Dehumidifying Heat Pipes- Los Angeles Air Conditioning

In order to make a room comfortable in hot, humid climates, an air conditioner must lower the indoor humidity level as well as the air temperature. If Los Angeles air conditioning fails to lower the humidity adequately, the air will be cool, but will feel uncomfortably damp. Inappropriately sized air conditioners are prone to this problem; large units quickly cool the air, but cycle off before they can properly dehumidify it. In extremely humid climates, even correctly sized Los Angeles air conditioning equipment could fail to maintain a home at a comfortable humidity level.

One technology that addresses this problem is the dehumidifying heat pipe, a device that enables an LA air conditioner to dehumidify better and still efficiently cool the air. The heat pipe is ideal for hot, humid environments.

A dehumidifying heat pipe resembles two heat exchangers, located on either side of the air conditioner's evaporator coil. Several tubes connect the two sections. A refrigerant (usually an HCFC) inside the tubes pre-cools the incoming supply air by absorbing the heat from it. This causes the refrigerant in the tube to evaporate. The air conditioner evaporator cools it further, extracting up to 91% more water vapor than a conventional evaporator would. After the refrigerant in the tubes changes into a vapor, it flows to the condensing section at the other end of the system. There, it releases its heat into the air stream and returns to its liquid state again. Gravity then causes the refrigerant to flow to the evaporator end of the pipe to begin the cycle again.

Most models of heat pumps and central air conditioners can be retrofitted with dehumidifying heat pipes. You can choose either a replacement cooling coil that incorporates the heat pipe, or add-on heat pipes for the unit's ventilation system. You may also want to consider a complete air-conditioner unit that incorporates the heat pipe.

Although the heat pipes don't use any electricity directly, they cause the conditioned air to leave the system slightly warmer than it would have in the absence of the heat pipe, so it takes more energy to cool your home. The system also consumes more fan power to blow air past the heat pipe. However, the manufacturer claims that your thermostat can be set higher with the low humidity air, allowing a net energy savings.

Los Angeles Air Conditioning experts are here to help! Give us a call +1(800) 321-9494.

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.

Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers

Los Angeles Air Conditioning is always here to give you the best information, tips and tricks. Visit our Facebook page and follow us on twitter for more information just like this!

1. Your children will breathe easier
2. Act now against asthma at home.
3. Asthma is a serious lung disease.

During an asthma attack, the airways get narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Asthma can even cause death. If you have asthma or a child with asthma, you are not alone.About 17 million Americans have asthma. Asthma is the leading cause of long-term illness in children. The air that children breathe can make a difference.

Asthma may be triggered by allergens and irritants that are common in homes. Help your child breathe easier: consult a doctor and reduce asthma triggers in your home. Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers.

Below are five common asthma triggers found in homes and what you can do to reduce you and your child's exposure to them. Not all of the asthma triggers listed here affect every person with asthma. See your doctor or health care provider for more information.

Secondhand Smoke

Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar and the smoke breathed out by a smoker.

• Choose not to smoke in your home or car and do not allow others to do so either.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are too small to be seen but are found in every home. Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys.

• Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.
• Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water, and dry thoroughly.
• Keep stuffed toys off beds.
• Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers.

Pets

Your pet’s skin flakes, urine, and saliva can be asthma triggers.

• Consider keeping pets outdoors or even finding a new home for your pets, if necessary.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom and other sleeping areas at all times, and keep the door closed.
• Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys.

Molds

Molds grow on damp materials. The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of excess water or moisture.

• Lowering the moisture also helps reduce other triggers, such as dust mites and cockroaches.
• Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, with mold may need to be replaced.
• Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water.
• Keep drip pans in your Los Angeles air conditioning, refrigerator, and dehumidifier clean and dry.
• Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher.
• Vent clothes dryers to the outside.
• Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers which are available at local hardware stores.

Pests

Droppings or body parts of pests such as cockroaches or rodents can be asthma triggers.

• Do not leave food or garbage out.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
• Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps first before using pesticidal sprays.

If sprays are used:
Limit the spray to infested area.
Carefully follow instructions on the label.
Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray, and keep the person with asthma out of the room.

Also...

House dust may contain asthma triggers. Remove dust often with a damp cloth, and vacuum carpet and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up. Allergic people should leave the area being vacuumed. Using vacuums with high efficiency filters or central vacuums may be helpful.

