Showing posts with label Air Conditioning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Air Conditioning. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Cooling Your Home: Don't Sweat It- Los Angeles Air Conditioning


As the mercury rises, so can the costs of keeping your home cool. And while news reports about high energy prices may have you in a sweat, the Federal Trade Commission has some tips that your Los Angeles air conditioning experts would like to share with you to help you save money while keeping your home cool this summer.

Do an energy audit to help detect waste and gauge the efficiency of your current cooling system. Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy audits, or you can conduct your own. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) offer tips and checklists at http://www.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov/. The home "walk-through" can help you spot areas that need attention or problems that, if fixed, could save you money. For example:
Check your attic, attic stairway, attached garage walls and basement to make sure your home is insulated to DOE-recommended levels for your geographic area. When inspecting and buying home insulation products, look for the R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.

  • Have your central Los Angeles air conditioning (AC) system serviced each spring. Your utility company may provide this service.
  • Hire a professional to seal and insulate leaky ducts, and to ensure that the airflow distribution system serving your equipment is operating at peak efficiency
  • Clean or replace AC and furnace filters once a month or as needed, and seal holes around plumbing and heating pipes.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. You can save money by keeping your house warmer than normal when you're out, and keeping the setting at 78 F when you're home.
  • Install drapes, shades, blinds or another window covering. Keeping them closed during the day blocks the sun and the heat from the sun's rays.
  • Consider replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows with high-performance glass. Look for low-emissivity (low-e) or spectrally selective glass. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain. In colder climates, select windows that are gas filled with low-e coatings on the glass to reduce heat loss.
  • Open your foundation vents each spring if your home has a crawl space under it.
  • Install ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes cooling in the summer and heating efficiency in the winter.
  • Prune back shrubs and remove debris, like grass and leaves, that may block airflow to your air conditioner.
  • Plant a tree. Landscaping is a natural way to shade your home. Well-placed trees and shrubs not only deliver shade, but also add value to your property.
  • Shade room air conditioners from direct sun to reduce their workload. Clean the filters once a month and replace them as necessary to promote energy efficiency. Lower the setting when you go out to reduce operating costs.
  • Apply a reflective coating to your roof. Dull and dark-colored home exteriors absorb 70 to 90 percent of the sun's energy. Light-colored surfaces reflect most of the heat away from your home.
If you're buying a new Los Angeles air conditioning system, make sure it is sized correctly (bigger is not always better) and installed properly for cost-effective use. When selecting a new unit, be sure to consider high-efficiency models. While energy efficient appliances may cost more up front, they may save you money in the long run. To compare models, check the black and yellow EnergyGuide labels, which the FTC requires on most major appliances, including central and room air conditioners. The labels provide useful information about products' energy efficiency and estimated annual operating costs. Air conditioners with higher energy efficiency ratios are more energy efficient.

Ask your utility company about a budget billing plan to protect against sudden or unexpected price increases. Your provider takes the amount of energy you use during one year and pides your monthly payments into equal parts. At the end of the season, you pay any outstanding balance or your provider credits any overpayment to your next monthly bill.
If you're on a fixed income and have trouble paying your utility bills, contact your utility company. They, or your state or local government, may have energy assistance plans to help you pay your energy bills.

Protecting Your Cold Cash

When energy prices rise, so does advertising for a host of energy-saving products and services - including some that are overpriced or just plain bogus. Be wary of devices, gadgets and energy-saving products that promise drastic reductions in home cooling costs or extreme energy savings. For example:

  • Read the energy-saving claims carefully and, if possible, get independent information about a product's performance.
  • Be wary of unsolicited offers from door-to-door salespeople and high pressure personal or telephone sales pitches from contractors offering Los Angeles air conditioning systems, windows, roofing, and other home improvement projects.
  • Make sure that a contractor is licensed and reputable: Ask your friends and neighbors for referrals; ask the contractor for customer references; and check out potential contractors with the Better Business Bureau, state and local consumer protection officials, and your state licensing agency. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a contract if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor's permanent place of business.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Los Angeles Air Conditioning Technician


What do you know about the people you choose to work in your home?

Los Angeles Air Conditioning promises to deliver only the best quality certified technicians out there. License # 433868

Before a technician becomes an associate with American Air Conditioning they have to under go the following:

1. They must pass a complete drug testing, physical and personality exam.

2. A DMV and Criminal background report.

3. They must undergo a complete apprenticeship program that includes factory training.

4. All of our associates must be clean cut, wear company uniforms, no smoking or profanity is ever allowed.

5. They will be polite, courteous and respectful of your home and its furnishings.

6. They will wear floor protectors over their shoes while in your home and always wear company identification badges for your protection.

7. Our Los Angeles air conditioning company must interview and test more than 100 people just to hire one!

Meet our service team! We provide online profiles with pictures of each and everyone of our employees to ensure our customers have the best understanding of just who is working for them. We understand that it is a big responsibility to be let into someones home. We promise to provide the greatest possible service, thank you for the opportunity.

