When the time comes for you to replace your furnace or air conditioning unit, the law states that you must get an HVAC permit. Every HVAC contractor in California must pull a permit for the job they are hired for when replacing a heating and/or cooling system.

What is an HVAC Permit?

There are many different kinds of building permits out there. A local government issues these permits to give a technician, contractor, homeowner, or company permission to alter, move, or add to their property. Some changes require more than one permit, but others don’t.

These permits are typically needed whenever there is a permanent or semi-permanent alteration that is planned – for example, when you need to install or remove a furnace or air conditioner (or both).

California HVAC Permit Requirements

California residents risk paying much more in the long run if their contractors don’t pull the required permits.

Although different locations have different requirements and restrictions, regardless of your location, in California, HVAC installation requires a permit. Your permit fees cover the costs of a third-party inspection as well, which will ensure the job is done correctly.

Why Do I Need an HVAC Permit?

It’s of the utmost importance that you ensure your HVAC contractor pulls the appropriate permits before any work commences for a few big reasons.

You’ll be Abiding by the Law

If you hire a contractor who begins work on replacing your heater or air conditioner without pulling a permit, they can lose their license, and both you and they can be held liable. Furthermore, the city where the work was being done can require you to stop all work and remove the HVAC equipment at your own expense. If you don’t comply, the city can sue you.

You Will Save Money

When you have the appropriate permit for the work you are having done, you’ll save money because you’ll know the job will be done correctly the first time! This is because when a permit is pulled for HVAC work, the city will verify that it’s installed properly.

Studies show that, on average, only 10% of HVAC system installations in the country are done correctly. This means that around 90% of installations waste energy to some degree. Therefore, as of 2019, the state of California requires that a qualified third party verifies the installation.

You will Enjoy the Peace of Mind You Deserve

When it comes to something as important as your HVAC system, having peace of mind knowing everything is safe and proper is priceless. Safety will always be the #1 concern of the best HVAC companies in Napa Valley and any inspector that comes to verify the quality of the installation.

The inspector will check the quality of the workmanship and will look for any electrical hazards and carbon monoxide hazards. When HVAC professionals pull the required permits, they know what’s at stake and won’t likely cut any corners on your installation.

Need HVAC Installation or Repairs?

A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business that serves Vacaville, Contra Costa, Napa, Solano, and the surrounding Bay Area. In addition to HVAC services, we also offer solar, tankless water heaters, insulation, duct, and window services.

Our award-winning technicians offer the most comprehensive services and competitive prices in the Bay Area. Our customers return to us time and time again because they know we always look out for their best interests. Our reputation speaks for itself. Reach out to our team today and let us know how our team can help you!

If you’ve decided you need a new furnace or air conditioning unit (or both), you may not know just what to expect throughout the whole experience. There are some good things to know and tips to keep in mind to make the process easy that can help you prepare for your installation appointment.

By taking a few steps to prepare for your appointment, you can make the entire experience not only enjoyable, but also easy. Here are five tips to help you become familiar with what to expect for your HVAC installation appointment:

1. Find a Technician

If you don’t already have a go-to HVAC company in the Bay Area for your needs, the first thing you’ll want to do is choose one. A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. is the area’s leading award-winning HVAC service provider, so give us a call! Any technician who serves you needs to be insured and licensed, and they should be more than happy to schedule an appointment to meet with you.

During that meeting, they can also give you an estimate and get measurements of your home or building that the installation will take place in. They’ll calculate the exact size of the HVAC system you’ll need.

2. Get a Written Estimate

Any HVAC contractor worth their weight in salt will not only be happy to provide a written estimate but will also expect to do so. That estimate should be signed and dated and include all costs of the HVAC installation job, such as:

• Clean-up costs
• An itemized list of installation and repair fees
• Job duration estimate
• Labor costs
• Machine/parts costs
• Any additional costs
• Detailed scope of work to be done
•  Manufacture brand and model number of equipment to be installed
• Cost of job to be performed
• City permits and third-party testing verification included in the pricing
• Warranty information

If you have any questions about anything on that estimate, don’t hesitate to ask! The best HVAC company will always be happy to answer all of your questions.

3. Order the Right Size and Model

This one really should be on the shoulders of the HVAC installation crew, but many homeowners feel better when they also do the research themselves about the right size HVAC system for their needs.

A system that is too small will work continuously to try and meet the set temperature on the thermostat, and a system that is too large will short cycle constantly. Both scenarios will lead to a premature equipment failure and high energy bills for the homeowner.

Check Energy Star efficiency ratings and talk with your contractor about recommending the best units for your needs.

4. Get Your Home Situated

Once you have an appointment date and time, you can get your home ready accordingly. Move objects out of the path the installation team will need to take to bring the equipment to its destination site in your home. Remove everything and anything that is hazardous, fragile, or just in the way!

If there’s furniture in the way, that should be moved as well. When the time comes for your appointment, make sure all pets are safely out of the way.

5. Be Ready!

The contractors will begin by setting up their work areas; be prepared during the appointment for them to access crawl spaces, basements, and attics, depending on what needs to be done. If ductwork must be done, they will need access to several places in your home or building. Depending on the model and system that will be installed, equipment might be installed inside and outside of your home. Make sure ahead of time that you understand where work will be done so you can clear the appropriate spaces.

During your appointment, the technician(s) will turn the power to the HVAC system in your home off. If old equipment is present, refrigerant will be removed from it, and it will be removed and replaced with the new equipment. There may be some dust kicked up during installation, so you may want to cover nearby furniture. If duct work is needed, it will likely extend the time needed to complete the job.