When your local weather forecast announces an ozone action day, stay indoors as much as possible.

For more information visit your Los Angeles Air Conditioning experts website!

You can request information from EPA's:

Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQ INFO)
P.O. Box 37133
Washington, DC 20013-7133
(800) 438-4318, or
(703) 356-4020 (local)
(703) 356-5386 (fax)
iaqinfo@aol.com

Los Angeles Air Conditioning Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are the way to go these days. You can program your device to help save you money. Tips from your Los Angeles air conditioning experts always help. We're here to give you some info on the top brands out there these days.

We came across this great website that can help to further answer some of your thermostat questions as well. It is called the Thermostat Buying Guide we think that most homeowners could benefit from taking a look at this helpful tool.



Thermostat Brands 101:

White Rodgers
White-Rodgers set the industry benchmark when it introduced the Blue touchscreen thermostat. They just release the Blue 2'' thermostat with 2 square inch blue displays. You can control gas valves, ignition controls, transformers and media air cleaners to humidifiers and UV lights. This brand is known for their user-friendly products.

Honeywell
This company provides a variety of different thermostats. From programmable to non-programmable and devices suitable for do-it-yourselfers to entire systems that can be professional installed.



Robertshaw
Different categories for residential products from Robertshaw include: Wall Thermostats, Mechanical Thermostats, Non-Programmable Thermostats, Programmable Thermostats, Line Voltage Thermostats, Humidity Controls, Indoor Air Quality, Zoning and Accessories.

Lux Products Corporation
Since 1914 this company has provided great products to its customers. Their homepage has a DIY Learning Center available to make instillation easy. There is a guide to walk you through picking the thermostat that is the best fit for your home.

Tekmar
Tekmar promotes that temperature control in your home has never been more convenient. They offer a variety of technologies including radiant floor thermostats with the tekmarNet Gateway 482 that allows you access from your smartphone device.



Los Angeles air conditoning can answer more of your questions regarding differewnt thermostat brands out there. Just drop us a comment, a line on our Facebook page or give us a call +1 (800) 321-9494. We'd love to hear from you.

A Little AC History -Los Angeles Air Conditioning

Humans having the desire to stay cool and comfortable during the summer heat has been around long before Los Angeles air conditioning was invented to make that happen. Back during the 1830s people started to mess around with the idea of using ice and a machinery to cool the air they lived in. Dr. John Gorrie was an American physician who lived in Florida at the time. He is credited with the first attempt at building an air conditioner.

Basically what Dr. Gorrie designed was an ice making machine. Air was blown over the bucket of ice to create a cooling effect. There were tons of people suffering from yellow fever and malaria during the 1830s and he was searching for a way to cool the hospital rooms that were filling up with sick patients.

Another attempt at air conditioning was involved with a close to death experience. In 1881, President James Garfield needed to be comfortable. A box of clothes that were covered and soaking up melted ice water was made by navy engineers. A fan was set next to it blowing hot air overhead. It actually worked and was able to lower the rooms temperature by about 20 degrees. This was great however, it was not an efficient way to cool the air because it used up about half a million pounds of ice in just two months.

During 1902 we start to see things a little close to modern day Los Angeles air conditioning. Willis Carrier made an "Apparatus for Treating Air." He lived in Brooklyn, New York and worked for Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Co. This machine lowered humidity.

The son of John "Bet a Million" Gates, Charles Gates, had the first house that was ever air conditioned. That sounds like today, los angeles air conditioning is most everywhere in LA county now. This was back in 1914. The first AC's were ridiculous, huge and really expensive. They were incredibly dangerous too because they used toxic ammonia to cool the air!

The Carrier company started the industry in 1922 by using a compressor to make AC's smaller. Movie theaters really made the cooling industry take off. In 1925 air conditioning was on Broadway at the Rivoli! After that air conditioning started being installed everywhere- trains, stores, offices etc. 1928 was a big year for The US House of Representatives. They had an air conditioner installed in the Senate, White House and the Supreme Court!

Los Angeles air conditioning today is a common thing. The technology has advanced a lot over the past 75 years and we are here to provide cooling and comfort all over LA county!

Los Angeles Air Conditioning Info

Many of you out there who are not Los Angeles air conditioning professionals can still know the basics of how your cooling system works! Los Angeles air conditioning experts are here to provide you with the answers to all those questions you have while trying to figure those units out!