American Air Conditioning & Heating offers financing and we guarantee our work, making the decision to choose us both comfortable and secure. Give us a call today +1(800)321-9494. We go the extra mile to earn your business and never stop working to keep it.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Los Angeles Air Conditioning and Fan Cleaning


During the hot summer months air conditioning and fans are the greatest! Most of us couldn’t imagine living without our cooling systems. Los Angeles air conditioning experts have been working hard preparing our lovely community for the summer weather with tune ups, instillations, maintenance etc.

Some problems that we hear a lot of our customers talk about is cleaning! Yes, cleaning is an important part of maintenance with your Los Angeles air conditioning system. While it isn’t necessarily the most fun thing to do it is something that has to get done. We thought we’d extend some tips and tricks in order to make the process go as smooth as possible.

Gungy ceiling-fan blades, dusty portable fans and clogged air conditioner filter and vents can be some of the most irritating parts to work on when it comes to keeping our homes clean.

There are some simple things around the house that will help you our greatly during your cleaning process. You can use things like an old table cloth or sheet, duster and a step stool, microfiber cloth (great for picking up that dust and dirt!), soapy water, blow dryer, vacuum and new air filters for the AC!

Here are some questions that we recently got from our clients that we think you might be interested in too:

How do I clean my gross dusty ceiling-fan?
First we’d like to say that it is very important to clean your fans because the dust and dirt that is on there gets hurled into the air and compromises your air quality.

Use that old table cloth or sheet underneath the fan (trick: wear a shower cap to protect your hair from collecting the dust!) Use the duster for the top of the fan blades. This will also capture loose dust. If you have a step stool that reaches high enough it is better to get above the blades and use your hand and a cloth to wipe them clean. You can also give the glass pieces and extra little shine while you are up there.

The portable fans in my home are covered in dust, how do I clean them?
These fans are great to use in addition to Los Angeles air conditioning because they create the ‘wind chill effect’ and actually makes the room feel cooler than it actually is. To clean it you can usually unscrew any of the screws that are holding the fan together to better reach all the nooks and crannys of the fan. Take off the front grill and slide off the fan blades. Then you can just put these pieces in a tub of soapy warm water to get a deep clean. Rinse off the blades with cold clean water and dry them off before you put them back together. You can wipe down the base and other parts of the fan with a cloth.

When should I change my Los Angeles Air Conditioning air filters?
Changing the air filters in your units is one of the most important maintenance tips. Clogged air conditioner filters and vents make these units work harder — and can inflate your electric bill. If you have a reusable filter it is best to simply clean it with some soapy water and let it dry. If there is a musty smell that sticks with it, it is okay to use some Febreze (for example) to get that fresh smell back!

Extra tips:

Before storing your fans away for the winter give them a quick rinse or use a blow-dryer (on the cool setting) to remove any dust. When you pack it away store it in a plastic bag so that it doesn’t collect dust over the storage period.
For maintenance and tune up give Los Angeles air conditioning experts American Air Conditioning & Heating today! +1 (800) 321-9494.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Los Angeles Air Conditioning Jokes!


It is officially Summer! Los Angeles air conditioning experts came across some funny jokes. We thought we’d share them with you to kick off the season of heat and LA air conditioning. Enjoy!

A customer was continually bothering the waiter in a restaurant; first, he’d asked that the air conditioning be turned up because he was too hot, then he asked it be turned down because he was too cold, and so on for about half an hour.
Surprisingly, the waiter was very patient, walking back and forth and never once getting angry. So finally, a second customer asked why didn’t they just throw out the pest.
“Oh I don’t care.” said the waiter with a smile. “We don’t even have an air conditioner.”

And another…

An engineer died and reported to the pearly gates. An intern angel, filling in for St. Peter, checked his dossier and grimly said, “Ah, you’re an engineer; you’re in the wrong place.”
So the engineer was cast down to the gates of hell and was let in. Pretty soon, the engineer became gravely dissatisfied with the level of comfort in hell, and began designing and building improvements. After a while, the underworld had air conditioning, flush toilets, and escalators, and the engineer was becoming a pretty popular guy among the demons.
One day, God called Satan up on the telephone and asked with a sneer, “So, how’s it going down there in hell?”
Satan laughed and replied, “Hey, things are going great. We’ve got air conditioning and flush toilets and escalators, and there’s no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next.”
God’s face clouded over and he exploded, “What? You’ve got an engineer? That’s a mistake; he should never have gotten down there; send him up here.”
Satan shook his head, “No way. I like having an engineer on the staff, and I’m keeping him.”
God was as mad as he had ever been, “This is not the way things are supposed to work and you know it. Send him back up here or I’ll sue.”
Satan laughed uproariously, “Yeah, right. And just where are YOU going to get a lawyer?”

