California’s Mediterranean climate offers warm summers and mild winters. No matter what you prefer—from winter snow to muggy summers—the Golden State has something for everyone. It is beneficial for homeowners to efficiently warm or cool your home as the seasons change, and heat pump systems are the perfect solution. At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling, we believe that a heat pump can be an excellent choice for all your cooling and heating needs.

With an energy-efficient heat pump, you’ll be able to beat the cold or heat and enjoy a comfortable home in Riverside, CA and surrounding areas all year round.

What Is A Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a heating and cooling system that maintains the temperature in your home. During winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and moves it into your home to increase the temperature. In the summer, a heat pump works in reverse direction. It takes the heat inside your home and sends it outside to keep you cool. Heat pumps in Riverside, CA and surrounding areas work best in mild and moderate climates. Much of California’s climate is moderate, making it the perfect environment for heat pumps.

When you need heat pump installation, repair, replacement, or maintenance in Riverside, CA, you can rely on us. At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling, our pro technicians are committed to ensuring your heat pump in Riverside, CA performs at its best and keeps your home comfortable all year.

Reasons To Install A Heat Pump In California

When properly installed, a heat pump offers many benefits, most of which you’ll notice immediately. We list all the top benefits of having Dragonfly Heating & Cooling install one in your Riverside, CA, home. The advantages include:

• Increased energy efficiency
• Improved indoor air quality
• Two-in-one system
• Environmental friendly
• Rebates and incentives

Increased Energy Efficiency

Homeowners in California are turning to heat pumps because they’re more efficient than conventional cooling and heating systems. Heat pumps absorb and transfer heat from one space to another rather than generating hot or cold air. For this reason, they use significantly less energy than furnaces and air conditioners. In fact, a heat pump can transfer 300 percent more energy than it consumes.

This super-efficient system means lower monthly energy bills and more cost savings for you. Additionally, improved energy efficiency can reduce heat pump repairs in Riverside, CA and surrounding areas. Since you only need one for all your heating and cooling needs, the savings are year-round.

Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Heat pumps are designed to circulate and combine inside air with outside air, improving air quality indoors. These efficient systems filter the air, trapping pollutants and allergens that could worsen IAQ. More than that, a heat pump dehumidifies your home, further enhancing your indoor air quality in Riverside, CA.

Maintaining positive IAQ significantly minimizes negative health issues like allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Good indoor air quality also increases the comfort of your home greatly. With regular heat pump maintenance in Riverside, CA from our expert technicians, your heat pump will provide your home with cleaner, healthier air throughout the year.

Two-in-One System

You don’t need an air conditioner when you have a heat pump. Heat pump installation in Riverside, CA eliminates the need to own two systems to heat and cool your home. So, if you’re searching for an all-in-one HVAC system, a heat pump is a great purchase. A heat pump can help you save money because you won’t need to install and operate different systems.

Environmental Friendly

If you want to ensure your home is sufficiently cooled or heated without damaging the environment, heat pumps are the way to go. Installing a heat pump offers numerous environmental benefits. Heat pumps use around a third of the energy that standard AC units do, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative. These systems also don’t depend on fossil fuels. Instead, they run on electricity.

Heat pumps are not only sustainable in fuel consumption but they can also be powered by solar energy. As a result, they’re able to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, reducing your carbon footprint.

Rebates and Incentives

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a budget. An energy-efficient heat pump is worth your consideration. The state of California has incentive and rebate programs for homeowners who install energy-efficient heat pumps. These programs can considerably offset the initial cost of buying and installing a heat pump in your home, making it a more affordable option. Homeowners can enjoy all the benefits of green technology while remaining within your budget.

Heat Pumps Incentives and Rebates

President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022. The IRA bill includes substantial funding—$370 billion—to encourage clean energy sources that can increase energy efficiency. The Act aims to decrease carbon emissions by approximately 40 percent by 2030. California Governor Gavin Newson took immediate action to achieve the climate goals set by the IRA. Governor Newson is keen on electrifying everything to create a greener, more sustainable future. If you’re thinking about going green, a heat pump is an excellent place to start.

The IRA is jam-packed with provisions to encourage homeowners to install high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. The largest rebates and credits are available for heat pumps. Installing a heat pump can get you thousands in state rebates and federal tax credits. Right now, you could receive a tax credit worth 30 percent of the total amount you paid for your heat pump. The incentives would be through a state-administered rebate on any heat pump model.

