NEWS
Why Are Ductless Units So Popular Right Now?
Homeowners in Europe and Asia have used ductless mini splits systems to heat and cool their homes for decades. But in recent years, an increasing number of American households have adopted the same technology.
AC and Allergies
Summertime is the season for rest and relaxation—except when pollen decides to crash your party.
If you’re afflicted with seasonal allergies, you’re not alone. As many as 60 million Americans have allergic rhinitis part-time or year-round, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Luckily, a perfect antidote is already installed in your California home. A well-maintained air conditioner can boost your indoor air quality (IAQ), reducing symptoms. Your AC has a filter that catches airborne irritants like dust, pollen, dander. It also balances humidity and provides ventilation, reducing the likelihood of mold growth.
Looking for additional methods to stop allergens from inhabiting your home? Air Care Heating & Cooling has a team of home comfort experts ready to find the perfect solution for your lifestyle. Make your home a sanctuary—spend less time restocking your tissues and more time doing what you love. Call us for a free consultation today.
How Your AC Protects From Allergens
Wherever the wind blows —indoor allergens seem to follow. Fortunately, your AC has a built-in air filter. When air passes through, tiny particles stick to the filter’s microfibers. You can determine a filter’s effectiveness using its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The higher the MERV, the more particles it catches.
Running your central air system also helps discourage mold and mildew growth. On a sticky California day, high humidity levels create damp surfaces for mold to feast on. Your AC cools by extracting moisture from the air. The vapors get converted to water, which exits down the condensate drain. The ventilation from your ductwork also makes surfaces dry quicker, giving mold fewer chances to multiply.
Why AC Maintenance Is Important For Allergies
For clean air, you must stay on top of maintenance. That means changing or cleaning your air filter once a month. Once your air filter becomes clogged, it can’t do its job any longer. Additionally, the stifled airflow can cause a long list of serious mechanical problems.
Seasonal maintenance visits are also a must. There could be a number of hidden issues impacting your air quality. Your Air Care Heating & Cooling specialist will perform a thorough sweep to check for them. For instance, your condensate drain could be clogged, creating standing water and mold growth. Duct problems like leaks, obstructions or pest infestations can also reduce IAQ. Your specialist will also monitor refrigerant levels to make sure no chemical fumes are escaping into your home.
Concerned About Your IAQ? Here’s How To Keep It A-OK.
- Arrange seasonal maintenance visits for your AC and heater (furnace, heat pump, or boiler). This allows your HVAC specialist to perform vital cleaning, restoration, and inspection that ensures your home is circulating healthy air.
- Replace your air filter at least once monthly. Or, clean it once per month if you have a reusable filter.
- Pay attention to any noticeable mold growth or unusual smells around your ducts. If you suspect your ducts have a mold growth problem, schedule a cleaning immediately.
- Make sure to close all windows before you run the AC. Operating with the windows open can cause moisture buildup.
- Boost your IAQ with an air purifier, air scrubber, or UV light. These high-tech options catch even tinier particles and break down harmful viruses, bacteria, and mold.
- Replace older technology. AC systems have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and tend to produce patchier ventilation as they age. If you’ve had yours for a decade or longer and it’s showing signs of deterioration, consider upgrading.
Call Air Care Heating & Cooling For Quick and Reliable AC Service
Need help with home heating or cooling? Our team of certified HVAC experts is close by in Santa Clara, CA, ready to perform an installation, repair, or maintenance inspection. Call us today at 408.317.2950 or set up your visit online.
Video – How Can I Make My Home More Comfortable?
Is your home always uncomfortable either upstairs and down? You should consider zoning your home!
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Air Conditioners: Things You May Not Have Known
Though air conditioners are a major part of modern life, they hold many secrets few people know about.
Luckily, our team at Air Care Heating & Cooling is ready to spill the beans.
Air conditioners have come a long way since they were first invented. Present-day AC units use 30 to 50 percent less electricity to create the same amount of cooling as their 1970s predecessors, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). Advances in the past 10 years have been significant. In fact, by switching out your decade-old AC, you could subtract 20 to 40 percent from your utility bill.
