Zodiac HVAC Blog

A HVAC system is built to sustain all conditions and last for many years, however, like any other piece of machinery, an HVAC system can break down. It is important to have your unit serviced and maintained to help it live a longer life span. However, another option that is well worth the added expense is an HVAC warranty. An HVAC warranty will guarantee that your unit will be taken care of. Warranties are available in many different forms so that your unit is protected.

Benefits of a Warranty

A warranty has many benefits that home owners should take advantage of. Warranties are available in all forms and will provide you with the added comfort and security you need in the home. A warranty is created to cover certain aspects of your unit. You can purchase a full warranty which will cover most issues you may come across with your unit or a partial warranty which will cover only certain portions of your unit.

A warranty can cover many aspects. For example: If you have a warranty and your unit breaks down, you will be covered. If the warranty covers the issue, you will be able to hire a technician to make the repairs. In most instances, it is important to have your entire unit covered so that if any problem arises, you will be able to have it repaired at no cost to you.

Purchasing a Warranty

A warranty can be purchased at any time but is usually purchased during the initial installation of your unit. When you purchase your new unit, you will have this option. It is best to purchase the warranty at this time. However, you can also purchase a warranty years down the line. A home warranty can be purchased which will cover your HVAC unit or you can purchase an individual warranty for your unit. There are companies which will provide you with this option and will offer you several options, so you can find a warranty that will work best for your home.

Claiming your Warranty

Once you have a warranty in place, it is important that you understand how to make a claim. Be sure to keep your warranty in a safe place and make sure that you understand each aspect of your warranty. You will need the paperwork to make a claim if you have an instance with your unit. Your warranty should include a telephone number so you can call and make your claim.

Once you need to make a claim, call the number and speak with a representative. The representative will be able to help you file your claim. Be sure to explain your issue clearly and you will receive the help you need.

Overall, a warranty can help you with HVAC issues. A warranty is a small price to pay to have the security and stress free measure in place to be able to have your unit repaired for minimal to no cost. Contact your local provider today to set up a warranty for your HVAC system.

Energy efficiency is important in one’s home because it allows you to live a cleaner lifestyle as well as save money. One way to remain energy efficient is with your heating and cooling system.

 Technology has come a long way over the past few years and now there are many different choices available for home owners to have an energy efficient home. One way to save money and become more energy efficient in your home is with a heat pump. 

#1 Heat pump makes Electric heating affordable.

A heat pump makes electric heating affordable. In many homes, especially older homes, an electric heater is used. A heat pump is used in electric heat but it is more energy efficient then an electric heater. 

Electric heaters are efficient as they convert heat as the electric power receives it. However it can be expensive since it takes electricity to use. 

#2 More efficient than a Electric Heater.

A heat pump uses electricity to move the heat from between the outdoors and indoors instead of converting electricity to heat. This makes the option more efficient than an electric heater. A heat pump is not new technology but advances have been made to make them work better and help save home owners more money.

#3 Heat pumps can replace airconditoners and Electric heaters.

A simple way of explaining what a heat pump is, is to compare it to an air conditioner. It is a modified air conditioner as it pumps heat out of the house in the summer time and pumps heat into the house in the winter. Home owners can use a heat pump instead of an air conditioner or electric heater. 

#4 Heat pumpls can be used round the year.

A heat pump can be used year round. If you have an air conditioner you most likely have an electric heater.A heat pump can be used year round and the cost will remain similar throughout the year while using an electric heater or air conditioner can change your heating and cooling bill throughout the year. 

HVAC contractors have the ability to easily install a heat pump to any home to be able to make a home or business more energy efficient. The investment is well worth the price since installing a heat pump will make your heating and cooling bills go down and use less energy. Many contractors offer free in-home consultations, so shop around! You will be able to find a better deal and can find a contractor that fits your needs by shopping around. 

