Love and Care HVAC, based in Elk Grove, California, has announced that homeowners and property owners in Elk Grove and neighboring areas may want to look at whether their air and heating system may need to be serviced. With summer in full swing, it is never too late to have their air conditioner serviced. They want to point out that making sure that the A/C system is running efficiently and can withstand consistent use during the entire summer and early fall is important.

Tim Davidson, a spokeperson from Love and Care Heating & Air, says, “Sometimes we ignore early warning signs that our units are trying to tell us. These signs could be loud grinding noises, rooms taking longer than normal to cool, and an increase in monthly energy costs. Our team can help you avoid these problems by servicing your system and making sure it’s ready to take on the summer work load.”

For those whose air conditioner is getting advanced in terms of years, it may be the right time to consider getting a new system. At the Elk Grove air conditioning company, they promised that they will never try to sell the customer any A/C system just to make a profit. When they go to the home or property, they will inspect the size of the system, determine the size of the home, and with that determine which unit will best fit the requirements of the family and home. By having the right size of A/C unit, it make a significant cooling impact within all of the home or building’s living spaces.

Love and Care Heating & Air offers a maintenance membership that has several benefits. The annual membership priced is $168 that will get members a spring and fall A/C and heating tune up. Should any repairs be required while people are part of the maintenance program, they will receive an additional 15 percent off. If they experience an air conditioning or heating emergency, they will have a guaranteed appointment within 48 hours of their call or the $168 will be refunded to them.

They want to stress the importance of having the A/C system checked up. Most of the time, 90 percent of problems are caught before they worsen and become a serious problem. Thus, it is important to have the system maintained regularly. Tim explains that the HVAC system is very much like a car, in that if people want it to last, they will have to take it for service regularly and have the oil changed, the air filter cleaned, the radiator cleaned, and more.

Tim Davidson points out that Love and Care Heating & Air is built on the principles of exceptional customer service and integrity. Located in Elk Grove, California, they are able to provide their heating and air conditioning services to Sacramento and all surrounding cities. They are also involved within the community. Every year, they aim to raise funds for Point West Rotary and Rotary International through the California Brewers Festival. They also support the Women Escaping a Violent Environment or WEAVE.

Tim Davidson explains that at Love and Care Heating & Air, the company vision blends trust, honesty, and integrity with skill, accountability and expertise to deliver industry-leading equipment, installed by technicians who are trained, vetted, and respectful to both the individual and the home. They also make sure that their employees are given fair pay, benefits and possibilities for growth while maintaining a professional but enjoyable environment to work in. In turn, their employees allow the company to realize their vision of creating and maintaining a company that gives importance to the family, community and a real desire to be the most loved air conditioning and heating company in the industry.

Those who are looking for one of the best HVAC in Sacramento may want to check out the website of Love and Care Heating & Air, or contact them by phone or via email.

 What to Do When There’s No More R-22

Unless you are in the HVAC industry, or have recently purchased or repaired your HVAC system, you may not know what R-22 is. Most everyone has heard of Freon. Freon is the commercial name of the refrigerant coursing through the veins of older HVAC systems. And the big news you need to know about now is that the EPA has mandated that there will no longer be R-22 produced or imported after January 1, 2020. The only R-22 that will be available will be recycled (captured from an older system) or stockpiled. Imagine what it will sell for then when it’s already selling for 7X the amount of R-410A now.

What This Means for Older A/C Systems

What this means to those of you that have an older system, is that if you have a repair this summer and that repair requires your system to be pumped-down, you might want to rethink that repair and just replace your system. Surprisingly, there are many out there advocating trying to keep your old system going as long as possible, ignoring the benefits of improved energy efficiency, cleaner air for the home, and peace of mind knowing you are not putting good money after bad on an old system. As much as you love your old car, at some point the repairs themselves outweigh the value of the car.

The majority of system leaks occur in the indoor coil. Replacing the indoor coil requires a system pump-down, line evacuation, permit, Title 24 system testing, pretty much the whole shebang. And it’s costly. So why are some companies willing to let you endure all that cost and the hassle of scheduling two inspections, just to modify a system that will essentially be obsolete, or at best problematic with regard to the type of refrigerant it will still require?

The Solution

The answer unfortunately is that many companies are simply not aware of the impending EPA law change, and others are doing what benefits themselves in the near term, making the easy fix, avoiding the difficult conversation of replacement with the homeowner. You see, if your service company tells you that you need a new system, then you are likely to go out and get three bids, and that service company might then lose you as a customer. It’s a lot easier to just fix it, even if it’s not what is best for you.

Newer systems run on refrigerant called R-410A. The equipment made to run on R-410A and the equipment made to run on R-22 are not compatible; you cannot marry a new indoor unit that runs on R-410A with an older outdoor unit that runs on R-22, or vice-versa. 

