Explore the Benefits of Heat Pumps

As gas appliances and heating systems are being phased out of use in California and across the country, many people are turning their attention to more environmentally friendly means of heating and cooling their homes.

Heat pumps are some of the most efficient and environmentally friendly options available. Californians can enjoy many benefits of heat pumps, so if you’re looking for a great alternative for your home or business, read on to learn why they are becoming more popular than ever.

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump transfers heat from one area to another and can be used to heat or cool a home, depending on the season. There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. These systems use a refrigerant to transfer heat from the ground or air into the home. The process is reversed during the summer.

Heat pumps use electricity to move heat instead of generating heat. This is why they are much more efficient than many other heating and cooling systems.

What are the Benefits of Heat Pumps?

You might already be familiar with the government incentives available for various household systems, and several of them are available to help offset the cost of installing a heat pump. Government incentives aren’t the only reason to choose a heat pump! Some others include the following:

Comfort

Heat pumps are valued for the comfortable temperatures they can provide to the home, even when the temperatures and weather are extreme. For milder climates, air-source pumps are generally good options. Colder climates may find ground-source heat pumps to be a better choice.

Versatile

Heat pumps can be used to heat and cool homes and businesses, so people don’t need to have, maintain, or pay for two separate systems. This can save property owners a significant amount of money on the installation and upkeep of their home comfort system.

Energy Efficiency

Heat pumps save owners money on bills since they save energy by not creating heat. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy advises that heat pumps can cut their cooling costs by up to 50% and their heating costs by 30% each year.

Environmentally Friendly

Heat pumps don’t produce any emissions, unlike other types of heating and cooling systems. This is one of the main reasons why so many people are trading their traditional HVAC systems for them. A heat pump might be a great option if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.

Long-Lasting

Heat pumps are very durable and last many good, long years. With proper maintenance and regular upkeep, they can easily last for at least 15 years, if not more. The lifespan of a heat pump depends on several factors, including how well it’s maintained, the type of heat pump (air-source or ground-source), and the climate in which it’s used.

Additional Reasons to Choose a Heat Pump

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, heat pumps also offer numerous other benefits, some of which include:

• Easy maintenance: heat pumps are pretty to maintain, usually only requiring a tune-up once per year.
• Improved air quality: heat pumps can help improve the air quality in your home by removing pollen, dust, and other allergens and pollutants from the air.
• Reduced noise pollution: Both inside the home and out, heat pumps are much quieter than traditional heating and cooling systems.

Whether you choose an air-source or ground-source heat pump, you should always elect to have it installed and maintained regularly by professionals.

Trust A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. for Heat Pump Installation

Whether you need a replacement heat pump installed in your home or are still not sure it’s the right choice, A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. can help. We’ll help you choose the best options for your home, needs, and budget, so contact us today to schedule an appointment for heat pump installation in Napa and Contra Costa counties, Solano, and the Bay Area.

No one is ever prepared for when their air conditioner suddenly quits working in the middle of the summer heat. Even though it’s a situation that can easily (and understandably) cause you to panic, don’t. If you notice that your air conditioning doesn’t seem to be pumping out the amount of air it should be, start with simple troubleshooting before calling a professional. Sometimes, all it needs is a new HVAC filter change.

Effective filters can keep the air in your home cleaner by trapping pollutants, allergens, and debris and keeping your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible. A clear filter is able to keep the part of the system from clogging by trapping the foreign material that lingers in the air.

However, a clogged filter can reduce the airflow, causing your air conditioner to work much harder than it should. As a result, this can shorten its lifespan, increase energy usage and bills, and be detrimental to the environment.

How to Change Your HVAC Filter

Knowing what kind to use is one of the most important aspects of changing your furnace filter. Installing a filter with the correct size and rating is crucial to ensure the unit functions properly. If you currently have a filter in your unit, removing it and looking at the dimensions printed on the filter is the easiest way to garner this information. You’ll need to refer to the owner’s manual for the information if there is no filter currently.

Step 1: Turn Off the HVAC System

You don’t want a bunch of air flowing through the system and the current filter while trying to remove that filter! You don’t have to turn your unit off completely; bumping the temperature on the thermostat up or down to get it to shut off will suffice.

Step 2: Locate the Current Filter

If you don’t know where the filter is located, refer to the owner’s manual for information. Filters are not all located in the same spots with HVAC units; some are under the grille of return air registers, and others can even be in the wall for air-handler cabinets.

Many homes have a horizontal or up-flow system in the basement or attic. If you do, you most likely have a narrow 1”-wide filter rack. These racks usually have a removable door between the air distribution box and the furnace wall. Sliding the door open will reveal the compartment meant to house your filter.

Step 3: Remove the Filter

You may need to remove the screws that hold the lid in place; however, not all systems have screws. If you have a cover, remove it and wipe it down to remove some of the debris lingering there.

You should be able to see the filter (or at least one edge of it, depending on the specific type of system you have). Bring a trash bag with you if your filter hasn’t been changed in a while; you don’t want to drag a dusty, dirty filter through your house. Pull the current filter out, but pay attention to the arrows to ensure that you’ll know which way to insert the new filter.

Step 4: Insert the New Filter

Take your new filter and insert it into the space from which you just removed the old one. Ensure the arrows on the new one face the same way as those on the old filter. If you put a filter in backward, it won’t be able to effectively trap dirt and pollutants. It’s also a good idea to write the date you installed it on the filter or a calendar. Filters should be replaced every 30-60 days, depending on usage.

HVAC Maintenance and Repair in Vallejo

If you need to schedule HVAC maintenance or repairs for your system, contact A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. We provide all heating and air conditioning services throughout Vallejo, Vacaville, Fairfield, Solano, Napa, and Contra Costa counties and the entire Bay Area. Schedule your appointment with us today!