When the summer months arrive, it is important for home owners to have a properly functioning air conditioner. An efficient air conditioner will keep home owners comfortable as well as cool during the hot summer months. It is very important for home owners to have the best air conditioning system in the home that will work best for their needs.Saving money, energy and working effieicently are key aspects to a proper air conditioning system. There are a few factors that should be considered when choosing an air conditioning system for the home and we will list these tips below!

BTUs

One aspect that should be considered when purchasing a new air conditioner is BTUs. A BTU is a British Thermal Unit and is how the cooling power is measured. This term of measurement is applied to window units as well as central air conditioners. The higher the BTU level the more cooling power the unit has. It is important to have enough BTUs on your system to be able to cool the size of your home. BTUs range from 5,000 to 20,000 for the typical unit.

Adjustable Controls

It is also important to make sure that your unit comes with several adjustable controls. This will give you more options when it comes to the comfort level in your home. it is best to purchase a unit that has a control system with two or more cooling speeds as well as fan speeds. You can also find units with an energy efficient setting which will allow you to save money during the hot summer months.

Warranty

It is also important for home owners to consider a warranty of their unit. Most units come with some type of warranty, usually for one to five years. however, there are warranties that can be purchased for longer time spans. It is important to consider a warranty option when purchasing a new air conditioner so you can get the best deal for your money.

SEER Rating

It is important to find a unit that has an efficient SEER rating. The SEER rating will determine the energy efficiency of the unit. The industry standard for a SEER rating is 13, so any unit with a 13 or higher will work. You should consider the size of your home when looking at SEER rating so you have a unit that will work well in your home.

Professional Advice

And as always, it is best to seek the advice of professional when considering a new air conditioner purchase. A professional technician or dealer will be able to help you determine which type of air conditioning system will work best for your home. A technician can look at the size of your home as well as the cooling needs of your home to decide which type of unit will work best. Then the technician can also help you install the unit as well, so very soon you will have a new unit in your home and will remain cool and comfortable as the temperatures outside are sweltering!

Underfloor heating is an option that many home owners have never heard of. This option is great for those who would like to try something different. Underfloor heating comes in two major forms and can keep the home nice and toasty by providing the warmth to the home via the floor. We have gathered the information home owners need to understand underfloor heating and why it can be beneficial to the home.

Wet Underfloor Systems

One option for underfloor heating is Wet Systems. A wet system will use water to heat the home. with a wet system, warm water is sent through the central system via a series of plastic pipes which are laid out on the subfloor. This means the piping system is between the subflooring and the main floor such as tile or hardwood.
This system will use the water and heat it up and then move it through the pipes to heat the floor, which in turn, will heat the furniture in the room. This gives you the heat you need without the need of fuel or a fan source. This type of system can reduce water heating cost since it uses lower temperatures to heat the home.

Wire Systems

The other main source of underfloor heating is a wire system. This system is also known as electric mat. With this system, cables are attached to a mesh mat and then the mat is rolled out on the floor and then connected to each mat. This system is then linked to the thermostat and the main power supply, so the home owner can control the temperature in the home. this system simply uses electric power to heat the wires and heat the floor, which will heat the home.
This type of system is cheaper to install than a wet system but it does cost more to run. A wet system is more cost efficient. So, home owners will need to take this into consideration when deciding which option to choose.

Why Choose Underfloor Heating

Many home owners may be wondering why they should choose underfloor heating. This heating option is efficient and can really heat the home rather quickly. There is no outdoor or indoor portion that gets in the way of anything as the unit is located beneath the floor. This option can be a nice change from the regular central unit option that is so popular.

Research

The best option for home owners is to research both options and take a look at their home. find out which option will be easiest to install and benefit you most in the long run before making the jump to installation.

Finding Out More

Home owners can find out more about this option by contacting their local HVAC provider. A professional will be able to give you more information as well as help you determine which option will work best in your home.

