We’ve all watched (or binge watched) those HGTV shows about home remodels and what people want in a home. After watching a few episodes, you get the impression that most people want marble floors, an open concept home, walk-in closets and a gameroom.
Really?
Sure these things are really flashy and make for great TV, but is that what we really want in a home?
The answer may surprise you:
That’s right, the answer to this question is far from what HGTV portrays. In fact, according to a new survey from porch.com, the #1 must have in any home is…
Drumroll Please!
…
A Central heating and Air Conditioning System!
That’s right:
A central heating and air conditioning system is the most important feature of a home, according to the 1,000 homeowners and renters that porch.com surveyed.
In all honesty:
We couldn’t agree more! Of the surveyed, 82% said it was totally non-negotiable if a home didn’t have central HVAC. Home buyers need AC - that’s final.
For our local Palm Desert residents, this is definitely a no brainer. With summer heat reaching well over 110 degrees and winter nights being fairly cold, central air and heat is a must have for a baseline level of comfort.
Here’s the thing:
Where a new kitchen would be nice, the price tag may be enough to drive people away because a new kitchen is just a “nice to have”. But when it comes to central AC, most people agreed that they’d be willing to shell out quite a bit of money to make sure they have an energy efficient unit that heated and cooled their home quickly and reliably.
In fact:
People are so willing to spend extra for central HVAC systems in their homes that they are willing to pay a premium when buying a house if HVAC is included. A June case study by Zillow found that homes with central heating and air sold for about $5,500 more than homes without it. Regions with hotter climates, like right here in Palm Desert, went for a premium of over $11,000!
With the weather as crazy as it is (it feels like summers are getting hotter and winters are getting colder), HVAC may become an even more important aspect of our homes. We may even start featuring HVAC on these HGTV home remodel shows that we love so much!
Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the leading HVAC company in Southern California. To learn more about our equipment, services, and protection plan, book an appointment online or call 888-277-0415.
It’s been years since people regularly smoked cigarettes indoors in public places and office environments. Most people don’t even smoke cigarettes indoors at home.
But:
With the recent advent of vaping e-cigarettes, there has been a revival of the indoor smoker. Because of this resurgence in indoor smoking, we’d like to discuss how smoke from vaping can affect your HVAC system, your home, and your air quality.
Although it’s believed that e-cigarettes are a cleaner smoke than cigarettes, there are still some residues left over including nicotine and carcinogens from burnt organic materials.
So how do these residues affect your home?
Nicotine and other substances that make up smoke can move through your home’s air vents and leave residues on surfaces in other rooms of your house.
There has not been much study done to the chemical composition of exhaled e-cigarette smoke, so there may be many more chemicals involved that can lower the quality of your air.
What makes e-cigarette smoke even more unpredictable is the fact that the manufacturers of e-cigarette refill fluids have various flavors and are always changing their ingredients, making for a wild-card situation when it comes to knowing what is actually being circulated throughout your home’s air vents.
What can you do about residues from e-cigarette smoke?
We’re not here to tell you whether you should smoke e-cigarettes or not, but if you or someone in your home does, there are a few steps to take to ensure your air quality stays optimal.
We hope you have the information needed to make an informed decision about your home’s air quality in relation to e-cigarette smoke. If you’d like to know more about air purification or would like to schedule an appointment for a NexGen technician to come over and consult you about your air quality, call us today!
Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the leading HVAC company in Southern California. To learn more about our equipment, services, and protection plan, book an appointment online or call 888-277-0415.
As the weather changes and you go from enjoying warm summer days to trying to survive those frigid fall nights there is no doubt that you will begin using your heater much more frequently. We all know there is a direct correlation between heater usage and power bill costs but there are a few tips you could use to diminish some unnecessary costs. There are a few things most people are losing money on that are solved with a quick fix. We will discuss a few things to help you save money, as well as a few other tips to help you be a safe, happy homeowner.