If unexpected problems or issues arise that will affect the installation, the team member will speak with you about it. Once everything is complete, tests on the new equipment will be run, and the technician will go over instructions for the proper care and operation of your new HVAC unit. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have so you can enjoy your new system for years to come!

For trustworthy HVAC service by professionals with decades of experience, contact A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. today! We can provide you with everything you need to enjoy a new heating and cooling system that will save you money on your energy bills and more. Fill out our online form or give us a call!

It’s to be expected that people have many questions about their HVAC system appointment, and when the time comes for their visit to be scheduled, it’s easy to overlook some important questions you should ask.

While it’s a great idea to jot down your questions ahead of time, that isn’t always as simple as it may sound. Following are the top five questions (and more) you should ask when scheduling your HVAC appointment.

Questions to Ask Before Committing to an HVAC Appointment

1. Is the Company Insured and Licensed?

This is a big one; it might be tempting to hire the last guy you saw online who promised crazy low prices and lightning-fast service, but you may very well end up paying big before it’s all over. Hiring a company like A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. that is licensed, bonded, and insured means you’re protected against accidents, workmanship issues, installation or repair problems, and more.

In order for HVAC companies and technicians to be licensed, they must be reviewed by a licensing board and maintain high standards of service and integrity. Hiring any company or contractor that is not licensed or insured can really mean big (expensive) trouble for you.

2. What is Your Cancellation Policy?

We all know that things come up and emergencies arrive that must take priority over the appointments we’ve set for various services, so it’s a good idea to find out what the company’s cancellation policy is.

Some companies have policies that charge a fee if customers don’t cancel within a certain number of hours prior to the appointment. Making sure you’re clear about these policies will help ensure you don’t end up with any surprise bills on your account.

3. Can You Give References from Previous Customers?

A good HVAC company in the Bay Area is going to be able to furnish an expansive list of happy customers they’ve garnered over the years through top customer service and support. Ask for references! These companies will often have a page on their website with testimonials or may have good reviews and comments sprinkled throughout the site. You can check out a few A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air testimonials here.

4. What Warranties and Guarantees Do You Offer and How Do They Work?

Make sure you understand what kind of protections you are entitled to under the company’s promises of excellent service. The best businesses always protect their customers and will be happy to explain them, back them up, and promote them.

A good HVAC company will explain how their warranties last and under what conditions. Check those references to see how often and how well the business holds up to its promises.

5. Do You Offer Financing?

This is a big one for many people. An excellent company will offer numerous ways to finance big projects and/or products because not everyone is able to stash away money for a new heating and cooling system!

Some may offer financing through a third party vendor, and some may take monthly payment plans with or without interest. Be sure to ask about their specials, sales, deals, and discounts, too.

Contact A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc.

A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. is the #1 company in the area for all things HVAC. Ask us all of your questions, and we’ll be happy to help! We pride ourselves on delivering transparent communication to all of our customers and helping with whatever they need. Contact us today to talk with us or schedule your appointment!

A water heater is one of those big home appliance systems that can make different noises at different times, whether it’s little snaps, taps, crackles, or even little clicks. However, there are some noises it can start making that can signal that a problem is looming on the horizon.

When these noises signal the end of your current water heater’s life, consider replacing your standard water heater with a tankless one. There are many benefits and great reasons to do so, and A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. can help you choose the best one and install it for you, too.

Sounds of Your Water Heater that Could Mean Trouble

There are several sounds your water heater makes as part of its normal day-to-day operation, but others that it shouldn’t normally make could signal trouble. Some of the normal noises include a “wooshing sound” if you have a gas unit. This is the pilot light lighting the burner to warm the water.

You might also hear a dull humming noise if you have an electric water heater. This noise usually occurs when the looped tube heating element inside has water flowing past it, creating a small vibration in the heating element.

While these are normal noises a traditional water heater can make, other noises can mean a replacement might be necessary. These can include:

A Popping Sound or Series of Popping Sounds

If you hear popping noises from your water heater, it could be a sign of limescale or a build-up of sediment in your tank. That pop usually comes from water that boils underneath that sediment.

Screeching Noises

Noises that sound squeaky or screechy can mean that there is water restriction going on with the system.

Sizzling Sounds

If you hear sounds that resemble water sizzling, that’s exactly what is happening. These sounds typically arise from leaking water from the water heater tank dropping onto the burner. Leaking water wastes energy and will run up your utility bills because you’re just heating water that is going onto the floor. If this issue happens, you’ll need your water heater replaced because, eventually, this problem will get much worse if left unattended.

Benefits of Replacing Your Water Heater with a Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater can save you enough money that it will pay for itself after just a few years. Other benefits include:

• Ample hot water supply
• Less maintenance than standard systems
• Lower utility bills
• Better energy efficiency
• They take up much less room
• They have a longer lifespan than standard units

With tankless water heaters, water is heated quickly and only when it’s needed. There is no storing hot water in a large tank or using so much energy to keep it all heated. Therefore, tankless heaters can be up to 34% more energy efficient. As such, you’ll also enjoy an endless hot water supply while saving money!

Contact A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air for Tankless Water Heater Installation

Whether you hear strange noises from your system, you have a feeling that you need to replace yours, or you’re already sure you want a tankless water heater, reach out to our team at A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. to get a quote on a great tankless water heater replacement.

Switching out your old tank water heater for a tankless water heater can really save you so much money and energy over the years. Looking for more information on whether a tankless heater is right for you? A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. can help. Contact us today!