Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

What Is SEER2 and Why It Impacts Your Next AC Installation

Monday, December 5th, 2022

The thought of replacing an air conditioner is already a daunting one. There are many factors to consider in order to find a system that will meet your family’s needs, all while staying within your budget.

To complicate matters even further, there are new Department of Energy (DOE) regulations to consider. New energy-efficiency standards that will take effect in 2023 have impacted air conditioner manufacturers and, as a result, consumers.

If you’re considering replacing your air conditioner, learn what these new SEER2 regulations entail, and how they impact your options when it comes to your next air conditioning installation in Concord, CA.

Tags: air conditioning installation, Concord
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As the Season Ends, What Grade Should You Give Your AC?

Monday, November 21st, 2022

November is here and with its arrival comes the cooler weather. As you get used to the change in seasons, it’s a good time to evaluate the performance of your HVAC in Walnut Creek, CA during the previous summer.

You might be wondering why you should be giving any thought to your air conditioner. After all, it’s November. But with the warmer winters we’ve been having, you may find there are days when you’ll need to switch on the AC.

Assessing how well your air conditioner performed over the summer is a great way to determine if you should schedule repairs or maintenance now. You can assess it by grading its performance and then decide how to proceed to ensure reliable cooling from your AC if you need it this winter.

Tags: HVAC, walnut Creek
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Don’t Ignore These End-Of-Season AC Problems

Monday, November 7th, 2022

Despite the warm fall weather, you’ve possibly made the transition from using your air conditioner to using your heater. But that doesn’t mean some unseasonably hot days aren’t on the horizon.

Scheduling maintenance for your air conditioner isn’t something many people think about this time of year. But your air conditioner has been working hard all summer to keep your home cool and comfortable through high temperatures. That wear and tear can begin to show in the fall.

Tags: AC Repair, Brentwood
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Why You Should Consider Professional Duct Sealing

Monday, October 24th, 2022

As homeowners, it seems like home maintenance tasks are never-ending. Ensuring that your home systems are all running smoothly and efficiently is something that not everyone has the time or energy for. And yet, prioritizing routine maintenance can save you time, energy, and money in the long run.

Your HVAC system’s ductwork is one of those home maintenance items that you might want to pay special attention to sooner rather than later. Your ductwork plays a vital role in the functionality of your HVAC system. Leaky ducts not only waste energy, but they also take a toll on the longevity of your entire HVAC system.

Tags: Concord, duct sealing
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Why You Should Replace Your Old AC Now

Monday, October 10th, 2022

two-technicians-working-on-air-conditioner

Do you have an aging air conditioner in place currently? When we say aging, we mean a system that is a decade old, or older. The average useful service life of a well-maintained air conditioner is about 10-15 years, and once it reaches past this point it will start to work less efficiently, have more frequent repair needs and breakdowns, and ultimately cost you more to run than it’s worth.

Still though, if your air conditioner is working “okay,” you might be tempted to put off thinking about an air conditioning installation in Orinda, CA for at least another year or two. Unfortunately, this may end up being a mistake for you financially. Why? Because of an updated mandate by the U.S. Department of Energy known as the SEER2 update. Read on to learn more about this, and what it means for AC costs and your wallet.

Tags: air conditioning installation, Orinda
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Heed These Signs That You Need AC Repairs

Monday, September 26th, 2022

Imagine your AC unit going out on the hottest day of the year. You’d probably be quite upset.

However, AC units rarely just quit working out of nowhere. There are usually warning signs that something isn’t right. Homeowners may not notice them or may ignore them, hoping they’ll go away.

But if you want to avoid a super hot catastrophe, you should heed these signs that you need AC repairs.

Tags: AC Repair, Orinda
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Why You Need to Change Your AC Filter Regularly

Monday, September 12th, 2022

In our previous blog post, we talked about the difference between an air filter and an air filtration system. We mentioned how an HVAC air filter is not enough to improve your indoor air quality. But that doesn’t mean that your air filter doesn’t have a very important job! It is tasked with keeping debris out of the system, helping it to perform at its best.

Changing the air filter has a huge impact on your air conditioner, contributing to its effectiveness, efficiency, and even longevity. Read on to learn just why you need to change your air conditioner’s filter on a regular basis (every 1-3 months during periods of system use).

Tags: Air Conditioning Service, Lafayette
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Call Us If You Hear This From Your AC…

Monday, July 18th, 2022

two-smiling-ac-technicians-standing-over-ac-outdoor-unit-looking-at-mobile-tablet

With heat waves here and more expected this summer, now is the time to make sure that your air conditioner is in great shape and able to handle any hot temperatures that come its way.

Hopefully, you’ve already had springtime maintenance done for your air conditioner. Maintenance allows our technicians to comprehensively inspect, clean, and adjust the components that need it. All of this helps your air conditioner operate as efficiently and effectively as possible, for as long as possible.

Maintenance tune-ups prevent up to 85% of repair needs, helps your system retain up to 95% of its original efficiency rating throughout its lifetime, and helps ensure that your air conditioner can actually last its intended lifespan (10-15 years).

The good news is, it’s not too late to schedule this service! This is definitely a case of “better late than never.” In the meantime, it’s always a good idea to be aware of what noises are abnormal when your AC is running. If you hear any of these, whether you skipped maintenance or are diligent about having it done annually, it’s time to give us a call for repairs!

Tags: AC Repair, Brentwood
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Compressor Damage: AC Replacement Versus Repair

Monday, June 20th, 2022

Did you know that the compressor is the most essential component of your air conditioner? Well, that and refrigerant. Without either, your air conditioner would be nothing more than a very large and expensive fan.

So, if something goes wrong with the compressor, you might wonder if it’s worth repairing your air conditioner, or if the whole unit is doomed. This is a good question too! We don’t have an easy answer, but we’ll explain below to give you a bit more clarity.

Whatever you decide, you can count on our team to help you along. We’re also here to help you make an educated decision about how to best use your budget for your cooling needs. Read on to learn a bit more about this compressor repair/replace debate.

Tags: AC Repair, San Ramon
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How to Cool Your Home As Efficiently As Possible

Monday, June 6th, 2022

When you live somewhere that gets as warm as it does here in the San Ramon area, then it goes without saying that you need a powerful and effective air conditioner. But you also need it to be affordable, right? This is where its efficiency comes in.

Efficiency is the measurement of how much power your air conditioner consumes versus the output it gives you. Your air conditioner comes with a SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) upon manufacturing, and the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient that system is.

But certain practices can help or hurt this SEER rating over the years. The good news is, this is in your control! Read on to learn how to ensure you’re using your cooling system as efficiently as possible.

Tags: Air Conditioning Service, San Ramon
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