Are you tired of the high energy bills every month? If yes, it is important to ensure the optimal performance of your air conditioning unit.
Ideally, you should immediately get your AC checked if you hear strange noises or observe a stark difference in the airflow. While these issues might seem minor, they can take a bigger shape in the long run.
The result: a waste of money, time, and effort.
The right AC service company will send expert professionals to your homes who will check the AC and conduct the necessary repairs right away. Having serviced multiple homes and businesses, these experts will carry out the right repairs. This will not just save your costs, but also save plenty of effort. In case you’re still hesitant and are wondering how to lower energy costs, here are some things you should know about!
If you’re looking to cut down on high energy bills, it is essential to run your AC more economically. You can do this by setting it at a temperature according to your liking and use a programmable thermostat to tweak it when you’re out. This can decrease your cooling bills by 10%.
Getting your AC checked is essential because it plays a significant role in boosting the energy efficiency of your home. Since it also reduces the operational costs of ACs, these services are practically indispensable for your property. The right air conditioning service in Palm Desert will ensure your air conditioner is cleaned of every minor and significant speck of dirt or debris. What’s more, they will also ensure that your system runs at its maximum potential. You can choose annual or quarterly servicing for the best results.
If you have a car, you will know that the better you maintain it, the longer will it offer you service. Interestingly, your air conditioning device works in the same fashion. A basic air conditioning unit can run for 15 to 20 years. And when you get regularly assessed by an expert, you will end up getting more miles on it. The right AC repair palm desert will enhance your system’s efficiency so that it lasts you for several years down the line.
Very often, we ensure long-standing issues in our air-conditioning units deeming them as minor or inconsequential. But such is not always the case! Unless you address them at the right time, these issues can take a terrible shape, eventually resulting in expensive repairs. A good air conditioning repair Palm desert company will identify and address the issue at the right time. The result: you’ll be saved of hefty and expensive repairs in the long run.
Yes, AC repair experts are certainly worth your time. With several years of experience and complete understanding of business, these professionals are fully aware of what’ll work best for your air conditioning system. The carefully assess your systems and offer solutions that keep it up and running for a long time. So, if you are really looking to save costs, time, and efforts, consult these professionals right away! With their right expertise, NexGen will ensure that you do not shell out thousands in energy bills. Our team will make sure that your AC is fully functional and efficient, just like you always wanted.
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.
Central air conditioning systems are designed to suit the size of your home and the amount of air it needs to cool or heat. The size of the specific AC unit, the condenser, is chosen to be efficient for 98% of the typical high temperatures in your area (climate). So for that 2% extreme, like we are having this summer in Palm Desert and Palm Springs, your AC system may actually be undersized. But this is by design. Otherwise, if you went with a larger system that had no trouble pumping the volumes of cool air needed during these extremely hot days, your system would be quite inefficient 98% of the time. And that’s really, almost all the time – not a good thing.
The larger system costs more to install and it consumes more energy to run, all costing you more money. Because it pumps more air volume it cools the house much faster. You might think this was a good thing but instead it means the system is running through off and on cycles at a much higher rate. The shorter cooling cycles means it is not quite running long enough to be pulling humidity out of your home. Removing humidity is part of how an air conditioner works. The condensing coil condenses water out of the air and the heat exchange process during that activity is what creates the cooler air. Warmer air and moisture is then exited from your home. Dryer air, even when warmer, is more comfortable for the human body as it allows our own biological air conditioner, our sweat, to be more efficient. Not removing sufficient humidity from your home could also lead to mold problems.
These are some of the reasons an over-sized AC system is just an all around bad idea. But you can still make the system you have work for you in these 100+ degree conditions.
To make it easier for your AC system to reliably pump out cool air when it’s over 100 degrees outside you need to give it some help.
In a nutshell it comes down to reducing heat gains in the home. Some of the basics are;
Anything you can do to keep the house stay cooler, even a little bit, means the AC does not need to be running as long for each cooling cycle.
Your central air system should be getting a maintenance check-up at least once a year. Ideally the AC unit should be checked before peak demand during Palm Desert's summer heat, to ensure it’s running at its best when you need it most. It will be running hard through these multiple 100+ degrees days and may even need a check-up later on after all that heavy use.
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.
