a person using a tool to fix a gas furnace

HVAC Troubleshooting Guide: 5 Signs You Need AC Repair This Summer

Would you believe that refrigeration technology, an early attempt at air conditioning, dates all the way back to 1748? Of course, AC as we know and love it today didn't really become practical until the early 20th century. It took many more decades before window units and central systems were affordable enough to be within the economic reach of most Americans.

If you're one of the 90% of the country's households that depend on AC to stay cool and comfortable in the summer months, it's important to familiarize yourself with basic HVAC troubleshooting tips. Read on to learn five signs you need air conditioner repair.

1. It's Not Cool

One clear-cut sign that your HVAC system should be looked at by a professional? It's not cooling as it once did. Even more obvious, it's actually blowing hot air.

One sure sign that your AC needs repair is if it’s blowing hot air. This could be because of a broken compressor or it could signal a refrigerant leak. Another possibility is a broken or disconnected return duct which is drawing in warm air from the outside.

2. Your System Is Noisy

Just like hearing strange noises when you drive your car, loud or unusual noises emanating from the AC can be a sign of big trouble. Unlike with your vehicle, however, you can't just turn up the radio to drown out the noise of your cooling system.

Some of the sounds to keep an ear out for include:

  • Rattling
  • Grinding
  • Banging
  • Screeching
  • Clanking

These could indicate parts that are loose or not aligned properly, broken bearings, or a need for lubrication. Act quickly, as these problems can lead to significant damage. Your entire system may need to be replaced.

3. Elevated Energy Bills

If you open your electrical bill and find a sudden spike in the amount you owe, your air conditioner may be to blame. When there are issues that cause the AC to work harder, it uses more electricity.

Check for a dirty or clogged filter, duct leaks, or a motor that's struggling. If necessary, call your HVAC tech to help troubleshoot the problem.

4. Visible Signs of Moisture

Whether it's a frozen AC coil, condensation on the unit or any other type of water where it shouldn't be, moisture is a scary sign. Don't delay getting professional help in this situation.

Not only can leaks lead to costly repairs, but they can also cause mold or mildew to develop in your home. That's a health hazard as well as a major pain to remedy.

5. Your Unit Is Haunted

OK, your AC isn't actually haunted. But it may seem like it, given that the air conditioning randomly turns off and then back on again. Or maybe you experience significant temperature changes in different areas in the home -- a cool spot here, a warm area there.

Even if the AC sometimes acts unpredictably, as though there's a ghost afoot, there's a rational explanation. Get the pros in to take a look, ASAP.

HVAC Troubleshooting Is Important

Avoid extensive, expensive repairs that will turn your home upside down -- and wreak havoc with your budget. If you don't feel confident diagnosing your own AC issues, give us a call. We'll be happy to do the HVAC troubleshooting for you, then make any necessary repairs!


a person using a tool to connect wires

How To Install The Cheapest Air Conditioning System

How To Install The Cheapest Air Conditioning System

Here is a list of things that a contractor can cut out in order to have the lowest price.

 

Experienced professional technicians who are background checked and drug tested. Your home is the most valuable thing in your life and we wouldn't just trust anybody. We wouldn't send anyone out who we wouldn't feel comfortable sending to our own grandmothers home.

 

Full support office and call center. If you have a question or need help we can respond like it was a fire. One of the most frustrating things about trying to get ahold of contractors is talking to a voicemail box. 

 

After hour technicians. Problems do not just arrive 8 to 5. We can respond when you need us.

 

Check List. This allows you to hold the technician doing the work accountable and to make sure nothing was missed.

 

Permits. This is to protect you and your investment in your home. It is required by law and your responsibility to make sure your contractor pulls and finalized the permit. Most contractors do not do this to try to save a few bucks.

 

Duct sealing and testing. Most homes leak 30 to 40 percent of the air into the attic. This ensures you have the best efficiency possible.

 

Load Calculations. It's the contractors responsibility to do the correct load calculation. According to the department of energy a good contractor will not size the equipment based on what's there or by square feet by ton.

 

Air flow updates and modifications. Having the correct air flow is critical for life of the equipment and efficiency. Most installs are not able to provide enough air because of duct design and restrictions.

