The Department of Energy is Updating the Regulatory Requirements for HVAC Systems

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If you plan to replace your heat pump or AC in 2023, you could receive tax credits for your energy-efficient upgrades. Work with your HVAC technician to take advantage of increased savings over prior tax credits for efficient heating and cooling. As of January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) energy efficiency requirements for new systems will also change. So, work with Sheldon’s Heating and Air to choose an eligible system for your Southern California home.

2023 Efficiency Changes for Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners

Federal standards are becoming more aggressive, as this is the second update in the last five years. Under the new rules, the Southwest (CA, NV, AZ, NM), North, and Southeast Regions of the country will have unique efficiency standards. Central AC installation rules will also become more stringent.

For heat pumps, the new regulations call for:

  • AC efficiency ratings go up by one SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), as follows:
    • North: SEER 14.
    • South and Southwest: SEER 15.
  • The efficiency rating for heat pumps is the same throughout the country. The new requirement increases to 15 SEER, which is approximately 8% higher than current regulations.
  • The changes come with new labeling. EER and SEER ratings will be referred to as EER2 and SEER2 to reflect the changes.
  • Manufacturers must implement new testing procedures that consider higher external static pressure.

These changes will help the industry become more environmentally conscious. As such, it’s important to work with a company that embraces change and has your best interests in mind.

Is Your HVAC Contractor Ready for the Changes? We Are!

Manufacturers and installers must comply with the new requirements or risk fines and penalties. Sheldon’s Heating and Air only works with trusted suppliers and brands to avoid potential issues for our customers. Many residents wonder how the new rules will affect residents of Riverside and the surrounding communities. We are in the Southwest region and our technicians are ready to speak knowledgeably on how the regulations impact your choice of heat pumps and ACs.

Labeling requirements will include the new rating system. Your HVAC contractor can point out whether a system meets the new standards. Homeowners wonder how the regulations impact their ability to receive maintenance or repairs on legacy systems. Rest assured that Sheldon’s Heating and Air will continue to maintain your current unit for as long as it runs. However, if you’re ready for a new system, it will have to comply with the new rules.

You don’t have to worry about sourcing equipment that meets the new standards because we’ll do that for you! We do advise homeowners to order equipment early to avoid delays in the supply chain.

Trust the Industry-Leading HVAC Experts in Riverside, CA

You can save money on your monthly bill by installing new equipment that meets the latest standards. Contact us today to ensure your new HVAC system meets federal standards applicable to California.

Smart Thermostats

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Coming home to a hot or cold house isn’t pleasant. However, running the AC or furnace all day wastes energy and money. So, how can you solve this problem? Simple, smart thermostats let you program your climate, so you come home to a temperature that’s just right.

However, before you make a final decision, here’s a quick overview of the different types of thermostats and more on smart thermostat installation from the pros at Sheldon’s Heating & Air Conditioning.

What Are the Types of Thermostats?

There are three basic types of thermostats. Whichever one you have now, if you’ve paid for thermostat repairs more than once in the past two years, it may be time for a replacement. Which option will you choose?

Non-Programmable Thermostats

These basic thermostats reliably control the heating and cooling in your home. They come with features like LED and backlit displays and dual power options. However, there are no bells and whistles. So, you can’t change the temperature from your phone or pre-program the HVAC system to accommodate your daily schedule.

Programmable Thermostats

If you want a new thermostat with more options than the ones you grew up with, consider programmable models. You can enter (or “program”) several settings, indicating the day and time to apply them.

Smart Thermostats

Thermostat repair can keep your older model running well past its useful life. However, at some point, you may decide it’s time for an upgrade. With a smart thermostat, you can change the temperature at home from your phone or computer. Convenient Wi-Fi functionality gives you the flexibility to program the device from anywhere inside or outside your home, or from far away. In short, smart thermostats offer greater control and save energy.

What Does a Smart Thermostat Do?