One of the easiest things you can do to improve your air quality and furnace efficiency is to remember to replace your air filter monthly. Most people ignore this simple maintenance task but it will change everything! If your family is one that struggles with allergies or maybe has pets, changing your filter is crucial to assuring quality air is being sent through your air vents. The US Department of Energy states that changing your air filter monthly can save an average of around 5 to 15 percent in power bill costs yearly. This can be a lifesaver for some people's pockets but also will keep everyone living under your roof healthy and happy knowing they are breathing quality air.
Using a programmable thermostat can save hundreds of dollars each year. If you are a family who spends most of their time away during the week, it is crucial to have a programmable thermostat that keeps your home at a constant temperature. But not just any temperature, when you are away you should set your thermostat at a lower temperature to assure your furnace will not turn on for no reason. If you aren’t at home there is no reason to be blasting the heat. As routine maintenance, you should try to get your thermostat checked for accuracy whenever you have an HVAC team member around. A faulty thermostat can cause your heater to run because it is reading the incorrect temperature. This can burn a hole in your pocket if this issue is not noticed quickly.
As a homeowner, one of the most irritating things is knowing you have a leak because of faulty windows or doors. This can be one of the leading causes of high power bills, if air can come in then it can go out as well. Try using a door insulator that slides onto the bottom part of the door, it can kill any sort of draft you may have. Any home improvement store also sells window insulators, they can come in many shapes and sizes. If your windows are very leaky you may want to invest in window plastic covers that cover the entire window frame. They will save you A LOT of money during the winter by creating a barrier to block any sort of draft.
If you own a gas powered furnace, a carbon monoxide alarm is a must. These heaters can become faulty and exhaust dangers carbon monoxide gas into your home. It is crucial to use an alarm to help you detect any scares. This gas is known to be odorless so it is best to get help.
To assure your heating and air conditioning is working at the highest capacity make sure to schedule routine maintenance checks with your local NexGen Air staff. This will give your furnace the longest lifespan possible as well as keep your systems working at maximum efficiency, having a huge effect on your entire home.
One of the biggest questions regarding furnaces is which type is best? Electric or Gas? Well, there are many factors that weigh in on this discussion regarding the two. They both have their pros and cons, but the biggest question of all, which one is right for you? There are many factors you need to take into account when deciding which one is the best. These factors include cost, efficiency, size, durability, as well as safety concerns, installation requirements, and housing requirements. Some people do not have the availability to debate the two because of their living situation and location. Natural Gas is the most popular fuel source for the United States but some areas are not able to use this because of location restrictions.
The upfront costs of Electric Furnaces tend to be cheaper than gas furnaces. But over time electric furnaces typically end up being more costly than gas because the cost to run an electric furnace is a tad more pricey than gas. The electric furnace also uses a little more energy to heat your home. So it might be worth the upfront investment for the gas furnace because it will save your pockets over time.
A gas-powered system is less expensive to operate because of the price difference in the utility and a few other factors. Gas furnaces are more effective when it comes to heating an entire home in a cold weather area. Gas tends to be more effective in heating a home because of its ability to create and transfer heat energy. This is why electrically powered furnaces tend to be more costly to operate, especially in cold climates. So if you live in a cold area, a gas furnace might be the right choice for you. If you do not live in a cold area and only see yourself using your heater once in a while then electric may be the choice for you! It is cheaper to purchase and install, as well as safer to operate.
Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the leading HVAC company in Southern California. To learn more about our equipment, services, and protection plan, book an appointment online or call 888-277-0415.
Your home furnace is one of the most important parts of your home, it is quite smart to keep track of how efficient and effective your furnace is working as time rolls on. You need to know when it is time to repair or replace your furnace. The costs of reoccurring maintenance can be quite costly and it might end up costing more than just replacing your furnace altogether. An outdated furnace can cost more than just money, as it also can pollute the air that your family is breathing. These tips will help you determine when it might be time to buy a new heating system.
