How to Use Your New Home Air Purifier in Porterville, CA
Air purifiers can help you and your loved ones breathe easier, get relief from allergy symptoms and have a cleaner home. They are truly made to improve the indoor air quality of your home in Porterville, CA. Get the most out of your air purifier by following the tips below.
Keep It Going
It is best to keep your air purifier running at all times if you can afford it. You should keep it on the low or medium setting, so it will run quietly in the background. Running your system on automatic may cut it off when you need it most.
Clean the Filters
You should always make sure that you clean your air purifier's filters on a monthly basis. You can rinse them under clean water, wipe them down with a damp cloth or even vacuum them. This will ensure that your air purifier can continue doing its job without clogs or excess debris.
Replace the Filters
It is also important to replace the filters in your air purifier as necessary. Most air purifiers require a replacement on at least a yearly basis, but you should do this more often if you have excess dust or pet dander. Many filters continue to perform for more than a year, but it is best to keep to a replacement schedule.
Go Over
Most Air purifiers will list the square footage that they can cover. It is better if they do not have your home's exact square footage, to go over rather than under. Choose an air purifier that covers slightly more area rather than slightly less.
Contact ZONE Air & Heating Inc.
When you decide that an air purifier is the right choice to improve the air quality of your home in Porterville, CA, contact our team at ZONE Air & Heating Inc. for your installation. We're trusted for our commitment to service and ready to help you choose the equipment that's best for you.
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How to Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Home This Summer: The Top Hints, Tips, and Tricks
Summer is here, and hot weather isn't the only thing that has arrived with it. For many people, hotter temperatures also mean poor indoor air quality.
This can lead to the development of many unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and sinus congestion, among others.
Keep reading for five things you can do to improve the indoor air quality in your home.
1. Keep Any Carpets and Rugs Clean
If you have any pets, you know how easy it is for their hair to stick to carpets and rugs. But did you know that carpets and rugs can also trap dust and other particles?
This means that if you clean them, they can work as air filters. However, if they are left dirty, their effects can be damaging.
Clean them once a week to be safe!
2. Control Household Humidity
Depending on where your home is, summer might be a humid and sticky time. If that is the case, the humidity levels in your home should be controlled.
Too much humidity in the air encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory reactions. Those with allergies and asthma will also find high humidity levels particularly uncomfortable.
Consider buying a dehumidifier to maintain consistent and comfortable levels.
3. Change Your AC Filter
Air conditioners work hard to keep a consistently cool temperature in your home. As they filter through different types of common air pollutants, they stop working as well, and can also negatively affect the air quality of your home.
Change your filter regularly, especially if you live in a city or are prone to allergies.
Comfort Now Air Conditioning and Heating is happy to help you service any air-conditioner, and can even repair or install a new one if necessary.
4. Use Natural Scents
Synthetic fragrances might evoke feelings of cleanliness, but consider using naturally-scented or fragrance-free products instead.
Products such as laundry detergents, cleaning sprays, and air fresheners emit a variety of chemicals into the air. The effects that many of these chemicals have on human health are still not certain.
Using natural or fragrance-free products will eliminate any potential risk.
5. Don't Smoke Indoors
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of different chemicals and is, therefore, a huge factor in indoor air quality.
Not only are these chemicals damaging to the smoker, but they also affect others in the room. Those with secondhand smoke exposure have been found more likely to suffer from respiratory problems and infections.
Many Americans have quit smoking in recent years, but if you haven't, there are a variety of different guides that can help you.
If you still need to smoke, do it outside!
Indoor Air Quality Improvement - Let Us Help You
For many people, summer also means lower indoor air quality. However, this does not need to be the case, and there are several things you can do to keep air quality levels high.
Consider investing in a new HVAC unit, or at the very least repairing or maintaining the one you have.
Contact us today and let us help you make your home a safer and more comfortable place!
Is Your Heat Pump's Compressor Functioning Properly?