But wait—we’ve compiled even more fun facts! If Jeopardy! ever makes “Cooling” a category, and you’re a contestant, we want to help you answer with confidence. You’ll make your friends back in California proud.
Read further to learn six staggering secrets about air conditioners.
Your AC Does Not Create Cool Air
AC units pull heat and humidity out of the air, flushing it out through the outdoor condenser and condensate drain. Your AC cools down your San Jose home by subtracting hot air—it doesn’t actually add anything.
Who Invented the Air Conditioner?
In 1902, New York engineer Willis Carrier drew up plans for a humidity control device. For years, Carrier was pining for a way to control indoor climate. Then, one day on a foggy train ride through Pittsburg, an idea came to him: he could subtract humidity from air by moving it through water to make fog.
We Need Our AC for More Than Just Home Comfort
Refrigerators, computers, modern shopping centers, and countless other everyday luxuries would not be possible without Carrier’s invention. The ability to control indoor climate changed the game, paving the way for generations to come.
Your AC Is Great for Indoor Air Quality
Less humidity means less mold and mildew, which can trigger respiratory symptoms for allergic residents. Your central air system also contains a static air filter, which catches irritants like dust, debris, pollen, and dander. Because of these features, running your AC can improve indoor air quality (IAQ).
You Need to Change Your Air Filter!
Remember to change your filter every 90 days or so—or clean it once a month if you have a ductless system. Over time, dust particles clump and begin to stifle airflow. This can make your equipment overwork itself, leading to higher utility bills and even damage overtime. A bit of diligence goes a long way.
Seasonal Maintenance Is a Must
Give your AC some TLC. With the hustle and bustle of summertime, many homeowners forget to schedule their seasonal maintenance visits. During a maintenance call, one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists can identify hidden issues and correct them before they turn into costly repairs. You’ll greatly reduce the risk of a breakdown on a sweltering summer’s day.
Need Cooling Service? Call Air Care Heating & Cooling
Located in San Jose, CA, we have a team of HVAC experts ready to meet your heating and cooling needs. To set up an installation, repair, or maintenance visit, call 408.317.2950 or simply request service online.
Video – Duct Cleaning Can Reduce Allergies
Your home’s air ducts connect to your heating and cooling system, which carries all the air in your home. When you are breathing your home’s air, it is optimal for the traveling air to be as clean as possible, because it carries particles or debris that will settle in the ducts and carry it straight to you. Having clear air ducts is one of the primary things that contribute to good indoor air quality (IAQ), which the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states is a prime concern in relation to pollutants in the home.
Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
Stand outdoors on one of those days when the weather feels perfect, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the fresh air.
Later, take another deep breath—only inside your California home. How does it compare?
Improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) at your Saratoga home or business makes sense on so many levels. Consider your health, your comfort, and your household budget. It’s hard to imagine a more important investment than improving the air you breathe!
At Air Care Heating & Cooling, we specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that add value to your home and enjoyment to your lives. After all, nothing spells happiness like fresh air.
How Can You Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consistently ranks indoor air pollution as a growing concern to the public’s health. Fortunately, there are ways to take control of the air you breathe.
A DIY (do it yourself) task you should always remember is to regularly change your furnace air filter. Most manufacturers recommend changing the filter at least every 90 days—more so if you have pets or a smoker in your Saratoga home. Filters capture dust, debris, and other particles in the airflow. They play a vital role in cleaning the air and helping your HVAC system operate more efficiently.
There are varying types of air filters available, from inexpensive disposal filters to permanent ones requiring regular washing. Consider using high-particulate efficiency air (HEPA) filters if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. And it’s always a good idea to check manufacturer guidelines on choosing the best filters for your particular system.
The second DIY task is even easier: open the windows in your Saratoga home for a few minutes per day, weather permitting. You will enjoy the gentle breeze while improving your air quality!