Homeowners, you will be happy to hear that just a little bit of knowledge will go a long way!

Let’s talk about air handler functions. Most of our customers have these types of questions. The first step is to gain a better understanding of how the system actually works.

Air Handler is basically a piece of equipment that handles the air movement within your cooling system. They blow the air over the coils. After the air is conditioned it blows through the ductwork.

In order to heat and cool your home efficiently and comfortable, the handler must be matched to the size of your HVAC system.

This is part of the reason it is so important to have an air conditioner that is the proper size for the space. All the components of the system work together to make sure that the air is properly cooled.

The A/C system’s compressor is the unit that sits outside your home. If its capacity is a 4-ton design, then your air handler should be able to handle that much air capacity. So, at minimum, the handler should be a 4-ton system.

If you ever find yourself wondering if your unit is the correct size for the space in your home that it is cooling feel free to give a Los Angeles air conditioning expert a call today or schedule a service call for a certified HVAC technician to come out and see exactly what is going on with your unit!

Los Angeles air conditioning experts always have the answers and we love that our customers can feel comfortable asking us questions about everything to do with their Los Angeles air conditioning! We have proudly served Los Angeles county for over 30 years and have loved every minute of it!

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.

Energy Efficiency Standards Los Angeles Air Conditioning

Energy efficiency is usually on our minds here in California. The amount of energy emitted from furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioning units are changing. Arguments over energy efficiency standards aren’t anything new. It is something that has been going on for years. Los Angeles air conditioning experts would like to ask what you think about this topic?

Most recently, consumers were talking a lot about the compact fluorescent light bulbs. Color and the amount of light emitted from them were among the topics of conversation. It is taking awhile to start getting used to these bulbs but we are going to have too because not long until these are the only bulbs on the market. They do cost a little more, that is one of the reasons people have been talking but in the long run they will save you money on electricity. Los Angeles air conditioning experts do recommend purchasing compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) because it will save you money in the long run and will save energy for our beautiful Southern California.

As far as furnaces, heat pumps and central air goes, most likely prices will be going up again. This is sparking controversy because while the prices are going up the savings aren’t going to be extremely tremendous. This change is more about environmental impact on the world. It is about making smarter decisions for our future as a society as a whole.

To see direct savings will take some time. The price increase for products etc. will eventually lead to energy savings. To help you understand this realistically: The new standards would be able to heat every home in the state of New York for 11+ years straight with the savings over a 32 years period! Savings every is always good too because it means fewer blackouts and there will not be as much air pollution.

The U.S. Department of Energy is who creates the standards for central air, furnaces and heat pumps.

May 1, 2013 is the expected date for the new standards to start taking effect.

Los Angeles air conditioning experts American Air Conditioning are always here to bring the latest news to you.

What kind of air filter should you get in addition to your Los Angeles air conditioning?

There are air cleaning systems that are better at removing the different types of air pollution than another. For example, some of them primarily target allergen particles so they would remove these from the air more efficiently than one that focuses on smoke.

Los Angeles air conditioning specialist are here to help you figure out which one will work best for your family!

Mold, viruses and bacteria are contaminants that we have to look out for when considering indoor air quality. They are to small for the eye to see and they actually are able to living in environments even when air filters are present. You have to be extremely careful because sometime even your air filter can be a host for mold to grow and fester. Some air filters can get moist and facilitate this problem so keep and eye out!

UV germicidal lights can get rid of molds, bacterias and viruses fairly easily. These are a great way to keep your family safe and breathing the best air possible inside your home.

We are the Los Angeles air conditioning experts and we focus heavily on indoor air quality. If you have any questions whatsoever feel free to give us a call today. +1(800)321-9494

Different types of air filters:

Particle Removal

Mechanical air filters:
These air filters work by catching the particles that are compromising your air quality in filters.

Electronic air filters:
These air filters used electrostatic attraction to trap charged particles. The air gets drawn through an ionization section where particles obtain an electrical charge.When the ions attach to airborne particles they attach to nearby surfaces faster.

Gaseous Pollutant Removal:
These air filters that use sorbent. It is an activated carbon that absorbs the pollutants.

Pollutant Destruction:
These air filters use ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy the pollutants inside you home.

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) and Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) are two air filters that are pollutant destructive.

