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One of the most common questions homeowner ask about a furnace or an air conditioner centers around the longevity of a system. How long does an air condition or how long does a furnace last is an important question. Some of the life of a system is up to you and some of this answer is up to the manufacturer and the parts they put in the system.

Most systems today are designed to last 12 – 15 years and sometimes you can get 20 years with proper maintenance. Can your system last longer than roughly 20 years? The answer is yes they can but there is an asterisk next to that statement. You may end up starting to buy a new system without getting the benefits.

When you decide to go down the path of making multiple repairs on an older system you may be investing money in parts that you could have invested in a new system. This is a common mistake homeowners make because they feel trapped after investing in parts and repair so they cycle never ends. Repairs over time can become costly and frequent.

The perfect storm happens when you have an older system, a long list of repairs and an older system that is no longer efficient. These two issues combined are costly.

Most systems that were installed in tract homes or sub divisions were not very good to begin with because they were “slapped in” as fast as possible. Some builders did go the extra mile with the equipment installed and some did install systems that leave much to be desired. The reason why this is important to know is you can go down the path of making repairs and sink money in a sinking ship.

Repairs may be more costly than…

You can end up rebuilding a heating and air system one piece at a time and just end up with a costly heart ache. This route of action is not really optimal for the long run.

In rare instances some manufactures stop making parts and pieces for equipment 15-20 years after the last manufacture date. In some instances some of the manufactures stop producing parts earlier than the 15 years.

Most older systems are energy inefficient and between the cost of running and making repairs you really are investing in a new one without getting the service of a new one.

Items like changing or cleaning your filter can lead to a longer life as well as making sure your system is properly maintenance.

If your heating and air system has been neglected you may end up losing precious life and energy efficiency.

What to do if you have multiple repairs

If you are questioning what type of life is left in your system one of the best things you can do is have a maintenance performed to see what state your system is in. This maintenance can help determine if there are parts or pieces that need to be replaced as well as help to determine who energy efficient or energy inefficient your system is working at the time.

It is really easy to set up a time for a technician to come out and look at your furnace or your air conditioner. We would love to be able to let you know where you stand and take the time to care for your system. If you think it may be time for replacement a comfort advisor will be able to help you navigate what system will work best for you and your home.

Just pick up the phone and Call 916-714-1143 and we will get someone to your home to answer your questions and help you out. 

One of the most common questions asked by homeowners in the Sacramento Valley is When is the best time to replace my heating and air conditioning system? Another way to ask this question is there a better time than other to replace my system?

The answer may surprise your…

The best time to replace your furnace or air conditioner is right now and not later.

Repairs to your system

If your system is older you may want to take into account the repairs that your have made and that you are willing to make in the future. Its not a matter of if you need a repair but when it will be needed. At some point your system will fail and the older it gets the greater the chance you have of failure. This money you spend on repairs could be going towards a new system.

Extra energy costs

For every time you run or cycle an older heating and cooling system you incur extra costs from the utility companies. Depending upon when your system was installed and the practices used to install it you could have some extra savings from the utility companies. The loss of energy savings over time is real and does effect homeowners just like you. The extra costs in energy could be used towards a newer energy efficient system.

Inflation does paly a factor

You will also want to take into account the cost of inflation or the increase in the costs of goods to manufacture your new heating and air system. The cost of all of the material used to create a system do fluctuate. Since most of the parts are made of metals like aluminum and steel the cost can swing with the market. The longer you wait the more you may be paying for replacement of your air conditioner and furnace.

You may miss out on free money or rebates

There are also time sensitive rebates available to you that change over time. There are times where the utility companies will offer rebates and then make changes to the offer. By waiting you could be missing out on the rebates the utility company has to offer. These rebates help buy down your overall investment into a new system.

The laws of energy efficiency

California has laws in place to help with energy efficiency. As time goes on these rules and regulations add extra work and paperwork to your installation.

When you add all of these elements up you get:

• The cost of your future repairs
• Inflation over time until you could replace your system
• Loss of energy savings from your old heating and air system
• Rebates from the utility companies that you could miss out on
• Laws and regulations

These five elements together will allow you to know right now is the best time to replace your heating and air system is right now.

