Indoor Air Quality- How do molds affect people? Los Angeles Air Conditioning

Los Angeles Air Conditioning is here to inform you that indoor air quality is really important. Not everyone realizes that the quality of the air inside your house is sometimes worse than the air quality outside. Mold can be a big issue and negatively contribute to your air quality. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

EPA's publication, Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, assists health professionals (especially the primary care physician) in diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related to an indoor air pollution problem in Los Angeles Air Conditioning. It addresses the health problems that may be caused by contaminants encountered daily in the home and office. Organized according to pollutant or pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco smoke, VOCs, biological pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this booklet lists key signs and symptoms from exposure to these pollutants, provides a diagnostic checklist and quick reference summary, and includes suggestions for remedial action. Also includes references for information contained in each section. This booklet was developed by the American Lung Association, the American Medical Association, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the EPA. EPA Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994. Los Angels AC

Allergic Reactions - excerpted from Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals section on: Animal Dander, Molds, Dust Mites, Other Biologicals. Los Angeles AC

"A major concern associated with exposure to biological pollutants is allergic reactions, which range from rhinitis, nasal congestion, conjunctival inflammation, and urticaria to asthma. Notable triggers for these diseases are allergens derived from house dust mites; other arthropods, including cockroaches; pets (cats, dogs, birds, rodents); molds; and protein-containing furnishings, including feathers, kapok, etc. In occupational settings, more unusual allergens (e.g., bacterial enzymes, algae) have caused asthma epidemics. Probably most proteins of non-human origin can cause asthma in a subset of any appropriately exposed population."

Los Angeles Air Conditioning company, American Air Conditioning & Heating has been proudly serving the Los Angeles County area for over 30 years. Give us a call today with any questions about mold, indoor air quality or anything about Los Angeles Air Conditioning!

The R-Value of Insulation- Los Angeles Air Conditioning

An R-value indicates an insulation's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness.

The R-value depends on the type of insulation and includes its material, thickness, and density. When calculating the R-value of a multilayered installation, add the R-values of the individual layers. Installing more insulation in your home increases the R-value and the resistance to heat flow. Los Angeles Air Conditioning knows what it takes to get the job done right.

The effectiveness of an insulation's resistance to heat flow also depends on how and where the insulation is installed. For example, insulation that is compressed will not provide its full rated R-value. The overall R-value of a wall or ceiling will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself because some heat flows around the insulation through the studs and joists. Therefore, it's important to properly install your insulation to achieve the maximum R-value.

The amount of insulation or R-value you'll need depends on your climate, type of heating and cooling system, and the section of the house you plan to insulate. Los Angeles Air Conditioning can help you decide what works best for your home! Give us a call anytime at +1(800) 321-9494 or visit our Facebook page and drop us a comment!

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

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 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.

Los Angeles Air Conditioning

ComfortLink Remote Thermostat- Los Angeles Air Conditioning

Have you heard of the new programmable thermostats that you can control remotely from your cell phone?

This is one of the most recent break throughs in thermostat technology. It is called the Trane ComfortLink Remote Thermostat. They use Schlage LiNK to allow you to manage your thermostat on the go. It is a comprehensive internet-enabled system that works with your iPhone and other devices. The great part is it is really simple and easy to use!

Los Angeles air conditioning specialists are glad to share this information with you.

If you have this type of remote thermostat. You will be able to monitor security and change the temperature of your home. It will help you save money and reduce energy consumption because you can set the temperature for times that you are home. Old thermostats do not have this capability. It will give you much more control in the world of cooling and staying comfortable.

It also has the ability to change the code and passwords when you are not home! It is a great way to monitor who is in your house as well because you have the option of getting text and email alerts for each individuals as they enter the home.

This will save you money overall because you can turn appliances off an on as well to help save energy!

• Thermostat requires 24VAC power with minimum 5 wires for most single stage heating and cooling installations. One of the 5 wires must be common.
• Not for use with 120/240V electric baseboard heat, proprietary communicating systems, or radiant floor heating systems.
• Dual-fuel operation requires accessory kit available from equipment manufacturer.

The basic Trane ComfortLink Remote Thermostat kit installed by a participating Trane Comfort Specialist dealer contains:

• Trane ComfortLink Remote Thermostat
• Schlage® Bridge
• Schlage® Appliance Module

Find more information about these systems on their website at Trane.com. Check out all the information and different types of thermostats they offer! Los Angeles air conditioning experts.