Unlike offline programmable thermostats that require close proximity to change, you monitor and update your smart thermostats via the internet. This brings the following capabilities:

  • Control your home climate through an app.
  • Access sophisticated AI to optimize your heating and AC settings.
  • Tie to your phone’s geolocation so your HVAC system knows when your home.
  • Control humidity precisely.

What Are the Benefits of Smart Thermostats?

You can control your smart thermostat from your phone, computer, or tablet. Some of the benefits of switching to a smart thermostat replacement include:

  • Save energy. By controlling when your system comes on, you’ll use less energy.
  • Save money. These efficient systems monitor the temperature in your home precisely and you can program them to more moderate settings when you’re away.
  • Easy to use. Our experienced pros will show you how to use your smart thermostat and give you tips on how to use it wisely. If you need help with the app, we’ll be happy to give you a walk-through.
  • Set it and forget it. Did you know that smart thermostats can learn? Over time, they begin to predict your schedule and more precisely monitor your home climate.

Top Smart Thermostat Services in Riverside!

Sheldon’s Heating & Air Conditioning handles all your thermostat needs, including:

  • Smart thermostat installation, repairs and replacement
  • Programmable thermostat replacement
  • Non-programmable thermostat replacement

Contact us today for a free home evaluation. With guidance from our pros, you can make the right choice for your home comfort. Do you live in Riverside, San Bernardino, and LA Counties? Make us your go-to choice for smart thermostat services.

How to Prevent Overloading your HVAC System  

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Most people put their heating and air conditioning system out of mind until it stops working. And by that time, it’s often too late. Your HVAC system is like a car engine: if you overload it, it will break down.

Just as you wouldn’t put too much weight in your car or drive at high speeds for long periods, you shouldn’t overload your HVAC system. It’s important to know how to maintain your system and keep your home comfortable without a system crash. So, here are four tips to help prevent overloading your heating and cooling systems from the team at Sheldon’s Heating & Air Conditioning.

1. Use Your Thermostat Wisely

Your thermostat is the key to preventing overloading. When it’s hot outside, set your thermostat a few degrees higher than usual. And when it’s cold out, do the opposite. This may seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference to your HVAC system.

To get the most out of your thermostat, invest in a programmable one. That way, you can set it to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not home or asleep. Additionally, regular heating and AC maintenance helps your system last longer.

2. Educate Your Family or Roommates about Conserving Energy

If everyone in your household is on board with conserving energy, it will be much easier to prevent overloading your HVAC system. Educate your family or roommates about the importance of conserving energy and how it can help extend the life of your HVAC system.

3. Upgrade Your Windows and Doors

If your home has single-pane windows or drafty doors, upgrade to double-pane windows or energy-efficient doors. This will help maintain a consistent home temperature, so your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard (and will last longer as a result).

4. Keep Your Vents and Registers Clear

As air blows through your vents and registers, it can cause dust and debris to accumulate. Over time, this can block the airflow and cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary. To prevent this from happening, regularly check your vents and registers and vacuum or dust them as needed.

5. Have Your HVAC System Serviced Regularly

The best way to prevent overloading your HVAC system is to have it serviced regularly. When you schedule a tune-up, our technicians will clean and inspect every part of your furnace, AC, mini-split, heat pump or other HVAC system. We also lubricate all moving parts and, with your permission, replace malfunctioning parts. This will help ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently and save you money on potentially high repair bills.

Top HVAC Maintenance in Riverside and Surrounding Areas

Overloading your HVAC system can cause it to break down prematurely or cause costly HVAC repair. To prevent overloading, use your thermostat wisely, educate your family about conserving energy, upgrade your windows and doors, and have your HVAC system serviced regularly.

By following these tips, you can help prevent overloading your HVAC system. If you have any concerns about your HVAC system, contact Sheldon’s Heating and Air Conditioning. We’re always happy to help our customers in Riverside and the surrounding communities!

If you do overload your HVAC system, don’t panic. Just turn it off and call us to troubleshoot the issue. We’ll provide the necessary heating or AC repair.