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
A well-maintained air conditioner (AC) not only cools down your home but also helps reduce extra moisture in the air.
A leaky air conditioning unit, on the other hand, can cause bacteria and mold growth.
If you want to breathe clean indoor air, keep your HVAC system in good working order. Schedule an annual tune-up for your air conditioning unit in the spring, and one for your furnace in the fall. If you use a heat pump, we recommend tune-ups in the spring and fall since it works twice as hard.
Scheduling tune-ups and inspections with Air Care Heating & Cooling helps you get the best performance from your HVAC investment. It also nips leaks in the bud and prevents a minor issue from turning into a costly disaster. And remember, upgrading your residential heating and cooling system adds comfort to your life—and value to your home.
Do I Need an Air Filtration System?
Adding a portable or whole-house air filtration system to your home’s HVAC system can do wonders toward improving your indoor air quality. These systems play many roles—certain models are designed to reduce pollen, pet dander, and other inorganic particles. Other systems—particularly ones that use ultraviolet (UV) lighting—help eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other airborne microorganisms.
If you want to eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollen, bacteria, and other airborne pollution floating around your California home, consider installing an air filtration system. While these systems will not prevent you from getting infected, they can significantly improve your air quality. Talk to one of our professionals at Air Care Heating & Cooling to determine which system best fits your budget and needs.
Maintain Your Air Ducts
Air ducts are like a superhighway delivering fresh air to every room in your home. Industry standards recommend you have your air ducts inspected for cleanliness, cracks, and leaks every two years and you have your ducts cleaned every five to seven years or less. By having your air ducts cleaned regularly, you will help improve the indoor air quality in your home and enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system, which may reduce energy bills.
Call Your Indoor Air Quality Experts Today!
Turn to your indoor air quality experts at Air Care Heating & Cooling to help make your Saratoga, CA, home healthier and more comfortable. Call 408-317-2950 or request service online today to schedule an appointment—nothing beats a breath of fresh air!
Zone Your Way to Comfort
Do some rooms feel a tad too warm or a bit too breezy? It might be your Santa Clara home telling you something: you need a zone control system.
What Is a Zone Control System?
Zone controls are a series of dampers retrofitted in your ductwork, coupled with thermostats. They block or permit air from entering customized zones throughout your home. Zoning allows you to control different temperatures in different parts of your home.
Our team at Air Care Heating & Cooling can install, replace, repair, or maintain your next zone control system. Call us today for a free consultation—we offer convenient financing to make it easy for you to create a healthy home.
How Does Zoning Improve My Home Comfort?
With a standard heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) setup, your thermostat provides a temperature reading for just one room in your home. That’s a pretty limited sample. Other areas may add or subtract a few degrees, like spaces with large windows or basements.
Around 50 percent of your energy bill goes toward heating and cooling, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). Zone controls empower homeowners to stop heating or cooling in rooms they aren’t using, saving on utilities each month.
Zoning offers you an intelligent and effective way to enhance your home comfort experience.
How Big Is a Zone?
You decide! The zone is as small or large as the owner wants it to be. It can be as small as one room or as big as a whole floor. One of our Air Care Heating & Coolingspecialists can also help you find the most efficient way to divide your home into zones.
How Do I Know if I Need a Zone Control System?
If you’re wondering whether a zone control will make your home life more comfortable and convenient, the answer is almost always yes. However, they are especially helpful in these circumstances:
- You live in a home with multiple floors.
- You have a sprawling ranch-style home with lots of square footage.
- You have special-use rooms like an indoor gym, pool or garden.
- Your home sits on a concrete slab.
- You have fully furnished rooms in your attic, basement, or garage.
- Your home has tall ceilings or wide-open spaces.
- Your home has big windows that let in lots of sunlight.
How Can Zoning Save Me Money?
A zone control system cuts costs in three ways:
1. You’ll use less energy. By dividing up your home into zones, you’ll only heat or cool the rooms you’re using. When paired with a smart thermostat, you can set up an automated heating and cooling cycle that fits your needs. This can help you achieve even higher efficiency.