If your furnace is 11 years or younger and has had routine maintenance over the years then you should have nothing to worry. If your furnace is a little older then you might have seen some warning signs that it might be time to replace your furnace.
As a homeowner, it is crucial to be aware of warning signs that your appliances might be running on their last leg. Using old, outdated appliances can be costly and dangerous.
The average lifespan for a furnace is around 16 to 20 years. It is crucial to have your furnace inspected regularly to keep it up and running efficiently, this will assure a long lifespan. If your furnace is nearing this age or is already at this age, it may be time to start looking for your next furnace. The new technology that furnaces now come with will shock you. Your power bill will be improved tremendously and you will also see an improvement in air quality.
Have you begun seeing an increase in your bill and didn’t know why? This could be because of your old furnace. Their ability to create heat is greatly diminished over the years of use. A HUGE warning sign for your furnace effectiveness and efficiency is an increase in your power bill cost & This is usually the biggest factor that pushes people over the edge.
Are you struggling to keep warm in the winter? Your furnace will spend hours trying to get the house warm but will never reach the desired temperatures for the different rooms in the house? This is because your furnace may be outdated and not have enough power to heat the entire house.
Newer furnaces are packed with brand-new technology to allow furnaces to be most effective. A new furnace purchase will prove to be a great investment over time because of a decreased power bill, and a perfectly heated home for a time to come. We listed a few of the warning signs that your furnace may need a new replacement. It is a big investment for your home but wasting money on repairs won’t solve any long-term problems that an old furnace has. You will not regret investing in a new piece of equipment, your home will finally feel comfortable on those cold winter nights and your power bill will see a drop in price.
Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the leading HVAC company in Southern California. To learn more about our equipment, services, and protection plan, book an appointment online or call 888-277-0415. company and HVAC repair technicians you know, schedule today! 833-729-9735
Furnaces are an essential part of your home because they provide heat for your home during the chilly winter months. When the time comes to buy a new furnace, it is best to know what things you need to consider. There are many factors that weigh into this decision, depending on your needs, you may prefer one type of furnace over another. Some of these weighing factors include efficiency, size, power source, and brand type. We will discuss these different factors below.
Home heating systems come in two common types, packaged systems or split systems. Split systems are known for having two separate units for heating and air conditioning. As the times change more and more people are moving towards the packaged system. It is a little more space conscious and allows the homeowner to only have to manage one system for both air conditioning and heating.
There are a few options available when it comes to the fuel source for your new furnace. The most common types are gas, electric and oil. Of these three, gas and electric are by far the most commonly found. Oil powered heaters are very outdated and are mostly found in older homes around the country. Gas powered furnaces are great for areas that tend to have freezing temperatures because they are typically a little cheaper than electric to operate for long hours.
The key to perfect temperatures throughout your home is thermostat placement. If your home seems to fluctuate in temperature depending on what room you are in, you might want to look into zoning systems. These zoning systems work by using multiple thermostats throughout your home, determining the which parts of your home truly needs heating help. This will reduce unnecessary use of heat in certain parts of your home, in effect reducing your average energy consumption.
There are many different types of furnaces and all are different when it comes to energy consumption. Depending on the size of your home, you may not need a huge power hungry furnace. This will really be the biggest factor in determining how large of a furnace you will need. Square footage is the biggest factor because you need your furnace to provide heat for the entire home without the need to run for hours on end.
These days most furnace systems come with a good warranty depending on the brand you decide to go with. Frigidaire currently has a 10-year warranty on their products because of their commitment to quality products. Your local appliance store will have all the information regarding warranties.
These are just a few of the top factors involved in choosing your new furnace for your home. Just remember that there are a few more things to think about other than upfront costs when choosing a new heating system. The cost to operate a system can become a huge burden, make sure to weigh all of the top factors before jumping into a decision.
