March 15, 2023

Understanding Sound Ratings for Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners

When you’re purchasing a new heating and air conditioning system, the noise levels that the unit emits during operation may be important. It’s possible to compare sound levels between different systems with the decibel (dB) rating that’s attached to each unit. Explaining Decibels A decibel, also referred to as a dB, is a unit of measurement that represents the varying levels of sound that a person hears. The sounds that are heard on a daily basis usually range from 0-120 dB. It’s also common for sounds with a higher pitch to sound louder than sounds with a lower pitch. When comparing the sound levels for the noises you routinely hear, keep in mind that increasing the dB by 10 means that 10x more sound energy is being produced. Some examples of sounds with lower dB levels are: Breathing – 10 dB Whispering – 15-20 dB Ticking clock – 30 dB Library – 40-50 dB Rainfall – 50 dB Conversation – 60 dB Some examples of sounds with a higher dB level are: Loud talking – 70 dB Vacuum cleaner – 75 dB Traffic – 80 dB Lawnmower – 90 dB Train – 100 dB Car horn – 110 dB Rock...

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February 14, 2023

How California’s Net Zero Goal for 2045 Affects HVAC Systems

California has become one of the nation’s pioneering states when it comes to environmental awareness. In an effort to help the environment and to reduce the dependency on limited natural resources, the state has set a net-zero carbon goal for 2045. This is the most ambitious climate goal that any government has set so far. While California is just one state in the U.S., it represents one of the largest economies in the world, so this decision will have far-reaching impacts. Residents of California may be wondering how this goal and the accompanying legislation will affect their day-to-day activities and personal HVAC systems. It’ll likely result in the installation of many more heat pumps and the reliance on sustainable sources of electrical power rather than the consumption of natural gas or coal. Why Are Heat Pumps More Ideal? In this move to create a net-zero community, California will be encouraging the use of heat pumps. In fact, state residents might already be able to enjoy rebates or tax credits when they have new heat pumps installed. The reason why heat pumps are going to be more common in the future is that they’re more efficient than traditional heaters. Instead of...

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January 20, 2023

Telltale Signs You Need to Invest in a Humidifier

When temperatures get too low, you’ll routinely turn to the furnace to heat your home. Ultimately, you’ll achieve the desired room temperature, but not without a price. The hot air has a low moisture content, affecting indoor humidity levels. Running the furnace for long lowers room humidity levels to as low as 10%, which is unsafe for the inhabitant’s health and room comfort. The most reliable solution is to install a humidifier in your home. Not sure whether your home needs a humidifier? Watch out for the following signs. Static Energy Everyone with basic knowledge of physical science knows what static energy is and its exasperating effects. Static electricity may not directly threaten your life, but the shock from charged electrons attached to different household items could cause electrostatic shocks. Electrostatic sparks carry electrostatic oomph strong enough to generate shockwaves that can cause damage to electronic and mechanical components. High-intense electric shock could as well trigger explosions and fires. As a resident of the Palm Desert area, you might have noticed that static energy problems increase in winter. The cold winter air is usually low in humidity, and static energy thrives in areas with low moisture content. At , we...

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December 20, 2022

Benefits of Installing a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are becoming more popular, and it’s clear they provide numerous advantages for homeowners. From boosting efficiency to increasing interior comfort, smart thermostats have a lot to offer. If you’d like to have a smart thermostat installed in your Palm Desert home, you can rely on the professionals at to get the job done for you. Here are a few benefits you will enjoy when you install a smart thermostat. 1. Saving Money on Your Electric Bill Smart thermostats use intelligent technology to adapt based on several factors. The outdoor temperature, your preferences, and how long it takes for your home to reach the set temperature are pieces of information that help your smart thermostat operate as efficiently as possible. This technology reduces energy waste and helps you save money on heating and cooling costs. 2. Making Your Home More Comfortable When you have a smart thermostat, you are able to control when your HVAC system turns on and off. This means you can schedule your system to kick on an hour before you arrive so you can walk into a perfectly conditioned home. This feature allows you to keep your system off or on a lower setting during...

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November 17, 2022

What Is a Heat Pump Condenser?

A Guide to Heat Pump Condensers and How They Work In places like Palm Desert where the winter weather is usually relatively mild, heat pumps are definitely the best way to heat your home and will use far less energy than any other heating option. Another major advantage of a heat pump is that the unit will also function as an air conditioner to keep your home cool. The heat pump condenser is the most important component of this type of system, and here is a quick overview of exactly what the condenser is and how it works. What Is a Heat Pump Condenser? Both heat pumps and traditional air conditioning systems have a condenser, and this is simply the name given to the unit that sits outside the house. The heat pump condenser is the primary component of the system, and it looks almost exactly the same as an AC condenser. The two units also function in the same way when cooling. Both heat pump condensers and AC condensers cool by removing heat from the building and releasing it outside. The difference between the two is that a heat pump can run in reverse to absorb heat from outside...

