Furnace Checklist: Keep Your Furnace Safe This Winter

October 28th, 2019

furnace-burnersRegular furnace maintenance is not optional, and no matter the type of fuel it runs on, this is non-negotiable. They’re huge investments, they provide a massive service for you and your family during the winter, and they can often become fire hazards when something goes wrong. Would you say that getting your car inspected is optional? Well, the government would disagree.

If you’re trying to keep your heater in good condition to avoid expensive furnace repair in Oakland, CA then you’re going to want to pay attention. The chilly temps that engulf the Bay Area throughout winter and spring make it especially important to schedule necessary maintenance checks. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about a furnace inspection and why it is so important that a professional technician does this in your place.

Never settle for subpar service, let the pros take the lead.

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Credits and Incentives for Upgrading Your HVAC System

October 14th, 2019

research-for-new-systemWe’re lucky because, in San Ramon, there are plenty of incentives to take advantage of when considering upgrading to a more expensive HVAC system. Whether you’re looking for a federal tax credit or a local incentive to buy a new HVAC system, you’re not alone. If we lived in a perfect world, everyone would be able to upgrade to the most efficient heater that worked for them at an affordable price.

Unfortunately, the burden falls to the consumer when it comes to finding manufacturer rebates, tax credits, and other incentives to help lower the price of your new HVAC in San Ramon, CA. That’s not particularly fair. That’s why we’re giving you some tips on how to find the best incentives in hopes that you’ll take the plunge and upgrade to a more efficient HVAC system. Lower your energy bills and help decrease the environmental impact of your heating!

Let’s get started.

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Preparing Your Heater for Winter Correctly

September 30th, 2019

The leaves are changing and the air is getting chilly…in most other states. This is Northern California, after all, so it may take a little bit longer than usual for the weather to cool. What this means for residents is that it gives them a little extra time to prepare their HVAC systems in Oakland, CA. Specifically, these are the days that you should be looking into making sure that your heater is in good working order before the demand on this system goes through the roof.

It pays to be prepared. Knowing the best ways to prepare your heating system for wintertime will end up saving you money. The best way to do this is to reach out for professional help as an HVAC technician will know exactly what to look for and what your unit needs to be optimized for the coming months.

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Should You Start Thinking About End of Season AC Repair Needs?

September 16th, 2019

No, that’s not a typo. It’s still a good idea to think about your air conditioner as the cooling season winds down. Air conditioners require repairs, and it’s going to be very important to take care of these repairs before the cold sets in. We’ve got a plethora of reasons why fall is the perfect time to check-in on the needs of your AC system.

Basically, AC damage can only get worse as it gets colder. But it’s going to be hard to notice this when you’re not paying any attention to your AC in the winter. You’re going to want to make sure that you schedule repairs before they can get worse, in order to maximize the return on your AC investment.

Well, let’s get right into the reasons why fall is the perfect time for AC repairs.

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Why You May Consider a Thermostat Upgrade Soon

September 2nd, 2019

If you saw someone wandering around today with a flip phone, you’d think they must have traveled forward in time from 1999 right? Everyone has a smartphone today, and it’s undeniable that we’re happier because of this. We can look at our bank statements, send emails, and call our friends from the same device at the same time. However, what if we told you that you’d be stuck in the past just like that poor soul with the flip phone, if you don’t have a thermostat that works with a phone app?

You might be thinking to yourself, “What? There are apps that work with my thermostat now?”

Absolutely! Upgrading your thermostat can give it a Wi-Fi connection and give you access to your air conditioner, no matter where you are. Every day when you’re on your way home from work, you can signal to your AC system to turn on and have your home nice and cool by the time you get there. Gone are the days where you have to get up and head to the part of your house where the thermostat is. Everything can be done from the touchpad of your phone.

Still unconvinced? We haven’t even gotten to the money-saving part yet!

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AC Repairs You Can Probably Avoid (With Professional Installation)

August 19th, 2019

Wouldn’t it be nice if you never had to call for repairs for your air conditioner? Or better yet, if your air conditioner never needed repair? Unfortunately, air conditioners will never be that advanced. But the good news is, there is at least something you can do to avoid expensive and sudden repair needs. Maintenance is key to ensuring your current air conditioner performs as efficiently and effectively as possible.

