It’s no secret that summertime in Riverside, CA, is hot with dry heat. While many enjoy spending time outdoors in the heat, most residents also like to cool off indoors under their air conditioners. Unfortunately, the lack of routine AC maintenance causes homeowners to have preventable AC breakdowns and costly repairs at times when they need a reliable air conditioner.

Maintaining an air conditioner is a necessary chore that many homeowners overlook, because they don’t understand the significance of the task or how it affects more than their comfort. The Dragonfly team is here to educate you on the importance of AC maintenance in Riverside, CA and the benefits the service can provide.

What Is AC Maintenance?

AC maintenance is a series of steps for keeping the cooling unit running near peak performance. The service is similar to taking your car for an oil change or going to a doctor for a yearly checkup. Instead of waiting for problems to arise with your air conditioner, preventative maintenance ensures the system is safe, functional, and ready for use each spring and summer.

Maintenance includes thorough inspections from Dragonfly’s skilled HVAC technicians. Our professionals have ample training and hands-on experience to recognize early warning signs of damage and wear. They know how to make the system more efficient, so it doesn’t need excessive energy to produce cold air.

During the inspection, the technician will perform several tasks, such as:

• Clearing the drain line
• Replacing the air filter
• Cleaning the condenser unit outside
• Checking all electrical components
• Assessing the refrigerant levels
• Inspect all air conditioning components
• Repair or replace damaged parts

What Are The Advantages Of Maintaining Your Air Conditioner?

With the proper maintenance, your air conditioner will run smoothly and have greater energy efficiency all summer long. It also dramatically reduces the risk of the unit experiencing unexpected breakdowns that require costly repairs or a complete system replacement sooner than later. Below we have provided five benefits of scheduling AC maintenance in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and surrounding areas with a Dragonfly technician.

• Save Money
• Better Energy Efficiency
• Enhanced Comfort
• Improved Carbon Footprint
• Peace Of Mind

Save Money

When your air conditioner doesn’t operate optimally due to a dirty air filter, frozen evaporator coil, blocked vents, or another common problem, it will overwork itself to compensate for the issue. The extra work uses additional energy, which leads to costly energy expenses. A chore as simple as replacing a filthy filter can reduce an AC’s energy consumption by up to 15%, according to the Department of Energy.

Another way to save money with air conditioner maintenance is an extended lifespan on your equipment. With maintenance, the unit receives all its repairs and performance-related adjustments, so it’s less likely to break down prematurely. Most well-maintained air conditioners last between 15 to 20 years.

Better Energy Efficiency

The biggest electricity consumer in your home is your HVAC system. An AC unit needs a large amount of energy to work properly. Still, you can reduce its energy consumption and maximize the system’s energy efficiency with routine maintenance. Every part of an air conditioner works in tandem to produce and circulate chilled air throughout your house. When a single component breaks, lacks maintenance, is faulty, or has an improper installation, it affects everything else in a chain reaction, causing greater energy consumption.

Enhanced Comfort

Nothing is better than walking into a chilled home after a long day in heat and sunlight. With routine AC maintenance, you can enjoy that sensation throughout the spring and summer months. Your unit will have more even cooling and provide a steady distribution of chilled air.

Improved Carbon Footprint

A surprising benefit of air conditioner maintenance to many people in Riverside is an improved carbon footprint. When you run your air conditioner or furnace, you’re consuming energy. Energy that runs on fossil fuel combustion contributes to air pollution. Though you can’t run your air conditioner without electricity, you can reduce how much fossil fuel it consumes through maintenance and improved energy efficiency.

Peace of Mind

The last thing you want to experience on a sweltering day is a broken air conditioner, but unexpected situations can and will occur. Fortunately, you can rest assured your maintenance endeavors include the necessary steps to reduce the risk of having an AC problem severe enough to trigger a costly system breakdown.

When Should You Schedule AC Maintenance In Fontana, CA?

Ideally, professional HVAC maintenance should occur at least twice a year. You can schedule a furnace tune-up in the fall to ensure your heating system is ready for Riverside’s mild but chilly winters. For AC maintenance, it’s best to contact a qualified contractor in the spring for a tune-up.