UVGI uses ultraviolet radiation from lamps to destroy any viruses, bacteria allergens and molds that are in your home. They should be used with filtration systems. They are most effective together.

PCO are UV lamps and a substance called a catalyst that reacts with the light. It coverts the gas pollutants to be harmless. The pollutants will still be in the home, it is not designed to remove them.

American Air Conditioning & Heating is your Los Angeles air conditioning experts since 1981!

Programmable Thermostats in LA Air Conditioning

Programmable thermostats can save you money! Your Los Angeles air conditioning experts are here to let you know that it is wise for your family to use this tool to control your cooling system and use energy efficiently. You system will have the power to turn on and off automatically. This way it will turn on when you are home and turn off when you are away.

There are many different brands out there that can be a good choice for your family. Los Angeles air conditioning experts recommend using one because it is a great way to save money without making a large up front investment. The cost of a programmable thermostat is relatively low.

Different types of programmable thermostats out there:

Clock Thermostats
These are pretty basic. They can be used to set for a cooler period and a hotter period. The same settings will continue each day.

Digital Thermostats
These allow you to set multipole periods through out the day. Each setting can have a unique temperature. You can also label these settings to suite your families needs.

Digital Thermostats with PID Controller
These are a bit more pricy. The built in PID controller is so the thermostat learns the system and it will react to its commands. This is beneficial so instead of setting your thermostat for 78 degrees at 9:00 am and having it turn on at that time, it knows to reach 78 degrees by 9:00am and starting working efficiently to reach that temperature.

Commercial Thermostat
This type of thermostat uses air pressure to determine a hotter or colder setting. There is no clock associated with the programming.

Programmable thermostats allow different options. You can set daily schedules, differently schedules for weekdays and weekends, and the ability to program the thermostat for weekday, Saturday and Sunday use. Some models even allows you to program different settings through out them to the day.If you have a humidifier or dehumidifier attached to your thermostat, you can also set it to increase or decrease the relative amount of moisture in the air to optimize your indoor air quality.

Los Angeles air conditioning specialist are here to help you decide what is best for your home. Call American Air Conditioning & Heating today at +1(800)321-9494.

Save Money on Air Conditioning-Cheat Sheet!

Save money on your electricity bill!
Air Conditioning Savings Cheat Sheet

1. Your air conditioner must be the right size for the space. If the unit is too small or too big it will compromise the efficiency and cost you more money!

2. Maintenance is the number one way to keep your air conditioner running efficient for a long time. Stay up to date! Have a certified Los Angeles air conditioning specialist look at your unit during Spring.

3. Every 30 to 60 days you must replace the air filter on your air conditioner. If you have a reusable filter wash it out every 30 to 60 days. A dirty filter can ruin everything.

4. The LA air conditioning in your home is usually the biggest energy hog for your family. Think about replacing your unit if it is really old. In the long run it will end up saving you more money.

5. Programmable thermostats help out a lot. It can change the temperature according to when you are home vs not home. It is a great way to save a lot of money without having to make a huge investment.

We are American Air Conditioning & Heating, the Los Angeles air conditioning experts. We have proudly served LA county for over 30 years! Visit our Facebook page for the latest tips and tricks. We are always talking about everything heating and LA air conditioning! Let us know if you have a question, we’d love to help you.

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.

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.

Los Angeles Air Conditioning and Attics?

Southern California residents know that with the summer comes the heat! Los Angeles air conditioning experts are always trying to figure out ways to keep our customers comfortable throughout this season. Let’s think about this one: Heat rises. If it is hot in your home, imagine how hot it gets up in your attic! It’s true that it is not your living space so it may be common to think that the attic portion of your home doesn’t really matter, but this is a misconception. The insulation in your attic is very important to the overall cooling of your home. If your attic is improperly insulated it could have negative effects on other areas as well.

Your Los Angeles air conditioning experts are here to help! There is an inexpensive way to tackle this problem. Ventilation fans can be put in your attic. They can be installed by your Los Angeles air conditioning experts and will make your entire home a lot more comfortable. By installing a fan in the attic you could potentially avoid a number of different problems. During the summer, excessive heat in the attic will suck in the cool air from the rest of the house. This will cause the air conditioner to work harder and increase your utility bill. A lot of heat built up in the attic can also cause the roof shingles of your home to become damaged or warn. Another problem that could potentially arise, the heat can cause excess moisture to build up. Moisture is never a good thing in an attic because this will create a home for mold and mildew to flourish. If mold, mildew etc. builds up it will compromise the air quality throughout your home.