You may question if there is a better time over the year than any other and sometimes it comes down to you replacing your system when it is convenient versus when it is an emergency.

If you have been worried about the life of your heating and air system there are normally good reasons. A fear about your heating and air system typically means at some point you need to get the ball rolling on replacement.

One of our comfort advisors will be able to help walk you though what it will take to replace your system the right way with all of the right options for you and your home. The process typically takes 60 – 90 minutes. The right system for you home is based upon how you live in your home and nobody else.

To find out more about the current specials and what specifics it will take to have a new system replaced Call 916-714-1143 . We would love to help take care of your home. 

The dust in your home may be coming from more than just an open door or window. One of the items you may not have considered is your heating and air conditioning system causing the problems with dust in your home.

More specifically you may have a problem with your duct work or damaged ductwork connected to your heating and air system.

The ductwork for your central heating and air system is either located in your attic or under your home.

Your air conditioner or furnace pulls the inside of your home and creates suction.

If you have damaged ductwork you may be pulling air in from the sub area of your home or even from the attic. The sub area is an open area of dirt and the attic if filled with insulation. If your ductwork is pulling air from wither of these locations you have the potential of breathing the dirt and dust. Anywhere there is a connection holding the ductwork together there is the possibility of a break in the duct.

Once of the things to consider if you have allergies is they could be triggered because of the type of air being pulled into your home.

What causes ductwork to not function properly

When your system was installed it could be that it was not installed correctly, or the parts used were inferior. Over time parts break down due to the conditions especially in the heat. Your attic can reach temperatures of 130 to 140 degrees on a hot day. This type of heat breaks down cheap materials and can cause breaks to appear in the ductwork or the connections. If your installer did not use the correct procedures or spend enough time connecting the ductwork you may end up with a break somewhere. These breaks can pull the dirty air into the ductwork and then distribute it into your home.

Weak connections of ducts lead to a break down in the overall seal. Sealed ductwork stops air from being pulled in where it does not belong.

Damage from contractors can be another reason you have problems with dust in your home. If someone has been near the ductwork and damaged it the potential for dirt and dust to be introduced into the ductwork increases.

Rodents or animals may have near or around your ductwork looking for a place to get warm or cool. Damage to your ductwork can happen when an animal or rodent opens up the ducts through the use of claws or teeth. The suction created from the pressure in the duct in turn pulls dirt, dust and debris into your system and he distributes it into your home.

Not changing the filter often enough

You may not be changing your filter frequently enough and it may not be your fault. Most homeowners do not know that a filter should be changed on a set schedule. Most filters were designed to last 60 – 90 days depending upon how many people live in your home and how many pets you have.

Changing your filter not only has the potential to help reduce dust it also helps keep your system working properly.

What to do if you feel your home is too dusty

If you feel your home is too dusty or you have concerns about the type of ductwork you have we would love to come out and take care of you. Your questions or concerns can be answered and you will be able to find out if you have a proper installation as well as if your ducts are energy efficient. Its really easy to set up and appointment just Call 916-714-1143and we can help you out with your concerns. 

It is not a matter of if your air conditioner or furnace breaks down it is a matter of when it breaks down especially living in the Sacramento Valley. A hot home in the summer or freezing home in the winter is never comfortable. You can create more problems and damage when you do not simply turn off your air conditioner or furnace when it is not functioning correctly.

One of the most typical things homeowners do when their system isn’t work is to try and force it to work. This repeated effort to turn on a system that is not working properly is not recommended.

Why you should turn your air conditioner off if it breaks

What you do not know is you can create more costly damage by trying to operate a system that isn’t working right. All of the parts and pieces in the system work together. Problems with one part can lead to problems with another. Some of the parts have heat sensors that when overloaded shut the system down. On a hot day it can take a great deal of time to get the system started again and lead to a longer diagnosis time.

It can be uncomfortable on a very hot day or even on a chilly day to be without your air conditioner or your heater. To minimize the amount of repairs you will need to get up and running again please turn your thermostat to off.