2. You’ll cut your HVAC equipment a break. It’s no secret that furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners are hard workers. When you increase efficiency with zone control, the equipment doesn’t have to work as hard. Coupled with proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan.
3. You’ll stop fiddling with the thermostat. With multiple zones, you no longer need to keep tabs on which family members are guilty of constantly adjusting the thermostat. With separate zones, everyone is happy.
Request heating and cooling service today!
Whether you need a new air conditioner installed or your pesky old furnace repaired—or want to learn more about zoning, our team at Air Care Heating & Cooling is ready to help. Call our Santa Clara, CA, office at 408-317-2950 or request service online today.
Video – Should I Set My Thermostat to ON or AUTO?
On most thermostats, you can choose between On or Auto for your fan setting.
On tells your HVAC unit to run its fans all the time, even when the air isn’t being heated or cooled.
Auto means the fan only runs when your air is being treated.
It might be a good idea to try a combination of both settings. Try setting it to ON when you are home and AUTO when you’re away.
For more information, give us a call.
Air Care Heating & Cooling
https://aircareheatandcool.com/
408.317.2950
4 Factors to Consider When Buying a Heat Pump
So you are looking to invest in a heat pump. You are not alone––many Americans are making the switch.
Why? For starters, heat pumps are generally more efficient than a traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. What is more, they offer both heating and cooling, so they are versatile.
At Air Care Heating & Cooling, we want to help you make wise decisions that meet your San Jose home’s needs.
Why? Because we want you to be satisfied with your heat pump for years to come.
How to Choose a Heat Pump for Your California Home
Here are four questions to ask yourself when picking out a new heat pump:
1. How much do I want to spend up front?
Heat pumps offer you more efficiency. Geothermal and water-source heat pumps, in particular, are incredibly efficient since they use a minimal amount of electricity to transfer heat.
While many of the more efficient products have a higher initial cost than a conventional furnace or air conditioner. A good rule of thumb is the more you invest up front, the less you will pay in the long run. It is up to you to decide which heat pump is best for your budget.
2. What type of heat pump do I want?
Air-source, mini split, water-source, and geothermal are a few main types of heat pumps.
Air-source pumps transfer heat from the outdoor air to warm your California home in the winter and expel heat from your home during the summer. This type of heat pump is so efficient, the US Department of Energy (DOE) asserts an “air-source heat pump can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes.”
Mini splits work similarly but without ducts—which is why they are also called ductless units.
Water-source heat pumps draw heat from a pond, lake, or water deposit, while geothermal heat pumps draw from below the surface. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
3. Will I need a dual-fuel system?
Some heat pumps can’t operate as efficiently in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. That is why if you live in a climate with freezing winters, you might need a dual-fuel system.
A dual-fuel system is a heat pump supplemented with a different heating appliance. When temperatures are too low for your heat pump to operate efficiently, your furnace or boiler will kick on.
Talk to one of our Air Care Heating & Cooling HVAC professionals to determine if this is necessary in your case.
4. What type of thermostat should I buy?
In addition to your heat pump, our highly trained and experienced experts can install new heating and cooling controls. Based on your San Jose home needs, you can choose between a standard, programmable, or Wi-Fi thermostat.
Standard thermostats have a simple, familiar interface. They provide you with a Heat or Cool option and On or Auto fan control. Programmable thermostats can be set to automatically lower your home temperature during certain hours of the day when you will not be home.
Wi-Fi thermostats can be controlled remotely using your smartphone or tablet. Depending on the model, your Wi-Fi thermostat may even offer energy-usage analytics so you can easily monitor your consumption.
We Are Your Heat Pump Experts
Our Air Care Heating & Cooling professionals want to help you as you search for a new heat pump here in the San Jose, CA, area. Call us at 408-317-2950 or request service online today to learn more about what we have to offer.
Video – Does Indoor Air Quality Affect My Pet?
Protect your pets from indoor air pollution by changing your air filters regularly.
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