 

Refrigerant Charge Adjustments. Just like a high performance motor it has to be fined tune to get the maximum power.

 

Deep Vacuum 500 microns. Adds one hour to the installation time but wont last 5 years and cause countless headaches if it is short cutted or skipped.

 

Nitrogen Brazing. Keeps the copper pipes clean and smooth on the inside during brazing. Without the nitrogen to displace the oxygen black soot builds up like sand paper eventually plugging up the metering device and shortening the life of the compressor.

 

Float Switch. Helps protect against thousands of dollars of water damage caused by the condensate plugging up.

 

Electrical and safety update, (breaker, disconnect, conduit, gas flex, gas valve, drip leg. You don't want to have a weak link in your chain ruining your day. We update everything so that your system is problem free.

 

Custom made transition. In order to not bottleneck air flow custom made transitions help reduce static and keep the air flowing strong.

 

Our price is composed of 4 things:

  1. Overhead. This is the support that you need that allows us to be a 5 star company.
  2. Technicians. Professional craftsmen that will get the job done right.
  3. Equipment and materials. Precisely chosen to give you the best life and efficiency.
  4. Profit. Necessary for the company to stay in business.

Is 10% an acceptable profit to be made for a 5 star company?

The point is, there are companies out there who may be able to provide you a "cheap" air conditioning installation, but just keep in mind that you get what you pay for. More than likely, when you pay less up front, you will end up paying more down the road. At Comfort Now, you will always get honest, experienced, professional, and reasonably priced HVAC services. We also back all of our services with our customer guarantee. Learn more or schedule your service today.


woman on her computer and phone

Comfort Now: Why More People Buy From Us

Why More People Buy From Comfort Now Air Conditioning & Heating

  1. We install over 400 systems a year locally. We know the climate, the codes and the constructions in this area. We know what works and what doesn’t. Your job isn't going to be our testing or training ground. The job will be done right the first time saving you time and money.
  2. We have an in house training program. Ongoing training insures your job will be completed to the highest standard giving you the lowest cost of ownership and the best value.
  3. We have an office staff not an answering machine. When you call us you will talk to a live phone operator which helps us respond to your needs as if it was a fire.
  4. We only use time tested field tested parts and supplies. Which means they work better, they are safer and they last longer. They save you money and inconvenience.
  5. We use well marked vehicles. Not the creepy white mystery van. You and your neighbors will feel comfortable knowing who is actually working in your neighborhood.
  6. Our employees all arrive in uniform. This way you know the technician is a comfort now employee covered by our license and insurance. This transfers the liability from you as homeowner to us as a service provider, eliminating your financial risk.
  7. We use highly trained professional installers. Believe it or not but we could get a couple of guys from this area to show up and install your air conditioner for $400. Problem is they will not do your job following the energy star guidelines. They won't have an installation checklist when they finish. It may or may not be working when they leave and they won't come back. Our installers are trained to comfort now exacting standards and they hit it out of the park almost every time.
  8. We administer a nationwide criminal background checks on all employees that will be working inside your home. Were you aware that the number one and number two trades being taught in our prison system today are plumbing and air conditioning? With comfort now, your wife and your kids are safe…. And so are your belongings.
  9. We administer drug screening on our employees. This helps to ensure your belongings remain your belongings. Drug free technicians also have clearer heads, make fewer mistakes and produce higher quality work.
  10. We wear shoe covers, and use drop clothes to protect your floor from dirt and damage.
  11. We pull the required permits. This provides your third party protection and keeps your family safe.
  12. Our work is done to the energy star guidelines which exceeds local code standards. It will work better, and last longer giving you the lowest possible cost of ownership.
  13. We guarantee your satisfaction. It is not possible to waste your money with comfort now.
  14. We prioritize warranty calls. Other companies will get to it when they get to it. People who buy their systems from us get a fast pass to the front of the lines. We will respond to your needs like a fire.
  15. We offer a variety of easy payment options which makes the right decision more affordable.

Doesn’t it make sense to use a company that you can trust. That will do the job the way you would expect and backs up everything up with our company guarantees taking away all the risk and giving you the lowest possible cost of ownership.


mother and children sitting at table smiling

What You Should Expect From Your HVAC Contractor

Don't be fooled by a low price - it often means a contractor is cutting corners at your expense. 