During sweltering summer days air conditioning can seem like it is a necessity. While a good air conditioner can make your rental unit a much more comfortable place to be during the summer is it legally required in California?
Rental houses and apartments in California must comply with habitability requirements. This includes having plumbing, heating, electrical, and gas systems in good working order. A cooling unit isn’t listed as a requirement of habitability, so a landlord does not have to provide one. The rental unit must receive adequate ventilation, however.
Unless a fan or other type of ventilation system is installed in the rental unit, most rooms require a window. The minimum window size usually measures 20 inches by 24 inches and the window must open at least halfway.
Even though landlords don’t face a requirement to provide an air conditioner in a rental house or apartment, many landlords provide a cooling unit to increase the desirability of the property. In some areas of California with low humidity, landlords install an evaporative or swamp cooler to meet cooling needs. Tenants should ask about the availability of a working cooling system before they decide to rent the house or apartment.
If the landlord provided an operable air conditioning system in the rental house or apartment when the tenants moved in, the tenants can expect the landlord to maintain the air conditioning system, keeping it in good working order. If the system stops working through no fault of the tenants, the landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing the air conditioning system. On the other hand, if the tenants caused the failure of the air conditioning system, they pay the cost of AC repair.
A phone call followed by a written statement notifies the landlord of a non-functioning air conditioning system. You then must give the landlord a reasonable period – around 14 days to a month – to make the repairs. If the landlord refuses to fix your broken air conditioning unit, you may consider using the “repair and deduct” remedy. With this remedy, you pay to fix the air conditioner and deduct the cost from the rent. However, the repair cost can’t exceed one month’s rent and you can only use this remedy once a year.
Now while this may not sound like good news exactly it is also not the worst news. If your landlord had an air conditioning system installed and working at the time you moved in it is their responsibility to maintain it. As it is not legally required however it would be in a renter’s best interest to make sure that there is a functioning air conditioning system even when moving in in the winter time.
It is simple enough to check and only takes a few minutes. Have someone with you when looking at the property turn the thermostat to cooling mode and see if the outdoor condensing unit comes on and runs relatively quietly listen for vibration specifically which could indicate a problem. Within a few minutes, cool air should come out of the vents, this would indicate that the air conditioning was in “working order” upon your move-in date.
The summer temperatures in Palm Desert, California are here and it's HOT outside. Many people have received their second or third summer electric bills – and they're literally breaking out in a sweat over the amount due!
When it's about 110 degrees in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, or Indio, California, it's hot enough for anyone and anything. Learn the best way for you to set your thermostat this summer – even if it's not exactly what you want to hear or you prefer a relatively chilly indoor air temperature.
Making “the case” for a warmer indoor air temperature during the summer rests on three truisms:
The California Energy Commission recommends that homeowners set their thermostat to 78 degrees when they're home and 85 degrees when they're away from home during the summer. Note that this is a better strategy than turning off your air conditioner on 100-degree days – so that you don't return home to indoor air that feels like a sauna, and so that your air conditioner won't have to run as long to cool your home upon your return.
The center's advice is based on the U.S. Department of Energy's often repeated mantra about thermostat controls and saving energy: when you can adjust your thermostat by between 10 and 15 degrees for eight hours at a stretch – higher during the summer and lower during the winter – you can save between 5 and 15 percent on your utility bill. This one adjustment can add up to considerable savings, though it might mean sticking with a minimalist wardrobe during the summer (and reaching for a sweater during the winter).
Admittedly, some people simply do not tolerate warm weather well. And some people suffer from health issues that make a cool indoor air temperature an absolute necessity.
Be sure to make allowances for such conditions and take proactive measures to help you stay cool indoors with or without air conditioning -- and even before the temperature soars to three digits outdoors:
When it's 100 degrees outdoors, you're likely to feel the heat indoors. Ensuring that your home is properly sealed and insulated against air leaks will mitigate your discomfort – and help keep your utility bills in check.
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.
When 110 degree weather is a normal occurance, you know you live in Palm Springs. Sure, that desert heat is great for a day out at the pool, but keeping your home cool can become a nightmare.
Don’t worry:
We’ve created a list of the top 3 desert air conditioning tips you need to know to keep your AC working right, and keep your home cool without breaking the bank.