Environmental Effects

The effect that this environmental law will have on the HVAC industry will be profound. If you are one of the people that has a company out to recharge your R-22 system annually (and there are lots of you!), or if you have been advised that you have a refrigerant leak and need a leak test, then it’s time to consider the impact you are having on the environment. Think about this: if your system is leaking Freon into the atmosphere every year, then you are technically environmentally irresponsible and partially to blame for the depletion of the ozone layer. You see the guy driving down the highway with the car spewing black smoke? Well, that’s you if your system is leaking Freon, you just can’t see it.

There are only so many competent companies in the marketplace. When the repair turns into a replace, inevitably the demand will exceed the supply of qualified installation companies. I say qualified because there are far too many companies out there doing not-so-great work. The recent tragedy of the Camp Fire up in Paradise is a great example of supply and demand. Even if the environmental issues could be resolved overnight (and there are many issues) and everything else were in place at this very moment to rebuild the 12,000+ homes that burned down, there simply would not be enough contractors to do the work; you wouldn’t go down to the local big box store and pick up half a dozen guys holding hammers to build your house would you? We are going to see a similar, less dramatic effect on the HVAC industry in the next few years. Prices have gone up significantly in the industry already this year, and will continue to do so as demand exceeds supply. 

Love and Care

So what’s the point of all this info? The point is, if you are facing major repairs this summer season, do not overspend on your old R-22 system. The newer systems are much quieter, run more efficiently, and use less energy. If you live in the SMUD zone, remember that we will be paying 300% more for electricity usage between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during the hot summer months. Find a competent and honest company with journeyman installers and get yourself a new and efficient HVAC system. At Love and Care we offer no-cost consultations on your existing equipment and can and will make a recommendation that is best for you. Call today 916.714.1143

​Do Allergies Cause Your Cooling and Heating Systems to Work More?

In a seasonal response to the mind numbing amount of allergens blowing around in the Sacramento Valley right now, we ask the rhetorical question of whether or not HVAC systems that are owned by allergy sufferers wear out sooner? Or, are allergy sufferers replacing their HVAC systems more often because they are in use more?

In Part 1 of the Allergy series we focused on the need for allergy sufferers to run their systems more than the average household because they don’t have the luxury of opening the windows to bring in fresh or cooler air, and the impact that has on the family budget due to increased electrical usage. The choice is either to sit around in a stuffy, hot house, or turn on the HVAC system and let it move the air about and cool it.

At first blush one might think that since the system is constantly running that it would wear out faster. But allergy sufferers are more likely to keep their air filters clean, more likely to have preventive maintenance on their systems, and more likely to get more efficient systems when they do replace them to help control electricity costs. All of these variables actually lead to a longer life for the HVAC system.

HVAC Maintenance Extends the Life of Your Heating & Cooling System

When we regularly take our vehicles to Jiffy Lube, and when we regularly rotate our tires, and when we take our cars to the mechanic if the lights on the dash start flashing, we will extend the life of our vehicles and we will maximize the efficiency of our vehicles. The same logic applies to your HVAC system. Most of you know that the HVAC system is the single largest mechanical operating system in the home. If you’ve recently replaced yours, you also know that it is the single most expensive operating system in the home.

When you go looking for a used car to buy, and you can find one that has mostly highway mileage, you’re more likely to get that big smile on your face because you know it has had less stop and start driving, which is harder on a vehicle. The same principle applies to HVAC systems. Stopping and starting is the hard part, so a system running efficiently, and with variable speeds (think your automatic transmission on your new vehicle) will operate longer in minutes per cycle, but because the system is running more efficiently, will lead to a longer life. 

The Verdict

So the answer to the question of whether allergy sufferers “kill” their HVAC equipment sooner, is that if the system is properly sized, and the proper “prescription” of efficiency is applied on the install, then the system should operate longer and have a healthier (less breakdowns) life than a system that does not fill the bill correctly. For any questions or to schedule HVAC maintenance in the Sacramento area call Love and Care Heating & Air (916)714-1143 or visit our site.

Can Allergies Lead to Higher Energy Bills?

The question is not a proverbial one for allergy sufferers in the Sacramento Valley: Do allergy sufferers pay more for electricity? The answer is a simple yes, and it’s going to get worse. If you live in the Sacramento area and you have allergies, unless you are heavily medicated, you are quite miserable most of the time that you spend outdoors. But if you are indoors, and you want to be comfortable as the temperatures start to climb, then you have to turn on your air conditioners sooner in the year and more often because opening the windows is NOT an option.

Recently SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) announced the new fee structure for electricity rates in the Sacramento Valley. It’s a pretty dramatic rate increase between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., about 32% for electricity usage during non-summer months, and a whopping 300% increase during summer months. The two biggest electricity users in the household are the clothes dryer and the air conditioner. While you will fairly easily be able to re-schedule your laundry hours around the higher rate times, you will likely be stuck with the bill for the air conditioner in the hot afternoons when you come home from work. 

