Like most important breakthroughs, modern commercial and residential air conditioning technology is a result of a series of advancements by scientists and inventors who challenged themselves to come up with creative solutions to problems of the day. Here’s a little bit of history surrounding heating & air in the home.
Once considered a luxury, this invention is now essential, allowing us to cool homes, businesses, hospitals, data centers, laboratories, and other buildings vital to our economy and daily lives. In fact, air temperature is so important to us that 48 percent of all energy consumption in American homes is a result of cooling and heating.
THE EVILS OF HIGH TEMPERATURES
In the 1840s, physician, and inventor Dr. John Gorrie of Florida proposed the idea of cooling cities to relieve residents of “the evils of high temperatures.” Gorrie believed that cooling was the key to avoiding diseases like malaria and making patients more comfortable, but his rudimentary system for cooling hospital rooms required ice to be shipped to Florida from frozen lakes and streams in the northern United States.
To get around this expensive logistical challenge, Gorrie began experimenting with the concept of artificial cooling. He designed a machine that created ice using a compressor powered by a horse, water, wind-driven sails, or steam and was granted a patent for it in 1851. Although Gorrie was unsuccessful at bringing his patented technology to the marketplace — primarily due to the death of his chief financial backer — his invention laid the foundation for modern air conditioning and refrigeration.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS GET COOL
In 1922, Carrier Engineering Corporation installed the first well-designed cooling system for theaters at Metropolitan Theater in Los Angeles, which pumped cool air through higher vents for better humidity control and comfort throughout the building.
In May 1922 at Rivoli Theater in New York, Carrier publicly debuted a new type of system that used a centrifugal chiller, which had fewer moving parts and compressor stages than existing units. The breakthrough system increased reliability and lowered the cost of large-scale air conditioners, greatly expanding their use throughout the country.
BRINGING COOLING HOME
Home cooling systems got smaller after H.H. Schultz and J.Q. Shermanhttps://www.curioushistory.com/the-story-of-air-conditioners/ filed a patent for an air conditioning unit that could be placed on a window ledge. The units hit the market in 1932 but were not widely purchased due to their high cost. Engineer Henry Galson went on to develop a more compact, inexpensive version of the window air conditioner and set up production lines for several manufacturers. By 1947, 43,000 of these systems were sold — and, for the first time, homeowners could enjoy air conditioning without having to make expensive upgrades.
Our team at AC Dave Heating & Air is dedicated to bringing you the latest in technology, which can seriously reduce your heating and air expenses. If your system needs to be brought into the 21st century, we will be happy to appraise the situation for you and offer our services. When taking on a massive project like this, you need to ensure your Heating & Air company has been doing this work for a while and are fully licensed, and their work is Warrantied, after all, it’s one of the biggest expenses, other than replacing a roof or windows!
Call us today at 661 270 1961 Lic#877683 EST Since 2006
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWAMP COOLERS AND TRADITIONAL HVAC?
Evaporative coolers, known as swamp coolers, are more common here than in most parts of the country, but there’s still some confusion about how they work. Most people are accustomed to a swamp cooler or a traditional central AC, so they’ve never really needed to think about the components involved in the cooling process. What’s the difference between swamp coolers and traditional HVAC?
HOW SWAMP COOLERS WORK
Swamp coolers work using evaporative cooling. The name swamp cooler isn’t exactly accurate. Evaporative cooling works so well in our area because it takes advantage of our typically dry conditions.
A motor pumps water to a pad within the system.
A motor also runs a fan that sucks in warm air and moves it over the pad.
Water on the pad evaporates, a process that requires expending heat energy.
Heat is removed from the air, effectively lowering the air’s temperature by about 10-15° as long as the air is dry enough for evaporation.
REFRIGERATED HVAC UNITS DON’T USE WATER
Central air conditioners work much differently. They typically use refrigeration, a process requiring a chemical called refrigerant to move throughout the system, which means more moving parts and more energy consumed. In brief, here is how a conventional central AC unit works.