By turning your thermostat off when your system is not working properly you can limit the wear and tear created by a part or piece that is not working properly. It is better to be uncomfortable for a few hours than it is to create more damage to your furnace or your air conditioner. The more damage your heating and air system has the more the repair will be when your service technician comes out to get you up and running.

Turning your system off may lead to less diagnosis time from your technician when they come out to make the repair.

You may increase your wait time

When your heating and air system breaks down there is nothing worse than having to wait to have a repair made when you do not have to. Your technician will also thank you for turning your air conditioner or furnace off so they can make the necessary repairs.

There was something that lead your system to a break down. One of the things most homeowner do not know is the furnace or the air conditioner in your home needs to be maintained yearly to reduce operating costs and to also limit break downs. All manufacturers recommend that your system is looked at and maintained yearly for optimal performance.

A preventive maintenance on your furnace or air conditioner can catch 90% of issues before they happen. You can save yourself from aggravation and frustration next time by having your system looked at before summer or winter begins. We would love to take the time to look at your furnace or air conditioner and take care of the problems before they happen.

If your heating and air system has failed you, one of our technicians can help you get up and running. Our trucks are stocked with parts and most of the time your system can be repaired on the first visit. Just remember to turn your system off while you wait for your technician to arrive to your home.

It is really easy to get a technician out to help you with a repair. All you have to do is Call 916-714-1143 and let the representative know you would like a maintenance for your furnace or your air conditioner. 

It is not a matter of if your air conditioner or furnace breaks down it is a matter of when it breaks down especially living in the Sacramento Valley. A hot home in the summer or freezing home in the winter is never comfortable. You can create more problems and damage when you do not simply turn off your air conditioner or furnace when it is not functioning correctly.

One of the most typical things homeowners do when their system isn’t work is to try and force it to work. This repeated effort to turn on a system that is not working properly is not recommended.

Why you should turn your air conditioner off if it breaks

What you do not know is you can create more costly damage by trying to operate a system that isn’t working right. All of the parts and pieces in the system work together. Problems with one part can lead to problems with another. Some of the parts have heat sensors that when overloaded shut the system down. On a hot day it can take a great deal of time to get the system started again and lead to a longer diagnosis time.

It can be uncomfortable on a very hot day or even on a chilly day to be without your air conditioner or your heater. To minimize the amount of repairs you will need to get up and running again please turn your thermostat to off.

By turning your thermostat off when your system is not working properly you can limit the wear and tear created by a part or piece that is not working properly. It is better to be uncomfortable for a few hours than it is to create more damage to your furnace or your air conditioner. The more damage your heating and air system has the more the repair will be when your service technician comes out to get you up and running.

Turning your system off may lead to less diagnosis time from your technician when they come out to make the repair.

You may increase your wait time

When your heating and air system breaks down there is nothing worse than having to wait to have a repair made when you do not have to. Your technician will also thank you for turning your air conditioner or furnace off so they can make the necessary repairs.

There was something that lead your system to a break down. One of the things most homeowner do not know is the furnace or the air conditioner in your home needs to be maintained yearly to reduce operating costs and to also limit break downs. All manufacturers recommend that your system is looked at and maintained yearly for optimal performance.

A preventive maintenance on your furnace or air conditioner can catch 90% of issues before they happen. You can save yourself from aggravation and frustration next time by having your system looked at before summer or winter begins. We would love to take the time to look at your furnace or air conditioner and take care of the problems before they happen.

If your heating and air system has failed you, one of our technicians can help you get up and running. Our trucks are stocked with parts and most of the time your system can be repaired on the first visit. Just remember to turn your system off while you wait for your technician to arrive to your home.

It is really easy to get a technician out to help you with a repair. All you have to do is Call 916-714-1143 and let the representative know you would like a maintenance for your furnace or your air conditioner. 

The filter in your heating and air system doesn’t just protect the equipment it also protect your lungs. What you must understand is whatever makes it past the filter in your system you will end up breathing.

Some homeowners have never changed their filter from the time they have moved in until they have had to have a service call. There are some homeowner who have never even looked to see if they have a filter in their home.

When you do not change your filter you run the risk damaging your heating and air system. Restricted air flow creates extra stress on the fan motor and your compressor.