Improperly sizing and installation are likely to reduce your comfort, increase your operating costs, lead to expensive repairs and shorten the life of your equipment. 

Protect Your Investment 

Make Sure Your Contractor Meets ALL These Standards

  • Written 100% Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee that includes 
    • One-year Buy It Back 
    • One-year Comfort Guarantee 
    • 24-hour priority service during a one-year warranty period 
  • Certified Installers - It ensures the installer has the knowledge to do it right. 
  • Building permit obtained by the contractor to ensure work meets local legal, safety, and workmanship requirements (call city or county to verify the contractor has obtained permit). 
  • Current business license (ask to see it). 
  • Current state contractors license (ask to see it). 
  • Evidence of complete insurance coverage to protect you and your home - general liability, worker's compensation, auto, and umbrella (ask to see it or call agent to verify). 
  • Thorough employee screening for criminal background, drug use, driving history, and past employment to ensure your home and family are safe. 
  • New thermostat with every installation of equipment. 
  • Equipment-saving installation process including, at a minimum 
    • Nitrogen welding on air conditioning lines to protect from leaking 
    • Aluminum evaporator coils to protect from coil leaks 
    • Electronic charging method to protect system and guarantee maximum efficiency 
    • Filter dryer to protect the system 
    • Test out the procedure to ensure everything is working as efficiently as possible.
  • Does the company have an actual office, warehouse, and showroom that you can visit with friendly office personnel to assist you with any questions?
  • Does the company do follow-up calls and customer surveys to constantly be aware of customer satisfaction?
  • Does the company provide continuous training to its employees to keep them up-to-date on current technology and equipment?
  • All costs for the above included in the proposal - no hidden costs, fees, or taxes. 
  • Member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau with no unresolved complaints. (Call the BBB to make sure.)

Why Choose Comfort Now Air Conditioning and Heating

We answer "Yes" to all the questions on "Choosing a Home Comfort Specialist”! 

We offer 100% Satisfaction Guarantees. We offer Performance "Comfort" Guarantees.

We offer “ Apples for Apples" Low Price Guarantees. 

We train all of our comfort advisors to help our customers make the most informed choices. They are licensed by all required agencies. 

We train all of our installation and service technicians and insist upon continuous training to keep their skills sharp. They are certified by all required agencies.

We have the best possible support team in our customer service department, ready to service all your comfort needs. 

We monitor our customer's satisfaction with "Happy Calls". 

We wear carpet savers in every home and clean up after we're done. 

We provide a complete drug-free workforce. 

We don't smoke or swear in our customer's homes. 

We install the best products in accordance with local codes and the manufacturer's specifications. 

Consider before you buy 

"As with any home improvement industry, there will always be a few companies that offer cheap prices. Unfortunately, several of those companies offer cheap prices by cutting corners. They may use lesser quality materials, not include everything necessary to ensure reliable operation and some even operate without insurance or proper licenses to save expenses." 

“The result: a finished product that reflects performance, reliability and, in some cases, safety issues well below the accepted Industry Standard Minimum." 

"We assume you are interested in a system that at minimum reflects our Basic Industry Standards in terms of quality, reliability, and safety, right?" 

Having a contractor who will take the time to design and test a system that will truly serve your home will save you a lot of time, money, and aggravation. Call Comfort Now Air Conditioning & Heating for reliable A/C Installation & Replacement.


How to Test the Air Quality in Your Home

When you hear the word pollution, your first thought might be of large, populated cities, emissions from vehicles and factories filling the air, or piles of litter on the side of a busy interstate. Pollution is all around us and in our homes as well.

The quality of the air you breathe makes a difference in your overall health and wellbeing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016 indoor air pollution caused 3.8 million deaths worldwide.

This is why testing the quality of the air in your household is so important. If you want to learn how to test the air quality in your home, here is some information to get you started.

How to Test the Air Quality in Your Home

To test the air quality in your home, it's important to learn the different types of air pollutants. The tester you use depends on the type of pollutants you want to test for in your home.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) places pollutants into three categories:

  • Biological - bacteria, dust mites, dander, and mold.
  • Chemical - compounds found in household products and building materials such as lead and radon.
  • Combustion - carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde.