You might choose to wait until summer is in full swing to book the appointment, but that’s not the wise thing to do. Summertime is when most AC technicians are busy. If your unit breaks down or fails to keep your home cool when temperatures are high and you wait too long for a tune-up, you could find yourself waiting even longer for an appointment. Instead, book the service in the spring and make sure the unit is ready to battle the heat.

Although we recommend scheduling AC maintenance during the spring season, it is never too late to start taking care of your air conditioner! If you have yet to schedule preventative maintenance for your AC unit, give the Dragonfly experts a call to keep your air conditioner running efficiently for the remainder of summer!

What To Do Between Tune-Ups

If you decide to schedule the service annually, you can still take steps to maintain your cooling system until the next appointment. Here are several do-it-yourself tips for maintaining an air conditioner:

• Change or clean air filters at least once every 90 days
• Clean the vents
• Ensure the outdoor unit has at least two feet of clearance on all sides
• Turn your thermostat up a few degrees at night and when no one is home
• Call an HVAC professional at the first sign of trouble

Contact Dragonfly Heating & Cooling For Professional AC Maintenance In Corona, CA

With over 12 years of HVAC experience, our Dragonfly Heating & Cooling team is available to deliver outstanding HVAC services to clients throughout Orange County. We employ certified technicians with the expertise, skills, and tools to maintain all air conditioner types properly. We offer comprehensive monthly maintenance plans at competitive rates. Call 951-684-0880 to schedule reliable AC maintenance in Riverside, CA, with our experts at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling.

When your air conditioner is functioning properly, it shouldn’t create any sort of unpleasant odor in your home. If your Riverside, CA home constantly smells damp, dusty, or moldy, your cooling system may be to blame. The good news is that there are eight easy ways to both solve the problem and keep it from recurring.

1. CHECK AND CHANGE YOUR HVAC AIR FILTER

Clogged HVAC filters inhibit airflow. As a result, air conditioners must work harder to pull air in and distribute it. When paired with limited air movement, this extra stress causes excess moisture in air ducts, and it creates the perfect conditions for mold development.

There’s also the fact that dirty air filters harbor dust, dander, fur, and other allergens and contaminants that they’ve collected over time. If you forget to change your HVAC air filter for too long, thick clumps of this debris can get blown off and distributed with your conditioned air.

HVAC air filters should be inspected once each month. Filter changes should be performed once every one to three months based on your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ), air conditioner use, and other factors. When you’re greeted by a strong, musty odor upon turning your AC system on, always check the air filter first.

It’s also important to make sure that you’re using the correct filter type and size. HVAC air filters are issued with maximum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings. The higher a filter’s MERV rating is, the more particulates it’s able to collect. High-rated filters can capture and retain smaller-sized particulates than standard air filters can. However, if you choose an option that’s rated too high, its enhanced filtration abilities could impede airflow, cause humidity problems, and create perfect conditions for musty odors. If you’ve recently upgraded your HVAC air filter, have us check it out to make sure that it’s a good fit for your HVAC system.

2. INSPECT THE AC CONDENSATE DRAIN FOR CLOGS

As warm air passes over an air conditioner’s evaporator coils, moisture and heat are absorbed, and condensation forms. This condensation drips down the evaporator coil into the condensate pan. It is then routed out of the home via the condensate drain.

If the condensate drain is ever clogged or slow-moving, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens can flourish. When paired with stagnant water, these germs will fill your home with a pungent, lingering smell. We can clear your condensate drain as needed. We can also check the drain pan for cracks, holes, and other structural damage.

3. CLEAN YOUR AIR CONDITIONER’S COILS

Excessively dirty evaporator coils can also lead to funky AC odors. AC coils are where heat transfer takes place and thus, they’re constantly subjected to the unfiltered outside air that gets pulled in. Over time, this can leave them coated in dirt, pollen, and other elements. Given that moisture is constantly being produced here during heat transfer, dirty evaporator coils are often riddled with odor-causing germs. During routine AC maintenance, your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil will both be thoroughly inspected and cleaned.