If you want to get the most out of your heating and air system you will want to change your filter frequently. Some filters are required to be changed every month while others have a longer life span.

What is the best filter to use in Sacramento?

There are different grades of filters you can buy and each type has its own benefits.

Filters use a MERV rating. The higher the rating the higher the grade of filter. You will also see a higher investment in e better quality filter.

The first type of filter will run you about a dollar. This option is slightly better than nothing when it comes to having a filter. You will find these filters have a low Merv rating.

The next option for you is to buy a filter that is less than 10 dollars. These are typically good filters if you want to protect your system and will remove a large amount of dirt, dust and debris from the air.

The last types of filters in the group that are typical for your home are roughly in the $20 – 50 dollar range. These filters not only protect your system, they also filter out more dirt and particulates you would be breathing with a lower quality filter.

The one thing you have to remember is no matter what grade of filter you buy for your furnace your lungs will filter the rest.

If you have not changed your filter the best thing for you to do is to purchase a new one. The next step is to set up a preventive maintenance for your heating and air system. Chances are good that if you have not changed your filter you have not kept up on your maintenance.

What to do if you have not changed your filter

A preventive maintenance allows for your technician to go through you heater or air conditioner and let you know where you stand and what actions that need to be taken to get your system working its best.

Remember, dirt that gets past your filter ends up in your system causing it to work harder. The second problem is that anything that you don’t filter from your system you will filter in your lungs.

You literally are breathing all of the dirt and dust that makes it past your filter. If you have allergies or breathing issues you can decrease the risks of breathing issues with frequent changes of your filter.

If your have neglected the changing of your filter one of the best things you can do is have a preventive maintenance performed on your heating and air system. This check take 60-90 minutes. Your maintenance includes a full “tear down” of your system to see what needs attention and what needs cleaning.

Setting up a preventative maintenance is easier than you would think. Call 916-714-1143 and let the representative know you would like to set up a time for your system to be maintained. We would love to help you care for your system and get the most out of it. 

The ductwork in your home is one of the most neglected parts of the puzzle when it comes to comfort and or energy efficiency. The ductwork in your home is how the hot or cold air is delivered to each room. What is not discussed often in the industry by technicians or salespeople is what happens with older ductwork or ductwork not assembled correctly?

Old dirty ductwork caries the dirt, dust and pollen that makes it past your filter. These particles become logged in the ductwork and build up over time. Proper filtration does help with the issue but if you have allergies or other breathing problems the ductwork may have lived its course.

There is not really a way to mechanically clean ductwork in a way that is cost effective. The problem is it would have to be disassembled to be cleaned properly. The time it would take to do this type of work is not cost effective especially when you look at the materials used to make the ducts. Many times trying to take apart ductwork could lead to damage to the ductwork.

New ductwork may be more energy efficient

Older ductwork is not energy efficient as the newer materials. Computer models have allowed ductwork manufacturers to build better ducts that are more energy efficient. Thicker insulation leads to less bleed off of energy. Reflective covers also lead to the ducts to be more efficient as well. In a hot attic the amount of insulation wrapped around your ductwork does matter. The thicker the insulation the more efficient the ductwork is.

Sizing of ductwork does matter

The other thing to understand is most ductwork is not sized properly to give you HVAC system its optimal ability to run. The models for duct design were not accurate up until a few years ago. The industry placed most of the blame on the equipment and not the ability to move the air. When you combine old dirty ductwork with inefficient design you are stuck with a double whammy.

The return can hurt your air flow

Your returnair is what draws the air back into your heating and air system from the inside of your home. Almost all returns are sized too small to deliver proper airflow back to your furnace. This is a typical upgrade with the proper replacement of a new system. In some instances the return grill can be converted to a high flow replacement. The more air you can get back into the system the better off you are. There is no such thing as too much return air. If your system is “chocked down” and it cant get enough air it will never function properly.

The supply plenum can cause problems with your comfort

As your home was built the installer may not have worried about the airflow or delivery when they performed the install. The placement of ductwork on the supply air plenum does matter. Your supply air plenum is where your ductwork connects to the air conditioner or furnace. This one commonly overlooked design flaw creates so many comfort problems for homeowners.