How the fan in the attic will work:

It takes cool air from outside through the attic vents. It is very important to keep these vents clear. Check to make sure that they are not blocked or covered by insulation.

Proper sealing and insulation are also essential for good attic ventilation. Your Los Angeles air conditioning experts can help with any step in this process. Just give us a call at +1 (800) 321-9494. This is where insulation comes into play. The attic of your home may not be sealed off from the rest of your house. It is important to make sure that the attic is properly insulated so that your cooling system can work efficiently and be cost effective. The ventilation fans can draw the cool air from your air conditioner to the attic. This will decrease the efficiency because it will make you cooing system works harder. The harder is has to work the more money it costs you. If you properly insulate your attic it will help to save money instead of waste it.

Attic ventilation fans should also be used in the cooler months as well. By keeping the attic cool during the winter months it will help to protect your roof. Doing this will keep your family warmer within the living spaces of the home. Insulation, again, plays a huge roll in how efficient your system works.

The professional technicians at American Air Conditioning & Heating are the Los Angeles air conditioning experts who can install attic ventilation fans, attic vents and additional insulation to ensure your attic is ready to withstand the summer heat. Sealing your attic so that outside air does not reach your living spaces increases energy efficiency and allows your equipment to work properly.

Ventilation & Air Conditioning in the Home

With hot summers, it’s almost impossible to keep the windows open. Especially when we are running that precious Inglewood air conditioning system! When you open the windows not only does it bring in the heat but it also brings in lots of other things too! If you are someone who has harsh allergies, not a good idea. Opening windows allows mold spores and other airborne infectious particles to come into your home.

The Inglewood air conditioning experts are hear to help! Did you know that using a ventilator can keep fresh air in your home and continue coming in ultimately eliminating the problem an open window creates!



Types of Ventilators:

Bathroom and Kitchen Fans:
The bathroom and the kitchen are two areas of your home that tend to get hot! There is always heat and water involved in these areas so that means steam and humidity are not too far behind. This can damage your home (walls, furniture, fixtures etc.). By using a bathroom or kitchen fan you will dramatically decrease the amount of damage to these areas. The air quality in these portions of your home are compromised as well. Heat and water are the recipe for mold and mildew growth. You do not want bacteria flourishing in your beloved space! Your Redding air conditioning professionals are here to tell you use those ventilation systems! Have them checked out frequently in order to keep the best indoor air quality for your family.

Energy Recovery Ventilator:
Bathroom and kitchen fans help out a lot. Your Inglewood air conditioning professionals have an even better tip for you though! Whole-house ventilation systems are designed to minimize energy loss during summertime. It exchanges the hot air for cooler air.

There are two types of energy recovery ventilators:

Heat-recovery (HRV)
Energy-recovery (ERV)

• Whole-house ventilation systems often provide other features to improve your home comfort:
• Timers to control when to run the fan.
• Fan speed control so you can increase or decrease speed as needed.
• Indoor air quality sensors to detect carbon monoxide and other pollutants.
• Dehumidifiers to help monitor and control indoor humidity.
• Air filters that remove unwanted particles from fresh air before it enters your home.

Let’s talk about what king of duct your home has. We can also use the type of heating or cooling system you have as well to determine what type of ventilations system is the best for your family. Call the Inglewood air conditioning experts today and we can work on this together. If you have a quick question you call always drop a line on American Air Conditioning's Facebook page! We promise to always reply.

Check Your Duct Work!

If you are the owner of a central air conditioning unit it can be quite amazing! However, if some of the rooms in your house feel hotter than others even when the air conditioning is on, there may be a problem. This could be caused by not enough air flow into those rooms. Many people automatically think that their air conditioner is broken if this happens, but that may not always be the case. The air duct in your home may actually be the problem! Some ducts can be poorly designed or inefficient in some way. This causes an number of problems including circulation, strain and an imbalance in pressure levels. Ultimately this will waste tons of energy and end up costing you money unnecessarily.

