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.

Continue Reading

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:

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

3 Myths About HVAC and Solar Energy

November 5th, 2018

solar-panel-installationFor those who believe in renewable energy, solar energy is all the rage. And for those who aren’t? Well… They certainly have many reservations against them. And not all of them are entirely based on fact. There are many myths and misconceptions about solar energy that we believe are preventing people from taking the plunge. In this post, we’ll go over just three myths about Solar Energy.

Continue Reading

Some Common Reasons for Heating Issues

October 22nd, 2018

cold-man-inspects-thermostatNovember is the month when we can finally expect to see some cooler weather here in California (it is just a forecast, but we have hope). And when that time does come, you can expect to be recruiting your heater for full-time work.

But that begs the question: is your heater ready? If you’re already running your heater at night, then now’s the perfect time to start paying attention to its behavior. It’s also the perfect time to get a maintenance check if you haven’t already. But if you notice any of the following signs, then you’ll want to call in for repairs sooner than later.

Continue Reading

How to Maximize Your Solar Energy Savings

October 8th, 2018

duct-sealingWhen it comes to efficiency, there are two different approaches.

One approach is to buy a top-of-the-line HVAC system with the highest efficiency ratings. These devices were constructed to use the least amount of energy while providing the most benefits.

The second approach is to create an environment that encourages efficiency, by giving your home certain upgrades and services.

In this post, we’ll go over how combining solar HVAC systems with efficiency-upgrade services can give you the best return on your investment.

Continue Reading

Ductless or Not Ductless, That Is the Question

September 24th, 2018

ductless-heating-systemsIn the world of air conditioning, there are two major categories of air conditioners:

Those with a duct system, and those without.

The ducts are the series of tunnels and vents that blow air into your home. Some systems have them, and some don’t.

When it comes to installing a new HVAC system, it’s not really about choosing which one you like more, or which one has the best features. More than anything, it’s all about which system is going to work well for your home. This could vary for a number of reasons, like if you already have some kind of heating or cooling system. It’s a lot to cover, so read on to learn all about them.

Continue Reading