How to get the most efficient ductwork for your home

To get the most out of the comfort in your home and the most life out of your heating and air system you may hear the recommendation to replace the ductwork you have along with the parts and pieces that hold your ductwork together. This recommendation really is meant out of Love and Care for you and your home. If you would like to have a complementary evaluation of your ductwork call the office at 916-714-1143 and let them know you are interested in duct replacement. 

Your furnace is the hardest working component in your heating and air conditioning system. One of the reasons you need annual maintenances is to ensure your system is not only working within factory tolerances but also to make sure parts are not worn out. The simple act of frequently changing the filter does help with ensuring your system operates properly.

If you have not maintained your system through a tune up or changed the filter we can still help you out.

There are multiple functioning parts in your furnace that can fail. Your mother board or circuit board is the heart of your controls. If your heating system is on the roof inside and all in one package system or in the attic the temperatures can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of heat stress for part of the year and then being subject to cold weather during the winter can make your system go haywire when you need it the most.

Inside your system you also have safety controls that are subject to wear and tear from the heat. Your blower motor runs the air for not just the heating but also the cooling side. Between the heating and cooling your fan motor has the capability of running 2800 hours or more in the Sacramento valley. This number is achieved by figuring out how many average heating and cooling days are used for the Sacramento Valley.

If your blower motor is not working you will not have any air flow. Attached to most indoor blower motors are capacitors. The best analogy for you is a capacitor is like a battery where it stores and electrical charge. This charge is used to even out the electrical current for the blower motor. If your capacitor is weak or out of tolerance your motor may not run at all or run efficiently.

Your heating element or hot surface ignitor will only turn on in new systems once the safety devices have been initiated. There are times where these elements will not turn on if a safety device is malfunctioning. This lock out of the system is to make sure your furnace is operating as it should.

To part of your system that controls the gas would be the gas valve. This device is tied to your mother board or circuit board and turns the gas on and off. There are times where this device gets stuck or does not turn on or off.

Last of all the internal work horse for your heating system are the heat exchangers. These pockets or tubes are directly responsible for the heat inside of your home. Your heat exchangers expand and contract every time the heater runs. Your heat exchangers should be inspected yearly to ensure they are intact and working properly.

Qualities to look for in a heating and air technician

One of the reasons you want to make sure the technician coming to your home is qualified to work on your heating and air system is because of the amount of items that can have issues or problems. The parts and pieces that make up your furnace work together like a symphony. If one of the parts and pieces is off it has the potential to cause problems somewhere else.

When your furnace does not work it can be uncomfortable and that is why if it had broken down we would love to take care of the break down for you.

Getting a qualified technician out to your home is really easy, just pick up the phone and call 916-714-1143 and let the friendly office staff know your furnace is not working. From there you will be able to set up a convenient time to have someone out to your home. 

 Your air conditioner works harder than you would know. There are common problems with air conditioners that come from their usage.

A few of the most common issues you will have with and heating and air conditioning units are fan motors, capacitors and contactors. These parts inside your air conditioner are heavily used so they have a higher chance of breaking.

What you need to know is there are not extra parts inside of your heating and air system. All parts are used and each part relies on the next one.

One of the most common reasons your air conditioner fails is because it has been neglected. Your air conditioner does need maintenance every year.

There are multiple parts that need to be cleaned or adjusted inside of your cooling system.

If you have not taken care of your air conditioner you can expect it to break when you need it the most. Your air conditioner will break on the hottest day of the year at the most inconvenient time.

At first you may notice your air conditioner not blowing cold air. You may even hear noises and sounds before your system stops working. Whatever happens when you system stops working you will want to turn your air conditioner off.

By turning you thermostat to off when it breaks down you lesson the chance of more damage. Yes it may be uncomfortable and you will find there may be less repairs needed when your technician comes out.

One of the best ways to make sure your air conditioner does not break down in the middle of summer is a tune up or inspection.

To start with your central air conditioner has a high probability that it runs on high voltage electricity. The first part in the sequence of operation is going to be the disconnect. This box may or may not have fuses and allows your system to be protected or shut down during repairs.