Did your heart stop working and you don’t know how to fix it? There are a few things that could stop your heat from working and we are here today to give you a few tips to diagnose your main problem.
Before you call any sort outside help, you should check to see if your furnace is actually broken or temporarily disabled because of a few fixable issues. Make sure to keep reading to discover the root problem and how you can fix them.
First, you must check the most obvious thing, is air flowing through your air vents into your rooms? You may need to grab a neighbor's ladder or the nearest chair depending on your ceiling height. Reach over to your vent and check to see if you feel the air. If not, try adjusting the vent angle. If this doesn’t work, see if there could be any debris blocking the vent. Sometimes lint and debris can build up in the vent causing airflow issues.
Most furnaces are gas-powered and will have a pilot light inside one of the removable panels. Make sure to check the manual for the furnace if it is readily available, it will help you find the gas valve and pilot light areas. First, check to see if the pilot light is lit, if there is a lit flame then this is not the root cause of your issue. Keep reading to discover other ways to fix your heat problem.
A lot of the time heating related issues is caused by a broken thermostat. These can become faulty and break over time. To check to see if your thermostat is working correctly try turning up or down the temperature setting and see if your furnace reacts in any way. If it does you will know your thermostat is not the cause.
Most furnaces have vents that are used for exhaust and intake. Check to see if you feel any sort of heat being exhausted from your furnace and clear any lint or debris that could be blocking potential airflow.
Changing filters is never something people put on their weekly to-do lists. Dirt and lint can build upon these filters and can cause a lot of issues with airflow. Warm air will not be able to pass through the filter and can cause the furnace to break down. Make sure to change your furnace filters every few months to assure your furnace is receiving proper filtering.
After these few tips hopefully your furnace will be back up and running in no time! If these tips did not get your heater back on, it may be time to call your local NexGen Air. We provide great quality work for a great price and promise to get your house temperature back to normal quickly.
The winter season comes with many obstacles we all usually experience at one time or another; forgetting your umbrella or stepping in a rain puddle is all pretty irritating. But imagine coming home to a freezing house and a broken furnace with no hopes of being fixed until the handyman can stop by. This is a nightmare situation for anyone who needs a warm house to operate normally. Today we will discuss a few tips to stay warm and get you back and running during the tough times without an operating furnace.
This sounds like a crazy obvious tip but it’s easier to warm up a small room than the entire house and/or neighborhood.
Obvious tip number 2, most people do not know the correct way to layer up. The goal is NOT to end up looking like an NFL Linebacker. Start with thin layers then top with a warm jack to insulate it all. You will end up warm and looking semi-stylish.
Make sure to skip out on the cold wedge salad on this cold evening. Heat up some warm soup or enjoy a nice cup of tea or hot cocoa to assure a warm night without the help from your friendly furnace.
This is not so obvious, most people do not realize the amount of heat that gets trapped in a room by just closing your blinds and curtains. Cool temperatures radiate from the windows so it is best to block it as best as possible.
Get that heart rate up! Getting the blood pumping will raise your body temperature allowing you to warm up. Do a few push-ups and sit-ups and enjoy the natural heat.
If you are not in the mood to be an active type, try jumping under the blankets and watching a movie. Getting under the covers and deep into a movie will for sure cause you to forget about all of your furnace troubles.
Everyone loves a clean, warm pair of socks! Make sure to change your socks and enjoy the sudden warmth of new socks around your feet. Socks are something we all love during the cold winter.
One thing that will assure a warm home is a house party! Invite over some of your friends and watch the room temperature rise. Everyone loves a good social hour, so why not use your friends for some good?
Try a hot pad or heated blanket when going to bed! Putting a hot pad at your feet before bed will keep you warm 100% of the time. Or another option is a heated blanket, these do wonders and usually are not too costly at the local store.
In the twenty-first century, people often forget that we still have the ability to use space heaters. These will work well to heat up a small bedroom or living room when your furnace is not working.