A blower fan sucks in air from the house and moves it over the evaporator coil, which cools down through refrigeration.
Refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat from the air as it moves through that indoor coil. This is what allows the coil to cool.
Refrigerant moves to the outdoor compressor, where it gains pressure and heat.
Heat releases as refrigerant become liquid at the outdoor condenser coil. A large fan helps this heat to dissipate into the air.
Refrigerant cycles back through to continue absorbing and releasing heat from the air.
THE PROS AND CONS
We live in an area where we can choose between the two. Swamp coolers are unavailable (or, at least, not recommended) in most parts of the US—anywhere without notoriously dry conditions—but that doesn’t mean they are always the best option in our area.
SWAMP COOLERS
Pros:
Cheaper to install.
Lower monthly costs.
Relatively simple maintenance—may be completed by a homeowner.
Cons:
Not effective on humid days—like during El Nino season.
It may not lower the temperature to your liking (it only goes down about 10-15°.
Maintenance can be complex for a homeowner, especially in the hot summer months.
CENTRAL AC
Pros:
Customizable temperatures from a central thermostat.
Reliable cooling, no matter the humidity.
Modern units are highly efficient, costing less to run than they once did.
Cons:
The major drawback is cost. Installation is more costly than any repairs, and you pay more per month since there is more than just a fan requiring electricity.
It may not last as many years.
We have many requests to retrofit evaporative coolers with central AC, but the choice is ultimately personal. We hope we have helped answer the question:
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWAMP COOLERS AND TRADITIONAL HVAC?
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at 661-270-1961; Our technician will provide the appropriate recommendation for your home.AC Dave Heating & Air will help you decide the best unit for you & your family.
If you are experiencing heating issues this winter, search AC Dave’s list of “Twenty Common Winter heating problems” to see
Twenty Q&A Heating system problems
if we can save you some money.
A heating system that doesn’t turn on when expected can incite panic among homeowners. This common heating problem doesn’t necessarily mean the furnace or heat pump is bad – often, simple problems are the reason why the system doesn’t turn on.
No power to the thermostat
The thermostat controls all communication to the furnace or heat pump – if it doesn’t have power, it doesn’t tell the heating system to start up and heat the home. Fixing thermostat power issues includes replacing batteries, verifying tight electrical connections, and verifying the power supply at the home’s electrical panel for hardwired thermostats.
No power to the heating equipment
If no electricity goes to the heating system, its components will not activate even when the thermostat instructs them to do so. A tripped breaker or flipped the external power switch on the furnace, air handler, or outdoor heat pump may be the reason why.
Improper thermostat settings
Simple thermostat errors prevent heating equipment from starting when expected. Ensure the HEAT setting is selected and verify that any programmed temperature adjustments are correct.
Loose access door
If the door to the furnace or air handler’s blower compartment is loose or not properly closed, this may prevent the system from starting when instructed. Some models have this safety feature to prevent accidents and damage to blower components.
The heating system shuts off shortly after coming on
Heating equipment typically cycles for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. When the system starts up and shuts down again within a minute or two, this issue is known as short cycling. Short cycling has many causes – despite its cause, this issue causes damage to the HVAC equipment and discomfort in the home, leading to higher heating bills and more frequent system repair needs.
dirty temperature sensors, improper location of the device, or even an unlevel older mercury model are all issues that cause short cycling stemming from the thermostat. Gentle cleaning of sensors, recalibration, repositioning, or replacement may be used to solve these issues.
Improper thermostat anticipator calibration
Some older manual thermostats have adjustable heat anticipators which warm up the thermostat’s interior to end a heating cycle prematurely. This is done in anticipation of residual heat in the ducts, allowing it to reach the living areas while avoiding overheating the space. Improper calibration of the anticipator can end heat cycles too early, causing short cycling. They can be adjusted, or the entire thermostat can be upgraded.