This is the perfect time to take advantage of these rebates and incentives. By switching to an electric heat pump, you’ll save thousands of dollars and help in the fight against climate change.

Cool and Heat Your Home The Greener, Cleaner Way

Deciding what kind of heat pump you want in your home for the next 15 to 20 years can feel overwhelming. Fear not, because Dragonfly Heating & Cooling’s experienced technicians are here to help you choose the right energy-efficient system that will keep your home comfortable no matter the season. Contact the Dragonfly team today for more information on heat pumps in Riverside, CA.

THE DANGERS OF RUNNING YOUR FURNACE WITHOUT PUTTING A FILTER IN

There’s probably a lot that you don’t know about the furnace in your Riverside, California home. For instance, did you know that its filter is actually for protecting its internal components rather than cleaning your indoor air? Furnace air filters are essential for keeping residential heating systems running as they should. Thus, if you think that your indoor air quality (IAQ) is the only thing that will suffer if you fail to put a filter in, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Read on to find out what happens when furnaces are turned on without the protection that air filters provide.

FURNACE MANUFACTURERS AND FURNACE FILTERS

To start, it’s important to think about why furnace manufacturers deliver their products with filters pre-installed. When furnaces are produced, they’re immediately equipped with standard air filters that have modest maximum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings. These filters can only pick up relatively large-sized airborne particulates such as:

• Dust
• Pet hair
• Dander
• Pollen

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria, viruses, and other micro-sized particulates pass right through them. If you want air filtration that’s capable of picking these things up, it’s your job to find and install a higher-rated filter.

The sole goal of the filters that manufacturers provide is to prevent coatings of dust from causing your furnace to overheat. This allows furnace producers to deliver products that can live out their expected lifespans and provide the performance promised by their efficiency ratings without sustaining undue wear. Although letting your furnace run with a dirty, clogged filter can cause a host of problems and may even result in outright system failure, failing to put a filter in at all can be just as bad.

Failing to keep this important component in or failing to change it on a regular basis will automatically void your product warranty. Heating equipment manufacturers will not pay to replace or repair damaged furnaces that have been operated sans filters. If you have a home warranty that covers your HVAC system, the protections provided for your furnace from this agreement will become void as well.

MOLD PROBLEMS IN YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

Furnaces don’t run efficiently without filters. Not only do buildups of dust and other debris settle on their internal components and cause overheating, but they also find their way into HVAC ductwork. Adding dander and other particulates to this environment creates the perfect conditions for mold to thrive. As dirt accumulates within the ribbed, aluminum tubing that HVAC ductwork is composed of, condensation will build. Once mold spores take root and proliferate in this perpetually damp space, your IAQ will indeed go down. Moreover, all heated or cooled air that gets pushed through your ducting will distribute your fast-growing problem to every corner of your home. Having moldy HVAC ductwork and a moldy living environment overall will further decrease the efficiency and health of your furnace.

LIMITED AIRFLOW

Dirty, dust-covered filters cause decreased airflow. They make furnaces work harder to push air into and through your ducting. It stands to reason then that removing the obstruction by simply taking your filter out would improve airflow rather than impede it.

Consider the last time you performed an air filter change. Even when homeowners are diligent about changing their filters out, these units are coated in layers upon layers of dark-gray grime. These lint-like accumulations are often riddled with pet hair, carpet fibers, and more. Without a filter, all of this matter will travel through your heating equipment and your HVAC ductwork. Although it won’t get caught on the filter, it will collect on every other surface throughout the system. Eventually, your furnace will again have a hard time forcing air through this accumulated debris, and problems with low airflow and overheating will still occur.

When airflow decreases, furnaces can run for a long time without having a noticeable impact on indoor temperatures. They may short-cycle as they rapidly overheat and then turn themselves off to cool back down. If you run your furnace without a filter for too long, its motor could burn out.

WHY FURNACE FILTERS GO MISSING

There are several reasons why people run their furnaces without air filters. In rare instances, disposable furnace filters are too dirty to continue using. These filters aren’t made to be cleaned, and replacements are sometimes difficult to find. However, once a clogged furnace filter is taken out, the heating system should be shut down entirely. It shouldn’t be turned back on until a new filter has been put in.

