On July 1st 2014, a few major changes to a California law called Title 24 went into effect. What exactly are these changes and how do they affect you? Well, three of the most notable changes to HVAC requirements are: mandated air duct sealing and testing in all climate zones, a raise in the minimum insulation required in air ducts in certain climate zones, and new requirements added to Home Energy...
View Article Continue ReadingWith the spring season almost upon us, it is important to think about getting the air ducts in your home cleaned. Some benefits of cleaning your air ducts include: getting rid of mounds of old dirt and dust particles that build up in the air ducts over time, eliminating pet dander or harmful chemicals that might be clinging to the sides of the ducts, and increasing the efficiency of your...
View Article Continue ReadingAs new technology progresses, it’s clear that the home is becoming increasingly connected. With smart thermostats like Nest that allow you to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature from an app on your phone, it’s only a matter of time before you can control many items in your home from your phone. Although there are many independent appliances and pieces in your home that can be controlled separately, it’s obvious...
View Article Continue ReadingWe work with a lot of great people, but sometimes they have the wrong idea when it comes to their HVAC system. Here are some common myths we hear and the right answer. Duct Tape is Good for Sealing Ducts Unfortunately, duct tape doesn’t really stay sticky for that long. After a few years or less, it can lose it’s adhesion. If you are going to seal your ducts, use...
View Article Continue ReadingAir conditioners are given a rating of their energy efficiency called the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). A higher SEER means a more energy efficient air conditioner. The United States Department of Energy sets a minimum standard SEER rating for air conditioning systems. In 2006 the minimum SEER for commercial air conditioners sold in the U.S. was set at 13. To qualify as an Energy Star appliance, an air conditioning...
View Article Continue ReadingHomeowners try many things to save energy and to make their heating and cooling systems work better for them. You may have tried a few of those things, but unfortunately these tricks and tips will not get you the results you are hoping for. Here are a few myths to avoid as you try to make smarter heating and air conditioning choices. Faster Heating or Cooling When people want their...
View Article Continue ReadingOne of the most important things you can do to keep your heating and ac system healthy and functioning is keep the filters clean. How often you need to clean or change your filter depends on what kind of filter it is and the environment of your home. The easiest rule to follow is clean it when it’s dirty. There are some advanced filtering systems that last for a long...
View Article Continue ReadingWe get really excited about technology, especially when it relates to HVAC. Right now, there is incredible innovation in networking household items together. This can be seen in products like the Nest Learning Thermostat, which was recently purchased by Google, and Smart TVs. However, with all this innovation around creating a Network of Things, there is one central piece that controls this network – your smartphone. A study released in...
View Article Continue ReadingCarbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless and odorless gas that is a byproduct of using common fuel sources like gasoline, propane and kerosene. It can waft around like steam or perfume but is undetectable by humans. If CO builds up in enclosed spaces it is very dangerous. Low levels of CO can cause a person to experience flulike symptoms and high levels can be fatal. High levels of CO...
View Article Continue ReadingThe quality of your ductwork can have a huge impact on the efficiency of your home. Even if you have an energy efficient HVAC system and you have sealed all your windows and doors to be able to better regulate your home, that could be wasted if you don’t have properly insulated ducts. If you have cracked or low quality ducts running through your attic, you are losing your heating...
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