Overheating can be caused by poor airflow
Dirty air filters and closed room vents restrict airflow through the furnace, which causes interior components to overheat. The furnace’s limit switch shuts down operation when internal temperatures are too high for safe operation. Replace the furnace filter and check all room vents to ensure they are fully open. A blocked flue pipe can also cause furnace overheating – blockages must be found and cleared not only to prevent short cycling but possible carbon monoxide exposure in the home.
Faulty Flame Sensor In Furnace
The flame sensor detects the presence of a flame when the furnace’s gas valve is open, working to prevent dangerous gas leaks and explosions. When it becomes dirty from soot, it may not detect the flame and the system shuts down shortly after starting as a safety measure. The existing sensor can be cleaned or replaced if broken, as corrosion is a common cause of damage to the component.
Faulty furnace draft inducer motor
Many newer furnaces feature a draft inducer motor that exhausts combustion gases leftover from the prior heating cycle. If its air pressure switch does not detect proper airflow through the heat exchanger, it shuts the furnace down as a safety measure. This malfunction may be caused by an obstructed flue pipe or a fault in the pressure switch or the motor itself.
When a heating system is installed that is too big for the home, it produces more heat fast – this is not a good thing. Air heats up quickly, and the thermostat shuts down the heating cycle once the set temperature is detected. Repetitive short cycles wear out components, leading to higher energy consumption and equipment breakdowns. Replacement is the only solution.
Incorrect blower fan settings
If cool air comes from the vents, it could be due to a constantly running blower fan. Using the ON setting keeps the fan on all the time rather than only during heating cycles – when the heating system does not run, the fan blows cool, unheated air through vents into rooms. Using the AUTO setting avoids this issue.
Dirty furnace filter
Clogged air filters prevent proper airflow through the heating system, which may cause the heating system to overheat. While elements of the furnace or heat pump that produce heat shut down, the blower may still operate, moving cool air into rooms.
Lack of heating fuel
Furnaces often use natural gas, liquid propane, or heating oil to fuel combustion. If fuel reserves are empty or utility gas service has been disrupted, the furnace may come on, but combustion will not occur; therefore, no heat is generated. Refilling fuel storage can correct this issue for liquid propane or heating oil furnaces. Utility outages or damage to gas lines may need to be investigated for natural gas furnace models.
Closed gas valve
A closed gas valve prevents fuel from moving to the ignition system, so the furnace cannot combust fuel to produce heat. The blower motor may still run, but only cool air comes from the vent because no heat is made. The gas valve position can be adjusted, and faulty gas valves are replaced if the valve is stuck in the closed position.
Faulty ignition
If the ignition system fails to initiate, no flame is produced in the burners to combust heating fuel. Ignition issues have many potential causes, from the unit’s pilot light to malfunctioning ignition components, which are detailed in the section below. How to fix a faulty ignition may be possible through do-it-yourself steps or require professional HVAC repair.
Significant duct leaks
allow a large volume of heated air to escape the ducts while allowing cold air infiltration from the surrounding unconditioned spaces. If the furnace runs a heating cycle properly, but rooms receive cold air, drastic heat loss through ducts may be at fault.
Condensate line clog
In high-efficiency condensing furnaces, blockages in the condensate drain line can disrupt system ignition. Clogs or incorrect drainage due to damaged components can cause the furnace’s pressure switch to open as it detects condensate accumulation. Proper drainage must be restored, and excess condensate must be removed before the furnace ignites properly. This issue is often intermittent, as condensate drains and builds back up within the system.
Closed vent louvers
Some vent covers have louvers that open and close to control airflow from the vent. If these louvers are mistakenly closed or become stuck in a closed or partially closed position, airflow into the room is restricted. The space may not receive adequate heating. Check the position of the vent louvers and adjust to solve this issue. When louvers become stuck, it is sometimes possible to repair them. Replacing the vent cover corrects this issue when closed louvers are damaged beyond repair.