What to Expect When You Call Sheldon’s for AC Repair

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In Southern California, a good air conditioner is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. But finding a reliable HVAC team you can count on isn’t always easy. Some contractors can be wishy-washy with their customer service. You never know what you’re going to get or what kind of service to expect. 

But at Sheldon’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves in providing consistently excellent HVAC service for residents of Riverside and the surrounding So Cal areas. 

Read on to learn what you can expect when you call our team for an air conditioning repair. 

Quick, Professional Service

At Sheldon’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we know you can’t wait weeks or even days with a broken air conditioner. That’s why we take every step possible to ensure quick and professional service. 

A big part of that is our rapid response time. Many times, when you call about an AC repair, we can get a member of our team out to your home right away.

We also strive to be as accessible as possible by making it easy to reach us either online or by phone. Simply fill out our online contact form or give us a call for prompt and professional service when you need it most. 

Upfront and Competitive Written Quotes  

Some contractors try to bait and switch homeowners by offering crazy low verbal estimates, only for the final invoice to reflect the true, much higher costs. 

At Sheldon’s Heating & Air, we’re always upfront and honest about how much something will cost. When we come to your home for an air conditioner repair, one of our expert technicians will thoroughly inspect your system, locate the problem, and draft up a written quote that honestly reflects the price of parts and labor. 

Knowledgeable Technicians You Can Depend On 

All of our HVAC technicians must undergo extensive training certification processes before they can join our team. Our technicians are certified to work on any heating or cooling system from any manufacturer. So no matter what HVAC configuration you have, our team of licensed experts can service and repair it. 

When you call Sheldon’s Heating & Air Conditioning, you don’t just get results you can feel, you get results you can see, too. Our technicians take before and after pictures when we perform air conditioner repairs so you can see the difference with your own eyes. 

High-Quality Parts and Service

At Sheldon’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we know you don’t want anything but the best for your HVAC system. We’ve already got the best team and craftsmanship, so of course, we have to use the best parts, too. 

That’s why we use only parts that come directly from the original manufacturer of your system whenever possible. We never use cheap generic parts that only provide a temporary solution to your air conditioning woes. 

Get Started Today 

Whether your AC unit is making a strange noise or your vents are blowing warm air, you can count on Sheldon’s Heating & Air Conditioning to keep you comfortable. Our team of experts will get your air conditioner back in top shape in no time. 

Contact us now for information about our AC repair services in Riverside.  

How AC Maintenance Will Save You Money (and Sweat) This Summer 

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We’re all looking for ways to save money. From not cranking on the AC unit until it’s absolutely necessary to doing DIY paint jobs, every Riverside homeowner has had their fair share of pinching pennies.

One great way to save money? Scheduling AC maintenance.

We know what you’re thinking: how will scheduling a paid appointment save me money? While hiring a company to maintain your air conditioner unit will be an upfront cost, you’ll save money, time, and stress by preventing a breakdown in the middle of the summer season. 

With summer already upon us, the time to act on your AC maintenance service is now. 

Why Choose HVAC Maintenance? 

Southern California heat is no joke, especially in the peak of summer. Because of this intense heat, your air conditioner has to work in overdrive to ensure that your home remains at safe, cool temperatures.

And all of this work creates strain on your air conditioning unit. After a while, this strain can cause parts to wear down. When homeowners ignore air conditioning maintenance, this wear and tear goes unnoticed until you find yourself baking in a 100-degree day with no relief. 

Don’t trap yourself in an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous situation. Have our technicians assess your system and fix everything for the summer season. Otherwise, if you let the problem go too long, you may need an AC repair or even an AC replacement. 

What to Expect with AC Maintenance 

Okay, so you know that when you schedule an air conditioner maintenance appointment, you can expect a technician to tinker around your system for a couple hours and report back. But do you ever wonder what they’re doing back there and why it’s necessary?