If you’ve just purchased existing construction, you may be surprised to discover that your furnace doesn’t have a filter at all. While it makes sense to assume that property sellers always put fresh filters into their heating equipment before putting their homes on the market, this assumption could cause serious issues if you never check. Before using your heater for the first time, make sure that there’s a properly sized filter in place, that it’s installed correctly, and that it’s free of accumulated grime.

There are also times when furnace filters are incorrectly installed. This might be the result of slipshod workmanship on the part of a hired handyman or HVAC provider, or it could be that the prior homeowner wasn’t quite sure how to replace this component. Sometimes, homeowners choose furnace filters that are too large or too small and then bend them to fit. Improperly sized filters will fall out as soon as furnaces are turned on and they’re subjected to air movement and changes in air pressure. Having an incorrectly sized filter in place or a filter that’s incorrectly installed is much the same as having no filter at all.

Finally, the most common reason for using a furnace without a filter is simply forgetting to replace this component after you’ve extracted a dirty one. You may have been interrupted by an unexpected visitor or phone call during the middle of this task and simply forgot to pick it back up. It’s easy to get distracted during the course of this ongoing maintenance task. This is especially true if you’ve got a busy, bustling household that’s filled with active children and rambunctious pets.

CHANGING AN AIR FILTER IS ALWAYS CHEAPER AND EASIER THAN THE ALTERNATIVE

Replacing a dirty air filter can be an annoying, recurring chore. This is a task that most homeowners should perform once every three months. In households with one or more pets, homes in perpetually dusty environments, and buildings with residents who suffer from asthma or allergies, filter changes are best done once each month. In all instances, changing an air filter is always cheaper and easier than either letting dirt accumulate until a blockage occurs or simply taking a filter out and never putting it back in. When airborne particulates aren’t caught by HVAC air filters, the interior of your furnace and all of your HVAC ductwork must be cleaned. More importantly, if you run your furnace without a filter for too long, your entire heating system may need to be replaced.

At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling, we make it easy to stay on top of essential furnace maintenance. We’ve been serving residents of Riverside, California and the surrounding area for many years. We offer heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. We also provide ductless mini-splits and preventative maintenance plans. Get in touch with us today!

A furnace blowing cold air in your Riverside home could be a big problem. When a furnace isn’t producing hot air, it has one of a handful of common issues that an HVAC technician can quickly address.

ISSUES WITH YOUR THERMOSTAT

It could be your thermostat that is generating the problem. If so, the solution could be as simple as flipping a switch.

Suppose the thermostat is switched to “on,” and your furnace occasionally blows cold air. The reason is that your furnace is not producing heat nonstop.

The burners are activated and send warm air through your ductwork when the thermostat indicates that the temperature in your home is lower than your desired temperature setting. Once the temperature hits the desired setting, your furnace turns off until the temperature drops again.

If the fan is set to “on” constantly, it will blow air even when your furnace is resting. It’s better to set the fan to “auto.” This way, the fan will only blow when the furnace produces hot air.

Another easy-to-fix problem is that your battery-powered thermostat has a low battery. It is easy to forget to check the battery because thermostat batteries can last for years. Check the batteries before contacting an HVAC professional if your furnace is pushing out cold air.

There are thermostat issues where it is best to reach out to the technicians at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling for help. For example, you may have installed a home thermostat incompatible with your HVAC system. Or a do-it-yourself thermostat installation may not have turned out as well as hoped. In these cases, don’t worry. Our professional technicians will be able to sort out the issue, identify its cause, and provide clear solutions.

ISSUES WITH YOUR CONDENSATE LINES

The condensate lines of your HVAC system require regular maintenance. They are part of what our HVAC technicians at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling check during our annual inspection of your unit. If your HVAC system is functioning during hot weather, the condensate unit is constantly dripping water into the pan. Over the summer, your condensate lines can get plugged with dirt and grime. When they get clogged, the water level rises, the float switch is tripped and your HVAC system shuts down.

Grime buildup tends to peak towards the end of the warm weather, right before you want to use your furnace. Consequently, since the float switch is tripped, it starts blowing cold air when you turn your furnace on. Prevent this by scheduling regular annual maintenance for your HVAC unit.