Do you have any Los Angeles air conditioning jokes? Feel free to post them on our Facebook page! You can also leave a comment and the Los Angeles air conditioning crew will check it out!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Air Quality Inside Your Home


Do not use bleach to clean mold.

Winnetka air conditioning experts do not suggest using bleach to clean up or remove mold from your home. Bleach does not activate (therefore will not kill the mold at all) unless it is diluted to the right level in order to achieve a certain pH. Bleach is very toxic. It has very strong fumes and can be dangerous to work with, especially with sensitive people. is a toxic substance and some sensitive people can react to bleach and its noxious fumes. Some research shows that bleach aggravates the mold and encourages it to grow. This means it could possibly cause the mold to produce more mycotoxins than it was before the bleach was added.

No amount of mold is safe.

Every person is different regarding their sensitivity to mold exposure. There are no guidelines suggesting an amount that is safe as of right now. There are over 100,000 species of mold. While only few are toxic your Winnetka air conditioning experts suggest that you remove and clean any area that may have traces of mold. If you are uncomfortable doing this yourself of have any questions feel free to give American Air Conditioning & Heating a call today. We can also schedule a service call online and have one of our technicians come out for an inspection.

Heat from the furnace does not kill mold.

The temperature of the heat within you home is far to cool do kill mold. There are some types of mold that are able to survive in extreme heat far greater than that of a home furnace.

If your family suffers health problems such as asthma or chronic colds, you may have a mold problem.

There can be allergies associate with molds in the home. Pollen from outside, dirt and dust can also be factor. It is always wise to have an inspection of the home by a certified Winnetka air conditioning expert to ensure that you family is healthy and breathing in the best indoor air quality possible.

Mold smells musty.

Your nose knows. If you smell a musty old smell in your home that is a sign that mold is present. A further inspection is necessary because the mold could be growing in areas around the home that you may not be able to see.

Allergies are serious.

Allergies such as headache, sinusitis, nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, hives, etc. are linked to other health problems within the body. There has been research done suggesting that allergies are a sign. If you are coughing and sneezing all the time and you believe the dust build up in your home isn’t effecting you more than that you could be wrong. Call a Winnetka air conditioning expert today and we can go over some more indoor air quality tips together! You can also check out American Air Conditioning & Heating at http://www.americanairconditioning.com there are some sample questions there.

The furnace filter removes a small amount of dust from the air.

These types of filters are designed to stop large dust and dirt particles from hitting the motor of your furnace. It is about 7% efficient in helping the air quality of your home because it doesn’t catch all the stuff that is too small for your eye to see.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Air Conditioning and Pets


It's June and yes that means the weather is heating up just in time for summer! More and more people are heading outside sun and ocean lakes and beaches. It is important to stay comfortable indoors as well. We are the Canoga Park air conditioning experts and it's time for a service! Let's work together to keep those air conditioners in working condition. Give us a call at +1(800)321-9494.

Here is something to think about when it comes to Canoga Park air conditioning.

Does your family have a dog?

Man's best friend may be a lovable and cuddly companion but they also may cost you money from damages not only inside your home but outside as well. Canine urination (dog pee) can be harmful to your air conditioning unit. Those of us with pets are used to the fact that animal pee can ruin the carpets. That happens more often than not especially when training a new puppy or kitten. But, dog pee is something that you have to be conscious of for air conditioners too.

There is a condensing unit in the outside of your air conditioner. They are often in the backyard or on the sides of your house. Dogs usually lift their leg up to go pee. The pee will hit the air conditioner and causes the metal to be eaten away on the side of the unit and corrosion on the refrigerant coil. Refrigerant is what is used to cool that air that goes into your home and keeps your family comfortable. If the coil gets leaky because of your dogs pee than the air conditioner will not function properly.

This may be happening in your backyard or on the side of your home without you even knowing it. Canoga Park air conditioning experts are always here to give you a heads up on the best ways to keep your air conditioner working properly for a long time. We post great tips and tricks on our Facebook page and twitter feed as well. Follow @AmericanAC_Heat.

If this problem is happening with your pet, there are things you can do to help stop it. If you ever see your dog doing it stop them and let them know that it is not okay. Also, if you see them about to do it try and catch them before and steer them away from the air conditioner and allow them to pee somewhere else.

Try planting bushes around your condenser. Just make sure that if you do this they are at least 1 foot around the perimeter of the unit because the condenser needs adequate air flow to work properly. You can also try building a fence around the unit so the dog will not be able to go near it at all.

Another idea that may work for your family is odor spray. There are products out there that you can spray in areas that you do not want your pet to go pee in. If you are building a new home it is always wise to put the condenser in an area that they family pets do not go in.

Good luck with your pets!

If you have any further questions feel free to give the air conditioning experts a call today! +1(800)321-9494! American Air Conditioning & Heating.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

What are UV Air Filters?


Indoor air pollution is something that your family probably doesn’t think about too often, but your North Hills air conditioning experts are here to remind you that it is important factor in your families heath!