Heating units are essential to the comfort and happiness of every person in the home, during the winter time months. The heating unit will keep each person in the home warm and comfortable, which will create a peaceful environment for everyone in the home. it is very important for home owners to make sure that their heating unit is maintained and in tip top shape! Below are a few maintenance tips to help you have a properly functioning heating system.

Air Filters

An easy maintenance step that the home owner can do is the air filter. It is very important for the home owner to make sure that their air filter is changed on a regular basis. When the air filter gets clogged, it is no longer able to filter the dust and particles from the air. This can cause major problems with your unit so you should always strive to keep your air filter clean and clear.

Landscaping

It is also important for home owners to keep their outdoor portion of the heating unit clean and clear of debris. You can do this by providing landscaping service to your home. You can clean around the outdoor unit yourself or you can hire someone to do it for you. It is very important to keep an area of about three feet clear around your outdoor heating unit.

Cleaning

It is also important for a heating unit to be cleaned on a regular basis. The unit can be cleaned by the home owner or by a professional service. Keeping your unit clean from dirt and debris will allow you to have a unit that works properly and will continue to run efficiently.

Inspections

It is also important to have your unit inspected on a regular basis. Your heating unit should be checked in all aspects so that you know your unit is working properly. If you learn the basics of your unit, you will be able to check the unit yourself for issues. You can also hire a technician who can inspect the unit for you.

Maintenance

Overall, it is very important for every home owner to practice good maintenance options. Whether you do the maintenance options yourself or you hire a company to do it for you, it is important to get it done, each and every year! Regular maintenance will help you have a unit that will work for many years to come!

Ductless air conditioning devices work on the same principle as the modern split units with the only difference between them being the ductless variety is smaller than the split ones. Just like the split devices the entire system of a ductless air conditioner is divided into two units. While one of them is installed outdoor, the other is installed inside. Let us now deal with some of the advantages of installing a ductless air conditioner.

1. The main advantage of installing a ductless air conditioner is that its installation is extremely easy than the ones with ducts which is pretty cumbersome.
2. Time is another factor that speaks for installation of ductless air conditioning system. While a conventional system with ducts takes days and even weeks at times to get installed, a ductless air conditioner would take a mere few hours.
3.  The window units of the ductless air conditioners are better than the window AC units because of the presence of thermostats which plays an important role in maintaining a steady temperature constantly.
4.  This is safer as well as unlike the window AC system, there is no chance of anyone removing the unit from the window and breaking into your room through the hole created.
5.  Another very important feature is that operating a ductless AC system is much easier compared to the other varieties. These air conditioners come up with high tech remote controls which help the users to control the temperature as and when needed.
6.  These air conditioners also smaller and gel with the get up of the room they are installed in, quite easily. Their slender profile helps a lot in that. Apart from that, these ductless air conditioners operate pretty quietly as those parts which make maximum noise stays outside thereby reducing the noise to a large extent. They are also more energy efficient than the other variants of air conditioning devices.

Nowadays maximum of the households are opting for these user-friendly ductless devices due to these above-mentioned factors. More and more companies are coming up with high tech ductless AC devices and the fact that they are more eco-friendly than the other variants makes them increasingly popular than their other counterparts.  With a constant development of technology and introduction of improved versions of coolants, experts are of the opinion that these user and environment-friendly ductless air conditioning devices indeed have a bright future ahead.

Purchasing an air conditioner could be an important and a costly investment for your home or office and there might be cases in which one is not able to buy the appliance with a single payment. However, today, this is not a crisis at all, given that you can opt for easy financing. AC financing is a cost- effective solution and to make the process easier and affordable, several companies in Burbank offer flexible low monthly payment financing options to customers who make a purchase on HVAC systems. Several heating and cooling companies partner with financing companies to offer finance for the HVAC products.