Choosing a water heater can be a big decision for a homeowner or contractor, many factors go into selecting the correct water heater for any home. A few of these factors can include Cost, Efficiency, and Longevity. If you are selecting a water heater for the first time or replacing an old one this decision can be tolling, and that is why we are here today to discuss the differences between the two types, Tankless vs a Traditional. We will also examine the pros and cons of both types so you can leave here feeling informed and confident in your decision.
Tank Water Heaters are the most common type of water heater and can be found in most homes around the United States. They typically hold around 30 to 50 gallons of water and stores water until needed. The tank feeds a pipe which then feeds the rest of the home. The heater uses natural gas or electricity to fuel the system. Gas tends to be more expensive than electric.
Tankless Water Heaters as known to be on demand type heaters because they use burners to rapidly heat the water running through the heat exchanger. After the water is heated it is delivered straight to your pipes which then feed your faucets and showers without any need for a storage tank.
Tankless Water Heaters: these types of heaters tend to be a little more expensive than traditional buy ativan without prescription storage tank heaters because of their upfront costs to install in the home. But do not let this scare you away, these upfront costs are offset by the great efficiency that comes with the product. These systems tend to be 25 to 35 percent more energy efficient than traditional tank heaters. The longevity of these heaters is also a big plus! They usually last around 20 to 30 years but come with the scare of high replacement costs. The tankless water heater is a bit more costly to buy and install so be aware if you are on a budget.
Storage Tank Water Heaters: the tank heaters are a much more traditional option for anyone looking to make a safe decision. These systems tend to be much cheaper to install and maintain because of the simplicity of the heaters. There are a few negatives to the tank water heater, one is the looming scare of a flood occurring. These tanks tend to leak or burst over the years as they get older which could cause huge issues to the structure of the home. Another negative is the fact that the utility bill tends to be higher for these water heaters. If you are a huge hot water consumer, you might want to consider a tankless water heater because of their efficiency.
Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the leading HVAC company in Southern California. To learn more about our equipment, services, and protection plan, book an appointment online or call 888-277-0415.
The majority of Temecula residents depend on Heating Systems to warm their homes during the cold winter months. There is a wide range of heating systems that are still being used around the nation but for the most part, the city of Temecula only sees a few different types. I will discuss the different types and why you might choose one over the other.
Forced air systems are a very common type of heating system, which usually includes a furnace. They can get their heat energy from a few different sources; natural gas, electricity, oil or propane. This heated air is then ‘forced’ through the air ducts around your house, allowing for every section of your home to be heated properly. Since the furnaces are the heat source, they usually need to be placed in safe areas such as a garage, basement, attic or crawlspace.
A furnace works by pushing heated air through the ducts that line your home. The fuel used by the furnace is mixed with air and burned. Air is then pushed through the heat exchanger which is then pushed through the air ducts. Any combustion product is then vented out through the flue pipe, in effect keeping all residents safe of unwanted particles. A furnace is the most common type of heating system in the Temecula area just because of the ease of use and reliability. Furnaces have been around for many years so depending on your model, the efficiency and cost of using can i buy canine valium will vary.
Heat Pumps are a great system for areas that are not affected by crazy weather. If you live in an area that does not normally feel the 20-degree lows or 115-degree highs, then this system is perfect for you! It operates on electricity and works as both a heating and cooling system. By using two systems, an outdoor and indoor, it allows for air to be moved inside or out depending on desired temperatures. Almost all heat pumps use this sort of system, forcing warm or cold air through the vents in the home. But what most people don’t know is that there are two different types of heat pumps. The Ground-Source heat pump and the air-source heat pump both have their different use cases. The ground-source will always be an eye catcher; This is because of the natural ‘green’ energy that this type of pump uses. They also tend to be much more efficient. But one con of ground source heat pumps are the costly upfront costs of setting the system up. Geothermal energy is known for being expensive but is very popular because of the longevity of the system life.
