Importance of Air Duct Cleaning in East SF Bay Area

The East Bay area is known for its dramatic variations in weather conditions. If you are in SF Bay area, then you can enjoy cool mornings and pleasant evenings; whereas, midday temperatures might rise slightly. Thus, it is no wonder that San Francisco or East Bay homeowners are bit oblivious to the significance of HVAC system maintenance. Often, they tend to overlook one significant aspect i.e. cleaning of air duct of the HVAC system.

In general, homeowners tend to sincerely consider other aspects of their HVAC systems like changing filter or its general maintenance. The problem is very few give serious thought to the most important component of the unit, i.e., the air duct. This might be because many are unaware of the fact that efficient working of the air duct helps deliver pure heated or cooled air inside the home.

East Bay HVAC professionals always emphasize on air duct cleaning especially for households with pets. A regular cleaning regime is suggested to maintain good health of your entire family. Here are few reasons which should encourage you to seriously consider air duct cleaning.

• Respiratory problems among children have become quite common nowadays. An unclean duct accumulates dirt, mold spores, rodent droppings and many other germs. When you run the unit, contaminated air gets circulated in your home. So, if you want to live in a healthy and fresh home environment, then don’t feel hesitant investing in air duct maintenance.
• If you have often wondered exactly from where that unpleasant odor is coming, then blame it on the air duct! Dust and debris gather inside the duct for months, thus emitting intense foul odor right inside the room. To make the situation even worse, small rodents might find their way inside the ductwork in case, the duct has cracks or inaccurate seals. Thus, the room ambiance turns horrible as the smell of decaying rodent vitiates the environment when you switch on the heating or cooling unit.
• An unclean duct pollutes air and turns your room dirtier. As dusts keep gathering inside the ductwork, these have to find some way out. Ultimately, a portion of dirt ends up right inside your home. Then, you would soon notice more of dust building up on furnishings and floors. Rather than blaming yourself for inefficient home cleaning, take a close look at the unclean air duct.

Being a resident of SF Bay area, you might not need the HVAC system on regular basis but this doesn’t mean you can neglect its maintenance. Don’t think that cleaning or changing filter is just enough. If you want odor-free, dust-free and healthy indoor air, then take proper care of the HVAC unit focusing more on the air duct. Hire a professional heating and air conditioning company that has expertise in offering services in the SF Bay area. A good idea is to check out the company’s track record and performance history before finalizing the service contract. 

Should You Run a Central Cooling Unit or Three Wall Air Conditioners?

Air conditioning is the perfect way to turn a sultry summer day into a pleasant one. However, escalating energy costs comes in the way of keeping your air conditioner on for longer time. So, does this mean you suffer in the sticky weather? The solution actually lies in finding cost effective and energy efficient cooling solutions.

If you need to air condition an expansive room or the whole house, then it becomes more significant to choose appropriate cooling method. In general, consumers have two options, i.e. pick up three wall window air conditioners or settle for a central air conditioning unit. Now, how do you decide which is the right cooling strategy for the entire house? There are few factors to be considered.

Compare Power Usage

In general, a central air conditioning unit uses more energy than a window unit. A 2.5 ton central cooling unit uses approx. 3,500 watts to keep a 1,500 to 2,000 square-foot home cool. On the other hand, a window system uses energy ranging from 500 to 1440 watts. If you are thinking of installing the central cooling system then include furnace costs too. In order to spread cool air throughout the house, a furnace blower is also needed. This automatically enhances energy expenses.

Unit installation Cost to be Included

When it comes to finalizing an air conditioner, considering only energy costs is not enough. Purchase price and installation cost of the central air unit is clearly much higher than the window unit. You can always do a little calculation to verify the fact. Divide the purchase price and installation costs by estimated number of months you might use it. This brings out the true cost of having an air conditioner. Add monthly utility bill to it and the real picture emerges, which might not appear that presentable for a central unit!

