Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

Laguna Hills CA Air Conditioning FAQ: What Does SEER Mean, and Why is it Important?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Are you looking for a new air conditioner? Call the Laguna Hills air conditioning experts at Saddleback Plumbing. We can help you understand efficiency ratings and choose the model that suits your needs. When buying an air conditioner, always look for a model with higher efficiency ratings, which for air conditioners are measured by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).

The SEER rating indicates how efficiently the AC system can turn a relative amount of energy into actual cooling for your home. If you have an older system, it probably has a SEER rating of 6 or less, but the minimum SEER allowed for today’s models is 13. Another easy way to know that you are getting a model with a high SEER rating is to look for Energy Star-rated models, because they will have even higher SEER ratings.

Keep in mind that heat pumps are also measured by the HSPF (heating season performance factor), and it is important to note that there will be other features to look for in terms of heat pump efficiency. Some of those features include variable fan blowers, which run at lower speeds and for longer periods taking the strain off of the compressor, and other features include advanced coil design, copper tubing, and many other small yet important energy-saving features.

The SEER doesn’t account for other factors, such as the condition of your air ducts, the location of the outdoor unit, which can be affected by high winds, and how well your home is insulated and sealed. We can help you decide if your home is ready for a high-efficiency AC system before you make your final decision about an upgrade or replacement.

Call Saddleback for all of your Laguna Hills, CA air conditioning needs.

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Laguna Hills Air Conditioning: How to Protect Your AC during High Winds

Monday, March 4th, 2013

We’ve had an unusual winter here in Southern California which included some very high winds the last couple of weeks. At Saddleback Plumbing we provide complete air conditioning repair service in Laguna Hills, CA and the entire Orange County area. We thought it would be helpful if we put together a quick list of some of the ways that you can protect your air conditioning system during high winds. We know how important it is to have a good AC system here in Southern California. Call your Laguna Hills air conditioning contractor if you need any kind of AC repairs.

Common Air Conditioning Repairs Caused by High Winds

When the wind picks up there are a few common problems that it can cause for your air conditioning system. One of the main problems, obviously, would be if a branch or tree fell onto your air conditioning unit. If the tree is big enough there really isn’t anything that you can do to protect against that.

Another common problem is dust, dirt or leaves getting into your air conditioning system. For your outdoor condensing unit, that type of debris can build up and cause the fan motor, fan blades or fan belt to work improperly. That dust can also attach itself to the condensing coils inside which might reduce its efficiency.

How to Protect Your Air Conditioning System

Probably the best thing that you can do during high wind situations is to put a cover over your air conditioning system. This will protect it from small branches and, especially, from dirt and dust.

Benefits of Laguna Hills CA Air Conditioning Maintenance

Even though dirt and dust can get into your AC unit during high winds, they can also work their way in over the course of time. During regular air conditioner maintenance visits, your Laguna Hills air conditioning technician will be able to clean out your condensing coils and lubricate the fan motor bearings. This will likely reduce the possibility that the dust and dirt will cause any problems for your AC system.

Call the air conditioning experts at Saddleback Plumbing for any air conditioning repair in Laguna Hills, CA. Contact Saddleback Plumbing today!

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Laguna Hills Air Conditioning FAQ: AC Services Available

Monday, January 21st, 2013

If you live in Southern California then you know how critical a good air conditioning system is to your comfort. We enjoy wonderful weather all year long but on those hot days you need an efficient AC system to cool your home. There are so many different options available for cooling your home. At Saddleback, we provide complete air conditioning services throughout the Laguna Hills, CA area. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the options that are available to homeowners in the Laguna Hills area.

Air Conditioning Maintenance in Laguna Hill, CA

We’re all looking to reduce the amount of energy that we use in our lives. One of the best ways to increase the efficiency of your home’s  air conditioning system is to get it regularly maintained by a professional Laguna Hills air conditioning contractor.

Over time, and with continued use, your AC system will begin to wear out. This is just a natural part of your equipment’s life-cycle. But during regular maintenance visits, your air conditioning technician will look specifically for problems or issues that might be causing your AC unit to work harder. This can include dirty fan bearings, worn out fan belt, dirty cooling coils or leaking refrigerant. Your technician will clean any dirty parts, lubricate the moving parts and replace any parts that are worn down.