The time is now to enlist the expertise of an HVAC contractor, whether you think you need services right now or not. You should have a professional perform a routine check-up on your system at least once per year and, ideally, twice: once in the spring and once in the fall. Not only that, but you also should choose a great HVAC pro when your system is working well to avoid a panicked rush to find help if your unit should ever break down.

Whether you’re looking for a professional for maintenance, you want to prepare ahead of time, or you need HVAC service in the Bay Area now, it’s critical that you find the right HVAC contractor for your needs.

What to Look for in an HVAC Contractor in the Bay Area

Every contractor is different and offers their own unique take on services, fees, and schedules. There are dozens of contractors throughout the area, so finding one that suits your budget, needs, and schedule can seem overwhelming. However, keeping a few key tips front of mind can make your search much easier, quicker, and more fruitful.

Energy Efficiency

One thing to look for in an expert is the environmentally friendly appliances and components they use for HVAC installations and repairs and the methods they use. Everything they use and do should be done with the good of the environment in mind.

The contractor you choose should offer energy-efficient HVAC units that meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. They should also offer Energy Star-qualified products and handle waste and disposal responsibly and sustainably.

Home Evaluations

Every good, responsible HVAC contractor will be more than happy to come to your home to conduct evaluations to provide services, whether for replacements or repairs. In order to provide accurate estimates, quotes, measurements, and services, on-site measurements are a must. You have the right to expect your contractor to come to your home before giving an accurate estimate.

For the home evaluation, the contractor should assess the size and type of system or components needed to meet your needs, including various duct systems, insulation, and whatever else is needed to do the job right.

Affordability without Sacrificing Quality

The best HVAC contractors do everything with the best interests of their customers at heart. They don’t over-inflate their prices to make a buck, they don’t sneak in disguised costs or surprise charges. They also don’t try to upsell or convince customers they need services or items they actually don’t need.

Look for a contractor with stellar reviews from previous customers and take the time to actually read them. Has the company won any local awards? What is the talk among the locals about the contractor?

A great contractor will be happy to offer discounts, coupons, and various deals to help their customers save money –  and they’ll never sacrifice good quality in order to do so.

Certified and Safe

You shouldn’t ever entertain the idea of doing business with any HVAC contractor who is not licensed, bonded, insured, drug tested, and background-checked. The company you choose should also be certified by industry organizations such as NATE, the EPA, and others.

Did you know that HVAC companies must print their license number on their marketing materials and websites? Make sure to look for these numbers and ask if you don’t see them. Don’t hesitate to ask for credentials, verifications, license numbers, and any other information you need in order to feel safe and protect your property.

Contact A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air for HVAC Services in Vallejo

A-1 Guaranteed Heating and Air, Inc. is the leading award-winning HVAC company in the Bay Area. We serve customers in Solano, Napa, and Contra Costa Counties, including all surrounding areas.

 

We’re trusted more than any other area company for comprehensive and affordable services backed by industry-leading warranties and guarantees. Contact us to schedule service or a free no-obligation estimate today!

If your air conditioning unit is freezing up, it can be a frustrating problem. Not only is it uncomfortable to be in a cold house, but it can also damage your AC unit and lead to costly repairs.

There are a few reasons why your air conditioning unit might be freezing up. Here are some of the most common causes:

Low refrigerant levels

Refrigerant is the fluid that circulates through your air conditioning unit and absorbs heat from the air inside your home. If the refrigerant levels are low, the unit cannot cool your home effectively and may even freeze up.

Dirty filters

Dirty filters can restrict airflow through your air conditioning unit, which can also lead to freezing. Make sure to change your air filters regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Blocked vents

Blocked vents can also restrict airflow and cause your air conditioning unit to freeze up. Make sure that all of the vents in your home are unobstructed.

Overcrowded coils

If the coils in your air conditioning unit are overcrowded, it can also lead to freezing. Make sure that there is enough space around the coils for air to circulate freely.

Faulty thermostat

If your thermostat is not working properly, it can send the wrong signal to your air conditioning unit, which can lead to freezing. Make sure that your thermostat is properly calibrated.

Leaky ducts

Leaky ducts can cause your air conditioning unit to work harder than it should, which can lead to freezing. If you have leaky ducts, they should be repaired or sealed as soon as possible.

Improper installation

If your air conditioning unit was not installed properly, it may be more likely to freeze up. If you are not sure whether your unit was installed properly, you should have a qualified technician inspect it.

Extreme weather conditions

If there are extreme weather conditions, such as very hot temperatures, your air conditioning unit may be more likely to freeze up. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you should take steps to protect your air conditioning unit, such as having it serviced more frequently.

If your air conditioning unit is freezing up, you should try to identify the cause of the problem and fix it as soon as possible. If you are not able to fix the problem yourself, you should have a qualified technician do it for you.

Preventing Your Air Conditioning Unit from Freezing Up

There are a few things you can do to prevent your air conditioning unit from freezing up:

• Change your air filters regularly.
• Keep the vents in your home unobstructed.
• Make sure that there is enough space around the coils for air to circulate freely.
• Have your thermostat calibrated regularly.
• Repair or seal any leaky ducts.
• Have your air conditioning unit serviced regularly.
• If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, take steps to protect your air conditioning unit.

Following these tips can help keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly and prevent it from freezing up. However, if you’ve done all you can by checking the vents, changing the air filters, and any other troubleshooting, and there is still a problem, be sure to reach out to us here at A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc. We’re available to help with all of your HVAC needs and more. Contact us today and schedule your appointment now.