4. SCHEDULE AIR DUCT CLEANING

Most homes only need their air ducts cleaned about once every three to five years. However, if you have one or more pressing IAQ concerns, you might want to schedule these services more often. HVAC air duct cleaning eliminates trapped particulates that have bypassed the HVAC air filter, or have found their way in via rips, tears, or other structural damage. During duct cleaning service, all internal build-ups of debris are removed, and structural issues are identified and repaired.

5. WIPE DOWN ALL AIR REGISTERS, GRILLES, AND VENTS

If you have an excessively dirty air filter, you can expect to find the same lint-like build-ups that accumulate on these components at all air registers, vents, or grilles. You can wipe these features off with a soft, damp cloth. If necessary, you can also remove vent covers and grilles, and gently suction out debris with your vacuum cleaner’s hose and attachments.

6. SCHEDULE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

If you’re handy, there’s a fair amount of AC maintenance that you can safely do on your own. Regularly changing your HVAC air filter and periodically wiping down HVAC air grilles will keep your indoor air quality high. However, air conditioners also require a number of yearly maintenance tasks that homeowners shouldn’t perform. To keep your AC in top condition, you need the help of a professional.

If you’ve been neglecting annual AC tune-ups for quite some time, this may be the source of your trouble. During AC maintenance service, we inspect condensate pans and condensate drain lines, clean AC coils, remove blockages, and ensure balanced humidity and airflow. All these things contribute to healthier and fresher-smelling indoor air, and better overall AC performance. Our AC tune-up service offers the perfect opportunity to identify the underlying causes of unpleasant AC odors and resolve them.

7. INVEST IN PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICE

At times, air ducts may be harboring pests or the carcasses of animals that have wandered into these systems before getting trapped. Raccoon, mice, and other small to medium-sized animals frequently enter air ducts in search of shelter and warmth. If your air ducts smell especially rank or if you notice strange noises coming from your ductwork, you should contact a pest control service.

Pest problems in HVAC air ducts are common in homes that are struggling with pests in other areas. If you’re currently battling a rodent infestation in your basement or attic, you can’t assume that your HVAC air ducts are unaffected. Pest control companies can identify viable points of entry in your ducting, remove dead or dying animals, and establish an ongoing pest management plan for prevention. For problems like these, we’re here to help too. We can deodorize and disinfect all affected areas, shore up access points, and repair damaged ducting or other damaged HVAC features.

8. CONSIDER THE BENEFITS OF INTEGRATED HVAC ACCESSORIES

Among the most common causes of musty AC smells is excess moisture. This could be excess moisture in your air ducts due to a dirty, blocked filter, or excess moisture as the result of an obstructed condensate drain. However, in some instances, high levels of indoor humidity are to blame for the moisture gathering in your system. You may have an especially large household with lots of active bodies, poor ventilation, under-performing exhaust fans, or other moisture-generating issues that are specific to your home or family.

For issues like these, whole-house dehumidification could be the best solution. In instances in which indoor air is notably low in quality and persistently foul-smelling, air scrubbers, air purifiers, or media filters might be required. We can help you find the right integrated HVAC accessories for improving your IAQ. For stubborn AC odors that aren’t responsive to other solutions, call us for an indoor air quality consultation.

We’ve been proudly serving residents of Riverside, CA, and the surrounding area since 2010. We offer heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. We also provide smart thermostats and ductless mini-splits. If you need help fixing your musty air conditioner, give Dragonfly Heating & Cooling a call.

As we wave goodbye to the winter season, it is important to ensure your home is ready for the spring and summer temperatures. Many freshen up the exterior of their homes and deep clean the inside to welcome the new season. However, be sure to not forget about your air conditioner on your spring to-do list! The California sun can create a large workload for your air conditioning system, which is why it needs to be properly prepared and cared for. Spring AC maintenance can provide a variety of benefits for your home and ensure your comfort remains all summer long. In this blog, we discuss the details of AC maintenance in Riverside, CA and the advantages the service can provide.

Why Is Spring Maintenance Important?