Fighting the battle against indoor air pollution can be a tough one. Ultraviolet light, however, is one of the best answers. Harmful mold, viruses, bacteria etc. get into your home and cause the air quality to decrease. UV light can clean the air by neutralizing the dangerous bacteria, viruses etc. making them no longer harmful to your family.

North Hills air conditioning experts have discussed before about the importance of changing your air conditioning filters. The air filter catches all the dust and dirt from the air. Change them every 30 to 60 days. This will contribute to maintaining the best indoor air quality for your home.

UV rays are a sterilizing agent that occur in the environment. This works in your home because the lightbulbs are a concentrated natural form of this sterilizing agent. They can help fight against viruses, bacteria, fungi and mold spores in the home.

How do you know if you have indoor air problems?


You can not see everything in the air that may be harmful to you and your family. The most common way that these microorganisms enter your body is by breathing them in. They usually come with a lot of dust or dirt in the home. Dirt and dust allow those harmful things to collect all over the home. Carpets, furniture, bedding, air conditioning etc. can all carry these harmful contaminants.

If anyone in your family is suffering from respiratory problems, asthma, skin irritations, chronic colds, or ongoing fatigue and lethargy you should consider having your indoor air quality tested by a certified North Hills air conditioning professional. This will help solve the problem.

UV purifiers may be able to help your family by cleaning the air your breathe. This will ensure that your family will always be a safe and healthy place to live. American Air Conditioning & Heating is here to keep your family comfortable! Call you North HIlls air conditioning experts today +1 (800) 321-9494.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Save Money on Panorama City Air Conditioning


Most homes have locks, alarm systems etc. to protect the home from other people trying to hurt you or other people trying to steal things from you. Have you ever thought about the thieves lurking around your home that you may not think about! It's valuable energy that is being taken from you!

You may be spending extra money that you don’t need to on your utility bill. Your Panorama City air conditioning experts are here to give you the clues and insight to stay on the lookout for energy takers.

Regular Maintenance:
Try and starting thinking of your air conditioning unit the same way as you do your car, if you don’t already. It is a machine that has slight wear and tear. The better you take care of it, the longer it will last. You never want to run your car without and oil change every 3,000 miles or so, right?

There are some simple tune-ups you can take care of on your AC that will help in this same sort of fashion.
-The air filters is number one. Clean the air filters or change them out (if they are disposable) every 30-60 days.
-Your duct work should also be inspected regularly for air leaks to prevent energy loss.
-Call a Panorama City air conditioning expert during spring for your annual air conditioning tune up and check to ensure that everything is in working order before the heat of the summer hits.

Programmable Thermostat:
Do you use one? As Panorama City air conditioning experts we do highly recommend these systems. They allow you to set your home’s temperature back several degrees when you are not home. Doing this can significantly save money on your utility bill.

Home Insulation:
Do a quick check up on your home to make sure that it is properly sealed and insulated. Caulking around windows and doors can stop air leaks. The attic is also a place that should definitely be well insulated because a lot of cool air slips right out of your home through the attic. When you are running the air conditioner make sure that all doors and windows are shut!

Air Conditioning & Family:
Your family can make some effort to decrease your cooling load. During the really really hot summer months it is wise to use your oven as infrequently as possible. The oven in your home, when on, is really hot. This will cause your air conditioner to work even harder that is has too. Look into changing your light bulbs as well. Compact fluorescent bulbs increase energy savings.

Landscaping:
What kind of landscaping does your home have? The sun may shine right into your house allowing heat to penetrate the home. Strategically planting trees around you house so that they create shaded areas will block the amount on sunlight getting in. This will help keep the home cool without increasing the cooling load of your air conditioner.

Quick solution to this problem! Close the drapes and blinds to block the hot sun rays as it moves from one side of your home to the other! This will keep your family cool and within budget!

Your Panorama City air conditioning experts are here to tell you that energy savings is possible! These are just a few tips that do not take that much effort but will save you tons of money on your utility bill during summer. Now is the time to get that annual maintenance check-up, let one of the certified American Air Conditioning & Heating technicians help you out today. +1 (800) 321-9494.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

DIY Air Duct Cleaning

Clean air ducts twice a year!
The air quality in you home is an important part of Northridge air conditioning. Its common to believe that dirty air ducts do have a little to do with the pollution inside your home. An air duct cleaning once or twice a year may help increase the quality of the air that your family is breathing.

In addition to the once or twice a year cleaning, industry professionals agree that you should call your Northridge air conditioning professional if there is visible mold and mildew on your ducts, if they are infested with bugs or rodents and if there is an excessive amount of dirt and dust buildup causing them to clog.

Dust and dirt within your system combined with the condensation of your air conditioner is the recipe for mold. A humility level of about 70% or higher is where mold rages through your unit. If you keep your air conditioner running you can temporary solve the problem.