But honestly, avoiding many AC repairs starts with professional installation! Whether it’s a traditional air conditioner or a ductless cooling system, you want a professionally trained HVAC contractor to perform your installation. Keep reading to learn more about the repairs you can avoid by calling our team for your AC installation.

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Don’t Let This Refrigerant Myth Fool You!

July 22nd, 2019

closeup-view-of-refrigerant-lineThere’s a common myth regarding AC refrigerant out there, one that homeowners unfortunately have heard from dishonest—or well-meaning but ill-experienced—HVAC “professionals.” That is, that refrigerant needs to be “topped off” every once in awhile, such as during your maintenance session.

We understand why someone might believe this misconception. Refrigerant is like a “fuel” for your air conditioner, right? Well—sort of. It is what allows the cooling process, but it’s not like gasoline in a car or oil in a heater in that it depletes.

Your air conditioner will never run out of refrigerant—unless something is wrong. Read on to learn more!

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Ductless AC Repair Needs to Be Aware of

July 8th, 2019

woman-sitting-on-couch-turning-on-air-handlerOne of the best options for cooling and heating homes in our area is with a ductless system.

Instead of operating through a network of ducts connected to an indoor handler and evaporator unit, ductless systems break up the indoor unit and blower fans—air handlers—to distribute the system in modular units throughout the home, with each air handler mounted up high on the rooms they’re intended for.

We could go on forever about why going ductless is a good idea for most homes. But it’s also important for us to be honest and note, they can have unique repair needs. Now, we can’t go on without saying these repair issues are a lot more likely if the system wasn’t installed correctly to begin with, or if it is improperly maintained. Regardless, whether you’re thinking of installing a ductless system for the first time or you’ve already had a ductless system in place for a while, it’s important for you to know of these possible issues. Read on!

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Signs It’s Time to Consider AC Replacement

June 24th, 2019

old-air-conditionerSummer is officially here! While it’s been unseasonably cool in recent months—save a real quick heat wave a couple of weeks ago—we will soon enough be using our air conditioners on a daily basis.

So, is yours up to the job of keeping you cool all summer long? If you’re doubtful, then now is the time to consider if you’d benefit from an air conditioner upgrade, rather than waiting for it to break down completely in the middle of summer (and therefore needing to suddenly replace it in the middle of a baking hot day).

We don’t want you to be without your air conditioner any longer than you need to be during the hottest time of the year. Read on for some signs that it is probably time to replace your AC, and give us a call to schedule installation.

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Your Air Conditioner Can Only Cool So Well During a Heat Wave!

June 14th, 2019

aerial-view-of-neighborhoodAs summer quickly approaches, we understand how much our customers want the best performance possible from their air conditioners.

Unfortunately, there are some common misconceptions associated with just how to do this. For instance, a lower number on your thermostat does not mean cooler air.

With our recent heat wave, we received many calls regarding air conditioners that aren’t cooling homes below 80°. Central air conditioners are designed to cool air by 15 to 20 degrees below the outside temperature. When you set a desired temperature on your thermostat, that thermostat signals the air conditioner to run its compressor until that temperature is met.

If it’s too hot outside, like it has been recently, then the compressor will continue to run, but it’s just not possible to reach the lowest setting on your thermostat. So if it’s 100° outside, it’s a lot more realistic to set the thermostat somewhere between 78°-80° instead of 70° or below—this is less stress on your air conditioner, which simply can’t reach 70°, and is still much more comfortable than the 100° day outside.

What Else You Can Do

We understand how uncomfortable it is in your home when it’s this hot out. Here are some things we encourage our customers to do to not only boost the efficiency of their air conditioner, but to feel cooler, too:

  • Use fans in the room you’re in along with your AC
  • Close all blinds and curtains in the home
  • Do not run heat producing appliances in the home—i.e. like your clothes washer, dishwasher, stove, etc.
  • Make sure no vents are blocked so nothing is obstructing airflow
  • Change your air filter if you haven’t in a couple of months

Please contact the team here at Comfy Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. with any questions.

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