Many homeowners wonder if air conditioning maintenance is necessary each spring. When you schedule AC maintenance in Corona, California and surrounding areas, a Dragonfly technician will thoroughly inspect each component of your air conditioner. It can be difficult to identify when your AC system needs repair until the unit breaks down. Your technician can identify a problem and perform its needed repair to prevent future issues from arising. AC maintenance is essentially a preventative service to avoid an uncomfortable and costly repair or breakdown in the middle of a California summer. Scheduling maintenance in the spring ensures your air conditioner is properly prepared and ready to provide cool air for your home the moment you need it. To answer the common homeowner question: Yes, spring AC maintenance is necessary each spring season!

What Is Included In AC Maintenance?

At Dragonfly Heating and Air, we offer many different services for all types of air conditioners. Specific maintenance services depend on the type of air conditioning unit your home utilizes. However, our expert technicians perform the following tasks at each maintenance service:

• Calibrate thermostat
• Confirm electrical connections
• Lubricate all moving parts
• Change air filters
• Inspect drain line
• Clean coils
• Check refrigerant levels
• And more!

How AC Maintenance Can Benefit Your Home

With the warm temperatures we see here in Riverside, it is important to have a properly working air conditioning system. Scheduling spring maintenance ensures there are no underlying issues that will lead to an uncomfortable breakdown or costly repair. Along with preventing future issues, spring maintenance can provide a variety of other benefits. Below we have listed 5 of the many advantages that come with scheduling AC maintenance with a Dragonfly technician.

• Lengthen Lifespan
• Lower Energy Costs
• Fewer Repairs
• Improve Air Quality
• Peace Of Mind

Lengthen Lifespan

The average air conditioner lasts 15-20 years if well maintained. Air conditioning units are complex systems with various different components working together to effectively cool your home. If one component malfunctions, it can affect the whole system and lead to a breakdown. Over time, constant malfunctions can expose components to wear and tear and decrease the unit’s lifespan. Regular air conditioning maintenance catches underlying problems and repairs them before they damage other components.

Lower Energy Costs

If your air conditioner has an underlying malfunction, it is using more energy to effectively cool your home. The more energy the unit uses, the higher your monthly utility bills will be. Spring maintenance allows a Dragonfly technician to improve your AC unit’s overall efficiency and keep your monthly costs to a minimum!

Fewer Repairs

As most locals know, California summers can be hot and humid. A homeowner’s worst nightmare would be to experience no air conditioning during a heat wave due to an unexpected breakdown. Scheduling spring AC maintenance allows a technician to identify problems ahead of time and prevent future repairs. You can enjoy your summer without having to worry about many air conditioning repairs in Riverside, CA with preventive AC maintenance.

Improve Air Quality

A Dragonfly technician will perform many tasks to improve your home’s air quality during AC maintenance. Outdoor air conditioning units can collect debris and other small particles, which can find its way into your home from time to time. It is important to have a technician thoroughly clean your AC unit at the beginning of the season to ensure you are breathing in clean air. Additionally, a Dragonfly technician will change each air filter in your home to ensure it is ready to catch allergens for the next 3 months.

Peace Of Mind

Many homeowners enjoy summer by vacationing and relaxing. Your air conditioner is the last thing on your mind when experiencing the various activities of the summer season. However, your peace is disrupted if your air conditioning unit suddenly breaks down and leaves your home uncomfortably warm. Scheduling AC maintenance can help avoid situations such as these and maintain a peace of mind that your air conditioner is functioning efficiently and effectively.

Constantly keeping your home at a cool and comfortable temperature can present a large workload for your air conditioner, which is why the unit needs to be properly prepared! Much like your car, your air conditioning unit needs to be serviced by a professional each year. Let the experts at Dragonfly Heating and Air keep your AC unit working smoothly this summer with our AC maintenance services in Riverside, CA and surrounding areas!

Air conditioning is an essential feature of most modern homes, providing a comfortable indoor climate in hot weather. However, it can be frustrating when it malfunctions or doesn’t work as expected. Understanding common air conditioning problems can help you identify issues and prevent them from becoming more severe. Here are 10 air conditioning problems you should know about.