Ductless Mini Split Systems in Laguna Hills, CA

One type of heating system that is gaining popularity among many homeowners in the Laguna Hills area is the ductless mini split system. As their name implies, ductless mini split systems heat and cool your home without the use of cumbersome ducts. In this type of system, each room has their own unit that is mounted on the wall. Installation of these wall units is as easy as drilling a 3-inch hole in the wall to allow for electrical and refrigerant lines. Outside, a condensing unit provides for the exhaustion of heat.

Ductless mini split systems are terrific for old home renovations in Laguna Hills that don’t have room for ducts. They are also highly efficient and allow you to control the temperature in each room.

Zone Control Systems in Laguna Hills, CA

Finally, another great air conditioning service that we offer at Saddleback, is zone control systems. Zone control systems are a way for homeowners to potentially reduce the amount of energy that they use in their homes. If you have a traditional AC system, then you have to cool your entire home every time you turn on your AC. However, zone control systems allow you to target your cooling to just the rooms that you’re using. This saves you energy of having to cool your whole home when you’re just using one or two rooms.

If you need any kind of air conditioning repair just contact Saddleback today!

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How to Determine the ROI of HVAC Replacement

Monday, September 17th, 2012

Whether you’re a home or business owner in Trabuco Canyon, it’s important to consider the ROI, or return on investment when upgrading your HVAC system. ROI basically refers to what you get back for your initial investment and it’s the best way to make sure you’re getting the most out of what you pay for.  The higher the ROI, the less the system costs you in the end.

One of the most important things to weigh is which brand to buy.  When you purchase a new heating or air conditioning system from a prominent manufacturer, you are usually getting two things – lasting performance and a good warranty.  Going with a cheaper, lesser known manufacturer isn’t advisable as they may not have a track record, or the system may not be easily repaired or it may even be difficult to find parts.

It’s important to also check the system’s efficiency rating.  Run through some simple numbers to come up with how much you might save if you purchase one of the energy efficient systems.  These typically cost more initially, but many pay off in the long run.  If it saves you considerable money over time, this just increases your ROI.

Airflow is a something else to look at.  There are some systems that come with a variable speed air handler that can improve the comfort of your home.  In addition to providing the right airflow, these systems prevent the stagnant air so many of the older ones contribute to.  These newer systems can also run at different speeds, depending on the weather and your needs.  These aid the ROI by saving energy while keeping your home or office the same temperature throughout all the rooms.

For more information about air conditioning replacement in Trabuco Canyon and the surrounding area, give Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning a call!

 

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Incorporating Air Filters into Your Comfort Systems in Orange County

Monday, August 27th, 2012

If you desire cleaner air in your home, one easy solution is to incorporating better quality, higher rated air filters into your comfort system.  The Mission Viejo air quality specialists at Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can help you breathe easier by installing a good air filtration system.

One of the first things you want to do is determine what types of allergens and air pollutants you are most concerned with, as each air filter will specifically target certain sized particulates in the air.  Then you must determine where those items fall along the MERV scale so that you know what MERV rating to look for when finding an air filter.

Not every air filter is alike, so once you have decided what particulates you want eradicated it is important to pay attention to the MERV rating listed on each air filter, that way you can determine which will give you the desired results you are looking for.

In addition to knowing the proper MERV rating, you will want to learn a little bit more about the types of air filters out there.  Media filers are also known as passive filters, they are the kind that sits in the ducts and as air passes through them, they capture the particles that are smaller than its membranes such as pollen, dust and animal dander.  Electronic filtration uses electricity to ionize the air as it passes through and eradicates smaller particulates such as smoke and exhaust.

Using multiple types of air filters within a home comfort system will usually provide the best results with the cleanest air.  If a media filter is used to capture larger particles, followed by an electronic filter which captures the smaller particles, then your home will have a drastic reduction in the presence of not only allergens but harmful elements that can cause illnesses such as colds.

Air filters can be placed in numerous places within your duct system; it all depends on your system’s specific design.  This can include being placed at the central air return register, at the attic air handler, at a basement air handler, or next to an electrostatic air cleaner.  Additionally, some systems have multiple air filters at varying places for different purposes such as fiberglass or pleated paper filters, washable filters, and electrostatic filters.

Speak with the air quality professionals at Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning if you are interested in learning more about how to improve the air quality in your Mission Viejo home!