You can also make attempts at limiting the amount of air pollution in your home through regular HVAC maintenance, deep cleaning, smoking outside, and proper ventilation and airflow.

Here are some of the most common pollutants found in homes and how to test:

Mold

Mold thrives in damp environments. This fungus releases spores that travel through the air and land on surfaces. In large amounts, mold inhalation and contact can be a health hazard causing respiratory problems, eye, and skin irritation.

There are many different mold testing kits available for purchase to check your home for the presence of mold spores. Samples are collected and if it has detected spores, you can send it to a lab to determine which type of mold.

Pollen

If you have seasonal allergies, you are well aware of the effects of pollen.

There ate at-home allergen tests that you can perform to see if large concentrations are polluting the air in your home.

Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that can find its way into your home from the soil. The Surgeon General warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and is estimated to cause thousands of deaths per year.

This gas cannot be seen or smelled so the only way to know if it's present in your house is to use a test. There are tests you can purchase or you can hire a professional as well.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and every home should have a detector to warn if there is carbon monoxide present.

According to the EPA, all fuel-burning appliances should receive regular maintenance to ensure they are working properly to reduce the risk.

Improve the Quality of Your Air!

It's important to know how to test the air quality in your home not only for your seasonal allergies but for your overall health as well.

To help improve the air quality in your home through regular HVAC maintenance and repair, don't hesitate to contact us at Comfort Now Air Conditioning & Heating!


Pipes from the air conditioning system

Identifying Dedicated Commercial HVAC Professionals

Have you been looking for a company that specializes in delivering high-quality commercial HVAC repair, installation, or maintenance services in Tulare, CA? If so, do yourself a favor and devote some of your time to finding a team of trustworthy, dedicated professionals. Look for indications that you’ll be able to count on their contractors when you need them the most. Don’t be afraid to get on the phone, make some calls, and talk to a variety of service providers.

Reliable Commercial HVAC Services are Key

We know how taxing running a successful business can be on the proprietor, as well as their staff. Commercial HVAC issues shouldn’t disrupt your daily operations or add to the stress that you’re already dealing with. And. they certainly shouldn’t continue to recur once they’ve been addressed by paid professionals. To avoid these kinds of issues, be sure to choose a contractor that has up-to-date credentials along with industry certifications and awards.

Get Information from Sources You Trust

It’s always a good sign when a business constantly maintains a high standing with consumer-affiliated groups like the BBB or Angie’s List. Positive reviews are plus, just remember to take them with a grain of salt and consider where you found them. As they say, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Not all reviews are completely on the up-and-up, but there’s also the possibility that the reviewers expectations were completely different from yours.

Find Service Providers Who Stand Behind Their Work

An HVAC company that’s confident about the services and products they offer will most likely provide some kind of warranty or guarantee. Those who are supremely confident in their abilities may even furnish you with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. At ZONE Air & Heating Inc., we put our customers first and want to be instrumental to their success. You can count on our team to provide you with the best commercial HVAC services at a competitive rate.


HVAC maintenance in Porterville, CA

4 Reasons Why HVAC Maintenance Service Plans Work in Porterville, CA

When it comes to having dependable heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, HVAC service is important for Porterville residents. Periodic heating and AC tune-ups are essential to indoor comfort. At ZONE Air & Heating, we offer HVAC maintenance plans to ensure your year-round comfort.

  • Our summer and winter maintenance plan consists of a technician coming out twice a year to the customer’s home to inspect their systems and change the air filter.
  • Our quarterly maintenance plan consists of a technician coming out four times a year.

Here are 4 reasons why these plans work:

1. Greatly Reduces Repairs Needed and Lower Repair Costs

Regular maintenance takes care of small issues before they become major problems. If you are cost-conscious, these plans eliminate sudden and unwelcome surprises that could be uncomfortable for your family as well as your pocketbook.

2. They Keep AC Running For Warranties to Remain Valid

Manufacturers, such as Trane, require routine maintenance in order for their warranties to remain in effect.

3. Reduced Porterville Utility Costs with Efficiency

A system that is not working at peak efficiency can add costs to your energy bill each month, while a system in top shape can reduce those dollars spent to keep comfortable.