Long term you will want to clean out all of the mold and dirt from your air conditioning unit to achieve optimal air quality in your home and ensure that your system is always running efficiently. If you’d like to attempt to clean out your duct system yourself, your Northridge air conditioning company has a few tips that may be able to help! If not you can always give us a call at +1 (800) 321-9494 and we’d love to take care of that for you!

It can be an easy self project will a few things that are most likely lying around your home somewhere if you are wiling to take it on.

Tools you will need:

Ice cube tray or muffin tin for holding compartments.
Vacuum
A brush with a long handle
Oil can
Paper towels or a cloth
Cleaning product (such as windex, 409 etc.)
Screwdriver
New Filter

The first step is to remove the filter. Next you will take the front grill from the outside of the unit. Place all of the metal screws into the tray so that they stay organized and you don’t loose them. Check the fan for any holes. Add some oil to keep it running smoothly. Take the brush and use it to clear away any dirt that you see. Take the cleaner and spray down the area and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Use the paper towels or cloth and wipe everything down. Make sure to wipe the fan blades and give the entire unit and additional area over with the vacuum cleaner. Empty out and clean the water base. This section of your unit holds the most of the standing water so there will be a lot more mold in there. This step is important. You must let everything completely dry before you resemble the unit.

If you have any questions at all feel free to visit Facebook, Twitter or the American Air Conditioning & Heating website! Have a nice day today. Keep in mind, summer is almost here!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Save 60% on Utility Bills!

24.5 SEER rating can save you 60% on your utility bill!

That old air conditioning unit just isn't doing the trick anymore, right?

I see an upgrade in your future. Living in Southern California is nice but it can get hot out there! We know those super hot days are coming and having an air conditioner that works well is important.

A life without Van Nuys air conditioning could be quite uncomfortable during the hot days of summer. If you are tired of dealing with trying to find alternate ways to stay cool during the heat now is the time to change! Call your  Van Nuys air conditioning experts and let’s get started. Update that old air conditioning unit or install one for the first time!

Everyone wants to save a buck here in the United States especially during these hard economic times. Upgrading to an energy-efficient air conditioning or heating unit will save you money. Here in the US many of our residential central air units are actually manufactured here. If you purchase a new energy-efficient system for your home you are directly contributing to the revitalization of our economy! The manufacture are also taking steps and efforts towards helping our environment and almost all of the new super-high-efficiency units use ozone-safe R410A refrigerant instead of the old stuff.

Your Van Nuys air conditioning experts have all kinds of great insight for you! We are constantly updating our Facebook page and YouTube channel as well with the latest tips and tricks to help you folks save money! Something that many of our customers aren’t aware of before they connect with their Van Nuys air conditioning experts is that if you purchase an energy-efficient unit you may be eligible for a federal tax credit! Install a new energy-efficient system in your home during 2011 with a SEER of 24.5. This will save up to 60% on your cooling bill and it will improve your indoor comfort! The tax credit is just a bonus!

These air conditioners are so great because they use super-efficient rotary compressors. Van Nuys air conditioning units commonly use scroll compressor and some even use old school reciprocating piston compressors. The inverter technology to provided totally variable speed and control for the cooling output is what makes the rotary compressors stand out among the rest!

American Air Conditioning and Heating has proudly served Van Nuys and the Los Angeles County area for over 30 years!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Two-Stage Furnace

Two-stage furnace.
The summer weather is coming soon but with the wild changes in temperature recently we thought we'd through out some information about heating for a bit. Let's talk a little bit about what a two-stage furnace is. Many people prefer the two-stage because it reduces the fluctuations in temperature through out the home. This can improve the comfort level of your family. The system uses more or less power according to the current weather conditions.

Two-stage furnaces work by using a low-fire and high-fire settings on the fire valve. Two-stage furnaces also have multi-speed or variable-speed furnace blowers to move more or less air through the ducts. Another great feature are the two-stage draft fans. These move more or less combustion gases up the chimney.

Tujunga air conditioning and heating residents are used to mild weather here in Southern California. During the mild weather the furnace can operate on the low setting. Using the lower airflow in the ducts and the lower chimney gas flow. It's great because this will save money on your bill because the unit will not have to work super hard all the time. During the harsh winter days the two-stage furnace can kick into high-fire gear.

It is most important to have a furnace that is the correct size for your home. This was you will efficiently and accurately heat your home. During the coldest days especially, you want to make sure that your furnace can handle the job! Call your Tujunga air conditioning & heating company with any question that you may have. We are here to answer them for you. If you'd like to drop a line on our Facebook page you can do that as well. We will usually respond within a day or two to make sure that you get the answer you are looking for!

