If your PG&E bill feels like it keeps climbing, you’re not imagining it. Many Bay Area homeowners are paying $600 to $800+ (or more!) per month, depending on home size, usage, and rate plans, and these costs have been steadily trending upward. Understanding how your HVAC system uses energy today, and your options, are your…
Your home’s second floor never seems to get cool enough in summer. This is a common problem, even in Northern California. You may often find yourself wondering how to make it cooler upstairs. Could it be that one air conditioner isn’t enough? That’s a striking thought, since you’ve already invested in an AC unit you…
Do you recall the last time you replaced your HVAC system’s air filter? If not, you aren’t alone. People often forget this important task unless there’s a sign that a heater’s or air conditioner’s clogged filter is causing problems. A dirty home air filter can prevent your furnace or AC unit from working properly. If…
Is there anything more frustrating than an air conditioning system not turning on on a hot day? Perhaps the only thing that could be more frustrating is the air conditioner blowing hot air when you need the home to cool down. If your air conditioner refuses to jump into gear, you probably want to know…
Are you considering installing a heat pump in your Bay Area home? Great choice! A heat pump offers significant benefits, including energy efficiency and tax incentives. Like any big appliance purchase, there are always important factors to consider. We’ve compiled a summary of benefits, considerations, and what to expect with your heat pump installation to…
Are you interested in the air quality in your home? Wondering how to test, monitor, and enhance it the best way possible? Look nowhere else. Here are a few telltale symptoms of bad air quality, a few techniques to check out what weird stuff is floating around in your house, and even a simple method…
The most obvious sign of a leaky furnace is often stepping into a pool of water nearby. Your furnace may be leaking water for a number of reasons, some of which you can fix on your own and others of which call for professional assistance. Knowing what kind of equipment you have in your house…
1. COILS AND PIPES FREEZE Water in coils and pipelines might freeze in cold weather. The house becomes chilly and uncomfortable as a result of the heating system being unable to function properly. Even worse, the frozen water may expand, bursting the coil or pipe. That urgent fix is quite pricey. Call an HVAC specialist…
Chilly temperatures, burnt-orange leaves, and the mouthwatering aroma of pumpkin spice characterize the beginning of fall. However, it can also be when the weather is most erratic. The temperature shifts wildly throughout the day, with sun and rain competing in the sky. Knowing the best time to turn your heating on can be tricky, especially…
You may already be aware of some air leakage in your house, such as through a drafty window, but to fully air seal your home, you’ll need to discover the less visible gaps. Hiring a competent specialist to do an energy assessment, particularly a blower door test, can provide you with a complete and precise…