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Why Matching Coils are Important to Air Conditioning Systems

Monday, August 6th, 2012

Within our air conditioning systems the evaporator coil and condenser coil work together to cool our indoor air.  Because whole building AC systems tend to use split systems with an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator unit it is important that these two systems work properly together.  The Orange County AC professionals at Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning understand how to properly size AC systems while also matching condenser coils and evaporator coils.

The Importance of Matching Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Air conditioning manufacturers tend to lab-test and rate their air conditioning systems together.  Thus having the same brand evaporator coil as condenser coil means that they have already been tested while working together and you will possibly get the most efficient usage out of each.

Proper sizing of an evaporator coil to a condenser coil is of vital importance.  If they are sized differently they will not work together as designed.  The evaporator coil can be up to a ton larger than the condenser coil, but it is not recommended to go much beyond a one ton difference.  A bigger condenser should never be used with a smaller evaporator.

When the entire air conditioning system is properly sized for the internal space which it is cooling as well as properly sized to its own separate parts you get the most energy-efficiency.  This means that not only the evaporator and condenser are properly sized, but the refrigerant tubing, circuit breaker, fuses, and electrical system all function as intended.

When matching evaporators and condensers to one another, there are a few main items that must be considered by your air conditioning technician that is performing the job.  These can include air flow and fin spacing, in addition to performing a manual load calculation for proper AC sizing, ensuring proper ductwork sizing, and that the blower is properly sized for both coils.

It is normally recommended that when the compressor goes out, both the compressor and evaporator are both replaced at the same time.

Contact Saddleback Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning and get assistance with your Orange County AC system and all its vital parts including the condenser coil and the evaporator coil, while ensuring that all your questions are answered along the way.

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Air Conditioning Question 1: What is Involved in Installing a Programmable Thermostat?

Monday, July 16th, 2012

If you’ve decided to replace your old manual thermostat with a new programmable model, you’ve made a smart choice. At Saddleback we like to keep our customers informed, so here’s what to expect when having your new thermostat installed.

First of all, location is key. Your thermostat will be installed on an interior wall, and will perform optimally when kept away from sources of heat or drafts such as heating and cooling vents, windows, doorways, and so on. To ensure that you are getting the most accurate performance out of your thermostat it should be in a spot representative of the room’s true temperature.

Your technician will most likely shut off the electricity during the installation. If the electricity is not shut off, the job is not being done safely. The fact that thermostats run on low voltage wiring does not make it acceptable to rush a job. Depending on your specific heating and cooling system you can expect to see anywhere from 2 – 10 wires at the point of connection.

If you are replacing your existing Irvine central air or heating system, we strongly advise that you also upgrade your old, manual thermostat. There is no comparing the accuracy you get from the old manual models to that of the new, programmable thermostats. Remember, with greater accuracy comes better efficiency and more effective performance levels from your heating or cooling system. Before you decide on a new thermostat for your heating or cooling system upgrade, talk with a professional. There are a lot of options out there, and you want to be sure that you are making the right purchase for your individual needs.

Also, if you’re having an old manual thermostat removed it is possible that the model may have a mercury switch inside. Mercury is a liquid metal once commonly used in thermostats to complete connections. It is also toxic. Your Irvine air conditioning technician will make sure that this substance is safely removed from your home and properly disposed of.

Upgrading to a programmable thermostat may not be a big job, but it is an important one. After all, this is the control panel you rely on to keep your home comfortable. Call the professionals at Saddleback and know that your new thermostat is properly installed.

 

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What Can You Do Yourself if Your Central AC Unit Does Not Work? When Should You Call a Lake Forest AC Professional?

Monday, June 18th, 2012

If your Lake Forest air conditioning system suddenly stops working or is not keeping your house as cool as you think it should, the chances are good that you will have to call in a professional to make the necessary repairs and get you back on track. However, there are a few things you can do on your own before you make that call to ensure that this really is something you cannot take care of on your own.

While it may seem obvious, the first thing you should check is the thermostat to make sure that it is set to a temperature that will trigger the air conditioning to come on. If your thermostat for some reason is set too high, then the air conditioner will not receive the signal to start cooling the house. This is an easy fix, of course, and you will be back up and running in no time.

If the thermostat is indeed set where it should be, the next thing to check is the air filter. Most people with central air conditioning know that they should change the filter once every month or so, but this seldom actually happens.

