smiling-ac-technicians-standing-over-ac-outdoor-unit-looking-at-mobile-tablet

With heat waves here and more expected this summer, now is the time to make sure that your air conditioner is in great shape and able to handle any hot temperatures that come its way.

Hopefully, you’ve already had springtime maintenance done for your air conditioner. Maintenance allows our technicians to comprehensively inspect, clean, and adjust the components that need it. All of this helps your air conditioner operate as efficiently and effectively as possible, for as long as possible.

Maintenance tune-ups prevent up to 85% of repair needs, helps your system retain up to 95% of its original efficiency rating throughout its lifetime, and helps ensure that your air conditioner can actually last its intended lifespan (10-15 years).

The good news is, it’s not too late to schedule this service! This is definitely a case of “better late than never.” In the meantime, it’s always a good idea to be aware of what noises are abnormal when your AC is running. If you hear any of these, whether you skipped maintenance or are diligent about having it done annually, it’s time to give us a call for repairs!

Tags: AC Repair, Brentwood
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