You turn to your heat pump for year-round comfort in Porterville, CA. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, which circulates the chemical refrigerant through the coils and facilitates the exchange of heat. Read on for ways to tell if your this part of your heat pump is functioning properly or not.
Know the Signs of a Properly Functioning Compressor
When this essential part of your heat pump is working properly, you'll enjoy optimal indoor comfort. The temperature and humidity levels in your home will be consistent. The heat pump will cycle normally, and it will do so quietly. Then, the system will rest for a while between cooling or heating cycles.
Recognize the Signs of Compressor Problems
If there's a problem with this part of your heat pump, you could notice a variety of different issues. The unit may fail to turn on, leaving your home too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. You may hear the heat pump turn on, but its motor may not start. This is often accompanied by unusual sounds. It may squeal, screech, or make other loud sounds during a heating or cooling cycle. The heat pump may shut down only to turn on again seconds later. A bad compressor may cause the heat pump's circuit breaker to trip. Your electricity bills may soar if problems with this critical component aren't addressed quickly. These increased utility costs are due to frequent cycling and increased electrical demand during the failed start-up phase.
Know the Causes of Compressor Problems
Dirty coils are a leading cause of compression failure. A blocked suction line could halt the flow of refrigerant and cause the part's motor to overheat. A refrigerant leak or too much refrigerant may also cause the part to malfunction. Damaged wiring, fuses, or contactors are more possible causes of compressor problems.
To learn more about heat pump compressors, take a look at ZONE Air & Heating Inc.'s heating and cooling services, or call our heat pump experts today for more info.
Thermostat Settings for Maximum Energy Savings in Lindsay, CA
As we enter a warm summer in Lindsay, CA, many residents might wonder how they can save money on their energy bills. For most households, AC and heating systems are the largest contributors to your power bills. Luckily, with just a few tweaks, you can adjust your thermostat settings to save money on monthly utilities. Here's a look at three things you can do.
1. Increase the Temperature a Couple Degrees
Of course, we all want to stay comfortable this summer. However, cranking the thermostat to extremely low temperatures can have a significant impact on your energy bills.
If you are trying to make your home as efficient as possible, consider increasing the temperature of your thermostat by a few degrees. Increasing a thermostat from 68 to 72 degrees will not have an appreciable difference in the comfort of your home, but it can increase the efficiency of your air conditioning system by up to 40%.
2. Use Fans to Circulate the Air
Thermostats can only measure the temperature in one area of your home, despite being in charge of cooling the entire house. Because of this, a thermostat can often provide a false reading.
Using fans around your home in conjunction with your air conditioner will help to circulate the cool air and keep your home comfortable more efficiently and reduce the strain on your HVAC system. Further, the movement of the air will make the air feel colder, allowing you to increase the temperature of your thermostat even more and save even further.
3. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are significantly more accurate in measuring the temperature of your home, and they allow you to create much more precise parameters to control your air condition system. Further, they allow you to have the air conditioner turn off automatically when you are not at home or when the outside temperature is below a certain point. Best of all, they are easy and affordable to install.
Setting your thermostat to operate as efficiently as possible does not have to mean sacrificing comfort. At ZONE Air & Heating Inc., we are here to guide you through making your home as comfortable and efficient as possible. If you have any questions or want HVAC maintenance to make your summer more comfortable and affordable, do not hesitate to give us a call.
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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!
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:
- Overhead. This is the support that you need that allows us to be a 5 star company.
- Technicians. Professional craftsmen that will get the job done right.
- Equipment and materials. Precisely chosen to give you the best life and efficiency.
- 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.
Comfort Now: Why More People Buy From Us
Why More People Buy From Comfort Now Air Conditioning & Heating
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- We wear shoe covers, and use drop clothes to protect your floor from dirt and damage.
- We pull the required permits. This provides your third party protection and keeps your family safe.
- 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.
- We guarantee your satisfaction. It is not possible to waste your money with comfort now.
- 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.
- 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.
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!
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.