If it has been a while since your air filter was changed, there is a good chance that it is clogged and therefore blocking air from circulating from the air conditioner through the rest of the house. This is an easy enough fix, as all you need to do is replace the current air filter and your system should be able to pick up right where it left of. However, if the blocked air filter has also caused ice to form behind it, you may have to wait for a couple of hours until the ice has a chance to thaw.

Next, you will want to check and make sure that the air conditioning system is actually getting power. Look to see if any of the breakers are tripped or if there may have been a current interruption for any other reason that is within your power to fix. If this is the case, though, it is a good idea to turn the air conditioning system off before you attempt to restore the power.

If none of these measures are able to get your air conditioning system up and running again, you should not hesitate to call a Lake Forest air conditioning professional. Many air conditioning repairs are quite basic, but they still need to be performed by a licensed professional. Contact Saddleback Plumbing today if your air conditioner needs service!

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Steps to Take When Your HVAC System Breaks Down

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Imagine this – it’s a sweltering summer day. The only place you want to be is on the couch in your Tustin home with the cool air conditioned air being blown across your face. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? Now, imagine what happens when that cool conditioned air stops flowing.

A breakdown in your HVAC system is the absolute last thing you want to experience on a day where the mercury dings 90+ but it can happen, and the only way to ensure things don’t get out of hand is to take the following steps.

  1. Check Common Problems –While the system itself could be broken, make sure there are no other issues involved. Frequently, the electricity supply can be interrupted by a power surge or a tripped breaker. In both cases, you can usually get the system back online by yourself. However, you should call an electrician to inspect it as soon as possible.
  2. Does it Turn On – If the air conditioning system turns on and simply doesn’t provide enough cooling for your home, it is likely a problem in the unit. In this case, check other common problems. Clogged filters can severely reduce efficiency and if the system freezes over, it may stop providing enough cooling.
  3. Still Not Working? – If the system refuses to turn on and there are not clear problems that you can fix yourself, it’s time to call a professional. A professional HVAC contractor should be available almost any day of the week for emergency calls like this. Of course, in the middle of a heat wave or cold snap, it’s very likely that they may be booked up for a couple days. To avoid this happening, have routine maintenance done as often as recommended to avoid the possibility of being without cooling or heating indefinitely.

A good HVAC system is the only thing standing between you and discomfort, or worse, danger to your health. Don’t let the system go into such disrepair that you can’t use it at all.

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Your HVAC System and Electricity: A Guide From Aliso Viejo

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

While not every HVAC system in your Aliso Viejo home requires electricity, many of them do. Your air conditioner, electric furnace or water heater and ventilation system all need access to the central power line. So what does that mean for your system and what problems should be you beware of?

How Your HVAC System Uses Electricity

How your HVAC system works depends largely on which components need electricity to operate. Here is a quick summary of how each system uses electricity:

  • Air Conditioning – Most air conditioners are electric and therefore use electricity based on the number of BTUs produced. For example, if your air conditioner produces 25,000 BTUs and has a SEER of 16, it can produce 16 BTUs for every watt of electricity consumed per hour. As a result, it consumes 1,562.5 watts per hour when the system is running at maximum capacity. If it runs at full capacity for 8 hours per day, 30 days a month in the summer, that’s 375 kilowatt hours – which is the measurement unit you’ll see on your electric bill.
  • Heating – Your heating system may not use electricity, as many homes today use gas or oil combustion furnaces or boilers to produce heat. However, if you have an electric furnace, that electric power is used to heat the filament in the furnace. Electricity also powers the blower fan motor which pushes air across the filament and into the air handler. An electric furnace sized to heat a 1500 square foot home can use up to 8,000 watts per hour to produce enough heat for your home. That converts to roughly 5,000 kilowatt hours per month. The current price of electricity will determine how much this actually costs, you but it can really add up quickly.
  • Ventilation – Your ventilation system is almost always going to use electricity to circulate and filter air. While mechanical filters rely on the movement of air to remove certain particles, ventilation systems have a variety of components including fans and possibly even condenser coils to conserve energy as air is exchanged between the inside and outside.

Electricity plays an important role in your HVAC system no matter how your system works. To ensure yours continues to operate as intended, have your power system checked on a regular basis when the rest of your HVAC system is serviced.

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