The Sun Valley air conditioning experts are always here for you! We love to make sure that our customers avoid potential bigger problems in the future by knowing what to look for and avoid now. Here are some signs to look out for that could signal airflow problems in your home may be caused from something being wrong with your duct:

• Some rooms that are hard to keep cool.
• Some rooms that are always stuffy or humid.
• Skyrocketing utility bills.
• You have ductwork in uninsulated areas, such as the garage or attic.
• You have a new or improved HVAC system that’s coupled with old ductwork.

Everything gets wear and tear over a long period of time. Your air ducts will naturally develop tears or seperated connections that will waste the conditioned air. This may cause the air from your attic etc. to come back into the house. It is unfourtunate and a serious problem because this will effect cooling efficiency and will increase the amount of dirt and dust in your home. Sun Valley air conditioning experts have been serving Los Angeles County since 1981! Our certified technicians are trained in handling every residential air conditioning situation. Feel free to give us a call at +1 (800) 321-9494 if you have any specific questions or want to get started on some duct work for your home.

The way that your duct was installed in your home effects its efficiency. If it was installed properly it means it is less likely to have problems. There are many benefits to a properly designed duct:

• It includes return air supply vents in every room or in central areas of the home.
• It’s sized to handle the precise amount of airflow produced by the HVAC system.
• Its ducts get smaller as they branch away from the main core, just as streams branching off a river become smaller, to maintain static pressure.
• Its angles are curved instead of sharply cornered, which can “wrinkle” airflow.

The entire home and your family will benefit from the duct system. It will ensure good indoor air quality and efficient air flow to keep your family comfortable. If you suspect that you are having any issues at all with your cooling system contact American Air Conditioning & Heating today! We are the Sun Valley air conditioning experts and we'd love to help your family stay comfortable everyday.

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.

Reseda Air Conditioning Lifespan

Upgrade those old air conditioning units!

It is always a good idea to plan ahead for a big purchase. Your Reseda air conditioning company is here to help It is common to budget and plan ahead for purchasing a new car, doing so for your air conditioning system is a good idea too! If you plan out when you are going to purchase and exactly how much you are going to pay your budget will take less of a hit and it will be a wise investment instead of a poor decision.

There are a few different things that contribute to how long any particular air conditioning unit will last for. The manufacturer of the unit will set and expected lifespan. This is based on an average user and for “normal” use. Keep in mind, most air conditioners are supposed to last about 15 years.

You can help estimate the lifespan of your Reseda air conditioning unit with the help of these simple questions:

First: How much do you use it?

This is the biggest factor in how long or how short and air conditioner will last. Here in Southern California we have beautiful weather but it does get hot and we do use our Reseda air conditioning systems a lot more than someone who lives in Minnesota, for example. Our air conditioners tend to last a little less than 15 years because we are in a hotter region. Manufacturer expectations are set according to the number of hours of use for your unit, so when you use the air condition a ton, you’re still getting your money’s worth. You’re just using those hours up more quickly than other people.

Second: Do you stay on top of your yearly service?

Paying attention to the maintenance of your unit helps extend its life. The number one maintenance tip is to change the air filters every 30-60 days! This can be done by a Reseda air conditioning professional and will keep your unit working in tip top shape. Allowing dirt to build up on the system makes it work harder, which causes components to wear out more quickly and leads to system breakdown or significant repairs. Regular maintenance means your A/C runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to get the most hours possible out of the system.

American Air Conditioning & Heating is always posting great tips and tricks onto our Facebook page to ensure that our customers will get the most out of every unit they own through out their life time. Feel free to call us with any questions regarding Heating or Reseda Air Conditioning at +1 (800) 321-9494.

Save Energy During Summer!

Save money during summer!

Here are some great tips from your Pacoima air conditioning experts on how to keep your ac in great working order:

The weather is heating up out there. While Southern California usually has beautiful days and nights, the summers can get hot, hot, hot!

You can save money and energy by carefully purchasing the correct size unit, staying up to date on service and operating your air conditioner correctly. Follow your Pacoima air conditioning company quick tips on our Facebook page and you will decrease the chance on problems in the future. Good luck!

Maintenance and Operation Tips

Stay up to date and aware in order to save money longterm!