A PROBLEM WITH THE PILOT LIGHT

Your pilot light ensures that there is constantly a flame source to ignite the burners in the furnace. This allows heat to be created within the furnace and distributed throughout the home.

A pilot light can get blown out or go out on its own. All it takes, especially on older units, is a stiff breeze or someone walking quickly by the furnace at the right moment to cause this. If the gas company was performing maintenance on the lines, they might have caused your pilot light to go out.

Your furnace might need to be cleaned. If the small orifice that fuels the pilot light is dirty, it can impact how it burns. If you notice that your pilot light is constantly going out, it could be that it is not getting enough fuel to sustain itself.

If your pilot light is burning yellow or red, this is an indication that it is not getting enough fuel. An adequately fueled pilot light will burn bright blue. To keep your furnace working at peak efficiency and ensure that all parts are clean and in working order, you should have professional maintenance and duct cleaning scheduled at least once a year.

ISSUES WITH THE BURNERS

If your burners cannot ignite, or if they don’t stay lit, your furnace will have problems generating heat. Burners need airflow to ignite. The airflow comes from the blower fan pulling in the air.

If this airflow is hampered because of an issue with the blower or a clog in the furnace filters, the burners may not be able to ignite or stay lit for long. Most homeowners feel comfortable changing a dirty furnace filter. However, a faulty blower is something that will require the assistance of a professional HVAC technician.

Faulty flame sensors are another common reason why burners won’t stay on. A flame sensor is designed to keep you safe by ensuring that the gas coming through the burners is ignited. When the sensors do not detect flames, they automatically turn off the gas flow. Unburned gas won’t flood the combustion chamber and lead to a possible emergency.

If a flame sensor malfunctions, it may think that a burner is not ignited and shut the gas off. A dirty flame sensor requires professional cleaning, and a damaged unit must be professionally repaired or replaced.

Another safety feature that could affect your burners is the limit switch. This activates if the heat exchanger gets too hot by turning off the gas and power to the furnace.

The limit switch could be triggered if a clogged filter prevents sufficient air circulation from cooling down the heat exchanger, or it could be an issue with the furnace’s ability to vent combustion gas from the heat exchanger. Either way, you will want professional HVAC technicians to look at the problem as quickly as possible.

OUTSIDE AIR IN THE MIX

The air ducts are responsible for transporting warm air through the house and face wear and tear as they are often situated outside the heated part of the home. They are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year, leading to cracks or openings that allow the cold air surrounding your ducts to get in and the hot air to escape.

The outside air lowers the temperature of the air produced by the furnace, causing cooler air to circulate through your home. During your annual HVAC maintenance, our technicians will review your ductwork, identify places of potential weakness or damage, and offer actionable solutions.

FILTER ISSUES

A dirty, clogged filter may restrict the airflow to your furnace. This will limit the furnace’s ability to distribute warm air in your home. Your furnace might even have a built-in shut-off switch that activates when the furnace gets clogged and protects the burner from overheating or the blower from getting damaged. Furnace filters are cheap and easy to change. Replacing them can often solve furnace heating issues.

ENJOYING THE BEST HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING IN RIVERSIDE

At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling, we do more than provide HVAC service. We help you identify the best option for your home and then guide you through the entire process. Our NATE- and NCI-certified technicians make the ideal team to help you with all of your HVAC needs.

Our services include heating and AC maintenance, installation, and repair. We are proud to offer UV lights, indoor air quality testing, and PTAC units. We work on existing and new construction. Contact Dragonfly Heating & Cooling today. Let us show you what makes us different than the rest.

When it comes to your heating system, there’s one rule that holds true: when you take proper care of it, it’s going to reward you with great results. Typically, these great results are going to come in the form of more effective heating, better energy efficiency, and far fewer costly repair jobs. Staying consistent about caring for your appliances can seem daunting, but there’s no reason that keeping your furnace in good shape needs to be stressful or difficult. For the most part, it’s simply about establishing the right habits and paying attention to what your heating system is telling you. With the new year approaching, why not make a commitment to yourself and your household to give your heating system the care and attention it deserves?

1. KEEP UP WITH REGULAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

Your furnace is a finely tuned machine, and it has many different components working hard together to keep you warm. As you would expect, these parts can become worn out or experience malfunctions over years of use. Because of this, it’s completely normal that your heating system is going to gradually lose its effectiveness and efficiency over time, especially if you’ve got the thermostat turned up regularly. The best way to combat this type of decline is with regular professional maintenance.