If you plan to replace your heating system, be sure to ask your Tunjunga air conditioning & heating what furnace is best for your size home. We've upload a video to explain a little more about the two-stage furnaces on YouTube. The keys to efficient two-stage furnace operation are a good initial design followed up by a high-quality installation. The two-stage furnace’s high stage should be sized for the severest weather, and the ducts should be designed and sealed to give good airflow for a range of weather conditions. We are American Air Conditioning & Heating proudly serving the Los Angeles county area since 1981!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Prepare for the Heat

Get ready before the heat hits!
Before it gets super hot out there you better prepare for those hot days! Summer is right around the corner. While the beautiful pacific ocean isn't too far away, the water will not help your home stay cool on those hot summer days.

What do you do to prepare for the hot weather?

First step: Your cooling system has air filters in it. Change them out or wash them if you have reusable filters. This will need to be done every one to two months.

Second step: Change your thermostat to the “cool” setting! You have to test the system by turning the setting down. Make sure it turns on, if it doesn’t something is wrong. First, check to make sure that there are no breakers tripped or any power issues. If you can’t figure it out from there call your Silmar air conditioning experts and we will fix it right up! It is always better to call during maintenance rather than waiting until the blazing heat is in full effect and all the Silmar air conditioning companies are packed with emergency calls.

Third step: If everything is good to go and it does turn on, make sure that the air pumping out is nice and cool. If it doesn’t than you will have to give you Silmar air conditioning specialist because there may be a problem bigger than just inadequate power. Set it to 78 degrees if you can.

Fourth step: This is a great tip when considering air conditioning replacement, we can not stress enough how important it is to replace your unit in Spring rather waiting for that heat to take over. You may have delays and during the hot heat you will be more uncomfortable than during Spring.

Fifth step: What kind of thermostat do you have? If it is older you may want to consider upgrading to a programmable one. You can potentially save $100 a year just by making this simple change! You should especially call your Silmar air conditioning specialist if your old thermostat uses a mercury switch.

Sixth step: Does you house have a whole-house fan? Consider installing one if you don’t. This will use cool air in the evening to cool the entire house. It also pushes the hot air out of the attic area.

Seventh step: Each room of the house would benefit from a ceiling fan. This is a great way to distribute the cool air around the house pretty inexpensively. It creates the chill effect and makes the room feel cooler!

If you follow these great tips from your Silmar air conditioning experts you should be nice and ready for the heat that will be coming soon! If you have any questions feels free to give American Air Conditioning a call today! +1 (800) 321-9494

Hot outside?

Try setting it to 82 when its over 100 outside!
The human body is magnificent in the way it can adapt to many different weather conditions. The way we adapt is by exposing ourselves to the weather. With San Fernando air conditioning, if you set your thermostat to 68 degrees and stay inside all summer when you walk outdoors and its 92 degrees it is going to feel like you are standing on the sun! If your thermostat is set to a higher temp like 80 or so when you walk outside it will only feel slightly warmer.

To balance heath, safety and comfort here are some quick tips from your San Fernando air conditioning experts:

If the weather is around 90 outside, try setting your thermostat to 80 instead of 70. For those super hot days when it hits like 100 try to set the thermostat even higher than that around 85 or so. Many people have window unit air conditioners. If you are using one of these they most likely will not have a temperature gauge. Just inch the setting cooler gradually until you find a reasonable setting.

To save money its always a good idea to turn of the air conditioning unit when you are not home. When you do leave make sure that all your blind are shut. This will help keep the sun from heating from blazing in and warming everything up. When you come back to your house it is a good idea to simply move the air conditioning temperature gradually until you are comfortable. Instead of cranking it down as cool as possible this will keep the temp as high as you can stand it while still feeling cool enough to be comfortable.

A difference in degrees Fahrenheit can be shocking. As little as two degrees can make the world a difference. Air conditioning dries out the air around you so if you live in a humid area even having the air conditioner the same temperature as outside will feel cooler! Some people set their thermostat in the hottest of hottest weather as low as 68 to 72 degrees! This is wasteful of energy (costing you more money) but also proves to be harsh on your body. If you are used to staying indoors during hot months at 68 degrees and you go outdoors to extreme heat you will be more susceptible to heat exhaustion etc. Your San Fernando air conditioning company recommends picking a more moderate temperature. This way you save energy and money! When it comes time to going outdoors you will be energized, ready to go and comfortable!

Experiment with inching your thermostat or San Fernando air conditioning settings down gradually from whatever interior temperature you are starting with, instead of just fixed on cold. This create savings on the electric bill, and your increased ability to enjoy the outdoors during hot weather. If you or your family have any questions on the best way to handle this give your San Fernando air conditioning experts a call today at +1 (800) 321-9494 or drop a line on our company Facebook page and will will get right back to you with a response!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Air Conditioning tips

Look and Listen for a Clog!

It is important to stay up to date on maintenance outside of the home too. A lot of Studio City air conditioning units may be directly next to flowers, trees, bushes, etc. Make sure you keep the bushes back. The shrubs and vines that are close to the unit could grow closer or fall or even get blown into your system. When they clog up your unit, they are choking the efficiency right out of it!