Duct leaks
Duct leaks prevent the proper amount of heated air from reaching the room instead of allowing it to escape elsewhere in the home. It is possible to assess the ducts for leaks and make repairs if they are accessible. Professional duct sealing methods provide more reliable repairs and correct issues impacting inaccessible ducts. Not enough return air vents. A home’s duct system is carefully designed to balance the return of air from the interiors back to the heating system. Too few return air inlet vents cause low airflow from room vents due to pressurization – how to fix this airflow issue and the last of the Twenty Common Winter heating problems issue requires the assistance of an experienced HVAC professional.
AC Dave Heating & Air is Licensed and ready to Help. Please call us if you are experiencing any of the twenty Common Winter heating problems and would like us to look at your heating system. Tel: 661 270 1961
Six Reasons Why Changing Your Furnace Filter is So Important
HVAC system maintenance is important both for functionality and for home comfort. Changing your furnace filter is one way to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. Below are six reasons why changing your furnace filter is so important.
Why is it so important to change your furnace filter?
It saves money.
When your air filter is functioning properly, your HVAC system runs more efficiently. This conserves energy, lowering your utility bill. It also prevents the need for future repairs, which makes the upfront cost of replacement filters much more appealing.
It increases your furnace’s lifespan.
A clogged filter can result in an overworked system, reducing your furnace’s lifespan and turning “replacement time” into a necessity rather than an option.
It improves indoor air quality.
An old furnace filter loses its ability to trap pollutants and allergens. Dirty air is circulated, causing health concerns. A new filter captures these allergens, making the air being circulated safely breathe.
It reduces the need for repairs.
Regularly changing your furnace filter keeps other problems at bay. A clean filter means fewer repairs. Contact AC Dave (661) 270-1961 about our maintenance agreements.
It increases energy efficiency.
As already mentioned, an efficient system produces efficient energy use. A clean filter helps prevent energy waste.
It keeps the furnace and your home clean.
Do you enjoy breathing fresh air? That is the air filter’s job. A clean filter results in clean air, which results in happy skin, eyes, and lungs.
How often should you change your furnace’s air filter? There are several principles you should consider when deciding whether or not you should change your furnace filter.
High-efficiency filters do not need to be changed as often as filters with low MERV ratings.
Your furnace filter will likely need to be changed in peak seasons of use, such as winter (heating) and summer (air conditioning). During these periods of frequent system use, you should check your filter monthly and replace it as needed.
Households containing pets or smokers typically require regular filter changes. More contaminants in the air (pet hair, dander, smoking byproducts, etc.) result in clogged filters.
Look for a manufacturer recommendation on your air filter’s packaging that lists the filter’s standard lifespan.
How else can you protect your HVAC system?
On top of changing your furnace filter regularly, you should schedule routine HVAC tune-ups by a licensed professional. Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid problems and save money on future repairs.
The dark and cold winter months don’t have to be miserable; it can be a great time of year just as long as you have a lovely warm home to return to. Your snug and cozy chamber can make the difference in winter, but it’s a different story if something goes wrong with your furnace. Here are six common furnace problems in the winter.
Only Blowing Cold Air
Blocked or filthy filters can cause some of the most common furnace problems in cold weather. Blocked filters impede the free flow of air; therefore, your furnace must work much harder. Not only is this bad economically, but it means your home will stay cold for longer. Make sure the filters are inspected regularly. Ideally, they should be cleaned or replaced every 1-3 months or during routine maintenance. If in doubt, consult one of our specialists at AC Dave Heating & Air, who can show you how to clean and replace your filters.
If your furnace is only blowing out cold air, it could also be a problem with your air ducts. They may be inefficiently insulated, leading to an uneven airflow, and need sealing.
Uneven Airflow
If some of the rooms in your home remain cold while others are adequately heated, an uneven airflow is likely due to the wrong system installed for your home, or the air ducts need attention. Inconsistencies in room temperatures could indicate insulation and draft problems, and that cold air is allowed in rather than a fault with your furnace itself. On the other hand, if there are no insulation issues, airflow may be the problem, and the vents may need adjusting. Consult a specialist at AC Dave Heating & Air to locate the problem.