Proper Maintenance Matters Too

So, you think you have covered the entire expenses by considering the purchase price, installation costs and energy bill? Then you are wrong! For the central cooling, maintenance matters a lot. You might have installed an energy efficient unit; but, if the duct is full of holes or poorly insulated, then that affects the entire system’s efficiency. Automatically, cooling costs go up too.

When you pick up a central air unit give special emphasis on proper insulation of ducts. A regular inspection and maintenance routine is highly advisable. In comparison, a window unit runs fine with occasional cleaning/checking, may be yearly once.

While it can’t be denied that the central unit costs more, it is undoubtedly the best and easiest way to cool three or more rooms.

A good idea is to research and compare different cooling alternatives. Even better is to talk to a HVAC specialist. An expert guidance would undoubtedly help in picking up the most appropriate cooling option for your home.

Why do you need to have an energy efficient Air Conditioner

When monthly utility bills start shooting up, you realize that summer is scorching your pocket too! Thus relief lies in having an energy efficient Air Conditioning system which lets you manage the cooling level as per your needs; so that your monthly electricity bills are intact. A yearly assessment is suggested for AC systems which have started aging. Exorbitant energy bills and insufficient cooling are some indications to explore energy efficient cooling options for your home.

A simple replacement decision is not enough. It is very important to be armed with precise information which will help in purchasing an energy efficient air conditioner. The first step should begin from your home.

Know What your Home Needs

• Your home location; i.e. whether it experiences extreme/moderate weather conditions.
• What kind of home you live in, what is the total sq. ft., how many stories it has.
• Your standard comfort level i.e. whether you want extreme cold or excess warmth in your home.

Once these questions are answered, you will be able to shortlist the best AC system within your budget.

Types of Cooling Options

Window AC – Those who are followers of the old school method might prefer this cooling option. The best thing about a Window unit is that it is fairly inexpensive to purchase and really simple to install. However, such a system works best for single rooms but definitely not for the entire home. Unfortunately, it is not an energy efficient option which you realize once those seals start leaking, thereby allowing heat and moisture to seep through the room.

Central Air Conditioning – It helps to control even temperature throughout the house. Then this hidden unit, if properly installed, is a great value addition to your home. The only thing is that you should be prepared to spend a hefty sum for purchase and installation purpose.

The Split Air Conditioning system – It is the most convenient option for maximum homes. Energy efficient and easy to install, the split system cools your entire home thoroughly and quickly. Then there are units which come with special filtration and bacteria killing techniques thus presenting you with fresh indoor air. Some feel that if purchase costs are compared then the Spilt system is comparatively expensive than the Window one. However, the split AC emerges winner in the long run, since it keeps both your home and wallet cool!

Now that you have decided to install a new Air Conditioning system, the next prudent step is to consult any recognized air conditioning specialist for customized analysis of your home cooling needs. Accordingly, you should make the purchase/replacement decision.

What you should Know about Air Conditioning Filter

Talk about air conditioning components and the first which comes to mind is air conditioning filter. The AC’s performance depends a lot on how the filter is being maintained. A clean filter means you are breathing pure air whereas a dirty filter lets circulation of air filled with pollutants. Each part of the air conditioning system, be it ductwork or the air conditioning refrigerant, needs filter which is thoroughly washed.

What can happen if the air conditioning filter is not maintained properly?

Firstly it will place excessive stress on your monthly energy bills since the AC system works harder to keep the place cool. Since action of each air conditioning part is interlinked, an unclean filter puts greater pressure on other components, thus shortening their life spans. This is turn means the AC system might conk out anytime forcing you to spend more for repair and maintenance purposes. Finally, if you don’t want to compromise with your family’s health then give proper attention to the AC filter.

How often do you change it?

It depends on the AC load, e.g. for home cooling systems, changing the filter every month or alternate months will suffice. However, for commercial or industrial installations, this should be done every alternate week. Don’t wait till the filter turns pitch black with dirt. Rather, follow a proper maintenance schedule.