1. NOT BLOWING COLD AIR

If you are experiencing a lack of cool air from your air conditioner, a few underlying issues could be the cause. You could have a low refrigerant level in the AC unit, possibly due to a refrigerant line leakage. Alternatively, a malfunctioning compressor could be the culprit. This can result from a blown a fuse or a defective electrical switch. If your air conditioner’s compressor isn’t operational, it won’t be able to properly circulate the refrigerant, resulting in a lack of cold air production.

Another potential issue could be that the evaporator coil in the AC is frozen; this can occur if the air filter is clogged or if the airflow around the evaporator coil is blocked. If the evaporator coil is frozen, it won’t be able to absorb heat from the air, thus preventing the AC from producing cold air.

2. LEAKING

Maintaining an air conditioner is essential to ensure it functions appropriately and prevents leaks. Clogging of the drain pan, which collects water removed from the air, is one of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak. If the drain pan is not regularly emptied, the water can overflow and begin to spill out.

Failure of the condensate pump is another cause of an air conditioning system leaking water. The condensate pump helps to get rid of water from the drain pan, and if it fails, the water will accumulate and eventually cause a leak. In some cases, a defective condensate pump can also lead to water backing up into your home, which can cause severe damage. If you spot your AC unit leaking water, get it serviced by a certified technician immediately.

3. TRIPPING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER

A circuit breaker is a safety device that trips when there is an overload of current in an electrical circuit. This prevents damage to the electrical system and keeps you from being electrocuted. If your AC trips the circuit breaker, too much current is running through the system. Several things, including a faulty compressor, a shortage in the wiring, or a problem with the air conditioner itself, can cause the tripping of a circuit breaker. If you suspect this is the problem, it’s recommended to call a qualified technician to come and take a look at it.

4. UNUSUAL ODOR COMING FROM THE UNIT

If you notice an unusual odor coming from your air conditioning unit, it could be a sign of a problem. The most common cause is a buildup of dirt and debris in the system. Other causes of an unusual odor from your air conditioner include:

• Dirty coils
• Leaking refrigerant
• Mold or mildew growth

It’s essential to have any strange odor your air conditioner may emit checked out by a professional, even if the unit functions correctly in all other ways.

5. THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTION

Thermostat malfunction is a common issue among air conditioning systems. This can result in the temperature of the air conditioning system remaining higher than expected, making it difficult to cool the room. This sort of malfunction could be due to several causes, including a faulty thermostat, a malfunctioning air conditioner, or a lack of power to the thermostat.

If the thermostat is not working as it should, it is important to have it checked by a qualified technician to determine the reason. Sometimes, you may need to replace the thermostat or service the air conditioner. If the thermostat works correctly, you may need to adjust the temperature settings to a lower level. Once the thermostat is back to normal, the air conditioning system should return to its average temperature.

6. AC UNIT DOESN’T TURN ON

If your air conditioner is not functioning at all, there are a few potential issues you should look into. Begin by confirming that the electrical plug is connected and the power switch is on. After that, inspect your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure that the circuit for your air conditioner has not been tripped or blown. If it has, seek help from a certified HVAC technician.

7. CLOGGED AIR FILTER

A clogged air filter can cause a range of problems with your air conditioning equipment, including reduced airflow and circulation. A clogged air filter will reduce the amount of air that moves through the system and cause the compressor to work harder, reducing its efficiency and increasing the energy used to cool your home. It can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze, potentially leading to ice buildup.

In addition, a clogged air filter can lead to poor air quality in your home, as airborne pollutants are not properly filtered out. It is important to regularly change your air filter to ensure that your air conditioning system is working optimally and providing the best air quality possible.

8. FAULTY COMPRESSOR

The compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant throughout the AC system, and if it fails, the entire system can shut down. Various issues, including a defective start capacitor, a bad motor, a clogged condenser, or a lack of lubrication, can cause a compressor failure. If the compressor is malfunctioning, it’s best to call a professional to inspect and fix the issue. Without the proper repair, the system may not be able to cool your home sufficiently, leading to more costly repairs in the future.

9. FAN PROBLEMS

Fan problems can range from a simple obstruction of the fan blades to a more serious electrical failure. One of the most common fan problems is a blockage or interference with the blades, which can cause the fan to be noisy and not move air as efficiently.

