Preventative maintenance prevents unpleasant surprises, especially when those “surprises” pertain to your HVAC system and could end up costing hundreds of dollars in repairs, or even thousands if you need a total system replaced. Arguably the most important facet of HVAC maintenance is filter replacement, which should be done every 30 to 90 days, and can be accomplished by almost anyone with opposable digits. However, because the HVAC system utilizes electricity, and often ga

In the midst of a prolonged arctic blast, the problem of a furnace that will not turn off is certainly preferable to the specter of a furnace that will not turn on. However, a furnace that doesn’t stop-and-start, or cycle, is problematic. While it’s certainly plausible that your furnace is perpetually running because it’s simply not able to supply the heat demanded by the thermostat, continuous operation of a furnace over a protracted period causes undue strain on the machine

There’s a host of occupations that have gotten a bad rap over the years. Often stereotyped as unscrupulous or shady, if you thought about it for a second you could probably call to mind a few jobs with bad reputations: auto mechanics, lawyers, used-car salesman, politicians. Some even put HVAC contractors in this bunch. Obviously, there are “bad apples” in every industry, across every job demographic. And as much as we hate to admit it, there are some chiselers in the HVAC fi

Now that Autumn is in full swing, and crisp, cooler temps are the norm it’s time to devote some TLC to your air conditioner. In less than an hour you can fully prep your outdoor air handler so it can easily withstand harsh winter weather; not only will it be shielded from snow and ice, it will also thwart potential rust and corrosion. Here are some simple steps that anybody can undertake to safeguard their HVAC investment. First, hit the kill switch on the exterior power to t

September. The days become shorter, the air gets crisper, and the leaves start to wither. The two things on everybody’s mind come autumn: kaleidoscopic panoramas of Fall foliage and the furnace in the cellar which has sat dormant for months now. (Well, at least everyone in the HVAC biz thinks of those two scenarios.) Aside from the leaves that will eventually require raking, you should also schedule an annual HVAC inspection by a licensed professional. Autumn is an opportune

You’re probably familiar with the old adage, “if you take care of your tools, they’ll take care of you.” Well, the same can be said for your HVAC system - a little TLC in the form of intermittent check-ups and preventative maintenance can ensure a comfortable home for upwards of 20 years. Preventative maintenance is beneficial because a small problem can be quelled before it morphs into a major quagmire, potentially doing irreparable harm to the unit while putting a hurt on y

As the temperatures begin to fall it’s getting close to that time of year when many of us get a break on utility bills for a short stint. The thermostat is turned off and we enjoy the type of weather those lucky enough to live in places like San Diego enjoy year-round. Not too hot, not too cold, just right and no need for HVAC. This lull in temperatures can lull us to sleep. Many of us will see the first cold snap within 45 to 60 days -Noooo! Is your system ready? It’s be