Sometimes performance of the filter depends on its brand too. You might find some brands sturdier than others. A good idea to judge the filter's ability is by assessing its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), which ranges between 1 to12. Higher rating ensures the filter is more effective in removing not only dust but also animal dander, mold, pollen and other allergens. In general, an air conditioning filter can screen out 3 to 10 microns of particles. A good idea is to consult an air conditioning specialist in this regard to know how often the AC filter should be maintained.

Ensure proper installation of the Air Conditioning Filter

If it is placed inaccurately or loosely, then the ultimate purpose of filtering is lost. Thus the filter needs to be placed in accurate direction which is usually indicated by an arrow marked either on the side or on the face of the filter. Air flow should be in the direction as indicated by the arrow. Then the air conditioning filter needs to be fitted tightly. A perfect seal prevents unfiltered air from seeping in and damaging your air conditioning system. Thus, it is always advisable to get in touch with an HVAC expert only for accurate fitting of the AC filter.

Five common types of air conditioning filters are available in the market. Conventional/ Pleated fiberglass disposable filters, Electrostatic filters, Electronic filters and Carbon Filter, of which the first two are generally used for home/office/industrial/commercial settings. Rather than trying it on your own, better get in touch with an expert to know what filter best suits your AC and how often it needs to be maintained/changed.

How to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs of Sizeable Homes

If you are the owner of a spacious home, then maintenance and consumption costs of the HVAC system must be a matter of concern. It is quite natural that the air condition costing of a three-storied house has to be greater than a two roomed flat. Does this mean you compromise with the comfort factor, fearing an exorbitant utility bill? Absolutely not! A study shows that by adopting a balanced scientific perspective you can easily save up to 20% in terms of monthly utility bills, irrespective of the home area. Some knickknacks can help you get some positive results:

Routine Cleaning of the HVAC Unit

This is one procedure which should be followed on a regular basis, especially for large buildings. A general cleaning helps remove dusts particles from air that could cause health hazards. Also the cleaning puts lesser pressure on the AC since dust-free air remains cooler and circulates faster throughout the building.

Check  Air Conditioner Unit Components

This should include a detailed checkup and maintenance of ducts, airflow gauges, air filter, coils and refrigerants. If needed, necessary repair/replacement should be done immediately. With this procedure the AC system can function better. Simultaneously energy consumption is reduced. Always keep in mind that delay in air filter replacement, duct status or refrigerant check means hike in electricity bill. At the same time, your AC maintenance costs shoot up too.

Now, that you are aware of basic guidelines, the next logical step is to consult a reliable and experienced HVAC contractor. It is very important to entrust the job to a qualified company only, if you are really serious about reducing carbon footprint. Primary responsibilities of the HVAC contractor are to provide fresh indoor air and keep energy consumption to a minimum level. Here are few aspects you need to assess prior to engaging a firm for AC installation/ upkeep of your expansive home.

• How long the company is in business?  A sound track record of at least over 20 years does help in offering specialized air conditioning assistance, especially for huge setups.
• Does the firm have technicians and installers who are properly certified and up-to-date with relevant information? This is one crucial factor which is to be verified. After all you don’t want to end up with incompetent technicians who have no idea if your AC needs filter replacement or coil cleaning!
• Is the company located at a convenient position? Do they respond promptly to your emergency call? A central location and an exemplary customer service mean the company technicians will be at your doorstep within minutes of receiving the emergency call.
• Does the company adopt a transparent approach while explaining its terms of services? Be it offering customized services for your three stored building or even a money back guarantee, everything should be explained clearly along with a written warranty, before taking up the project.

A prudent approach is the only way to tide over uncomfortable summer months with a comfortable utility bill.

Air Conditioning Requirements

Air conditioning is a necessity in certain parts of the United States while, heating arrangement is a must-have in some other areas. When it comes to air conditioning needs in San Francisco Bay Area, one thing can be said is that the requirement is not that intense as compared to the southwest or deep south. Actually residents of the Bay Area are blessed with quite a pleasant weather. Hence they don’t always require the same degree of temperature control as is needed in some other states. Residents in SF Bay Area can thus enjoy diverse air conditioning options. The ultimate aim of San Francisco air conditioning service providers is to guarantee the most pleasant living condition at your home within reasonable price.