Always make sure the filters of your air conditioner are clean. We can not stress this one enough! It is common to forget about this part of your air conditioner because it is inside. When you have a dirty filter that makes less of a cooling capacity. Contact your Studio City air conditioning professionals to determine which is the best filter for you!

Always open up the registers in your home. Many people find ducts closed to help “save” on utilities by not cooling rooms that aren’t in use. That sounds like it could be a good idea however, unless your system has some extra capacity this can actually cause the unit to work improperly and ice up.

If you ever see your unit icing up, turn it off immediately! You will know it is iced up if you see ice on the larger copper line or sometimes the unit will be running but no air is coming our of the ducts. If it is running with no air coming out of the ducts you most likely have a clog and will have to call your Studio City air conditioning specialist to fix the problem.

The best way to stay aware is to always look and listen. If you hear strange noises, see water, ice or oil where you haven’t noticed it before, it might be time to call the friendly folks at American Air Conditioning to help! It doesn’t hurt to have a service check to simply make sure that everything is working properly. This will ensure that your family is comfortable and potential avoid bigger problems in the future!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Insulation for Summer!

Properly insulate your home for optimal cooling!
How well insulated is your home? Insulation usually comes to mind in the winter when we think of turning on the heater and hoping the warm air stays in so our families can be nice a toasty! Your Woodland Hills air conditioning company is here to tell you that the type of insulation and the right amount within your home can be beneficial in the summer as well!

That cool air coming out of your air conditioning unit that you are paying money for needs to get trapped it too! During the summer insulations helps keep the cool air inside where you want it! By installing insulation in your attic, in crawl spaces and between floor joists in full basements you could lower your monthly utility bills by as much as twenty percent.

Insulation comes in giant rolls that sort of look like a rolled up carpet. It can be affordable and available at a number of stores in the area. Home Depot, Lowes and other local spots that focus on home improvement will all carry this product. To maximize your energy savings with insulation take your insulation project to the next level by covering heating and cooling ducts and pipes to prevent wasted energy. You can make an even bigger dent in your utility bill this way!

Here is a quick tip if your a do it yourself-er: Make sure that you are protected while performing the job. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses while performing the work and try to cover as much of your body has possible to minimize the exposure to fiberglass particles while insulating. We highly suggest calling a Woodland Hills air conditioning professional to handle this type of job, we are trained and certified to handle it safely and efficiently!

This is the first step to making sure your family is always comfortable. Simply gaining information and looking to your Woodland Hills air conditioning professionals to help you understand what goes into air conditioning. Making sure that your home is insulated properly is just one of steps leading to saving money and achieving ultimate comfort. It really can save you a substantial amount on your monthly utilities bills. However, all the insulation in the world won’t help if your unit isn’t operating efficiently. Make sure you have your AC unit cleaned and serviced at least once a year by your Woodland Hills air conditioning certified technician.

Always make sure that your air conditioner is working properly! Spring is the best time to get that annual maintenance check. Book a service call today online with your Woodland Hills air conditioning specialist. Don't get stuck with no air conditioning during those hot summer months that are right around the corner. American Air Conditioning is here for you.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Air Filter Choices

Air filter.

One of the most commonly neglected parts of your Chatsworth air conditioning system is one that is extremely important. The air filter. There are three things that you must remember in order to make sure that you air conditioner is always working properly!

1. Correct air filter size.
2. MERV ratings.
3. Your individual needs.

Does anyone in your home have allergies, maybe you have a cat or a dog. These are things that you need to think about. Would you prefer disposable filters or does it make sense to choose the permanent filters that you can wash every 30 to 60 days with regular soap. There are many types of air filters available but once you decided what fits your family the most, it’s really simple.

Your Chatsworth air conditioning company is here to walk you through the process. We have a full staff of licensed and certified technicians that can help your family understand what is best for you. Here are a couple of tips to get you in the right direction.

The first step is to make sure that you know the correct filter size for your system. If you use a filter that is too big or one that it is two small it will defeat the purpose. A filter that is the wrong size will not filter properly. The air pressure inside the system presses the air filter against the frame of the filter slot which acts as a seal so that air will not leak around the edges. All you have to do is make sure that the filter size fits into the slot and is large enough to touch all four sides of the frame.

Most air filters have the size printed right on them for easy visibility. It is important to remember that the nominal filter size is not the same as the actual filter size. The nominal dimensions are usually slightly larger than the actual filter dimensions.

The second step is understanding how the filters are related. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Rating Value and it was developed by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.) This rating system that is standard an industry standard rating system that allows you to compare filters made by different manufacturers. This a rating that is stand among the industry. The scale ranges from 1 (lowest efficiency) to 20 (highest efficiency) and represents how well the air filter collects and holds particles of a specified size range.

The last step is simply your family preference. Decide if you want a throwaway filter, a washable/reusable filter or and electronic air cleaner. Disposable air filters are generally inexpensive and need to be replaced every month to three months depending on the filter and the environment in the home.