Excessive Cycling
If your furnace switches on and off frequently, this could indicate a blocked filter, impeded airflow, or an inappropriate thermostat setting. It could also be a sign your house is leaking air.
Carbon Monoxide
This is potentially a severe issue. You must have a carbon monoxide detector fitted to safeguard against leakage. An old furnace may have developed minute cracks from which this lethal gas can get into your living space. If there is such a leek, consult a professional at AC Dave Heating & Air.
Loss of Power & Heat
This one is easy to spot in the depths of winter. Possibly a loss of power to the furnace, faulty pilot light, or ignition system could be the problem. Anything to do with broken pilot lights and ignition systems needs the help of an expert at AC Dave Heating & Air.
The furnace Won’t Turn On
This could depend mainly on the age of your unit and how well it has been maintained. Check the thermostat is set appropriately to “heat” and the fan to “auto.” Check your circuit breaker to see if the circuit has tripped.
These are just six common furnace problems in the winter, and some are more serious than others. Call AC Dave Heating & Air (661) 270-1961 today to ensure your furnace is in perfect working order during winter.
Heating, Ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment will take a big step forward in efficiency and eco-friendliness next year in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know HVAC changes in 2023. Two significant changes will affect heat pumps and central air conditioners.
Here Is What You Need to Know HVAC Changes in 2023. At AC Dave Heating & Air we are here to help you navigate those changes in California. Our qualified technicians have your back whether you need equipment maintenance, repairs, replacement, or installation. We offer solutions tailored to your unique comfort and budget needs.
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) describes cooling system efficiency. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit is. The number represents the unit’s output during the cooling season divided by the amount of electricity the unit used over that same period.
Currently, the efficiency baseline is 13 SEER for heat pumps and air conditioners installed in homes in the northern half of the U.S. and 14 SEER for equipment in the southern half.
Next year the minimum standard goes to 14 SEER for northern states and 15 SEER for southern states.
Heating Efficiency
The minimum rating for heating efficiency also will increase for air-source heat pumps. The heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which describes heat pump efficiency, will increase from 8.2 to 8.8.
The federal government will not require you to replace your older heat pump or air conditioner when the minimum standards change next year. However, if you decide to install new equipment in 2023, you will not be able to buy a 13 SEER model. Your new equipment must be rated 14 SEER at minimum. Your new heat pump also must carry an HSPF rating of 8.8.
If your air conditioner or heat pump is older than 15 years, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model. New equipment offers more energy-saving features, such as two-stage and variable speed compressors and blower motors. Single-stage compressors, for example, work at capacity all the time. However, variable speed is most efficient.
Two-stage and variable speed compressors operate at lower speeds and use less energy most of the time. They also can run at capacity when the temperature rises. Our AC Dave Heating & Air experts can help you determine which features fit you home.
New Refrigerants in 2023
The other significant HVAC change in 2023 involves the kind of refrigerant manufacturers will use in all new air conditioners and heat pumps.
Since 2010, residential cooling systems have contained a refrigerant called R-410a, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). This refrigerant has high global warming potential and could harm the environment if it leaks from a cooling system. For that reason, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing down the manufacture and importation of HFCs by 85 percent over the next 15 years.
Beginning next year, new cooling systems will contain a refrigerant with a lower global warming potential. Several manufacturers, including Carrier, will build heat pumps and air conditioners compatible with R-454b. This refrigerant is more environment-friendly than its predecessors but also mildly flammable. We cannot retrofit existing equipment to use the new refrigerant.
Although R-410a will be available for equipment repairs over the next few decades, no new air conditioners or heat pumps will contain R-410a beginning next year.
Purchasing a new cooling system with your preferred refrigerant is all in the timing. If you want a new unit with R-410a, buy it this year. You will start saving money immediately on utility bills by upgrading to a high-efficiency system.
If you prefer R-454b, called Puron Advance in Carrier products, wait until 2023. At AC Dave Heating & Air our trained professionals can walk you through the pros and cons of the changes in HVAC in 2023. Call AC Dave Heating & Air 661 270 1961 to schedule your appointment.