At Sheldon’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we work to be as transparent as possible. When our technicians arrive on your property, you can expect them to:

  • Replace and clean dirty or clogged air filters
  • Check for proper airflow
  • Check refrigerant levels 
  • Check for leaks 
  • Lubricate and tighten your entire unit

All of these steps are incredibly important to make sure that your air conditioner is up to snuff for the summer season. Checking refrigerant levels and ensuring there are no leaks is vital to the health and safety of your system. 

If you ever have any questions about the AC maintenance process, let our technicians know, and we’ll walk you through every step of the process. 

Reach Out to Sheldon’s Heating & Air Today 

Are you ready to be prepared for the intense California summer heat? Take control of your cooling by scheduling a preemptive air conditioner maintenance appointment. Our knowledgeable, skilled technicians will arrive at your home to thoroughly inspect your unit for any problems or damage. 

From air conditioner maintenance to AC repair, AC replacement, AC maintenance, and AC rejuvenation, we’ve got your back.

Call Sheldon’s Heating & Air today to get started! 

Heat Pumps vs. Air Conditioners

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Homeowners have a lot of choices when it comes to heating and cooling a home. A quick web search about air conditioning systems will yield millions of results. Suffice to say, picking a new system can be overwhelming! Two of the most common ways to cool a residential home in the Inland Empire area is by air conditioner or by heat pump. So what is the advantage of heat pumps vs air conditioners? It’s starts with knowing how they differ.

So… what is the difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner?

A heat pump is a system that can both heat and cool. An air conditioner can only cool. An air conditioner is traditionally paired with a furnace in order to supply both heating and cooling to a home.

So, a complete HVAC system is either an air conditioner and a furnace, or a heat pump.

Heat pumps have been gaining in popularity for their ultra-efficient operation. Plus, it can be more affordable to install a heat pump rather than both an air conditioner and a furnace.

Similarities: Heat Pumps vs Air Conditioners

When it comes to cooling, both heat pumps and air conditioners will serve your home well.

Here are some ways these two systems are similar:

  • Both systems are split systems. That means there are at least two pieces of separate equipment that work together to cool your home. The air conditioner or heat pump that is installed outdoors is connected to an indoor coil and blower to push air through your home.
  • Both systems use a compressor and refrigerant to do the work of heat transfer
  • The two systems have a similar look at feel from the outside

When it comes to cooling, the systems basically work the same way. Energy is transferred through the two coils in the system to keep your home comfortable.

The way that mechanical cooling works is via the basic refrigeration cycle. Refrigerant in the system continuously circulates from the outdoor unit to the indoor coil. With the help of components like compressors, valves, coils, and fans, the refrigerant continuously changes state from liquid to gas (evaporating) and then gas to liquid (condensing).

From a cooling perspective, heat pumps and air conditioners are very similar. Both systems utilize the refrigeration cycle, and similar components, to keep your home cool.

Differences: Heat Pumps vs Air Conditioners

So far, everything seems about the same between heat pumps and air conditioners. But there’s one big difference: heating!

Heat pumps can produce both cooling and heating. A heat pump has a special component called a reversing valve. This allows the refrigerant to change direction in the system. While in cooling, the refrigerant in the indoor coil will evaporate from liquid to gas. In heating, the refrigerant moves the opposite direction through the coil and instead condenses from gas to liquid. This means the heat pump itself must be capable of producing both liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant. The reversing valve makes it possible!

Air conditioners cannot produce heat. An air conditioner does not have a reversing valve. So, it is designed for the refrigerant to flow in one direction. That means that it can only cool and can never heat. Homes in the Riverside area with air conditioners will generally have a furnace to support heating.

Heat pumps can cool and heat, but there are some limitations. Some heat pumps are not capable of heating at very low temperatures, so some form of supplemental heat is sometimes needed.

Heat Pump vs AC: Which one to buy?