Generally speaking, you should try to schedule a maintenance visit for your heating system at least once a year. If you haven’t been consistent with it recently, the start of a new year is a great time to get back on track. When you call in a heating technician for maintenance, they will inspect your heater and make any possible adjustments to improve its heating ability. These tweaks will be aimed at keeping you warmer consistently as well as being more energy efficient. This will result in your monthly bills decreasing while your comfort level increases. The heating expert will also look for warning signs of anything that could be wrong with the appliance. In some cases, they’ll find something that they can take preventative measures against. You may even end up saving hundreds of dollars by preventing a major problem before it results in a system breakdown.

2. REPLACE THE AIR FILTER REGULARLY

Before your home’s heater can distribute warm air through your ducts, vents, and into your living room or bedroom, all of that air must first pass through your HVAC filter. That filter has the essential task of catching the dust, pet dander, and other debris that inhabits the air before it goes through your furnace. This ensures that the heated air you end up breathing is as free of pollutants and irritants as possible. However, if you don’t clean or replace the filter on a regular basis, all of those contaminants start to accumulate and clog up the system. This is a major problem for your heating system because it makes it much harder to draw air through the filter. As a result, the amount of strain on your heater will go way up. This will decrease its energy efficiency, shorten its lifespan, and make malfunctions or breakdowns much more likely. It may also have a negative effect on the quality of the air you’re breathing.

To avoid that wasted money and damage to your furnace, all you need to do is make a habit of checking your HVAC filter each month. If the buildup of debris hasn’t gotten too bad, you’ll probably be okay just giving it a thorough cleaning. However, if it’s in bad shape or you’re uncertain, it’s best to go the safe route and replace it with a new filter.

3. GIVE YOUR HEATER REGULAR BREAKS

To keep your heater healthier for the new year, another good habit to get into is giving it regular periods of rest. Just like any appliance or piece of equipment, your heating system is going to become worn down if it’s forced to operate constantly. When you regularly allow those components to rest, you’ll get far better results from the heater when you need to depend on it. One simple way to achieve this is by turning down the thermostat every night when you go to bed. If you’re bundled up under the covers, there’s no reason you should need the heater to be cranked up as high. By simply lowering the temperature five to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for those seven or eight hours each night, you can keep your furnace healthy and lower your monthly bills in the process.

Making use of your home’s curtains is another effective way to take some pressure off of your heater. Windows and glass doors tend to be a major source of heat escaping, but covering them up with curtains actually does a good job of keeping much of that warmth trapped inside. You can take advantage of this by closing all of your curtains in the evening. Typically, the extra heat those curtains trap should allow you to take some of the heating load off of your furnace. On the other hand, keep those curtains open wide when the sun is shining outside. The warmth from the sunlight will help keep you warm and diminish the need to crank up the heater.

4. CLEAN OUT YOUR VENTS CONSISTENTLY

The air vents in your home work together with your heating system to give you a consistent flow of clean, warm air. For this partnership to be effective, though, it’s important that the vents remain clean and clear of clogs. For one thing, excessive dust and debris in those vents will have a directly negative effect on the oxygen that you’re breathing. For your heater, the problem is that those particles of dust and other contaminants can build up in the vents or even work their way into your home’s ductwork. If neglected for long enough, this can result in clogs that prevent your heating system from effectively circulating air. This will have a negative impact on your comfort, your finances, and the health of your heater. Fortunately, all you need to do to avoid this is clean out the air vents each month. Simply remove the protective covers with a screwdriver, and use a vacuum with an extension hose to give each vent a thorough cleaning.

At Dragonfly Heating & Cooling, we have been a trusted supplier of home comfort services for the greater Orange County, CA, area since 2010. Our skilled technicians can provide your household with quality heating, cooling, and ductless mini-split services. Our team takes pride in being professional and experienced, and we always have the best interests of our customers in mind. We select our technicians and comfort specialists not only because they’re highly skilled but also because they share the values and visions that our company stands for. We have been providing the area with great products and services at competitive prices for over a decade, and we will strive to continue doing so for years to come.

Give us a call at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling today for more information about how we can improve your home comfort.