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October 19, 2022

6 Common Issues Heat Pumps Have During Winter

The winter months can be challenging for any homeowner, but they can be especially difficult if your home relies on a heat pump to stay warm. Below are some common issues that your heat pump could face this winter. 1. Lack of Maintenance One of the most common issues is a lack of maintenance. Like any other piece of machinery, heat pumps must be regularly serviced and cleaned to function properly. Dust and debris buildup can cause your unit to overheat, forcing it to work harder than necessary. In addition, the ice and snow of winter can cause problems for heat pumps, as they can block airflow. That makes it difficult for the unit to function properly. Ensuring that your heat pump is regularly maintained prevents these common winter issues. 2. Frozen Coils Coils freeze when the temperature outside drops and there’s not enough warmth in the air to defrost them. As a result, your heat pump works harder to defrost the coils, reducing efficiency and increasing wear and tear. Additionally, frozen coils can cause the refrigerant in your heat pump to leak, causing even more problems. If you notice that your heat pump’s coils are starting to freeze, you...

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September 20, 2022

4 Reasons Why You May Want to Have the Speed of Your AC Fan Adjusted

Every aspect of an air conditioner’s installation should be streamlined to reflect the needs and nuances of the individual environment. If it isn’t, even the most efficient cooling systems cannot perform exactly as they should. Just as square footage alone is not enough for determining the right AC size for your Palm Desert home, multiple factors should be considered when setting your air conditioner’s fan speed. Faster fan settings aren’t guaranteed to increase your home comfort. In fact, they may make your home feel muggy and downright unpleasant. Following are four reasons to consider having your AC fan speed professionally adjusted. 1. Your Home Feels Cool But It Also Feels Clammy Creating a well-insulated and virtually airtight living environment contributes to overall efficiency. This is known as creating a tight envelope, and it’s a popular practice among climate-conscious and cost-conscious California consumers. Measures such as installing weatherstripping and upgrading to multi-paned windows limit the loss of conditioned air and prevent energy waste. However, the more efficient that homes become, the more that their cooling demands decrease. If you have a well-insulated home and minimal air loss, having a high fan speed could cause humidity problems. In an efficient home, an...

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August 18, 2022

5 Reasons Your Air Conditioner Is Squeaking

When you turn on your air conditioner, do you hear a squeak? This is a sign of an underlying problem with your AC unit that needs to be addressed. Your AC may have accumulated debris near or around it, causing the rattling sound, or it can be caused by an accumulation of dirt in the coils. Various issues can cause these noises, and you need to pinpoint the exact cause of the noise to fix it. Generally, the best way to fix this issue is by calling a licensed HVAC professional to make some necessary adjustments. 1. The Fan Belt Is Worn Out or Misaligned The fan belt is a crucial component of your air conditioner. Like any other mechanical piece, the timing belt must be replaced every few years, depending on usage. If you hear your AC unit making a squeaking noise, it’s likely because one of your belts is worn out and needs replacement. Over time, the fan belt will become worn out or misaligned, causing it to squeak. Misalignment can happen if you move the AC or attempt to repair it yourself. Luckily, adjusting the fan belt is a straightforward and fast process to complete, but this...

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July 10, 2022

Common Problems AC Compressors Develop

The last thing you want on a hot day is for your AC system to stop working. If the AC compressor is the problem, it can result in a big repair bill. Thankfully, many problems with AC compressors are avoidable. What Is an AC Compressor? The AC compressor is inside the outdoor AC unit. It is one of the key components of an AC system, without which cool air wouldn’t be blown into your home. When well-cared for, it’s a component that can last 15 years or more. Refrigerant collects heat from the evaporator. From there it flows to the AC compressor, which compresses it and turns it into a gas. The refrigerant then flows to the condenser coil, where the heat is released outside. It turns back into a liquid and the process is repeated. Dirty Coils There is also a condenser coil in the outdoor AC unit. This part naturally collects dust, dirt, and other debris. When it’s dirty, your AC system has to work harder to cool your home. This extra strain can cause the AC compressor to overheat and break down. To help prevent this, replace the air filter every one to three months. You should...

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June 20, 2022

What Are HVAC Dampers?

HVAC dampers are devices found in your HVAC ductwork that control the flow of warm or cool air. Though vents can also regulate the airflow in a room, dampers installed in your ducts are much more efficient. They can be adjusted so that the air flows into one area of your house and not into others. HVAC dampers are used in zoned systems. In a zoned system, you might not want warm or cooled air in a room or area of your home that’s not being used. Instead, you might want the airflow directed to a room that’s being inhabited. Different Dampers HVAC dampers are usually installed between 4 and 6 feet from the main trunk of the ductwork and near the opening of the pipe that pushes air into the ductwork. This means that, unlike vents, they can prevent air from entering the ducts in the first place. There are different types of HVAC dampers. They include: Butterfly flat dish Guillotine Louvers Blade type The butterfly flat dish type looks like a plate on a hinge. It also has a seal that can stop material from getting into the ducts. Its shape makes it ideal for round ducts. Guillotine...

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