As the holidays approach, thankfulness and gratitude are easier for most of us since we hear how thankful we should be. Being thankful and having gratitude is more than receiving or giving gifts, saying Thank You to someone, or giving compliments. Being thankful and having gratitude goes so much deeper than that. It is a true awareness and an acceptance of the world, accepting people for their goodness and their shortcomings, accepting change and how the world changes. Most of all, being thankful for belonging and being in the world.
It doesn’t always come naturally with our busy lives and the many stresses we all have so we might have to work very hard at being thankful by practicing and training our hearts and minds. Through the worst times in our lives, when we think we cannot see any positive outcome or light at the end of the tunnel – that is when we need to be thankful and have gratitude. As difficult as that might seem, gratitude and being thankful can bring sunshine back into our lives.
Decreasing cortisol levels and perhaps increasing oxytocin, the bonding hormone involved in relationships that make us feel so good
We all have things to be grateful for and thankful
Sometimes we get caught up in our busy lifestyles, and we don’t take the time to practice gratitude or be thankful. We forget about the many blessings we have and the good in our world. It is so easy to take things for granted without even realizing how blessed our lives are in a world where so many people suffer every day through the pain of war, hunger, and disease and do not have proper clothing to wear or a home to live in!
Let your heart be filled with gratitude and love so we can pass it on to others and start healing our world. Whether it is the holidays or any day of the year, take the time to practice gratitude and appreciation for all our many blessings and gifts. We should cherish every day that we are alive and loved.
At AC Dave Heating & Air, we want our customers and customers who are our friends to know how grateful we are for your loyalty and support over the past 16 years. Should you need HVAC service, please call 661 270-1961 to schedule a visit from one of our technicians. Happy Thanksgiving from the AC Dave & Heating & Air family.
HVAC maintenance is essential to keep both your system and your air quality in good condition while your furry best friend is shedding. Here are a few practical maintenance tips to take care of your HVAC, your pet, and your air quality all at once by:
Making Sure That Your Pets Are Well Groomed
Maintaining HVAC Air Filters.
Outdoor Activities
Building A Barrier Around Your Outdoor Condenser
Seek Help From The HVAC Professionals.
1. Know your animal’s unique needs
Cats, puppies, and short-coated dogs are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. Some dogs, especially short-coated breeds, puppies, and elderly dogs, may benefit from a dog sweater or coat as an extra layer of warmth.
Brushing your pet regularly is definitely the most enjoyable HVAC maintenance activity. Brushing your dog, cat, rabbit, or other furry companion picks hair up into the brush and drops it on the ground, meaning less fur can float into the air and clog up the filter. Weather-permitting, it’s even better to brush them outside because loose fur can fly away in the wind instead of becoming part of your home air system.
Your indoor air intake is also a suction for hair and dander. You want it to be because it pulls all the dust and allergens into the filter so that home air quality is improved by the HVAC cycle. You can make each filter last longer by picking up as much pet hair as possible with the vacuum instead. In addition to brushing your pet regularly, be sure to vacuum twice or more a week to pick up all the shedding that has settled into the carpet and furniture.
2. Change Air Filters More Frequently
Pet hair and dander can clog your filter faster than in a standard fur-free home. Pet dander is one of the most well-known allergens in the world. While there are hundreds of pollen varieties, a pet in the house is a sure source of allergens for about 20% of the population who are allergic. This is a good reason to increase the quality of the filters you buy.
which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It measures the efficiency of a filter. Lower MERV ratings filter less, while higher MERV ratings enter the clean-room levels of filtration. MERV 5-8 filters are standard for modern homes. If you’d like to reduce allergies, look for filters with a MERV of 10-12. These trap smaller particles – like pet dander 3– and prevent the allergens from filling your HVAC unit as dust or coming back into your home air through the vents.
If your filters or HVAC are rated for one new filter every three months, try every two months or two and a half, and keep an eye on your filters for signs that they are topped up with pet hair, and it’s time for a change.