The TRANE Company is a world manufacturer of the high-quality equipment for central air conditioning and cooling systems. Their business is a business of providing energy-efficient and environmentally responsible systems that sustain high performance for life. By doing so, they make it possible for buildings and industrial processes to operate at world-class levels.

Los Angeles Air Conditioning

Los Angeles air conditioning is not always on the forefront of our thoughts. To tell you the truth most of our customers don't even thing about it until it starts doing something they don't like. Too hot, maybe even too cold, is when everyone starts to think about it! Other than that it just goes straight to the back of our head until “BAM!” a problem arises and we are stuck scrambling on what to do to fix it!

Los Angeles air conditioning experts are here to say that we shouldn’t always let that happen. There are preventative steps you can take to ensure that your cooling system is always working properly and your family stays comfortable during these hot summer heats.

It would be a great feeling if the AC was just a magical box that made the room the perfect temperature every time but we are not quite there yet! Something that we’d like to bring attention is that it is not only more than that regarding cooling your home, but it also has an impact of mold and bacteria circulation in the home, overall air quality, the amount of money your family spends on bills and your overall health!

We are not saying that you have to think about your AC all the time but we are simply asking you to stay aware for warning signs. It won’t be too difficult with the Los Angeles air conditioning experts on your side. We provide quick tips on our Facebook page and within our Twitter feed. If you ever have any specific questions or feedback on how we can help you even further give us a call at +1 (800) 321-9494 or simply drop us a comment on Facebook! We promise to get right back to you with the best answer possible.

The bottom line is your cooling system requires maintenance. It is a big mechanical system with working parts that need to be taken care of if you want them to work properly.

Some quick tips:

Find a Professional for service and repair. Los Angeles Air Conditioning experts
Ask about financial incentives and rebates in your area.
Change your air filter every 30 to 60 days.
Get a regular maintenance check/tune up done every Spring.

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.

Los Angeles Air Conditioning Compressor

There is usually little in between on whether an air conditioning unit works or doesn’t. The heart of any air conditioning unit is the Compressor. It is what allows the unit to function properly and deliver that cool air we all are accustom too. The compressor on an air conditioner is usually misunderstood by most consumers today.

Your Los Angeles air conditioning experts are here to try and change that. We like to provide our customers with the knowledge to fully understand the cool systems they have in their homes if they want too. The compressor is a pump driven by an electric motor. The pump has valves and pistons inside that are kind of like your car engine.

Scroll compressor: Set of spirals (more efficient because there are no reciprocating parts.)

Rotary compressor: Acts like a vane pump. These are usually found in window units because they are common in smaller air conditioners vs larger systems.

Residential air conditioners are usually hermetic (the motor and the part that pumps is built into one box called a can.) The can is where you can find the electric motor. The refrigerant flows over the motor windings to cool it as it runs. Varnish covers the insulation of the motor windings so that it doesn’t react with the refrigerant. If it becomes acidic it will eat the windings and the motor will burn out. A smaller problem would be for the circuit breaker or fuse to blow. If that doesn’t happen than the motor will continue to run and ruin the refrigeration system. A system that is short of refrigerant will overhear the motor a system that is overcharged can flood the compressor causing “liquid slugging.” A bad crankcase heater will also cause damage due to liquid. This is not as much a problem on smaller systems but will destroy larger units or systems with a lot of refrigerant charge.

If the hermetic compressor fails the only way to fix the system is to replace it.

If the run capacitor fails the motor will not start and draw excessive current than it should and over heat (tripping) it’s internal protector (also known as an “overload”). If it doesn’t have a start capacitor it probably should. Especially if it has problems starting under load. If the cooling coil is replaced with one that has a thermostatic expansion valve as opposed to capillaries or an orifice. You may think that the compressor is bad because it won’t start. Scroll compressors do not need start components but they DO need and anti restart timer or they can run backwards if the power is interrupted. A rotary compressor can do the same thing under certain conditions.

There are many different brands of compressors out there today. For example: Bristol, Tecumseh and Copeland, Manurope, Trane, Danfoss, Aspera, Dunham Bush, Carlyle (Carrier) and York. You can view these brands online, some of them even have Facebook pages like us. We post the latest tips and tricks for everything Heating and Los Angeles air conditioning.

Do you have more questions about compressors? Give a certified Los Angeles air conditioning expert a call today at +1(800)321-9494.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.