We are already a few weeks into summer and the heat is on! In order to keep your home and family comfortable, you may be running your air conditioner non-stop. But will it last the whole summer? In older homes, it may seem like it takes hours for air from the A/C to feel cool, especially when the weather is hot. Unfortunately, if your unit’s efficiency has slowed, it may...
View Article Continue ReadingAfter escaping the confines of apartment life, many new homeowners will search the Internet for home improvement ideas. But owning a home means it’s more important than ever to stay on budget. Some may try their hand at DIY projects to keep the cost of home improvement low. But, many new homeowners don’t realize that some projects could do more harm than good. Air Balancing at Home Air balancing is...
View Article Continue ReadingMany people say that California doesn’t have seasons, only sunshine. We may not have to deal with constant hail or snow, but rain does infiltrate from time to time. That’s why homeowners should take proper precautions to prepare for a storm, in order to protect their home, their family, and their HVAC system. So, what can you do to plan for stormy weather? We have compiled a simple checklist of...
View Article Continue ReadingAir quality and HVAC services go together like peanut butter and jelly. One thing that ruins that relationship in a hurry is dust. At Alps, we recommend a regular cleaning whenever a technician is called out to service your HVAC equipment. Regular maintenance will prevent dust and debris from being able to settle. This will keep your equipment in tip-top shape and avoid any health-related issues from arising. If you...
View Article Continue ReadingIt’s another beautiful day in Southern California. Outside the sun is shining and the birds are singing. But inside, it feels more like a cold night in December. If your thermostat displays a reading of 75 degrees, but it feels more like 65 degrees, it may be time for an inspection. There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of your thermostat. As the temperature gatekeeper, it is the...
View Article Continue ReadingIf you have pets, your air filters are constantly fighting against pet hair and pet dander. Air filters play a very important role in your HVAC system. They are the gate-keepers that prevent contaminants from invading your home and mucking up your indoor air quality. They regulate air distribution and protect equipment from dust and debris. Dirty or clogged air filters can cause your system to misread the environment, forcing...
View Article Continue ReadingThe flurry of the holidays has passed and a new year is around the corner. It’s time to reflect and set those resolutions. Eat healthy. Lose weight. Join a gym. The list can go on and on. Most of us will focus on personal growth going into 2018, and overlook ways that we can improve our everyday lives. Don’t worry, we took on the task and compiled a list of...
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 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...
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