3. Outdoor activities
Some dogs want to be outside regardless of the weather. Even if your dog has a thick coat, keep an eye on them when they are outside playing to watch for early signs that they’re cold, such as holding up paws or shivering. Remember to knock on the hood of your car or sound the horn before starting the engine. Cats hiding under hoods can be injured or killed by the fan belt.
Keep an eye out for antifreeze, or other automotive leaks in your driveway. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can be attractive to animals and can be fatal if ingested.
Use a damp towel to wipe your pet’s paws and underside if they’ve walked along salted sidewalks or roads. Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice on roads and sidewalks can irritate and burn your pet’s sensitive paws and can cause illness if ingested.
4.Build a Fence Around Your Outdoor Air Conditioner
If your pets spend time in the backyard, be sure to protect your outdoor air conditioner unit. The condenser is a giant suction unit. Its vents actually pull outdoor air in as part of cycling the air indoors. If your pet rubs on the condenser as dogs and cats sometimes do, they send their fur and dander directly into the unit. This can clog your outdoor unit and can send dander into your HVAC system from outdoors.
If you have an animal that pees on upright objects like trees, then the condenser is also at risk. Urine is acidic, and in yards where a dog has regularly peed on the condenser, you will find the fins completely etched away by the acid.
5.Twice Annual HVAC Maintenance
Finally, keep up with your HVAC maintenance. A house with pets is full of love, but it’s also full of fur, which puts extra stress on your HVAC system. An HVAC maintenance schedule includes an inspection and tune-up once to twice a year. On the first inspection, mention that you have a pet (or pets) and want to ensure pet fur isn’t choking the system.
Your technician will take a close look at the indoor and outdoor units, provide maintenance services and make suggestions on how to best take care of your unit and protect it from excessive pet hair issues.
With the temperatures getting hotter, AC Dave Heating & Air would like you to know that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are preventable. Do You Know the Symptoms of Heat Stroke? Read on for some do’s and don’ts.
According to the CDC, signs of heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, include:
Body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or more (40 degrees Celsius)
Fainting
Confusion
Fast and strong pulse
Dizziness
Skin that is hot to the touch. The skin may also be red, dry, or damp.
Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting
DO
Call 911 immediately if someone is showing heat stroke symptoms
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. In the U.S., dial 911.
While you wait for help, the CDC recommends that you provide first-aid treatment:
Move the person to a cooler place out of the sun.
Cool the person by applying cold, wet clothes or by placing the person in a cool-water bath.
DON’T:
Do not delay care, even if you are worried that the person may contract COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Hospitals are working to protect patients during the pandemic, for example, by limiting visitors and separating COVID-19 patients from others.
If a person shows heat stroke symptoms, do not force them to drink water or other fluids.
DO:
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a less serious condition than heat stroke. But without treatment, it can progress to heat stroke, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The CDC lists the following symptoms of heat exhaustion:
Heavy sweating
Cold, pale, and clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Tiredness or weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Fainting
The CDC advises you to treat heat exhaustion by taking these steps:
Move to a cooler place out of the sun.
Remove or loosen your clothes.
Cool yourself by applying cold, wet clothes or by bathing in cool water.
Take sips of water.
Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of these problems:
You vomit
Your symptoms worsen
Your symptoms do not go away within one hour
To reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, watch the forecast
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are more likely to occur when the weather is hot, so monitoring the weather forecast is an important prevention step. Keep in mind that asphalt and concrete absorb heat, so if you live in an urban area with many parking lots, buildings, and other structures, your block may be significantly warmer than other areas of your city. High humidity is also dangerous. On hot days, you cool down as sweat evaporates from your skin. But when the air is very humid, sweat evaporates from your body only slowly, which prevents it from cooling itself effectively. When you check the weather forecast, look for the heat index, a number that includes the effects of both temperature and humidity levels. If the heat index is 91 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should take steps to stay cool, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Make sure to drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Avoid exercising outdoors during the hottest times of the day.