There are many local heating and air conditioning dealers in Burbank who offer reliable and affordable low monthly payments to the clients. The convenient financing options available to the U.S residents make the purchase affordable and help them to save a considerable amount on their budget. Many financing companies offer flexible payment plans that can suit your budget as well as heating & cooling requirements. Once you have decided to choose the AC unit, make sure to choose the right size and energy efficient systems.

How to choose AC financing companies in Burbank?

--When you are desperately in need of purchasing an air conditioning unit, you have an option to pre-qualify for your loan. In such case, you can contact a financing company directly without getting in touch with heating and cooling companies. The most important thing is to make a good research about the various financing companies and their interest rates before planning to buy a loan in Burbank.

--Once you have chosen a company, check the interest and credit rates and fill in an online form. The duration of the approval process may vary among companies and when your application is approved, you can choose the amount of loan you wish to take depending on your budget.

--Check the financing companies' experience, quality of work, and convenience of loan processing before making a choice. 

-You could also get in touch with your heating and cooling company to get qualified for a financing loan for the purchase of your AC equipment. The loan process may consume little time and once the loan is certified, you can make the necessary purchase to enjoy the benefits.

--Compare the monthly payments of various companies and also check for other convenient options like generous credit lines, low interest rates, simple online application and also if there are any prepayment penalties and annual fees. Contact your local Burbank dealers to avail for a low monthly payment financing for your AC systems.

When you are undertaking to have an air conditioner repaired or replaced, please remember that it is YOUR money that you are investing. That's right; we said "investing," because putting money into something so important can't be considered to be anything short of an investment in the safety and comfort of you and your family. That becomes especially critical in the summer months, when you are going to need the system to be working at its very best. 

So keep in mind that as it is your money and your investment, you are the boss. And you're not going to part with any of it unless you are very confident with the people you are doing business with. 

What will make you confident? Well, for one thing, a guarantee that the work they perform is going to be done the right way. That's crucial, because what good is their service if it isn't?

You are never in the wrong when you ask any HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) contractor if they will give you a satisfaction guarantee up front and in writing. In fact, any company that is worth its salt will not only be expecting something like that, they'll have it as a matter of general policy. 

You see, the best companies will do whatever they have to in order to back up the work they do. They have no time for anything else. If they are doing a repair, they want to have your business down the road for a replacement. If they have done an installation, they want you to stick with them after the warranty runs out for regular maintenance and service. They also want the referrals you can give them when they have done the right thing. 

Air conditioning systems have to meet certain standards for efficiency. When your AC service person does a job, his goal should be to exceed those standards, not to mention have all the working parts in order and ready to take on whatever burden they are hit with. The idea is that until that is the case, they haven't completed the job. And the satisfaction guarantee is there for you to know that they will take care of everything until the end.

These are companies that take pride in their work, and what they do for the customer. These are the people you want to give your business and your praise to! 

There are a lot of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) contractors that are out there competing for your business. The majority of them are on the up-and-up. So we're figuring that if you do your homework, you're not going to have a very hard time finding one that will offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee to its customers. 

This is not an option; this is not an "extra." This is a necessity for you, because without it, you might stand a chance of having a repair or installation job done where things don't go right, but may cost you more money to GET it right. 

It should be mandatory in your mind to get it right, and not anything less. The air conditioning services that are the most reputable understand this, and they feel the same way you do. They know that word-of-mouth is very important for their business, because they want you to tell other people about the good job they did. Of course, those are the guys who are in it for the long haul. Your objective, as you are shopping for people to do business with, is to find the guys who are thinking about the long haul.

What does that mean to you? Well, it means people who are really willing to back up their work. naturally, part of that is the warranty, but we haven't even gotten that far yet. Let's talk about the process as they are doing the actual installation or doing the actual repairs.

The goal is to do everything right, which has to be highlighted with an AC system that is both efficient and safe. There are certain standards for efficiency that have to be met, and the HVAC repair person's goal should be to have that unit working as well as it possibly can. Does it do exactly what it is supposed to do? If it doesn't, at least not yet, the company's attitude is that the yare going to work on it until it does. 