The efficiency of your air conditioning system has a lot to do with the state of the air filters it has in place. Over time, the filters in your HVAC system accumulate a lot of dirt, grime, and other impurities that it collects from your home. Dragonfly Heating & Cooling provides you with various factors that will determine how frequently you need to change your HVAC filters in Riverside, CA.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTERS?

The air that is filtered through your HVAC system eventually comes back into the room. If the filters are not functioning properly, then a lot of impurities that can cause sickness will be spread in your Riverside home. Filters fill up with dust and other debris from the air, and you should change or clean them regularly, depending on your AC system. Those made of paper and cardboard are disposable, but there are others with metal frames that can be cleaned following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Although the packaging of a new AC filter mentions how long it should last, we suggest you take that date as the absolute maximum. The general recommendation is that the air filters in a home should be changed every 30 days if they are the cheaper fiberglass types. Some high-end pleated filters can last up to six months with average use without taking size or type into consideration. However, as a rule, make a point of changing your air filters every 90 days, if not earlier.

The circumstances of the frequency of the requirement for AC filter replacement vary depending on the usage. Filters in vacation houses located in rural areas with few occupants and no pets can last six to 12 months. An ordinary Riverside suburban home that has no pets can have filters changed every 90 days, but 60 days for a home with pets. If you have more than one pet or someone has allergies, then the filter change should be done every 20 to 45 days.

We at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling believe that there is more than just knowing the number of days that it takes for a filter to become obsolete. If you continue to ignore the filter, then it is not the only thing that will stop functioning properly. The dirt that is accumulating in the ducts will degrade other movable parts of the unit and make them run slower. The mechanics of your HVAC system will wear out faster than they would during normal use.

That is not all. Keep reading if you want to understand why Dragonfly Heating & Cooling recommends that you need to frequently change your AC filters.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR HVAC FILTER?

Many people do not have a clue as to the actual function of filters in an HVAC system. Although standard HVAC filters trap dust and other impurities that are sucked into the ducts, they are not meant to purify the air that you breathe. Their main purpose is to protect the HVAC unit from destructive elements in the air that could damage the internal parts of the unit. This way, the unit can perform its intended functions (keeping you cool or warm) perfectly.

Whenever you detect the presence of more pollutants and particles in the air, it is a good idea to upgrade your air filters. During the flu and allergy season or when a nearby construction or home renovation is kicking up more dirt than usual, you need high-efficiency filters. The high-efficiency HVAC filters are designed to eradicate bacteria, allergens, mold, pollen, and even viruses. These kinds of filters, which are commonly known as HEPA (high-energy particulate air filters), need to be changed more often since they trap more debris and get clogged faster.

The things that should influence your decision and help you determine the frequency at which to change your HVAC filters include:

• If anyone has allergens or asthma
• The number and type of pets in your home
• The presence of younger children
• The number of people in your home
• The type of AC filter you use
• The level of indoor air pollution
• Your rating of indoor air quality

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU DON’T CHANGE HVAC FILTERS OFTEN?

Failure to change the HVAC filter will cause it to fail. It will stop filtering air properly, thus allowing dust and other contaminants to enter the unit. The dirt that gets into the system will cover important parts in the system, such as valves and motors. This will lead the HVAC system to draw more power while trying to function normally. Eventually, you will end up spending more on electricity, frequent breakdowns, repairs, and replacements.

High-efficiency filters (HEPA filters) have a finer mesh that captures tinier particles such as dander, pollen, allergens, and mold spores. If these filters are not changed frequently, then the result can be serious mold infestations. The air that goes through your AC system will contain germs, mold, and pollen that is spread throughout the house. This will make people sick. Dragonfly Heating & Cooling technicians always make a point of educating our customers about certain things like these for their well-being.

The essence of having an air conditioning system is to provide a conducive atmosphere for comfortable living or working. Besides allergies, asthmatic attacks, and flu, you might also suffer headaches, fatigue, hypertension, dizziness, sinus congestion, shortness of breath, coughing, and sneezing. Illness and discomfort affect productivity and it is expensive. You might also have to miss work, thus decreasing your income.

HOW DO YOU CHANGE HVAC FILTERS?

Changing your air filter is a simple process that can be accomplished within a few minutes. The first thing you need to do is turn off the AC unit to find the location of the filter. It is usually at the air handler or a return duct in your basement, utility closet, or attic.

