How to Decide Between a Tank or Tankless Water Heater

June 20th, 2022
tankless-water-heater-on-green-tiled-wall

Water heaters are one of those home comfort systems that are relatively easy to take for granted, even though they are one of the appliances we rely on the most. Could you even imagine being without hot water for showering and all the other needs a modern household has?

When it comes time to replace your water heater–yes that’s right, no water heater lasts forever–then you’ll want to do your due diligence in exploring your options to make sure you have the most efficient system possible.

The two main options to choose from when selecting a water heater are the tank water heater and the tankless water heater. You may have heard a lot about the tankless system in recent years, as it is growing in popularity. It’s become an ultra-efficient option for many homeowners! However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for every home and situation. Read on as we uncover the differences between these systems, and give us a call if you want help making an educated decision between the two.

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It’s Never Too Late For This AC Service…

June 6th, 2022
two-technicians-working-on-outdoor-ac-unit

When it comes to maintenance, our customers and other homeowners assume that there is only one time to get it done, and if you miss that window, you have to wait until the following year. This is just not the case! Yes, we recommend air conditioning maintenance in the spring. The reason for this is because it’s before you’ll need your system the most, and because our HVAC technicians are generally less busy with emergency calls, so you can schedule your maintenance session at your earliest convenience.

But, unless your air conditioner has completely broken down and is beyond the state of repair, it’s never actually too late to schedule AC maintenance. In fact, consistency matters more than the time of the year. It’s important that an air conditioner receive a professional tune-up at least once a year. If you have a heat pump system, which operates year-round to provide you with effective cooling and heating, then this service should be done once every 6 months.

Why is this consistent service so important though?

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5 Unusual Sounds Your Air Conditioner Should Never Make

May 23rd, 2022
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When your air conditioner is on and running, it makes a few sounds that are completely normal. Most sounds happen as your unit is starting up or turning off. Noises that are minimal don’t usually signal that anything is wrong, but other sounds can be cause for concern. If you’re not sure about the sounds coming from your AC unit, always get it checked out.

As a general rule, there are five sounds that your AC unit should never make. Hearing an unusual sound is a sign that something is wrong, and you should reach out to a professional as soon as you can. A certified technician has the expertise to identify the problem and fix it. Ignoring concerns can lead to permanent damage to your air conditioning unit.

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The One Indoor Air Quality Solution Every Home with Central HVAC Needs

May 9th, 2022
uv-lightbulb

Nobody likes to get sick–and unfortunately, the germs and viruses that make us ill are typically too small to see or feel. Microscopic pathogens such as bacteria, mold spores, and viruses can cause a wide range of health issues, and most people are unaware of what they’re breathing in as a result.

A general rule of thumb of the last couple of years has been that staying home helps us avoid sickness. But on the contrary, contaminants can be indoors and still make you sick, even without you going anywhere. This is especially true for households with central HVAC systems, which have a risk you might not have ever considered.

There may be mold, mildew, or bacteria present in your HVAC air ducts! And every time you run your central air conditioner or heating system, the blower fan helps those spores and particles enter your living space, where they have the opportunity to infect you and your family.

The solution to this? A UV germicidal light! This is also referred to as a UV air purifier. Read on to learn more!

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The Problem with Believing This One Refrigerant Myth

April 25th, 2022
two-technicians-working-on-air-conditioner

We don’t expect the average homeowners to know very much about the intricate components of their air conditioner. We do, however, expect the average homeowner to want their system to work as efficiently and effectively as possible, which is why it’s important to know what myths about your air conditioner can actually hurt its performance.

One of these myths is about refrigerant. The common misconception is that refrigerant is a fuel that “runs out.” This is not the case, though! your air conditioner is supplied with enough refrigerant upon manufacturing to ideally last its entire useful service life. If your system is losing refrigerant, it means you have a leak. Read on to learn more!

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“How Often Should I Change My HVAC Air Filter?”

April 11th, 2022
dirty-air-filter-being-pulled-out-of-hvac-system

There is a common misconception about the air filter that comes standard with your air conditioning and heating systems–that it is in place to protect your indoor air quality. It certainly doesn’t hurt your indoor air quality, but its purpose is actually to protect the HVAC systems themselves from dirt, dust, and other debris that can get inside and harm their sensitive components, causing friction, overheating, and airflow resistance.

That said, it’s important that you change the air filter on a regular basis, but how regular? A general rule of thumb is every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and the level of contaminants or particles in your home. We’ll elaborate more on this below, as well as just why it is so important to change that filter on a routine basis.

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“How Can I Boost My AC Efficiency This Year?”

March 28th, 2022
outside-ac-units

If you’ve lived in our climate for even just a year, then you know how important it is to have a powerful and effective air conditioner. But what about the expense of running one? While the cost of electricity isn’t in our control, we can certainly help you with some tips to utilize your air conditioner more efficiently.

There aren’t many things we’ll tell you to do on your own when it comes to servicing your air conditioner–for good reason, it’s for your safety as well as the integrity of your cooling system–there are some things you can do to help your system work more efficiently and cost less.

Of course, our first tip is going to be to schedule maintenance. Professional maintenance allows our technicians to thoroughly inspect, adjust, and clean the components of your air conditioner that need it. We recommend this service once a year–twice a year if you have a heat pump system. Now, onto the other tips for boosting AC efficiency!

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Avoid Cooling System Problems with This Important Service!

March 14th, 2022
two-techs-working-on-air-conditioner

Spring is a vital time of the year for an HVAC contractor. Why? Because it’s when we get to provide one of the most important services there is for your air conditioner–maintenance! And in a place that gets as warm as Modesto, this is an essential need.

The reason we recommend this service now is because it’s before you need your system the most. Having maintenance done now gives your system the best chance to get through this summer and the summers to come as reliably as possible! Read on as we uncover what professional AC maintenance will grant you.

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You Can Prevent Plumbing Problems By…

February 28th, 2022
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Do you know what the #1 most common plumbing problem is? This might not come as a surprise to you, but it’s a drain clog! Just about every homeowner had dealt with a clogged or slow drain at some point. Fortunately, our professional plumbers handle unclogging drains like it’s our business–because it is!

We’d also like you to know, however, how to avoid drain clogs if at all possible. We’re here for you to effectively eliminate and prevent clogging in the future, but in the meantime, we’d like to help you have as few plumbing issues as possible related to clogs. Read on for some of our best tips.

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Why You Need to Call a Pro for That Clogged Drain

February 14th, 2022

So, the time has come–many a homeowner has faced this problem–you’ve encountered a drain clog. This is certainly an inconvenience, but not the end of the world, right? You could just run over to the closest store, buy some store-bought drain cleaning solution and fix the problem quickly… except, you really shouldn’t.

The fact is that store-bought drain cleaning “solutions” promise to work miracles on your plumbing system, but can actually do more harm than good. That’s right “drain cleaners” can actually be detrimental to your plumbing pipes. If you have a plumbing issue–even if it’s something seemingly minor like a clog–the best thing you can do is call a professional plumber. Read on to learn more about why!

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