Your Chatsworth air conditioning company recommends the washable filters. They are a little more costly upfront but they can be reused for a number of years before replacing. These filters are designed to be cleaned/washed every 30 to 60 days.

Electronic air filters are permanent fixtures in the heating and cooling system and require an electrical connection. They are more expensive than any other type of air filter but are very effective at removing particles from the air. Electronic air cleaners polarize the air particles and collect them on a disposable low-static polarized media pad. To ensure long-term effectiveness, you must be regularly clean the unit and replace the filter pads.

Don't hesitate to give your Chatsworth air conditioning company a call today if you have any further questions about which type of air filter is best for your family!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Energy Efficient AC

It’s getting hot out there Sunland!

The sweltering summer season means your air conditioner will be working its little heart out. It's time to think about it the age of your AC unit. The older the unit, the more energy it takes to run the thing. The more energy required to run, it the more money it costs YOU!

Keeping that comfort level high is important and the way to do it is by turning on your Sunland air conditioning system to be able to stand the heating during the summer. Grabbing a cold ice cream sundae doesn’t always cut it. A great way to be certain you will stay cool during 2011′s heat fiesta is to upgrade to a high-efficiency AC.

The pros and cons:

Con: Purchasing a new unit is that initially the cost is higher. By calling a Sunland air conditioning professional you will be able to ask any questions that you may have in order to help figure out which type of system would be best for your home.

Pro: The good part about purchasing a new energy-efficient unit is that in the long-run this will save you tons of money on your utility bill!

We’ve discussed SEER rating in previous blog posts so check out the benefits of having a higher SEER rating on your air conditioner. Usually the high-efficiency units have a SEER rating of about 16-23. Updating older systems to new energy-efficient ones usually make for about 40 percent savings on your utilities bill! Now that’s what I call being “cool”!

Call your Sunland air conditioning professionals, American Air Conditioning & Heating, today to find out if you qualify for special savings! Some utility companies offer credits to homeowners and renters who add a high-efficiency unit into their home!

The benefits to installing a new high-efficiency air conditioning system into your home are substantial. This is true especially if you have a unit that is ten years or older. Just the 40% savings in your utilities bill alone could potential make the initial cost of purchasing a new unit worth it.

The summer months are hot and everyone loves saving money where they can. If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to drop a comment on our Facebook page or give us a call at +1 (800) 321-9494 we’d love to hear from you. Thanks! Sunland air conditioning specialist, American Air Conditioning & Heating!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Los Angeles County Heating and Air Conditioning

What do you look for when trying to find air conditioning or heating companies? Customer Comments, explanation of service on their website, meeting the friendly service team before hand?


Where do you search when you are looking? Online search engine, a recommendation from a friend? We want to know!
We’d love to hear from you to gain a better understanding of what our local customers need when it comes to Southern California heating and air conditioning.
Leave us your questions, concerns, ideas, suggestions anything and everything to do with plumbing in a post on our Facebook and we’ll promise to reply!
We most recently talked about the air conditioner advantages for homes in Los Angeles County. We’d like to talk more! There are many things that go under the air conditioning and heating umbrella. From simple tips to ensure efficiency to replacing entire home heating and cooling systems. Choosing the right air conditioning service or heating service is important. Here at American Air we truly value our customers and give the best service in Los Angeles County for over 30 years.
Feel free to contact us by asking a tech to talk about a problem you may currently be having with your heating or air conditioning. You can also schedule a quote or service request here. One of our specialized technicians will get back to you and help get it fixed!
We are “The company your neighbors trust.” Residential and commercial heating and air are our specialties! Do you live in one of our service areas? 


American Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help! 


Los Angeles County Air Conditioning Service: 

   

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Air Conditioner Advantages for Homes in Los Angeles County

In Southern California the weather is usually beautiful but during the summer months it can get hot! Residents in So-Cal appreciate cooling their homes and offices using air conditioning systems. There are advantages of using an air conditioner in addition to just a regular ceiling or oscillating fan.

Fans basically push the existing air around the room. This means that if the air is warm in the room the fans will just push warm air around. With home and office air conditioners you will not have to worry about this!

It will take a little research to find the best cooling unit for your home or office in LA County. American Air Conditioning & Heating professionals are here to help you with any questions that you may have.

There are many different types of home air conditioners.

  • Single-Package Central Air, these are the most commonly used in industrial applications.

  • Split System Central Air Conditioning, common because the noisy part of the unit is outside the home.
  • Ductless Air Conditioning, not ideal for large homes. Portable Air Conditioning, great for those individuals on a budget!
  • Evaporation coolers, also known as swamp coolers.


By “liking” our Facebook page you will receive the latest tips and tricks to keep your home cool during summer in Southern California, from Inglewood to Torrance down to Long Beach. We offer special deals and discounts and even have great information on how easy our flexible payment options are! Visit www.americanairconditioning.com “The company your neighbors trust.”