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

Compressor Damage: AC Replacement Versus Repair

Monday, June 20th, 2022

Did you know that the compressor is the most essential component of your air conditioner? Well, that and refrigerant. Without either, your air conditioner would be nothing more than a very large and expensive fan.

So, if something goes wrong with the compressor, you might wonder if it’s worth repairing your air conditioner, or if the whole unit is doomed. This is a good question too! We don’t have an easy answer, but we’ll explain below to give you a bit more clarity.

Whatever you decide, you can count on our team to help you along. We’re also here to help you make an educated decision about how to best use your budget for your cooling needs. Read on to learn a bit more about this compressor repair/replace debate.

What Is the Best Option When an AC Compressor Fails?

If an AC compressor fails, the best solution depends on the age of the system, warranty coverage, and overall condition of the unit. In many cases, air conditioning repair is worthwhile when the system is newer and still under warranty. However, if the compressor has failed in an older system, replacing the entire air conditioner is often the more cost-effective long-term option because compressor replacement is one of the most expensive AC repairs.

Tags: AC Repair, San Ramon
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How to Cool Your Home As Efficiently As Possible

Monday, June 6th, 2022

two-technicians-working-on-air-conditioner

When you live somewhere that gets as warm as it does here in the San Ramon area, then it goes without saying that you need a powerful and effective air conditioner. But you also need it to be affordable, right? This is where its efficiency comes in.

Efficiency is the measurement of how much power your air conditioner consumes versus the output it gives you. Your air conditioner comes with a SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) upon manufacturing, and the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient that system is.

But certain practices can help or hurt this SEER rating over the years. The good news is, this is in your control! Read on to learn how to ensure you’re using your cooling system as efficiently as possible.

Tags: Air Conditioning Service, San Ramon
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How to Tell If Your Air Conditioner Needs Professional Service

Monday, May 9th, 2022

Air conditioning repair is one of those services that no homeowner should ever put off. We understand the temptation to put it off. After all, if your system still seems operational–despite maybe a glitch or two–and you really don’t want to budget for repairs right now, why bother?

Consider this: By ignoring your AC repair needs, you risk the cooling system completely breaking down right when you need it the most–the hottest part of summer.

We encourage all Concord area homeowners to take care of their air conditioners as soon as they notice they need a repair. But… how do you know when you need a repair? You are not an AC expert, that’s our job! You can know the basics though, and that’s what we’re here to provide. Read on to learn the top signs that you need air conditioning repair.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Concord
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The Best Way to Prevent AC Repairs

Monday, April 25th, 2022

Nobody wants to face an unexpected or expensive AC repair when they need their system the most. And typically, you’ll never have to. That is, as long as you have your air conditioner professionally installed by a qualified team, and regularly maintained to keep in good shape.

Yes, maintenance tune-ups are the best way to prevent AC repairs. In fact, keeping up on your annual tune-ups can help you avoid up to 85% of the repairs your system may otherwise need! And that’s not the only benefit of maintenance–read on to learn more.

Tags: AC Repair, walnut Creek
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“Should I Just Wait to Service My Furnace?”

Monday, March 28th, 2022

As spring begins and the weather starts to warm up, it’s easy to let our heating system needs fall to the wayside. Whether you’ve been hearing strange noises or your furnace just doesn’t seem to be heating your household as efficiently as it once did, these problems can be frustrating–but are they necessary to address right away?

Well, they can be. Sometimes, these symptoms indicate that something is wrong with both of your HVAC systems, not just your furnace. For instance, you can have a problem with the thermostat or the ductwork of your home. In this case, your cooling system efficacy and efficiency will be impacted.

This said, no, you shouldn’t “just wait” to have your furnace serviced if you notice troubling symptoms. Read on as we uncover what some of the most common end-of-season heating repairs are.

Tags: Concord, Furnace Service
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These Signs Indicate You Need Professional AC Service

Monday, October 25th, 2021

When you live somewhere as warm as our climate, you know we don’t really get that long of a break during the wintertime from warmer temperatures. This is why we need to take such great care of our air conditioners!

It starts with investing in annual air conditioning maintenance. This ensures that your cooling system works as efficiently and effectively as possible, for as long as possible. Maintenance allows our technicians to catch small problems before they become bigger ones. Of course, repair needs can still crop up between maintenance sessions. Read on to learn what the signs are that you need AC repair.

Tags: Air Conditioning Service, Pleasant Hill
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Was This Summer Your AC System’s Last?

Monday, October 11th, 2021

How comfortable were you this summer? Really think about it. Yes, when we are going outside and spending time in the heat, we expect to be hot but the same shouldn’t apply to when we are in our homes. If you found yourself struggling to stay cool over the past several months it likely means you need an air conditioning service in Pleasant Hill, CA.

If you had an especially uncomfortable summer, it may mean that you need to call about a system replacement, rather than the usual repair. Let’s look at the signs that will let you know your AC has seen its last summer.

Tags: Air Conditioning Services, Pleasant Hill
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Why Professional Ductless HVAC Installation Matters

Monday, September 27th, 2021

When it comes to buying a new HVAC system for your Orinda home, there are a wide variety of options to choose from, and it can be overwhelming! You first want to make sure that it functions well, and that it works efficiently. Next, you want it to last as long as it possibly can. This is why it’s important to work with a trusted and qualified professional for the installation, no matter what type of air conditioner or heating system you go with. It’ll cut down on ac repairs over time.

And a ductless HVAC system is no exception. These units function by using a single outdoor unit that is connected to up to 4 indoor air handlers. Each of these air handlers works independently of one another, and are usually mounted up high on the walls in the rooms they’ll be used.

What’s important to remember about these types of HVAC systems is that they are unique, and if not installed correctly, they have some unique and pretty frustrating needs. Read on to learn more!

Tags: AC Repair, Heating Repair, Orinda
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Is It Ever Too Late for AC Maintenance?

Monday, August 16th, 2021

The short answer to this question is “no.” Look, unless your air conditioner has completely broken down and is beyond repair, it’s never too late to have your ac professionally maintained. Unfortunately, by the time we get to this time of the year, homeowners think that they may as well skip maintenance this year. This line of thinking can do more harm than good, though!

This is definitely a case of, “it’s better late than never.” In fact, the frequency of your air conditioning maintenance appointments matters a lot more than the timing. Sure, we recommend AC tune-ups in early spring, before you’ll need your system the most. But as long as you’re having it done at least once a year, you’ll keep your air conditioner in good shape. Read on to learn more about this important service.

Tags: AC Maintenance, Concord
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The Power of Professional Duct Cleaning

Monday, August 2nd, 2021

If you’re like the average homeowner, you probably don’t give too much thought to the ductwork snaking its way through your home. This makes sense, after all, air ducts are mostly hidden from view. You really shouldn’t need to think too much about the condition of your ductwork all that much, but occasionally, your ducts will need some TLC.

While there’s no need for you to learn about all the ins and outs of ductwork, there are a few things that would be good for you to know, such as the impact that dirty ducts can have on your home comfort and on your air conditioning and heating systems.

Professional duct cleaning, performed by our team, is very beneficial. Wondering why? Read on!

Tags: Concord, Duct Cleaning
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