The next item in your system is going to be the contactor or the high voltage on and off switch controlled from your thermostat. The contact points may become damaged over time not allowing for the electrical connection to be made, the contact points may misalign not allowing electrical current to go to the motors or the contactor can weld itself together causes the air conditioner to run after the thermostat has been satisfied.

The power from the contactor typically runs to a capacitor for the compressor and or the fan motor. This capacitor is a device that helps electrical current stay constant for the motors. Over time capacitors can fail from age or usage.

Your outdoor fan motor is controlled by the contactor. Your fan motor may wear out over time just because of wear and tear or because of lack of maintenance. There are times where the capacitor is the problem with your outdoor fan motor.

The compressor in your air conditioner is what moves the refrigerant through the system. This is more than likely a high voltage motor where the capacitor is needed to start the motor and keep it running. Over time the internal parts can wear out causing your system to not turn on. A compressor is welded shut and does not have a rebuild kit.

The last of the items in your air conditioner is going to be the coils. The coils may remind you of a radiator out of a car since they are very similar and serve the same type of function. The coils on your air conditioner are used to transfer the heat in your refrigerant. If your compressor isn’t working you will not be able to move the refrigerant.

If your outdoor coils have been damaged you run the risk of losing refrigerant. Your air conditioner is made of parts and pieces that are welded together. An air conditioner should never leak refrigerant. Some homeowners have been told their system needs to be topped off very year and this is false. Your technician is required to have a license to check your refrigerant level and also to even add refrigerant. If you ever see the lines that run from your air conditioner to the wall freeze this is a sign you should turn off your air conditioner and have a technician take a look at your system.

You may be having problems with your heating and air system and if that is the case we would love to help you out and take care of your problem. To have a qualified and friendly technician sent to your home pick up the phone and dial 916-714-1143 and we can get you taken care of. 

When it comes to replacing your heating and air conditioning system you may wonder what brand is the best? There are all sorts of magazines, journals, reviews, reports and people who battle brands and say one is better than the other. What you will find when you replace your current heating and air system is the install is far more important than the name on the side.

If you take a look at the consumer guides over time all of the brands float from top to bottom and back.

What is really important is the relationship the manufacturer has with the company that installs your system. The reason why this matters is if there is a concern the vendor or manufacture can step in and help out.

The next part of the equation is the ability of the company to actually address your warranty concerns. Sometimes the brand gets blamed for poor relationship skills from a company. It may not even be the fault of the manufacturer and it may be the fault of the installing company.

Most complaints and concerns from homeowners happen when heating and air conditioning companies do not come back to fix concerns or issues as they arise. In the industry this is known as a tail light warranty. For some companies the warranty lasts as long as you can see the taillights of the install trucks.

One of the items we pride ourselves with at Love and Care Heating and Air is the way we will install your new HVAC system using the best parts and pieces. We will also be there for you if there is a break down or a concern from the install. This is the Love and Care promise. We promise we will take care of you in case of a warranty issue or other concerns.

The install of you system and the parts and pieces matter. Cheap inferior parts can shorten the life of your equipment and lead to more break downs after the warranty is over. At Love and Care we use the top parts and pieces to put your comfort system together. This does help your system last longer and in turn helps you out with a better investment over time.

The best time to ask questions about the install is before it happens, this is one of the major reasons why we take the time to ask you questions about how you live in your home to build the system for your needs.

What brand heating and air system is right for you and your family?

The right brand for you and your home is the one that is going to take care of the needs you have plus the relationship you have with the company who installs your system. It wont be a matter of if your warranty is going to be needed in the long run it is when the warranty is going to be used.

To receive more information about replacing your heating and air conditioning system we can set up a convenient time to ask the needed questions, take the proper measurements and inspect the ductwork. These proposals take 60-90 minutes so that you know you will be getting the correct system for your lifestyle and your home.

If you would like a complementary estimate to find out what it would be to replace your system please call 916-714-1143 and let the office know you would like to replace your system. We would love to help you out and take care of you and show you what brand is the best for your home and circumstances.