The recommended air filter maintenance you hear about from other sources are for ordinary environments. When you live in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, or anywhere else in the Coachella Valley, you need to adjust your air filter maintenance accordingly. The Coachella Valley is windy, and that hot wind carries a lot of dust.
Think about it:
Your AC is filtering out all that desert dust to keep the air in your home pleasant to breathe, every single day! Tack on 100+ degree weather, and your AC is working really hard to keep you happy! Pay it forward by replacing your air filter more than once per year. In fact, we recommend you change your air filter every season. Extreme desert weather calls for a new air filter at least once every 3 months.
Your AC unit will thank you, and you’ll be much happier knowing your AC is working efficiently. You may want to also invest in a high quality air purifier for even higher quality air in your home!
Have you ever felt short of breath?
That’s what your AC is feeling when the outside unit is covered in dirt and debris.
When was the last time you checked your outdoor AC unit?
We’re willing to bet that it’s been a while. Go out back and really inspect your AC condenser (that’s what the outdoor part of your AC is called).
You may be surprised!
If you went ahead and checked your AC right now, you may be surprised as to all the junk you found lodged in the grates.
That’s right!
All that junk is blocking your AC’s air flow which is pretty bad for your AC unit’s lifespan and efficiency. Factor in the extreme desert heat and you’ve got a recipe for a broken air conditioner.
Have you ever heard of the saying, “it’s hard do get a train going, but once it does, it’s hard to stop?”.
That train is your AC unit! It’s much, much easier on your AC unit to maintain a constant temperature throughout the day than to cool the house on and off. In a way, you can call this temperature momentum. Once the house is cooled down to your desired temperature, you home’s AC has a lot of momentum going and it doesn’t have to work as hard. In Palm Springs where inside temperatures can reach over 100 degrees, it can cost a fortune trying to pull the temperature back down to 70 all the time. Set it to 68-78 and keep it there! If you want the most bang for your buck, check out these cool Nest thermostats!
If you live in Palm Desert, or anywhere close by, then you know how a painfully hot day feels. You also know that a good air conditioner is absolutely essential. If you’re looking to get a new air conditioner or want to make sure that you have a decent one, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, there are a few things to consider: the size, the energy efficiency, and the manufacturer.
Surprisingly, bigger isn’t always better what it comes to air conditioners. If an HVAC system is too large for your home, it won’t cool your home as efficiently. Plus, overly powerful air conditioners will run for a shorter amount of time, meaning that they won’t have time to properly reduce the humidity in your home. This leads to more sweat, and in the worst cases, to mold in your home. Instead, consult an air conditioning contractor to find an air conditioner size that is exactly right for you. We want you to end up purchasing just enough cooling power, instead of wasting money on size when you don’t need it.
Get the most bang for your buck with an energy-efficient air conditioner. The U.S. government’s EnergyStar program is the general authority on energy-efficient air conditioning units, so take a look at their recommendations. Greater energy efficiency means a better machine that uses less power for the same cooling effects, saving you money in the long run. A more efficient product means a potentially higher threshold before it hits maximum power, giving you more cooling power over time.
There are several trustworthy air conditioning manufacturers out there. Check online reviews, Consumer Reports, and various warranties. Here at NexGen, we partner with Daikin. Daikin has proven to be a customer favorite, and we’ve found them to carry consistently reliable and efficient products. We make sure to only carry air conditioning units that have passed required testing, including tests that make sure units are able to perform in temperatures above 115°F.
If you already have an air conditioner, there are a few ways to help it be the best air conditioner it can be:
If your current air conditioner isn’t performing well, it might not yet be time for a replacement. Before you decide to upgrade, get it checked out for maintenance or service issues. Replacing the air filter, especially when it’s been constantly running in extreme heat, could help your system work like new again. Repairing any loose parts, faulty wiring, or corroded pieces could also be a cost-effective way to get great cooling power. However, if your unit is legitimately older and in need of major repairs, we can also help you with air conditioning replacement.
One of the number one issues between you and a cool home could simply be objects in the way of your air conditioner. Keep at least a three-foot diameter around your outdoor air conditioning unit. This means that fences, shrubs, landscaping, etc. all stay clear of your unit. You’ll be surprised about how much better your air conditioner works when it has enough room!