Remove the grille that covers it and take out the fan. You might require a screwdriver to detach an access panel if it is in the air handler. Check the size and type of filter so that you can purchase the right one if you haven’t already. Take out the old filter and replace it with the new one. Return the grille and turn the system back on.

WHAT IS THE LOGIC OF CHANGING HVAC FILTERS?

The expected lifespan of a reliable HVAC system is between 10 to 15 years, and some might slightly go beyond that. That lifespan duration can be shortened by more than five years if regular cleaning or replacing of the AC filters is not done. The cost of replacing and repairing broken parts of your system cannot compare to the minimal cost of air filters. Therefore, changing the filters is more logical than undergoing avoidable circumstances.

If you are a resident of Riverside and require any services related to heating and air conditioning, then Dragonfly Heating & Cooling is the best in the area. We offer high-quality installation, repair, and maintenance of all types of HVAC systems in Riverside and the surrounding area. Our team of expert technicians will help you through the whole process of deciding the best HVAC solution for your family. With NCI and NATE certification, we can provide you with safe, energy efficient, and compatible systems that meet your desired expectations.

In a perfect world, properly cared-for HVAC systems would simply continue to run efficiently forever. Unfortunately, this just isn’t the reality. Even the most well-maintained heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems will only be able to last for so long before they need to be replaced. However, many homeowners have uncertainty about when exactly is the right time to pull the trigger on having new systems installed. Fortunately, there are certain guidelines and indicators you can use to help you decide whether you should try to get more life out of your HVAC appliances or if now is the time to invest in new ones.

CONSIDER THE TIME OF YEAR

You certainly shouldn’t need to replace your HVAC system every year, so there is not one particular season when it automatically means that you should be getting a new furnace or air conditioner. However, when your HVAC appliances are reaching the end of their lifespans, there are certain times of the year when it would be the wisest to replace them. Typically, for furnaces, the best time of year is the fall, while for air conditioners, the best time is the spring. Your Riverside home will most likely experience the harshest weather conditions during the winter and summer months, so it can be very beneficial to have new HVAC appliances during those times of the year.

Usually, furnaces and air conditioners will be at their most effective and efficient when they are brand new. This means that if you purchase a new furnace in the autumn, you should have reliable heating all winter long, and if you purchase a new air conditioner in the spring, you should be able to stay nice and cool during the hot summer. That being said, you only want to pull the trigger on replacing your HVAC systems if they meet some of the criteria that we cover below.

THE AGE OF THE APPLIANCE

In most cases, if any of your HVAC systems are more than 10 years old, you should be thinking about replacing them soon. There are exceptions to this, and if you’ve taken good care of your appliances and kept up with regular maintenance, it’s not uncommon for a furnace or air conditioner to last closer to 15 years. However, if you’re past the decade mark, and your HVAC systems start to show symptoms of problems or decreased efficiency, you should at the very least bring in a professional technician to take a look. If you go with one of our skilled experts at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling, they will be able to diagnose the appliance and let you know whether or not it’s a good time to replace the unit. If it is, they will be able to perform the installation for you in a timely and affordable manner.

DOES THE APPLIANCE NEED REGULAR REPAIRS?

When one of your HVAC systems is reaching the end of its lifespan, there’s a good chance it’s going to start experiencing problems more and more often. If you have recently started needing to pay for repair jobs regularly, or your furnace or air conditioner has started having the same issues pop up repeatedly, it’s likely time to have it replaced. In most cases, if the appliance is on the older side, these problems will just continue to get worse. Investing in a new system will actually save you money in the long run.

HVAC SYSTEMS BREAKING DOWN

In many cases, homeowners will see a major breakdown of their furnace or air conditioner as the catalyst for having the appliance replaced. Often, this is a wise time to make such a decision. If one of your HVAC systems has broken down, we advise that you bring in one of our trained technicians to assess the situation. Sometimes, especially with older appliances, deploying the fixes necessary and replacing major parts can be quite expensive. It might not be worth it when weighed against the price of having a new unit installed instead. If this is the case, our team members will let you know, and you can make an informed decision based on your personal situation.