If you are playing, exercising, or working outdoors, take breaks to cool down under shade.
If you supervise people who are playing or working in hot weather, offer them plenty of chances to take breaks and drink water.
Seek shelter during heat waves. To stay healthy, your body needs a break from high heat and humidity. If you do not have air conditioning, seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings. Many communities offer cooling centers in libraries and other public spaces. But those buildings may be closed or have limited capacity because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so also consider these options:
Do you have friends or family members living in an air-conditioned building who would allow you to shelter with them?
Do you know someone who would allow you to borrow a window AC unit?
Is your local government offering window AC units or temporary shelter in spaces where self-isolation is possible, such as in hotel rooms?
Know who is most at risk for heat-related illnesses
Anyone may fall ill because of overheating, but some people are at special risk:
Athletes
Outdoor workers
People who lack access to air conditioning
Children
People aged 65 or older
People who take certain drugs. According to the Mayo Clinic, some drugs may reduce your body’s ability to maintain its temperature or hydration levels. Such drugs include beta-blockers, diuretics, antihistamines, tranquilizers, antipsychotics, and others.
Understand that global warming is making heat waves more frequent
Carbon pollution from vehicles, factories, and power plants is trapping extra heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, much like an overly thick blanket can trap too much heat around you at night. That extra heat is making heat waves more frequent.
Please stay safe. Remember to CALL 911 if you or an elderly friend or family member is experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness.
There are several things you can do on your HVAC unit that will help you determine its efficiency. You will need to check and determine the following aspects that could play a part in how well it is performing: Below are four ways to improve your HVAC systems efficiency:
1 . You Keep Paying to Repair an Old System
Buying a new heating and air conditioning system is a significant investment. If your HVAC system must be fixed frequently, you could just be throwing money away on repairs. You might be trying to hang on to your old unit to avoid the cost of buying a new one. Of course, occasional repair issues happen with HVAC systems.
Investing in a new unit can avoid repair issues and save money over time. With a new, energy-efficient unit, you may be able to save on your heating and cooling bills in the long run.
If you’re unsure whether your unit needs to be replaced, consider having it looked at by AC Dave Heating & Air. Then, you can get professional advice about whether it’s time for a replacement. You can also get advice about the best unit to purchase for your home.
You Don’t Have a Programmable Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat is an excellent idea for many families. With a programmable thermostat, you can avoid heating and cooling your home all day when no one is home. You can also avoid walking into a hot or cold house after a long day. Your programmable thermostat can be programmed to suit your lifestyle and preferences. Investing in a programmable thermostat is an excellent idea for many families.
You’re Using Other Sources of Heat or Air Conditioning
Some people are under the impression that using space heaters in the winter can be a more affordable way to heat the home. Even though a space heater may be able to save you money if you’re only heating a small room, it’s generally not as efficient as using your heating unit.
In addition, an HVAC system that’s working properly can keep your home at a more comfortable temperature than a space heater can.
The same principle is true with window unit air conditioners during the hot and humid summers. If you don’t use your system for cooling, you could still feel hot and sticky and might also end up with a higher electric bill.
You Haven’t Had Your Unit Serviced
When you’re busy with other things, it’s easy to put off things like having your HVAC unit serviced. This big mistake can cost you money in a few ways. For example, when a professional services your HVAC unit, they will help ensure that your unit is operating as efficiently as possible. This can help you save on heating and cooling bills.
Additionally, failing to service your HVAC unit can lead to excessive wear and tear. If your HVAC unit has not been serviced, it could be more prone to breakdowns. If it hasn’t been adequately maintained, it might have to be replaced sooner. It’s a good idea to have your unit serviced seasonally to save money and ensure that your family stays comfortable.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, then it might be time to implement one or more of the four ways to improve your HVAC systems efficiency. For help, contact us today at AC Dave Heating & Air (661) 270-1961. Our Nate-trained experts will advise you on repairing or replacing your system. We’ll provide a solution to your heating and cooling problems that is best for your family.
