Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning Blog: Posts Tagged ‘California’

The Oversized Air Conditioner: When Bigger Is Definitely Not Better

Tuesday, August 13th, 2013

The Oversized Air Conditioner: When Bigger Is Definitely Not BetterIf your cooling bills seem to be higher than they should be for a comparable home, you could have an oversized air conditioner. Many homeowners don’t realize that bigger is not better when it comes to HVAC systems, especially air conditioners. Rather than cooling your home more efficiently, the reverse is true.

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HEPA Filtration Can Help Get Rid of Allergens, but What’s Involved in Installation?

Thursday, August 8th, 2013

HEPA Filtration Can Help Get Rid of Allergens, but What's Involved in Installation?The air you breathe inside your home needs some help. Professionally installed high-efficiency particulate air filtration (HEPA) removes the toxins, allergens and dust mites before they get to your family. Some of the press about indoor air quality and HEPA filters can be confusing. While installing HEPA involves more than just adding a new filter, your HVAC professional will be glad to explain the process and evaluate your Fresno home for improved HEPA filtration.

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Clogged Condensate Drain: How It Happens, and How to Prevent It

Tuesday, August 6th, 2013

Clogged Condensate Drain: How It Happens, and How to Prevent ItYour air conditioner works hard to keep you cool during the long San Joaquin Valley cooling season, and keeping your system operating problem-free all summer long can be a challenge. Clogged condensate drains are one of the most common air conditioning problems, causing your condensate pan to overflow, and eventually shutting down your system. Your annual preventive maintenance call should include flushing the condensate drain to prevent this problem, but knowing how clogs occur and what you can do to remove them is a simple but valuable skill that can save you money on a service visit down the road.

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Time for a New Air Conditioner? Consult This Checklist While Shopping

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Time for a New Air Conditioner? Consult This Checklist While ShoppingAn air conditioner is a major financial investment and the appliance you rely on to be comfortable during our long, hot summers. This checklist covers the information you need when selecting the cooling system best for your home. Replacing an A/C is not something homeowners do often (thankfully), and this list can help guide your decision.

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Searching for an HVAC Contractor: Some Tips That Can Help You Get the Best

Tuesday, July 30th, 2013

Searching for an HVAC Contractor: Some Tips That Can Help You Get the BestChoosing an HVAC contractor for your home isn’t like choosing which fast food you’re in the mood for. Because of the importance of proper installation, maintenance and repair of your cooling and heating equipment, it’s essential that you find the very best technician for your needs.

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Secure-Home Tips for Your Get-Away — Your A/C Should Be Included

Thursday, July 25th, 2013

Secure-Home Tips for Your Get-Away -- Your A/C Should Be IncludedTaking off on a trip means you’ll have to take time to prepare your home for your absence. These secure-home tips can help you cover the bases with your air conditioning system. Instead of turning it off when you leave, letting it run while you’re away, albeit at a higher temperature than usual, can discourage would-be intruders and protect the contents of your home. 

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Are Your A/C Coils Clean? Here’s Why They Should Be

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013

Are Your A/C Coils Clean? Here's Why They Should BeThe coils in your air conditioner are responsible for the exchange of heat to keep your home comfortable during our long, hot Fresno cooling season. The evaporator coil, which is located inside your indoor air handler, absorbs heat from the air in your home. The condenser coil, located in the outdoor condensing/compressor unit, expels the heat outside. Over time, dirt and grime build up on your coils and prevents the optimum exchange of heat, resulting in your system working overtime to keep you cool. This can raise your utility bills and reduce the life of your system.

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Attaining Your A/C’s SEER Depends on These Factors

Thursday, July 18th, 2013

Attaining Your A/C's SEER Depends on These FactorsAn A/C’s SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is an excellent tool homeowners can use to compare the relative efficiency of various air conditioners and heat pumps. Choosing a system with a high SEER number is a good start, but in order to maximize efficiency and comfort, proper installation and other factors are also crucial. To be sure you’ll actually reach the energy efficiency your new air conditioning system is capable of: 

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Fans Should Figure Big Time in Your Low-cost Cooling and Ventilation Strategies

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

Fans Should Figure Big Time in Your Low-cost Cooling and Ventilation StrategiesBesides relying on your cooling system exclusively this summer for comfort, you should consider fans as well. Summers get pretty hot in the Fresno area, and a fan can make the inside of your home feel cooler, whisk heat and humidity outside, and even make your attic cooler. A fan is one of the least expensive appliances to operate, and a variety of models are available for spot ventilation in your kitchen or bathroom, for attic ventilation, and for your living spaces. 

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Summer Indoor Air Quality Need Help? Employ These Tactics

Thursday, July 11th, 2013

Summer Indoor Air Quality Need Help? Employ These TacticsAs any allergy sufferer would agree, the air you breathe has a direct affect on your health and comfort. Your home should be a refuge from bad air, but often the air indoors is as bad, or worse, than the air outside. In summer, indoor air quality may worsen as allergens find a way in, despite closed doors and windows. These allergens and other pollutants can be reduced in the following ways.

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