That's what guaranteeing your satisfaction means. This should be an absolute barometer when you are deciding on who to let into your home to inspect, repair, install or maintain. And yes, the best of the bunch will put that in writing to you. They want your business for a lifetime, not for a quick hit and run. Look for these folks when you are ready to make an investment in air conditioning! 

Air Conditioners are one of the most treasured inventions of mankind. They are used everywhere, right from hospitals, shops and malls to army barracks and prisons. None of us can manage to get by a single day without these appliances, and many consider them to be magic appliances that have improved the quality of our lives greatly.

But, was this amazing invention conceived just out of a spark of an idea, or has it evolved through the generations? There were many attempts at this kind of device right from mid-18th century. The first notable moment came when Dr. John Gorrie, an American physician, made a machine that blew air, using many wall fans, over a bucket containing crushed ice.

Willis Carrier - the father of the AC

Perhaps the first break-through was achieved by Willis Carrier. Widely acknowledged to be the - Father of Air Conditioning, his machine was called Air Treatment Machine, and used chilled coils to cool the air. But it turns out the concept of air conditioning has been around through out history. The Romans called this the therapy of water. They understood the pleasures of sitting beside a cool fountain on a hot summer day.

It was the Egyptians who made the first attempts at the air conditioner. The Egyptians had the Nile river, which permitted evaporative cooling on a large scale. They constructed their so-called hangout spots near these areas, where slaves were made to fan this evaporation cooled air onto their owners.

With the passage of time, they did eventually to make ice and the concept was repeated, this time with a bucket filled with ice and a slave fanning the same onto their owners. Modern air conditioners that we use everyday hardly ever use evaporation for cooling. We use coolants and other fluids like freon, which can possibly absorb heat at pressures. Modern air conditioners are also capable of reducing the humidity in a room. It is common knowledge that dry air is more bearable than humid air, and hence, this helps greatly. After the second World War, the sale of air conditioners increased by almost ten times in less than 8 years.

Today, while the air conditioners are widely blamed for the burning of a huge hole in our ozone layer, it has become one of the essentials of life, right after food, water and shelter, and cannot be done without. Air conditioners are used hospitals, government offices, residential shelters, army shelters and are a must for those located in the tropical regions.

Needing modern day air conditioning help? Zodiac HVAC can help!

With summer already upon us, it is a wise idea to buy air conditioning units to keep cool during this summer. But how does one go about picking the right air conditioner for you? The general rule for air conditioners is that one size does not fit all. So it is important for one to sit down and make a list of his requirements before making the purchase decision.

1) Window Air Conditioners

The most traditional type of air conditioners is the window type air conditioner. This consists of a single unit system, which contains the whole package. This system is typically placed in a hole in the wall (made specifically for this purpose), or in a window. This unit is designed so as to reject heat through the outer end, and cool the room through the other end.

2) Portable Air Conditioners

This is one of the most noisiest type of air conditioners. It consists of a single unit that contains both the heat rejecting and the cooling components, and pushes out the heat through a hose attached to the air conditioner. This type of air conditioner can be moved about with the help of its attached wheels, and is one of the most economical options available.

3) Split Air Conditioner

This is one of the most recent additions to the family of air conditioners. It consists of two units, connected to each other through a hose or a pipe. The cooling unit is kept inside the room, usually attached to the wall, while the heat rejecting unit is kept outside the room. The noisier part is kept outside the room. The heat rejector unit is usually placed in a shaded area so as to obtain maximum efficiency from the air conditioner.

4) Central Air Conditioner

This is possibly the best and most efficient air conditioning system. This consists of a central air conditioning system which is usually placed on the roof, and is connected to every room of the house through ducts or hoses. The main drawback of this system is the possible over cooling of a single room because of insufficient cooling in another room.

If you're ever in need of air conditioning help in Burbank, Pasadena or Glendale, Zodiac can help!