4. They Help Avoid Stress and Discomfort

In addition to being stressful, DIY repairs can be risky. Electrical components, as well as other parts, can cause issues. A well-trained technician can fix your HVAC, no matter what the cause. He or she will know the right solution to fit the problem, so you can rest assured.

These are four reasons that you should consider the value of a maintenance service plan for your HVAC. Avoid the problems of DIY repairs. Give Comfort Now a call to learn more. We can help keep you stay relaxed throughout the seasons with prevention.

Image provided by iStock


Trucks installing AC unit

Buying an Air Conditioning System

Equipment

Today all equipment manufacturers have similar standards. The internal components they use are predominantly the same. Their warranties are nearly identical. However, the biggest difference between brands is established by the relationship that the installing contractor has with the local distribution center. A good distributor will bend over backward to make sure the contractor is supported at the highest level and able to best take care of his customers. A good contractor knows the value of this relationship and will choose the brand that best supports his customer and his installation process. Rarely is this the cheapest(bottom-of-the-barrel) option, but when it comes to your home, would you want it to be? Find a contractor who you trust, and then you’ll know you can trust his brand.

 

Installation

Proper installation is much more important than the brand of equipment being installed. HVAC installation requires highly-trained and certified installation technicians. Installing HVAC equipment is not like replacing a refrigerator, where you remove the old and plug in the new. HVAC equipment is a fine-tuned, multi-faceted system that has to be put together piece by piece throughout your home. Your new equipment has to interact with your ductwork, the layout of your home, your desired temperature, the heating and cooling hours of your local climate, the refrigerant charge for your system, as well as local safety codes for any equipment using electricity and gas. Imagine buying a new car that is not yet fully assembled. You receive all of the parts in huge boxes that fill up your driveway. The instructions say that you have to work with a professional mechanic to achieve peak performance and for the company to back the warranty. Now it is up to you to select the mechanic that is going to assemble the vehicle. The most critical factor of the future reliability, longevity, and efficiency of your new car depends entirely on how well the mechanic puts all the parts together using their specialized tools.

In the HVAC industry, there are installation guidelines set by the Energy Star agency that tell us exactly how to put the pieces together in order to achieve the most efficient, longest-lasting, energy-saving installation possible. Unfortunately, according to a national survey conducted by Energy Star, the majority of installations are not completed according to these best-practice guidelines. As a result, the average homeowner overpays about 27% on their utilities, and the life expectancy of the equipment is drastically reduced. The North Carolina Alternative Energy Corporation found that 9 out of 10 newly installed HVAC systems still left the home with significant energy-robbing flaws.

 

Contractor

Experience matters! But it can not be the only factor used to determine the ability of your installer. Just because a contractor has twenty-five years of experience doesn't mean they are up to date with the current technological trends and installation practices. Our industry is continuously changing, and because of technological advances, we do things much differently today then we did in the past. A good contractor will not use outdated rules of thumb to size your air conditioner. They also won’t simply replace your existing unit with the same size unit. Sizing your system is one of the essential parts of the installation, and half of the equipment replaced today is replaced with an incorrectly sized unit. If a contractor fails to complete a load calculation for your home, then he isn't properly trained and is more likely skipping other important steps such as refrigerant charge verification, airflow verification, duct leakage sealing, and testing, nitrogen purging, thermal expansion valve installation, external static pressure test, and deep vacuum evacuation. Our goal is to marry the wisdom and know-how of the past with the technology of today.

Permits

It is against the law to replace your air conditioner without the proper city or county permits. If a contractor has not talked about pulling the appropriate permits, do not assume they will. Licensing alone does not guarantee proper permits will be pulled. The permit process is all about your protection from fire and safety issues. Your HVAC equipment can be extremely dangerous if installed incorrectly. If the proper permit is not pulled and your unit is not inspected, then your homeowner’s insurance may not be bound to handle severe damage claims at your home. It's the homeowners' responsibility to make sure the contractor is properly licensed, fully insured, and pulling the proper permits.