Another frequent issue is overheating, which can occur when the fan runs for extended periods. In addition, a damaged or worn-out motor can cause the fan to become unresponsive or to stop running altogether. It is important to check that the fan is connected to a properly grounded outlet to avoid the risk of electric shock. If any of these issues are present, it is best to call a professional to inspect and repair the fan.

10. FROZEN EVAPORATOR COIL

A frozen evaporator coil can be a serious issue for air conditioning units. Freezing happens when the evaporator coil cannot absorb enough heat from the air passing over it, causing it to freeze up. This can lead to a number of problems, including a decrease in cooling efficiency, water leaking onto the floor, and eventual system failure. To prevent this issue, it is important to keep the evaporator coil clean and free of debris. This will help ensure that the air can pass over it unimpeded and reduce the risk of freezing up.

At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling in Riverside, we understand how important it is to keep your AC system running smoothly and efficiently. That’s why we offer a wide range of services, including AC repair, installation, and maintenance, to ensure your system functions at its best. We also provide heating installation, repair, and maintenance. Call us at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling today for more information.

Many of us rely on an HVAC system to keep us cool in the summer and warm in the winter. With all the use we put these systems through, they can begin to wear and start to work less efficiently over time. This results in higher energy bills, shorter equipment life, and other issues. Fortunately, you can prevent many HVAC-related problems by ensuring that you schedule regular maintenance with a respected company like Dragonfly Heating & Cooling in Riverside. With a well-maintained system, you can enjoy a number of benefits.

1. HVAC MAINTENANCE WILL REDUCE ENERGY COSTS AND USAGE

When you have scheduled maintenance for your HVAC system, it can continue to work in an efficient manner for as long as possible. Having an efficient HVAC system is able to decrease your energy consumption and keep more money in your pocket. In fact, research has shown that regular maintenance can decrease residential energy bills by as much as 30%. These cost-savings alone could be enough to cover the cost of having your system maintained.

2. IMPROVED AIR QUALITY

As your HVAC system operates, dust and other debris can build up on air filters and internal components, as well as in your ducts. During a maintenance visit, an HVAC technician will clean all of these components, change or clean air filters, and inspect your ducts for debris buildup. This means that you will enjoy cleaner indoor air by having regular maintenance. High-quality indoor air is especially important for those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.

In between maintenance visits, it’s also important for your to do your part to keep your air clean. This includes regularly changing your air filters. In general, your filters should be changed every 90 days, but you may need to change them more frequently if you have pets or family members who have allergies.

3. LONGER-LASTING HVAC EQUIPMENT

When your HVAC system is maintained, it will last longer. Like any other appliance, your heating and cooling systems experience wear and tear with daily use. This wear and tear can cause your system to work harder than necessary to heat and cool your home. Without maintenance, general wear and tear can become a major issue that can lead to costly repairs and premature breakdowns.

Most people can expect their HVAC system to last around 15 years, but this is only true if you get regular maintenance. Without it, the system’s lifespan may be cut in half. While it costs some money, investing in preventative maintenance can easily save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

4. INCREASED COMFORT

Another more noticeable benefit to regular HVAC maintenance is a more comfortable home. In addition to increasing equipment strain, neglecting your maintenance will make it more difficult for your heating and air system to do its job. You may experience hot and cold spots throughout your home or low airflow. These problems are a catch-22 because they often cause you to crank the thermostat up or down, which leads to even more wear and tear and greater inefficiencies. Keeping your system maintained will prevent all of this and help you enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment.

5. MAINTENANCE PROVIDES A SAFER HOME

When you schedule a maintenance visit with Dragonfly Heating & Cooling, our service technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of all system components. They will visually inspect the furnace and air conditioning filters and all hoses and pipes running to your system. They will also check carbon monoxide levels. By having the carbon monoxide levels and gas pipes and fittings checked, your family will have a lower risk of dangerous leaks. This poisoning can occur even if the levels are low. This is why it is important to have maintenance conducted. If any potential issues are uncovered, the tech will provide a repair to keep you and your family safe.

6. REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Along with driving up your utility bills, an HVAC system that uses more energy than necessary uses more resources and puts a greater strain on the environment. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the energy used to heat and cool homes throughout the United States creates twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as cars. So, if you are concerned about climate change and reducing your environmental impact, ensuring that your HVAC system is well maintained should be a top priority.

7. A MORE RELIABLE HVAC SYSTEM

With regular maintenance, you can count on your system to work well whenever you need it to. You also don’t need to be concerned that a major repair or sudden breakdown will occur and set you back thousands of dollars. You can have peace of mind that our maintenance technicians have thoroughly inspected your system and corrected any minor issues that could become major problems.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SCHEDULE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE?

Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits that regular maintenance provides, you may be wondering when and how often you should schedule an HVAC tune-up. In general, most HVAC technicians and manufacturers recommend that you get at least annual maintenance. However, some manufacturers require twice-annual maintenance visits in order to keep your warranty intact. If you are under an HVAC warranty, it’s important to check the terms to see how often maintenance is required, or you could find yourself paying out of pocket for equipment repairs.

As far as the timing of maintenance visits, spring and fall are generally the best times to schedule an appointment. A spring visit gives your HVAC technicians the chance to look over your furnace after it has been heating your home during the winter and prepare your air conditioner for the upcoming cooling season. The opposite is true of a fall maintenance visit. Summer and winter maintenance visits are not ideal because these are very busy seasons for HVAC technicians, and you may find yourself without heating or cooling while your wait for maintenance to be completed.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH Dragonfly Heating & Cooling

If it’s time to schedule preventative maintenance or you are interested in learning about the benefits that maintenance provides, Dragonfly Heating & Cooling is available to help. Our team provides comprehensive maintenance services for heating and cooling systems. We even offer a maintenance plan to help take the guesswork out of keeping your system maintained. In addition to annual tune-ups, members of our maintenance plan receive HVAC cleaning and inspections, and free refrigerant top-offs. If repairs are needed, members also receive free diagnostic services and a 10% to 15% discount on the repair.

Along with maintenance, Dragonfly Heating & Cooling installs and repairs furnaces and air conditioners. We are highly skilled in installing, repairing, and maintaining ductless heating and cooling systems as well. If you are considering investing in a new system, ask us about the financing services that we offer customers with approved credit. We also offer regular specials to help you save on HVAC services throughout the year. To find out more about our services or to set up an appointment, reach out to our friendly team today.

This summer, you can keep your home cool without paying a fortune to the utility provider. However, some effort is required on your part.

Nothing is distressing like feeling like you’re living in a furnace, so most folks crank up their air conditioning when the temperatures go up. The U.S. Energy Information Administration findings show that American homes pay $141 per month between June and August for electricity. In regions with sweltering summers, this figure can be higher.

If you’re looking to cut your costs, this post is for you. Here, we discuss some of the most effective techniques to reduce your AC bills this summer.

1. INCREASE YOUR TEMPERATURE

Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees higher reduces the effort or energy your AC requires to maintain the appropriate temperature. In general, a lower temperature variance between the interior and exterior will result in a more cost-effective cooling.

Remember that you don’t need to wear a sweater indoors while it’s hot outdoors. Thus, play with your thermostat to determine the highest temperature at which you can still be comfortable. If you always set your home’s temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, consider increasing it to 75 degrees for a few hours and monitor your comfort.

2. INSTALL A SMART THERMOSTAT

Innovative technology comes with smart features that can considerably contribute to energy savings. For example, smart air conditioners and thermostats enable you to set cycles for your AC. They also allow you to set triggers to regulate a room’s temperature. After reaching the required temperature, your air conditioner turns off, resulting in significant energy savings.

In hot weather, many folks usually forget to regulate their thermostats. They set the thermostat to the lowest level possible and leave it operating all day. According to Energy.gov, reducing the temperature by seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours per day can save annual energy bills by 10%.

A smart thermostat can execute this minor change on its own. It can detect, increase the temperature setting by a few degrees, or entirely turn off the air conditioner. Also, you can set a schedule that allows your AC to raise the temperature a few degrees while you are sleeping and lower it again as you are about to get up.

