We’re now moving into the fall. That may not sound like it’s a major event in Southern California because of our mild winters. However, we recommend that you never ignore regular bi-annual maintenance appointments for your HVAC system, and the fall is one of the best times to arrange for the second annual appointment. When you sign up for our Maintenance Club, you’ll receive the regular service your heating and cooling system need each year to run at their best.
Kilowatt Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical Blog: Archive for the ‘Our Maintenance Plan’ Category
Join Our Maintenance Club and Prepare for the Change of Seasons!
Monday, September 5th, 2016Psst… Want To Save Some Money?
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016Saving money is very important to our homeowners.
Money is an important factor in our everyday life whether it be spending it or saving it.
Hello. My name is Jessica and I work in the office as the Customer Service Representative. Today I’m going to tell you a little bit about the importance of having your heating and AC system inspected periodically by a licensed professional.
Did you know that your heating and air conditioning system loses 5% of its overall efficiency every year it goes without proper professional maintenance.
According to the American Standard website “it’s best to perform bi-annual service to ensure your system is working optimally.” Kilowatt professionals recommend having your system on a maintenance and safety inspection plan which includes two visits per year once for cooling and once for heating, 20% discount on any needed repairs, and priority scheduling.
During the maintenance and safety inspection a drug-tested, background-checked, factory-trained technician will inspect and evaluate your system and make any needed adjustments to prevent breakdowns. There are many benefits to a maintenance plan which include:
- Saving Energy. A lot can happen to your heating and cooling system over time that prevents it from performing efficiently. When a technician inspects your system he will ensure that the system is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible, which will cut down on the amount of energy it uses. SAVES MONEY
- Avoid unnecessary repairs. When you have The maintenance and safety inspection performed twice a year, it is possible that you can stop problems to your system before they start. Which might save you an emergency service call in the summer when you need your system the most! SAVES MONEY
- Keep your home safe. If you have a gas furnace like many homeowners in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area, there is a chance that carbon monoxide can leak into your air. When performing seasonal maintenance, a technician may be able to identify safety risks and possibly fix any problems before they pose a threat to your family. SAVES MONEY
- Extend the life of your systems. One of the best benefits of Seasonal maintenance is that it will extend the life of your heating and cooling system. Just like oil changes and tune-ups keep your car in good shape, seasonal maintenance will keep your heating and cooling systems healthy for seasons to come. SAVES MONEY
Thank you very much for your time.
– Jessica Franco
Prepare for El Niño with a Furnace Tune-Up!
Monday, November 9th, 2015
El Niño: That period when above-average rainfall strikes Southern California and everyone learns how to make the “ñ” symbol using their keyboard. Meteorologists have predicted that this winter Southern California may experience an enormous El Niño—one large enough to have earned it the nickname of the “Godzilla El Niño,” conjuring up an image of a behemoth lumbering from the ocean to inflict devastation on shore.
Coil Cleaning: Best AC Maintenance Value
Saturday, September 12th, 2015One of the best services we provide for your home’s air conditioning system is a non-toxic deep cleaning of the coil.
Those delicate fins that create so much surface area for cooling are also a trap for pollutants and debris which drastically reduce the energy-efficiency.
Your Air Conditioner’s Worst Enemy
Tuesday, February 24th, 2015If your home air conditioner could speak it would probably tell you that it hates winter. Surprisingly, the mild winter we are having this year in Los Angeles can do even more damage to the outdoor components of home heating and cooling systems. Danger to your air conditioning equipment comes from an unexpected source.
You may remember making a wish on the fluffy seeds that float in the air.
Now that you are a homeowner you will wish for those seeds stay far away from your air conditioning condenser!
The assault on your HVAC equipment starts with the leaves in fall making their way through the grate on top of your outdoor equipment, the AC condenser, which is located either next to your home or on the roof. The condenser includes a coil of tubes which carry refrigerant. Fins, aluminum blades, are mounted on the condenser coil and they are thin enough to transfer heat very rapidly. Leaves that fall into your condenser lay for months against the delicate fins. Rain tamps them down and turns them into a moldy mess.
When spring comes seed pods across Los Angeles break open and millions of pounds of seeds are released into the atmosphere. Fluffy hair like fibers help the seed float through the air, giving it a wider range of distribution. Similar to true cotton, these fibers can be gathered and woven into fabric if properly prepared or used as stuffing if enough fiber is gathered.
What these fluffy fibrous seeds do to your air conditioner is disastrous! AC condenser fins must be kept clean and free of damage for them to work well. Nothing gets more deeply embedded in the fins or blocks the air flow better than these kinds
of cottony seeds.
Proper care of your Air Conditioner
Air conditioning equipment manufacturers require regular professional maintenance in order to preserve their warranty. We typically recommend two maintenance visits per year to:
- Correct refrigerant levels
- Seal minor duct leakage in central systems
- Standardize airflow through the evaporator coil and interior equipment
- Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply a non-conductive coating if necessary
- Lubricate motors and replace belts as needed
- Check the accuracy of the thermostat
Sometimes additional cleaning is needed for the outdoor condenser or evaporative coil to remove the seeds and leaves. We use a non-toxic cleaner that safely and effectively removes caked on and dirt and debris.
A Great Solution
Some of our customers opt for a vinyl condenser cover during the winter months. These are great at blocking out the elements that cause damage. The concern is that you must remember NOT to use the air conditioner during the occasional hot winter days we get when you may be tempted to turn on the AC! Condensers need plenty of room to for proper air flow, 18 to 24 inches of side clearance and 4 feet above is recommended. If the air conditioner is turned on with a vinyl covering on the condenser, air flow is restricted and the motor can easily burn out.
If you would like a condenser cover, we can order and deliver the proper one for your unit.
If you notice that your outdoor condenser is dirty or if your air is not blowing as cold as it used to, give us a call and schedule an HVAC maintenance visit. The money saved on your energy bill will more than make up for the cost.