Support

One of the highest costs of running a customer-first business is the level of support made available to each customer. Our office, 24/7 call center, permit concierge, and quality assurance team cost money but are directly related to the overall five-star experience we strive to provide. Any contractor can put a cell phone number on their truck. But no one wants to get sent to voicemail when their AC goes out on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of the summer! A good contractor will have a legitimate office with a call center and training room. They will train and hire the best technicians to ensure a quality experience from beginning to end. If you have an emergency with your HVAC system, you can reach us anytime, and we will respond like it is an emergency!

How to choose?

Dig deep and find out who is going to do the best job. Work with a company that inspires trust and confidence from the representative that builds your bid to the office team to the install crew. Do the math! In our industry, we always say, if you don’t pay for it now, you will pay for it later. Over the life of the unit, it will always be less expensive to go with a reputable contractor who has quality installers and your best interest at heart. Remember, you are investing in the comfort and safety of your home for years and years to come. We are here to help you make the best decision for you and your family.


Cheerful family on the carpet

Take Steps to Minimize Viruses and Bacteria in Your Home

The rise of widespread illnesses like coronavirus is leading to increased interest in airborne pathogens and bacteria. While many news stories focus on ways to protect yourself while you're on the go, they may overlook the dangers that are lurking inside your own Porterville home. Fortunately, protecting your family from airborne viruses and bacteria might be easier than you think. Here's what you need to know.

Mechanical Ventilation

Ventilation is essential for maintaining healthy indoor air. Studies show that increased air circulation reduces the concentration of airborne pathogens and lowers disease transmission rates. This is important for preventing seasonal illnesses that thrive in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. If your home feels stuffy, an energy-recovery ventilator can alleviate your symptoms and exhaust airborne pollutants.

Humidity Management

Balanced humidity and optimal air quality go hand in hand. Experts recommend keeping the relative humidity below 50% to deter organic growth and dust mites but above 30% to prevent respiratory irritation. Adding extra moisture, especially during the winter, can reduce viral mobility and moisturize your airways to ensure that you're better protected from seasonal illnesses. If you want to balance the humidity throughout your home, consider installing a whole-house humidifier that can release precise amounts of water vapor as needed.

Germicidal Air Cleaners

If you're looking for a permanent way to maintain a germ-free home, consider installing an air purifier that uses static electricity to capture incoming pathogens and to damage viruses at the genetic level. These systems disable germs that cause strep throat, the flu, and other season illnesses. UV lamps that are installed within your HVAC unit can perform a similar function by using ultraviolet rays to improve your indoor air quality.

For additional details, call ZONE Air & Heating Inc. We'll be happy to provide a free quote or to perform an in-home assessment. You can also find more information about our range of air cleaners and indoor air quality services online.


Portrait Of Happy Couple Holding Remote Control Air Conditioner

3 Reasons to Consider a Ductless System for Your New HVAC Installation

Whether you're making major changes to your Terra Bella, CA home or building a new one, determining which HVAC system to install is likely one of your top priorities. With so many options in the market, it can be hard to figure out which one will provide you with the results you want. One option to give serious consideration to is a ductless system. Check out some of the best reasons to consider ductless HVAC for your next installation.

They Are Extremely Energy Efficient

One of the biggest advantages of a ductless system is that they can save you a great deal on utilities since they're more energy-efficient than more traditional models. Unlike a traditional system, ductless systems use less power to operate as they are significantly smaller than other models. The conditioned air goes directly into the room via a tube leading to the indoor air unit. You can also increase the efficiency of the system by opting for a multi-split system that can allow you to create zones in your home which are individually controlled.

They Provide More Flexibility

A traditional, centralized system works by forcing air through a series of ducts installed throughout the home. A ductless system is made up of smaller units that go outdoors and are connected through small tubes to indoor units throughout the home. This allows you to place units where it is most convenient according to the design of your home.

They Are Easy to Install

A professional can easily install a ductless system in your home with little disruptions to the day-to-day activities of your household. A technician will drill small holes in the walls where you'll have your indoor units. Then they'll mount the units and connect them to your electrical system. Since no ductwork is required, there is no need for significant remodeling. Most systems can be up and running in a day.

Contact ZONE Air & Heating Inc.today. One of our experts will answer questions you might have about about our ductless air conditioning products and services.

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