Is Going Solar Worth the Hype?

November 18th, 2019

female-construction-worker-standing-by-rows-of-solar-panelsBefore we answer that … were you aware that your HVAC system use accounts for half of all your energy usage? That’s why your electricity and gas bills are so much higher in the middle of summer—or winter for that matter. The thing is, it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s not a lot we can do to change the weather or how often you need these systems, but there is absolutely something we can do to help you drastically cut these costs—install solar panels.

If you haven’t guessed yet, our answer to the question of whether going solar is worth the hype is a resounding yes!

While installing solar panels has a relatively high price tag initially, it saves you money in the long run. If you’re wondering if installing solar will help you save money, we’re here to tell you it will. Here are a few of the top cost benefits of going solar:

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Solve Your Heating and Cooling Needs in One System

November 4th, 2019

vent-in-wall-near-floorWhile we may not experience the bitterly cold temperatures that other parts of the state do, there’s no denying that our weather does get quite cold as we venture into fall and winter. And with that, you’ll want to make sure your home heating system is in great shape and ready to take on the cooler temps. Professional preventive maintenance and timely repairs will help accomplish this.

However, if you have an aging heater, it may be time for you to consider replacing your heater altogether. But wait, before you go out and buy a simple upgrade from your existing system, we have a question for you. Is your air conditioner also approaching the end of its lifespan? If so, you’d do well to consider the installation of a heat pump system—a system that both heats and cools the space where they’re installed.

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What to Know About Solar Panel Installation

October 21st, 2019

roof-with-solar-panels-on-topAre you considering having solar panels installed on your home? This is a popular home comfort choice in our area. After all, California gets more than enough sunshine, and with incentives and rebates from the state, solar panels are getting easier and more affordable to install. If you’d like to do your part for the environment while cutting your electricity bills down to almost nothing, solar power is the way to go.

If you’re considering this installation, there’s no time like the present to do it! We’re blessed with pleasant, fairly predictable weather this time of the year, and our technicians are ready to help.

Before you schedule your solar panel installation, there are factors for you to consider. Our technicians will help you make an informed decision, but we want to offer a few discussion points for you to talk about when you call for your solar panel installation.

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Have You Scheduled Heating Maintenance Yet?

October 7th, 2019

technician-working-on-furnaceWe may not experience the bitterly cold winters that other parts of the country do, but that doesn’t mean our heating systems don’t get quite the workout when winter rolls around. And with fall officially here, now is the time to start thinking about how you want your heater to perform.

If you want it to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible, then you’d do well to pick up the phone today and schedule your next heating maintenance appointment. Keep reading as we go through why now is the best time for this service and the benefits of scheduling heating tune-ups in the fall.

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End-of-Season AC Repairs to Be Aware Of

September 23rd, 2019

top-view-of-air-conditionerFall is officially here! Soon the weather will cool, and we can focus on fall activities and using our heaters to keep warm. Chances are, you used your air conditioner consistently over the last several weeks, and we bet you’re looking forward to shutting it off for the season. But before you do, is it showing any signs of disrepair?

Don’t brush potential repair needs off. Waiting on them can lead to more severe problems and potentially even a premature system replacement.

The good news is, when your system does need repair, it’s adept at showing you signs and symptoms. While you shouldn’t ever try to formally diagnose or repair a malfunctioning air conditioner on your own (they contain dangerous components like refrigerant, which requires formal training and licensing to handle safely), you can still spot the signs you need AC repair, and take the appropriate steps from there.

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Why You Should Only Hire a Pro for AC Installation

August 26th, 2019

two-professionals-looking-over-air-conditionerWe won’t deny it, the end of the year is a lousy time to require an air conditioner replacement. In an ideal world, you’d have a well-maintained and highly efficient air conditioner ready to get you through the last of the summer weather. If that’s not the case, however, and you’re shopping for an air conditioner right now, we urge you to only trust a pro.

But why is this so important?

To start off, you want to ensure that you get the right type of air conditioner and the right size AC—too large of an AC can be just as detrimental as too small of one, and will go through a process called short-cycling, which is hard on the system and will cause it to accumulate wear and tear faster than normal.

So you know sizing is important, but what are some other reasons you should only hire a pro?

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Why You Should Consider Solar Water Heating

August 12th, 2019

solar-panels-on-roofWhen it comes to systems we often take for granted in our homes, the water heater makes it to the top of the list. These systems, even the tank models, are often out of sight—tucked away in a storage closet or in a corner of the garage—and often out of mind as well. The fact is, however, they’re a necessary component of everyday modern living.

You need your water heater for cooking, bathing, and cleaning in your home. When something goes wrong with that water heater, you need repairs fast. And in order to get the most energy efficiency out of your water heater, you should consider going solar!

“Wait, what’s that last part …” you ask?

Read on!

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AC Noises to Never Ignore

July 29th, 2019

woman-covering-ears-on-white-backgroundIt would be nice if we had air conditioners that could self-diagnose malfunctions and report them back to the homeowners in detail, right? Honestly, that’s probably not too far-fetched of an idea when you really think about it.

In the meantime, though? This isn’t a reality and we need to rely on other methods for our air conditioner to send warning signs that something is amiss. This may be a drop in cooling power, or an unexpected and unexplained spike in energy bills. Or, it may be that your circuit breakers for the indoor and outdoor units keep tripping.

Or, it could be noise. “Wait,” you might be thinking, “my air conditioner always makes noise!” We aren’t talking about the hum of the fans or the faint clicking you might here when the system starts up and shuts down, though. Rather, we’re talking about sounds that are abnormal to what you normally hear, or seem louder than they should be. What could this include? Read on!

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What’s the Hype with Solar Electricity?

July 15th, 2019

solar-panels-installed-on-red-roofThe thing is, it’s not just hype. It’s a truly excellent solution to the increased energy usage our homes have accumulated in the past decade.

Solar electricity use results in increased energy efficiency, reduced electrical rates, improved reliability, and diminished emissions. It’s derived from the radiation of the sun, a powerful energy source that can be harnessed through the professional installation of solar panels.

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Have You Considered These AC Upgrades This Year?

July 1st, 2019

wi-fi-thermostat-in-foreground-with-house-backgroundTypically as we get to this part of the year, you’ve had maintenance done for your air conditioner—hopefully—and we’re ready to start enjoying the season, even if it means running our air conditioners on almost a daily basis.

What if we told you that you could save money on your cooling needs this summer? There are many efficiency-boosting actions you can take, like using your ceiling fans to evenly distribute the cooled air from your air conditioner. But there are also some upgrades you may want to consider if you haven’t already. These upgrades can help your air conditioner perform better, last longer, and can help you feel more comfortable. Read on to learn more!

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