Different Types of San Francisco Air Conditioning Options

In general, air conditioning options for San Francisco residents are almost the same as in other parts of the country. As mentioned, it is the moderate temperature of the Bay Area which makes it best fit for nearly every type of air conditioner that is available in the market. What is needed is to pick up an AC unit which is energy efficient, easy to maintain and  cost saving.

To ensure comfort in every room, central air conditioning is the most logical, efficient and cost-effective option.

The only problem with central AC is that if you are installing it for the first time then be prepared to spend a lump-sum amount. Since the installation for most central AC systems involves huge amount of ductwork, the overall process indeed comes at a price. Ductless or mini-duct AC is economical alternative for those who have limited budget. Again if you are already having the central cooling unit but thinking of upgrading it, then better try out a latest and efficient condenser. This will surely help improve the system performance and cut down your monthly electricity bills too.

Alternatives to Conventional Air Conditioning System

Bay Area residents are well aware of the changing temperature over there. It doesn’t vary dramatically but the weather condition still demands cooling in winter and heating in summer to maintain a pleasurable temperature inside the house  Thus many AC companies have come up with a unique concept whereby installing a single unit will serve both heating and cooling purposes. Since only one ductwork is needed in such units, that helps reduce installation costs. Only word of caution is that such system might not work in extreme weather conditions. However, keeping the moderate temperature of SF Bay Area in mind, such a unit should efficiently serve the basic purpose of heating and cooling throughout the year.

If you are interested in installing a new AC unit or want to modify the existing one, it is recommended that you consult any San Francisco air conditioning specialist for authentic opinion.

How a Typical Maintenance Checklist should Look Like

We dutifully keep a grocery list or a to-do list but for something that accounts for more than its fair share on our expense list, we simply leave on the back burner. Making a maintenance checklist spares your wallet and also avoids much confusion. With regular maintenance you can curb problems when small and ensure optimal performance of your HVAC system.

Here goes the checklist,

Check Thermostat Settings - The thermostat controls both the heating and cooling systems of homes with central heat and air conditioning. It detects the temperature of the room and compares it to the desired temperature setting. Set the thermostat at least 5 degrees higher or lower than your normal setting, depending on the season. Set it 5 degrees higher than normal during summer and 5 degrees lower during winter.

Inspect Electrical Connections - Measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.

Lubricate Moving Parts - Oiling all moving parts can prolong the life of your HVAC system. Parts that are not lubricated may wear out faster leading to repairs. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in this regard.

Check Condensate Drain - A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode).

Clean Evaporator and Condenser Air Conditioning Coils - Over time the surfaces of these coils can become dirty as the air moving through the coils can contain dust, moisture and other contaminants. Clean coils save your utility bills; while, dirty coils consume more electricity.

Clean and Adjust Blower Components – Proper airflow reduces your system's efficiency up to 15 percent. So, keep a watch on the blower components always!

Check Gas (or oil) Connections, Gas Pressure, Burner Combustion and Heat Exchanger - Routine furnace maintenance and cleaning don’t require special skills. Just a few basic hand tools can do it for you. Improper gas (or oil) connections or cracked heat exchanger can make the equipment less safer and efficient.

Seal your Heating and Cooling Ducts - You would be shocked at how much heating and cooling escapes through your ductwork before it ever flows through your vents.

Clean/Replace your Air Filter Regularly - A dirty filter can increase energy costs leading to early failure. If you are using it more, check your filter every month as a dirty filter can slow down air flow wasting energy.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector - A furnace that is out of adjustment can leave CO in your home, this device can help protect from CO poisoning 

Over half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a critical impact on your utility bills and your comfort. Take that first step to protect yourself, your loved ones and to secure your home.