Finally, keeping your outdoor unit in good condition can make all the difference. Keep it out of direct sunlight, away from the sprinklers, and free from debris. When the unit isn’t under too much heat or outdoor stress, it can do its job and keep your home cool.
Are your energy bills leaving you with little money in your pocket? According to Energy Star, around half of all of the energy used in today's homes goes to heating and cooling them. While changing out your light bulbs for LED or CFL options and turning off light switches are great ways to save energy, if you are serious about having an energy-efficient home, you need to focus on comfort system efficiency. At NexGen Air, we want to help our customers in Los Angeles, Anaheim and Palm Desert save money by reducing their energy use and costs. Here are some tips from our experts to help you start saving.
How much heat energy is lost through the attic? If your insulation is insufficient, the answer is more than you might think. Adding a layer of insulation will make your home much more efficient because it will help keep your cooled and heated air inside where it belongs. NexGen Air can help you evaluate your insulation to see if it's sufficient for your home's needs.
A smart thermostat or WiFi thermostat gives you greater control over your HVAC system, and greater control means better efficiency. With a smart thermostat that you can control from your phone, you can adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere. While a programmable thermostat allows this as well, with a WiFi thermostat you can make adjustments even when your schedule changes while you’re out. As long as you have access to the Internet, you can adjust your home comfort settings to be as efficient as possible.
Curtains can do more than just decorate your space. Energy-efficient window treatments can help keep heated or cooled air inside your home. They add another insulating barrier between your home and the outside, so you can enjoy less lost energy.
Proper HVAC maintenance will help your furnace and air conditioner run at an optimal level. This means greater efficiency no matter the season. At NexGen Air, we recommend having a maintenance check at the start of both the cooling and the heating seasons.
On the west side of your home, plant shrubs or a tree that can block the sun from pouring in. This is important, because this is the side of the house where the most intense heat will come during the hottest part of the day in the summer. If you choose a tree or bush that loses its leaves, you can enjoy the added warmth in the winter when the plants are bare, and the added shade in the summer when the sun is harsh.
It has been proven that the quality of your home's indoor air can directly affect your family's health. According to the EPA, exposure to poor indoor air quality can cause immediate discomfort. They warn that the long term effects from extended periods of breathing indoor air pollution can also cause lingering and chronic illnesses. Many respiratory diseases and allergies have been linked to living in a home with dirty air.
After long periods of time, the concentrations of indoor pollution will continue to build up, and the resulting health effects can be debilitating and are often the cause of allergies. It is important to have regular maintenance of your HVAC system to eliminate or reduce the circulation of contaminants in your home. HVAC technicians that perform regular inspection and cleaning of your HVAC units and ductwork can also detect more serious conditions, such as carbon monoxide leakage which can be deadly.
HVAC maintenance may include removing dust from the register and return vents in the home. Also, a yearly replacement of your home’s furnace filters is crucial for good indoor air quality. Speak with your HVAC technician about the choices in high quality air filters that remove a greater amount of airborne particulates.
Mold can thrive within different areas of you AC unit that are prone to humidity and moisture. These include the drip pan, evaporator coils, and within air ducts. Technicians are trained to detect mold and will advise on the best measures the homeowner should take for removal. If mold is circulated from other parts of your home by way of the duct system, the fungus spores will enter nose and lungs, presenting symptoms that resemble hay fever.
If someone in your family already experiences environmental allergies, then poor air quality from outside sources can enter your HVAC system and cause increased symptoms. According to WebMD, using HEPA filtersto trap these pollutants can help bring relief from allergies. With a HEPA filter, air is forced through such a fine mesh, that harmful and allergy-causing particles are trapped. If you are considering a HEPA filter, consult with an HVAC expert to determine if an upgrade to your HVAC system is required to handle the high energy required to pass air through these filters.
Low exposure to carbon monoxide can present symptoms that resemble allergies. Low concentration levels of CO in your home over long periods of time can cause nausea, headache, dizziness, and weakness. The mucous membranes are also affected and may eventually appear cherry red in color - this is an allergic reaction to the gas. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, your HVAC technician can recommend a high quality CO detector to protect your home.
The overall health of your HVAC system can contribute to your indoor air quality and reduce or increase allergies. From regular cleaning, to high quality filters, and regular inspection for signs of biological contaminants - regular HVAC maintenance will help reduce the allergic symptoms that your family is experiencing.
