9 Ways to Make the Most From Your Solar Energy System

March 11th, 2019

solar-panelAfter a homeowner is set up with their own heating and cooling system, what’s left? Ask them, and what most of them might say is: efficiency. It’s all about keeping those monthly HVAC costs as low as possible, and that means using the system purposefully and without waste.

When it comes to a solar energy system, efficiency is even more important. After all, that energy is coming from your own supply. Once you run out, you have to start paying the electrical company again.

So, how do you get your system to be even more efficient? Aside from keeping up with maintenance and repairs, you can try investing in some various products and services to get the edge. Here are several examples:

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Keep This in Mind While Installing Solar Energy

February 25th, 2019

solar-installationAre you considering solar energy for your home? Or maybe you’re already convinced but are trying to understand how a solar energy installation would work from a practical standpoint.

There are a lot of reasons to be apprehensive about a solar energy installation. The necessary legal and tax incentive documentation, the process of finding a quality contractor, and the actual installation itself can all sound like daunting tasks. But, if you go with a professional from the beginning, there’s little to worry about.

It does help to know what you’re getting into. Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind before and during your solar energy installation:

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Got an Old Furnace? Here’s When It Might Need Replacement

February 11th, 2019

furnace-replacementHow can you tell when you need a new furnace in Sacramento? There are many answers to that question, but we want to begin by saying that age is one of the best determining factors … But only in conjunction with other symptoms!

The average lifespan for a modern furnace is anywhere between 16 and 20 years. You may have even heard other furnace owners tell you that they’ve had theirs longer than 20 years. Just because your furnace is over 16 years old doesn’t mean it needs to be immediately replaced. Likewise, some furnaces may even need replacement before that 16-year mark.

If your aim is to be proactive about replacement, the best approach is to start paying attention to your furnace after it turns 12 years old. That’s when you should keep a closer watch on symptoms like:

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What to Do If Your Heater Has Become Inefficient

January 28th, 2019

money-see-sawWe encourage all owners of heating systems to keep a close eye on their heating bill. By monitoring your monthly spending, you’ll be able to prevent costly repair issues and monitor your usage habits. Most of all, you’ll be able to spot an upward trend that indicates the system is becoming gradually less efficient.

If you’re noticing that your system is becoming inefficient, here’s what you can do to get to the root of the issue.

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How to Stay Cool During SMUD Peak-Hours

January 18th, 2019

money-saving-homeAs a resident of Sacramento, you’re most likely aware of Time-of-Day rates. These are the different rates you pay for electricity during certain times of the day. You can make significant savings to your energy bill by running your appliances in times of less demand.

With the start of 2019, new rates are going into effect, so we’ll refresh you on how these rules work.

We’ll also include some advice on how to save on electricity during these times without sacrificing too much of your comfort.

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Why Solar Energy Installation Is Not a DIY Task

January 14th, 2019

solar-panelsSolar energy is an attractive offer. After all, who wouldn’t want to effortlessly make their own electricity? There’s even a chance you can sell that energy back to the electrical company.

Of course, not everyone is convinced that solar energy is worth the cost. They’re willing to go through the back-channels in order to get solar energy at a price they believe is right. Often, that means going the DIY route. But don’t be fooled by videos and articles online—solar energy installation is by no means a DIY task.

Not only is it dangerous to work with electricity, but the world of solar energy is complicated right now. It’s better to trust in a professional. Here’s why:

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Common Heating Questions for HVAC Contractors

December 31st, 2018

question-markWhen you’re in the HVAC business for as long as we have been, you hear plenty of the same questions. We’re always happy to answer any of your questions, so in this post, we’re going to go over some of the most common questions we get about heating systems.

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Pros and Cons of Whole-House Generator Fuel Types

December 17th, 2018

whole-house-generatorWhole-house generators are emergency devices meant to keep your home running even during a power outage. Instead of relying on the city or electric company to get things back in working order, you can be comfortable relying on your generator. But of course, even your generator needs fuel.

Each type of fuel has different uses, costs, and levels of convenience. We’ll help you find out which type of whole-house generator in Sacramento, CA is best for your home.

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When Good Heat Pumps Go Bad

December 3rd, 2018

scared-womanHeat pumps are reliable systems with tons of benefits. They can operate as either an air conditioner or a heater, making them a growing favorite of homeowners across the nation. They’re also one of the most efficient HVAC systems on the market, saving hundreds of dollars in operational costs.

It’s almost enough to make you think they can do no wrong … But sometimes, those innocent heat pumps can get into serious trouble.

Now, don’t get us wrong—we love heat pumps as much as any other HVAC contractor in Rocklin, CA. And while we don’t actually believe your heat pump will rebel against you, we also won’t pretend they don’t have some common problems (no heating system is 100% perfect!). A few of these problems, and what you should do about them, are listed below.

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Get to Know Your Furnace

November 19th, 2018

complex-innerworkings-of-furnaceFurnaces are what’s known as a forced-air heating system. While they’re not that complicated conceptually, their internal parts certainly can be. Today, we’ll introduce you to just a few of the components that help you get warm air from your furnace.

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