The peak rates will negatively affect allergy sufferers disproportionately. Opening the windows to catch the Delta Breeze is not an option. Nor is opening the window and running the whole house fan. Yep, allergy sufferers are going to be caught holding the bag (and not the bag of money!)

If you are an allergy sufferer, and you have an older air conditioning system, it’s time to rethink how you are apportioning the dollars in your household. Newer, high-efficiency air conditioning systems perform much better than the old ones, saving valuable energy dollars and allowing you to cost-effectively run your comfort system, and actually be comfortable in your home. In many cases, money you are already spending, or will be spending with the new fee structure, will off-set the cost of the new system.

Additionally, if you have an older air conditioner, and have been having problems with it in the past, it makes even more sense to change it out now. In less than a year, January 1, 2020 to be exact, older systems running on refrigerant type R-22 will no longer be able to be serviced. The EPA is restricting the use of R-22 refrigerant down to ZERO. No system repairs requiring refrigerant capture and replace, or system charges (top off the tank) will be able to be performed after December 31, 2019. 

For allergy sufferers, replacing an older in-efficient system has never made more sense. If you do make the change this spring, make sure to combine it with the AirScrubber Plus, which helps to further clean and protect the home comfort system. 

The AirScrubber Plus is the same system used on space stations to keep the air clean. If you suffer from allergies and would rather upgrade your system than give all your money to the utility companies, then give us a call to schedule a no-obligation consultation regarding replacing your older air conditioning system. Happy Breathing! 

Heating and cooling are essential to comfort in the home, especially in the Greater Sacramento Area. At Love & Care Heating + Air, we strive to provide the best service options for our clients, ensuring that all HVAC systems are operating smoothly. During the summer, you rely on your cooling system, while the winter months require a quality heating system. If you are like most homeowners, you don’t give your unit a second thought until something goes wrong. It is essential to have your heating and cooling system inspected on a regular basis to ensure the system is functioning safely and properly; the best way to ensure you actually do it, is to get a Maintenance Club Membership. 

With regular maintenance from a trusted HVAC contractor (hint hint), you can rest assured knowing that your heating and cooling system is going to function every time you turn the unit on. Once you find a reliable HVAC contractor (hint hint, again), work with them to keep your unit running as well as it is capable. An energy efficient system that is operating effectively will likely save you money on utility bills as well, and keep your home comfortable year-round. 

When you avoid regular A/C maintenance, small problems can become big issues. With parts and labor, you may end up paying a larger price to have your unit fixed than if you had maintained it. However, there is an easy solution. With our Maintenance Club Membership Plans, you can ensure your equipment is inspected and cleaned twice a year, and save 15% if there are repairs needed. It’s a win/win situation in that you keep your system safe and reliable, and you save if there is work to be done.

Think of your HVAC like you would your car that you drive everyday. You wouldn’t expect it to perform well if you never took it in for an oil change, or did not change the air filters, or allowed the tires to get bald and out of round. Your HVAC is just like that! Except most people never think about it until it’s not working right, and then it’s often too late.

Love and Care Membership Plan Benefits

For ONLY $168, you receive a one-year membership to the maintenance plan. This provides you with spring and fall tune-ups of your unit to ensure your heating and cooling system is ready for summer and winter. Your membership also includes 15% off system repairs when they come up.

 If an emergency call does come up, you will have a guaranteed appointment within 48-hours of your call or your $168 will be refunded to you. With your maintenance membership plan, you will enjoy cleaner and healthier air in your home. When your HVAC system is operating safely, it gives you peace of mind for your family. 

Did you know that energy consumption for heating and air systems accounts for up to 60% of a household’s energy usage? With a membership plan you will likely see a reduction in your energy costs, as your system will be operating at its highest energy efficiency levels. 

There are no overtime fees for our members and our preventive care helps to maintain manufacturers’ warranties, some of which require regular maintenance. And remember, when the time eventually does come to replace your system, your membership is worth $600 OFF a new HVAC system. And finally, the membership plan automatically renews each year so that you do not have to worry about a lapse in coverage.

Contact our office today (916) 714-1143 or visit our contact page.

A gas fired furnace has an internal chamber used to create heat. This chamber is a heat exchanger and over time can see damage. A large amount of homes in the Sacramento area are heating by gas and default have a furnace.

Given enough time in a home and under the right conditions a heat exchanger is going to fail. The constant heating and cooling of a heat exchanger can lead to a crack or a breach. Once a heat exchanger has cracked it has failed. The manufactures are very clear about this stance. If there is ever a question if a crack is considered a failure the literature from the manufacture typically states “A crack is a failed part”

Other issues that lead to the failure of a heat exchanger

There are a few things besides age that can lead to a heat exchanger to crack. If you do not have proper air flow though your furnace you run the risk of cracking a heat exchanger prematurely. A dirty filter or ductwork that is not sized properly can lead to premature failure of your furnace.