Now that you know the main similarities and differences between an air conditioner and a heat pump, it’s time to make a decision. Either system can be a great choice. But, one might be more suited to your home depending on your specific situation. Here are some considerations:

Price of air conditioners vs heat pumps

A complete heat pump system will consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. With an air conditioner, you’ll need an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a furnace. However, heat pumps are generally more expensive than air conditioners because of their specialized design and additional components. Another item to consider is incentives and promotions. Because heat pumps are more efficient, they qualify for better rebates. A professional from Sheldon’s Heating and Air Conditioning can help you with a quote for both system types and find you the best possible deal.

Energy efficiency and cost of operation

Heat pump systems offer the most energy-efficient products on the market. And, they only use electricity. That can save on operational costs. And if you’re building a new home, that eliminates the need for a natural gas connection to your attic area.

But, heat pumps use a lot more energy the lower the temperature drops. So even though they are efficient cooling systems, you might see you energy bills spike if we ever experience rare, freezing cold California winter.

When comparing air conditioning efficiency, look for the SEER ratings. The higher the SEER, the more efficient a unit is. It’s kind of like looking at miles per gallon when shopping for cars. A single point here or there may not be a significant difference, but if two products are 3 or more points different it will show in your energy consumption. Remember: HVAC rebates require specific SEER levels, so take care in choosing the right system for you!

System life

Heat pumps will operate all year round, while air conditioners only operate when you need cooling. So, air conditioners will last a few years longer than a heat pump. But remember that with a heat pump, you’ll save money on energy costs throughout its useful life.

Sheldon’s Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help Settle the Debate

If you’re still not sure about whether to install a air conditioner vs. a heat pump, please give us a call. The HVAC experts of Sheldon’s Heating & Air can help you decide on the best system for your home. We can also assist in finding deals and rebates that will reduce your initial investment. Since you only make this choice once every 10-15 years, you want to make the right decision. Call the professionals!

How to Save Money on a New HVAC

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If you need a new HVAC system, you’re looking at a pretty major home expense. But, there’s good news! There are plenty of ways to save money on a new HVAC purchase.

To save the most money on a new HVAC system, you’ll want to combine multiple promotions. When there are many different incentives available, you can take advantage by combining them for the best final price. For example, rebates, manufacturer specials, and financing can all be used together to get the best deal. When you understand how each of these offers work, you can make the best choice for your home – and your budget!

Rebates: The Best Way to Save Money on HVAC Systems

Rebates can be a very lucrative way to save money on a new HVAC system. In fact, right now Riverside, CA area customers can save over $2,000 in real money on a new HVAC system.

Rebates are basically a discount on your purchase. Instead of a pre-purchase discount like a grocery coupon, with a rebate you receive your discount after your purchase. Once you have purchased your new HVAC, you will submit an application for a rebate. Rebate applications are very simple! Most of the time, you’ll just need a receipt and verification of the installation. Here is the most important tip for securing a rebate: make sure the system you are purchasing meets the requirements of the rebate program. If you need help, simply give us a call at 877-411-9888 and we’d be happy to help you select a system that will qualify.

Save the Most Money with Carrier’s Cool Cash HVAC Rebates

Occasionally, manufacturers will run fantastic deals on new HVAC systems and you can save a boatload of money. Right now is one of those times!

Carrier is offering a huge deal on new cooling system installs. You can get up to $1,650 on a qualifying Carrier purchase. There is no better deal that this one, and it only comes around twice a year at most. So when you see it is available, take action! This deal is only available through June 30th.

HVAC rebates

HVAC Rebates from Other Sources

Here in the Inland Empire, there are several other rebates you can take advantage of. The purpose of the rebates is to encourage homeowners to choose more efficient products to heat and cool their home. The idea is that when lots of people choose green products, the entire community will be better off with cleaner air and less strain on the utility providers. As a reward, you’ll save money on your new HVAC purchase. It’s a win-win!

