So, you have finally convinced yourself to get out of your warm bed and begin your online holiday shopping. The only way to make it happen is by recreating that cozy feeling throughout the rest of your home. You tiptoe over to the heater, flip the switch, and wait…But, what should you do if it doesn’t turn on? Before you convince an HVAC technician to make an emergency stop, there...
View Article Continue ReadingThanksgiving is a time to gather and reminisce about all that we have to be thankful for during the holiday season. As we spend time with family and friends, we may forget that there is someone working diligently to keep our homes comfortable. No, it’s not St. Nick, it’s your HVAC system! Here are a few reasons to be thankful for the member of your household who is always working through...
View Article Continue ReadingA seasonal maintenance check-up is the best way to keep systems at peak performance. Having an HVAC professional perform an annual check can prevent underlying problems and unwanted costs. Summer and winter are notoriously busy for HVAC companies. So it’s a good idea to get on the books during spring for your cooling system and fall for the heating system. At ALPS, our technicians are always happy to share insight about...
View Article Continue ReadingWhen you turn on your HVAC system, do your nostrils notice? If your system gives off one of the odors below, it may be an indication of an unhealthy unit. Your HVAC system is one of the largest pieces of equipment running through your home. If something is not working properly, it is imperative to take action. A defective system can have negative effects on your wallet, but more importantly,...
View Article Continue ReadingThe heat just won’t quit! As October comes to an end, we have been experiencing a few of the hottest days of the year. If this pattern continues, Southern California residents may not be able to survive with just ceiling fans or standing fans to cool us down. Portable Air-Conditioner Many homes in CA, especially those near the beach, do not have in-home air conditioning systems. If your home is...
View Article Continue ReadingDuctwork is often overlooked because it is hidden in the walls and ceilings of most homes. Homeowners tend to forget that the quality of your ducts can greatly impact the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system. Even if you purchase the most energy efficient system on the market, and you seal all of your home’s thresholds, that energy could quickly go to waste if you haven’t taken the time to...
View Article Continue ReadingMost calendars mark October as the beginning of fall. The weather is cooler, sunlight fades faster, and you may wonder…is my home prepared for the change? Although we are halfway through the month, there are still things homeowners can do to ensure their home and HVAC system are ready for cooler weather. At ALPS, we want you to spend less time worrying and more time getting ready for the most...
View Article Continue ReadingA thermostat is the temperature gatekeeper of the home. It detects interior temperature and adjusts accordingly to meet a homeowner’s desired preferences. However, they are not invincible, and are susceptible to normal wear and tear, like other home appliances. The difference is that a defective thermostat can disrupt your level of comfort, as well as incur hefty costs to your wallet over time. Here are a few things you can...
View Article Continue ReadingEarthquakes are a part of life in California. While we have not recently experienced dangerous seismic activity, many other places have, which is why it is important to be prepared before a quake happens. Major earthquakes can damage a home’s foundation, walls, and roof. If there is damage to the HVAC or electrical system, homeowners without proper insurance could spend as much as $30,000 in home repairs. Although we cannot...
View Article Continue ReadingBenjamin Franklin would be floored if he could see the array of light bulbs available to homeowners today! Light bulbs from this century are more efficient and can be controlled with a smart phone. You may be blinded by the light of endless options, so we have come up with four reasons to choose “smart” bulbs. Energy Efficiency This is one of the main reasons to purchase smart light bulbs....
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