If a furnace is over fired or underfired you run the risk of cracking a heat exchanger. The settings of the gas valve do need to becalibrated to your home and the gas input from your gas provider.

Types of inspections for cracked heat exchangers

Inspections of heating systems with cracked heat exchangers can happen a few ways:

• Visual inspection
• Visual inspection with a mirror
• Visual inspection with a camera

Some furnaces can be inspected by looking through a service port or from removing the blower motor in the furnace.

There are times where a mirror is needed to see inside the furnace to inspect the heat exchanger

A special type of camera can be used to help see a crack in a heat exchanger

If a technician is telling you there is a crack in your heat exchanger there are multiple ways to show you.

Certified inspections for cracked heat exchangers

There are not may entities that teach how to look at a furnace to determine if there is a crack in your heat exchanger. There are 2 different companies that show the proper way to look at a heat exchanger. Out of the 65,000 heating and air service technicians in the United States roughly 1,000 technicians are taught how to look at your heat exchanger yearly. You have less than a 2% chance to find a technician that knows what they are talking about when it comes to talking about the damage to a heat exchanger. A technician that has been trained to look at a heat exchanger typically has certification to prove it.

Heat exchanger warranties

Every manufacturer has different times they will provide a warranty for a cracked heat exchanger. Some warranties are 5 years, 10 years, 20 years or a lifetime. If you are not the original owner there may be a reduced warranty.

If you are having a heat exchanger replaced under warranty you will want to make sure it does not happen again. The furnace should be properly sized to your home, the gas setting should be correct and your ductwork issues should also be taken care of.

Most of the time homes do not have enough return air to support the furnace or the heat exchanger so they are enlarged to accommodate the right amount of air flow.

Second opinions on creaked heat exchangers

If you would like a second opinion on a cracked heat exchanger we would love to take care of you and help you out. We do provide a complementary 2^nd opinion on cracks in heat exchangers. If you would like a qualified technician to take a look and confirm a cracked heat exchangerJust Call 916-714-1143 and let the friendly representative know you would like a free second opinion. Since it does take some time to disassemble a furnace these appointments can take 30 – 60 minutes. 

When it comes to replacing or installing a central heating and air system you do have plenty of choices to choose from. There are pros and cons to some of the design elements. You may hear people use the term heat pump and have questions about what exactly a heat pump is

When homeowners choose heat pumps

A heat pump is a 100% electrical device with not natural gas or propane running to it. There are pockets in the Sacramento area that are all electric. If your home does not have propane or natural gas to your home you have one option, a heat pump.

The air conditioner on your heat pump is exactly what you already know and expect. The system cools exactly as it would even if you have a gas fired furnace.

In the winter you will hear the heat pump shift from heating to defrost mode. In defrost mode your heat pump shifts from heating mode to cooling mode so that this ice can be melted off of the outdoor unit. You have heat strips that are used to heat the air. A heat strip is the type of element you see in a toaster or a blow dryer. Heat strips can be expensive to run since they operate off of pure electricity.

The one downfall that homeowners say happens with a heat pump is the lack of hot air that comes out in heating mode. The air in the winter can come out at roughly 100 degrees.

Homes in areas towards the foothills and the country typically have heat pumps in the Sacramento area.

If you have gas or propane on your property there are times where heat pumps are converted to a gas fired furnace. In order to make this change a gas line needs to be added as well as an exhaust flu.

When homeowners choose furnaces

Most of the areas of Sacramento have natural gas and use a gas fired furnace to heat the home in the winter. The amount of heat a furnace produces may seem hotter to homeowners, the average temperature they comes from a furnace can be near 130 degrees. Some homeowners will also say that a gas fired furnace has the feel of humidity to the heat. A large amount of the homes in the Sacramento valley use gas for heating.

When replacing a furnace with a heat pump an extra high voltage electrical circuit needs to be ran. This circuit is used to power the indoor section of the heat pump as well as the heating strips.

When a heat pump is the right choice

There are times where a gas fired furnace does not make sense especially when using propane. Some larger furnaces can burn 1 gallon or propane an hour. The price of natural gas can fluctuate greatly and for this reason some homes may be better off with a heat pump instead. You can price yourself out of heating your home if the price of propane increases.

If your property does not have access to gas of propane the only choice is a heat pump.

How to know what choice to make for replacement a heat pump or a furnace

If it is time to replace your heating and air system you can get the right recommendation as to which way to go. We would love to take care of you and your questions when it comes to replacing your heating and air system. A design session typically takes 60-90 minutes at your home, sometimes longer if there are multiple technical requirements. Just Call 916-714-1143 and let the friendly representative know you would like information about replacing your system.