Here’s some of the current rebates that are available:

  • SoCal Gas Company: Our local natural gas provider is offering rebates to customers. One rebate that is available is for smart thermostats. Another rebate that is available is for new, high-efficiency furnaces. Summer is a great time to replace a furnace, since you really won’t be needed it to be operational. So, it’s a great time to take advantage of this rebate along with Carrier’s Cool Cash and invest in a new heating system. Through this rebate you can save a lot of money: get up to $200 cash back on a new furnace for your HVAC system.
  • City of Riverside: Right now, the City of Riverside is offering rebates through their Green Riverside program. The savings stack up with their rebates for high efficiency central air conditioning and heat pump systems. You can save up to $250 per ton on a new HVAC system if the SEER rating is 16 or greater. On a 5-ton system, that’s $1,250 in savings. You can get all of the details on the City of Riverside website.

Combine HVAC Rebates and Save Money

Here’s what’s really great about rebates: you don’t have to pick and choose. You can take advantage of all of the rebates on the same purchase! If you need guidance on how to save money with HVAC rebates in the Inland Empire area, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Financing your HVAC System Purchase

Another way to save money on your new HVAC system is with financing. An HVAC is a big purchase for any family. It can be difficult to come up with the lump sum for a new A/C, especially if you weren’t expecting to replace it.

That’s why we offer financing to our customers. You can break up the total cost of your new equipment over the course of 6-18 months. And, depending on your payment plan, you could get a 0% APR interest rate. That means that your HVAC will cost exactly the same whether you pay up-front or pay monthly. So if the cost of an HVAC system is what is keeping you from replacing your system, take a look at the financing options available to you.

Sheldon’s Air Conditioning & Heating: Helping You Save Money on a New HVAC

When it comes to these promotional offers, our team is ready to help you find the best savings. Incentives like rebates and financing are not just beneficial to you, it is in our best interest to help you find these savings, too. So, you can trust that we will help you save the most money on your HVAC purchase. We’re in this together!

Every day, we help customers save a ton of money on new HVAC purchases. Will you be next? Contact us to get expert advice on an affordable and efficient cooling and heating system for your home.

Contact Us

Why HVAC Maintenance is Not a DIY Project

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Owning a home can get expensive. There are a lot of system to keep up with, from garage doors to sprinklers. So, many homeowners look to do-it-yourself (DIY) maintenance efforts including HVAC systems. But, we’d urge you reconsider your DIY efforts on your home’s heating and cooling system.

But, I watched a DIY video on HVAC maintenance!

The internet has made it possible to become an expert on nearly every subject! There are hundreds of DIY videos on YouTube covering HVAC maintenance. Unfortunately, watching a video cannot replace years of training and professional experience. Professional, NATE-certified technicians are trained to follow proper safety protocols in dealing with refrigerants, mechanical systems, and electricity that are a part of HVAC systems.

HVAC maintenance is required infrequently, so it is unlikely that you will become a DIY expert on your system. You’ll have to look up the information every time you want to service your system. Each time will feel like the first time. Plus, most homeowners don’t have all of the equipment required to provide your system a full service. Aside from your vehicle, your HVAC system is likely the most valuable equipment on your property. It’s simply not worth the potential consequences to try and provide DIY maintenance on your HVAC service. So,when it comes to servicing your HVAC, please call a professional, licensed HVAC service.

What HVAC maintenance can I DIY?

A full HVAC service cannot be completed by the average homeowner. But, there are several things you can do to keep your HVAC in proper working order throughout the year:

  • Program your thermostat (or install a programmable thermostat)
  • Change your filters often
  • Be mindful of unusual sounds and smells
  • Clean your air vents with a damp cloth
  • Visually inspect your outdoor unit and remove any debris

Why should I hire a professional for HVAC maintenance instead of DIY?

Heating and cooling systems are highly complex mechanical systems, similar to your vehicle. In order to install and service equipment, technicians must have years of training. Technicians that are NATE-certified must have knowledge of HVAC-specific safety, tools, and an understanding of temperature and humidity science. These technicians have formal training provided by an employer or technical school, and then must pass tests to meet certification requirements.