3. PLACE YOUR THERMOSTAT IN THE PROPER LOCATION

The positioning of your thermostat can have a considerable impact on how your AC operates during the day and, consequently, your monthly air conditioning costs. For example, a wall thermostat that receives heat from your window or door will be triggered to activate more frequently. Putting your thermostat near a cooler location will ensure that your AC does not run longer than necessary.

4. LIMIT THE USE OF HEAT-GENERATING APPLIANCES DURING THE DAY

Numerous laundry and kitchen appliances generate heat, causing your AC to operate more frequently during the day. Use your microwave and grill as much as possible during the summer rather than your stove top and oven to conserve electricity.

Plan your schedule so that you may operate the oven, dryer, or dishwasher in the evening or early morning as opposed to during the hottest parts of the day. As an AC cools the air, it reduces humidity, so you don’t need to use a separate dehumidifier.

5. ADJUST THE NIGHTTIME TEMPERATURE

It’s usually challenging to fall asleep if the weather is hot, so you may choose to reduce your home’s temperature at night. And because outdoor temperatures often drop as the sun sets, lowering your thermostat a few degrees at night is advisable. To prevent your AC from running all night, program your thermostat to change the temperature after everyone in your home has fallen asleep. For nighttime temperatures, it’s best to precool your bedroom temperature before going to bed and then set your thermostat 2 to 4 degrees higher when you are sleeping.

6. SEAL YOUR WINDOWS TO PREVENT AIR LEAKAGE

Unsealed windows allow air to escape. This implies that your cooled air escapes allowing hot air in. Thus, your AC will exert more effort to chill the space and consistently maintain the desired temperature. Sealing cracks and gaps prevents cold air from escaping through your windows, lowering the need for air conditioning and saving electricity.

Before caulking and sealing your home’s leaks and cracks, you must first discover its openings. Listed below are among the most prevalent causes of leaks and gaps:

• Plumbing and utility spaces
• Attic entrances
• Sagging ceilings
• Door and window frames
• Switches and outlets
• Air ducts
• Water and fireplace chimneys

7. MAKE USE OF THE SHADE

You can reduce your AC’s load by shading west, east, and south-facing windows. Consider extending roof eaves or installing an awning or trellis to shade windows on the exterior. Add tinted window layers or films to reduce the impacts of radiant heat and ultraviolet light without obstructing the view. Trees planted on the west and south sides of your home can provide shade from the sun’s most intense beams when fully grown.

8. MAINTAIN THE CONDITION OF YOUR AC

Your AC requires routine maintenance for optimal performance. Regularly replacing the air filter is one of the best methods to ensure that your machine operates at peak efficiency. In general, you should replace air filters every two or three months. Still, more regular replacement may be necessary if you often use your air conditioner, have pets, or live in a dusty environment.

A professional maintenance inspection once a year can also keep your air conditioner operating efficiently. Similar to a car oil change, these improvements are necessary to increase the efficiency and longevity of your system. Call [company name] today for an inspection, system tests, and system cleaning.

9. HAVE A CEILING FAN

Fresh air is circulated by ceiling fans, easing the load on your AC. Using ceiling fans is a sure way to improve the energy efficiency of a home. Although they’re considered low-tech, ceiling fans do wonders for cooling rooms. A ceiling fan minimizes a home’s demand for air conditioning, but it can also save up to 40% on electricity bills.

Portable fans are also a viable alternative. You can strategically place them throughout the house or in a room near the windows or doors to maximize ventilation.

Note, however, that there is a distinction between fans and ACs. Fans do not chill the air; however, they make the house feel fresher and colder by moving air (and hence heat) away from the body. With fans consuming only a small portion of power that AC units do, they’re well worth the investment.

GET STARTED TODAY

With summer just around the corner, why wait? Call [company name] today to get started. Our company has been servicing the area since 2010. We are a NCI-certified provider of heating, air conditioning, humidity control, and indoor air quality services. We also provide remodels and new constructions in Riverside, CA and the surrounding communities. Our friendly and NATE-certified technicians are dedicated to providing you with the best services in the areas. Call us today for a free estimate.