• The number one thing to be conscious of is your air conditioning filter!
• Air filters that are dusty and dirty will not allow air to flow through your home.
• Air filters will need to be changed and/or cleaned at least once every 30-60 days.
• This simple maintenance step can reduce your utility bill and energy consumption by 5-15%!
• If your home has a central ac system you must make sure that the ducts are insulated correctly. If they pass through the attic your really want to make sure that is done.
• Don’t let furniture get in the way. It defeats the purpose of cooling and wastes a lot of energy when something is blocking the vent. It may also be helpful to close off unused rooms by shutting the door and closing the vents in those rooms.

Energy Saving Tips:

Just stay conscious and aware and you will be able to save easily on your utility bill!

• Only use the air conditioner when it is really hot outside.
• Close all the windows and close the curtains or pull down the shades during the day, this will help to keep the heat out of the house.
• During the night open the windows and turn on the fans to draw out the cooler air.
• Ground-to-air heat pumps are most cost effective when included in a new home’s design rather than as an addition to an existing home.
• Fans are a great way to help keep your home cool. They most definitely can not replace air conditioning but they can be a great addition in support of your unit. Running a ceiling fan with the AC at a moderate temperature can create a wind chill effect and actually make the room feel cooler than it is!

Drop us a line on our Facebook page if you have any questions regarding heating and air conditioning! Your Pacoima air conditioning experts American Air Conditioning & Heating will always be here for you!

Los Angeles Air Conditioning Story!

Service your air conditioning system in Spring!

It’s spring time here is the beautiful Southern California! During this time of year we are so excited about the nice weather that we tend to forget about things like Los Angeles air conditioning because it is not quite hot yet. Los Angeles air conditioning experts are here to remind you! It is exactly the time you should be thinking about it! It’s spring cleaning time and your air conditioner service should be right on that check list with everything else this season. One of our customers, Marlene, knows from experience how important it is to do a pre-summer season service can be!

Your Los Angeles air conditioning specialist, American Air Conditioning & Heating is here to tell you Marlene’s story:

About three years back my husband and I bought a home in the beautiful Southern California. We absolutely loved it, just loved everything about it! The beaches were one of our very favorite parts, coming from Northern California in the forest we looked forward to having all our family over to see our new place surrounded by beautiful beaches and ocean. On one particular visit we invited my sister’s family to come over. We were very used to the air conditioning at our previous home because the weather was always so hot, our bodies are sort of used to the cool now! Our neighbors told us that it does get pretty hot in this particular area and that it was always a good idea to get the air conditioning system checked up every once and awhile because it is important to have during the summer! We didn’t think much of this and we a fairly frugal people so we figured out AC would work fine how it was. We've always heard the weather in Southern California is nice and maybe we wouldn't have to use the AC as much.

My sister came into town with her lovely family. We had lots of plans set up to have a good visit. The house felt a little hot so we turned the air conditioning on and to a low temperature as we left out for dinner. As we would later find out, the air conditioning was blowing out hot air the whole time we were gone.

Dinner was amazing, we were having such a great time! Everything went wrong when we got home. We walked in to an extremely hot house. Not just semi-warm but hot, hot, hot! It was a super hot day for So Cal already and now our home was even hotter than outside! My husband and I looked at each other and embarrassingly apologized to my sister and her family. There wasn’t anything we could do about it. It was 12:30am, there was no way we could get a technician out that late, especially on a Saturday. We all just tried to tough it out but there was no way to deal with the heat. We felt like we were cooking! My sister was nice about it and didn’t complain too much but she did grab ice out of the freezer and rub it on her face. It was so hot that no one was comfortable. We tried to go to bed but no one could sleep or even stand to be on the sheets. It was even hotter upstairs in the guest bedroom, it was unbearable.

My sister decided that it would be best to go to a hotel and stay the night there until it cooled down. They could not stand the heat any longer. That reaction is totally understandable, we couldn’t take the heat either. We decided to just go right along with them, it was like 90 degrees outside, our house was an oven.

We thought that we would be saving money by foregoing that service repair that our neighbors so graciously “warned” us about back in Spring. Take my advice we ended up spending way more after everything was said and done! Los Angeles air conditioning maintenance is something that you only need about once a year and it makes a world of difference.



You can tell from Marlene’s story that even if your AC unit new and you think nothing will go wrong it is always smart during the springtime before the summer heat sets in to have it checked out by your local Los Angeles air conditioning company.

American Air Conditioning & Heating has proudly served the Los Angeles County area for over 30 years! Give us a call to schedule your maintenance check up today, before that hot summer season hits! +1 (800) 321-9494