Professionals in the HVAC industry get access to the latest training on new technologies. For example, our team attends a yearly manufacturer training where we learn about new products, get hands-on training with new tools, and hone-in on best practices. This information may take many years to make it to a DIY article or YouTube video.

In short: HVAC technicians are servicing equipment in homes like yours day in, day out. They have encountered all sorts of challenges in servicing equipment and are prepared with solutions. Those that try to DIY maintenance on HVAC systems do not have the training, industry-specific knowledge, or skills that the professionals have.

HVAC Maintenance By Professionals

When you hire a professional to do your HVAC maintenance in the Inland Empire area, you get more than the basics shown in DIY articles.

There will be the normal clean-up as you’ve probably already read about. For example, clearing debris, washing outdoor coils, and cleaning indoor coils. We will also replace your air filter. So far, this is simple…right? Additionally, our team will take care of:

  • Checking your drains and drain pan – clearing any clogs and ensuring your system is draining properly
  • Check system operating stats like air pressure and temperature, ensuring your system is operating properly
  • Lubricate moving parts to improve the longevity of your system
  • Inspect and calibrate your thermostat
  • Tighten electrical contacts and connections
  • Evaluate refrigerant charge and recharge if necessary
  • Examine your system for wear and tear that may result in potential issues

When a professional is looking at your air conditioning system, they’ll be able to identify potential future problems. Our technicians will explain the issue to you and discuss the different options for repair.

If you were doing DIY maintenance on your HVAC system, would you be able to identify something that doesn’t look right? Trust this work to the professionals that inspect air conditioning systems every day.

Should I Use My Ceiling Fan or My Air Conditioner?

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If your home is equipped with ceiling fans, you might wonder if you can save money by whirling the fans versus lowering your AC. We often have customers asking us: Should I use the ceiling fan or use the AC?

The simple fact is this: the energy required to use ceiling fans is much lower than what is required to power an air conditioner. The best bet is to use both systems together.

Most people we know swear that ceiling fans won’t truly cool them off. In fact, ceiling fans are a helpful addition to a cost-effective comfort plan for you home. Ceiling fans improve air circulation in your home. As a result, the movement of air against your skin triggers evaporation. That helps keep you cool! Plus, ceiling fans force warmer air away from occupants, which can make you feel as much as eight degrees cooler.

Efficiently Using Your AC

If you want to use a ceiling fan, you’re probably looking to save energy costs. That’s totally understandable. Utility bills can get out of control. In the Inland Empire area, 17% of of energy bills are attributed to air conditioning systems. But that’s just an average over the course of year. In the summer, up to 70% of your energy bill could be just air conditioning!

So, if you want to save energy on cooling your home, the first step is to look for tips to reduce your air conditioning usage. If you haven’t had your HVAC serviced recently, now might be the time. Just like your vehicle, when your air conditioner is properly maintained, it operates better. Also, consider installing a programmable thermostat. That way you can schedule your thermostat to set back 5-10 degrees when you leave your home for several hours. Finally, make sure your change your filter. We recommend changing filters every 3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or family members with allergies.

Ceiling Fans: The Wind Effect


If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. 

U.S. Department of Energy

Ceiling fans can significantly reduce the need for air conditioning. During our hot southern California summers, using a ceiling fan along with a highly-efficient air conditioner can save you big in energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you use ceiling fans you can increase your thermostat setting by four degrees without any change in comfort. In fact, if the outdoor temperature isn’t too hot, you could turn off your A/C completely and rely only on the fans.

Here’s one important point to remember: ceiling fans cool people, not rooms! While you will feel the cooling effect of a ceiling fan while you are sitting in a room, the room will not get colder if you leave a fan on. So, be sure to turn off ceiling fans anytime you leave the room. Otherwise, you’re just wasting energy!

Your HVAC Experts in Riverside, CA

Looking to save more money on your monthly HVAC costs? We’d love to help. Contact us today to learn more about our energy-efficient HVAC systems. Or, schedule your routine HVAC preventative maintenance appointment to ensure your system is working efficiently.