PERFORMANCE OF YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

One of the most common and obvious signs that your HVAC system needs to be replaced is that it begins struggling to do its job effectively. The Riverside summers can get quite toasty, and after a fun day out enjoying the area, you need to be able to count on your air conditioner to keep you cool. Similarly, in the wintertime, you need to be able to trust your furnace to consistently keep your household warm. When your HVAC appliance is near the end of its rope, it will begin working harder to do its job. This will result in your monthly energy bills rising as well as the appliance itself accumulating wear and tear at a faster rate, causing problems or breakdowns to become more likely occurrences.

If you’ve noticed that you seem to have less control over your home’s climate or your monthly bills have started to go up inexplicably, there’s a very real chance that one of your HVAC appliances needs to be replaced. It’s wise to not procrastinate in this situation. Bringing out a knowledgeable technician sooner rather than later can ultimately save you a lot of money and hassle.

STRANGE NOISES OR SMELLS

In some cases, the symptoms that something is wrong with your furnace or air conditioner can be very obvious and come in the form of unusual odors or loud noises. If you’re suddenly hearing sounds or noticing smells coming from one of your HVAC appliances, it’s almost certainly indicative of a problem. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the unit needs to be replaced, but it does mean that you should have it checked out by a professional at the very least.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Many people are unaware that their HVAC systems can have a direct impact on the quality of their indoor air. When a furnace or air conditioner is getting old or experiencing a problem, it has to put more effort into circulating warm or cool air throughout your household. Because of this, it becomes significantly more likely that particles of dust, dirt and other debris will be kicked up into the air. This can cause respiratory problems or allergy flare-ups, and the situation should not be ignored. If you’ve noticed that these irritants have become more common throughout your home, it could very well mean that one of your HVAC appliances needs to be either repaired or replaced.

Our team at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling has been faithfully serving Riverside and the surrounding areas since 2010. We’re committed to providing excellent customer service and high-quality work to every one of our customers. Our skilled technicians share the same values and vision that our company stands for, and they are never satisfied until the client is satisfied. We offer a full slate of HVAC services. In addition to heating and air conditioning maintenance, repair and installation, we also perform top-quality ductless ventilation work in the Greater Riverside area. You can count on our friendly team to do a thorough, high-quality job with any of your HVAC needs.

Make sure you treat your home’s HVAC systems with the respect they deserve. Give us a call at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly-trained experts.

Seasonal furnace maintenance is the most important step you can take toward maximizing the life of your heating system and lowering the total cost of ownership. In fact, most furnace warranties require maintenance by a licensed HVAC technician less the coverage be voided. The good news is that a furnace tune-up is relatively inexpensive within the grand scheme of home upkeep, and many heating companies offer maintenance plans that can help you lower your costs even more. With all of this in mind, let us explore what you can expect when you schedule a furnace maintenance appointment with Dragonfly Heating & Cooling.

INSPECTION

Your heating technician will perform a comprehensive inspection of your furnace unit and all ancillary equipment. This includes a visual inspection but also a point-by-point inspection, and if you request it, most HVAC companies will provide you a sheet that breaks down what their multipoint inspection entails. It is also worth noting that the inspection is not necessarily separate from the cleaning, tune-up, and lubrication, but we break it down this way to give you an idea of where the emphases are. The focal points of the inspection are to ensure that equipment is operating within optimal ranges and to identify any wear and tear that needs to be corrected along with any more serious damage to the system.

CLEANING

Furnaces get dirty and need to be cleaned. Consider that when your HVAC technician arrives for a furnace tune-up in early fall, your furnace has been run during the previous autumn and winter. It has also sat idle during the previous spring and summer. That means that there is a lot of dust on various aspects of the equipment, and there can be other accumulation on various parts as well. Your technician will vacuum dust and the like and used specialized cleaners to remove more stubborn grime.

TUNE-UP

Tune-up is a broad term borrowed from the automotive world. There are moving parts in a furnace. There are also vibrations. Your technicians will check all fittings and tighten them as necessary. Electrical connections need to be checked and tightened as well. Fittings, bearings, wires and so forth may need to be replaced if there are signs of wear. Belts are a focal point during this process as well. They often need to be tightened and otherwise adjusted and may need to be replaced if too worn. This is also the phase during which the tech will test pressure, amperage and so forth to ensure optimal ranges.

LUBRICATION

All the moving parts in a furnace system receive some form of lubricant oil. This lubricant reduces friction, which thus reduces vibration, heat and wear and tear. Some parts are lubricated directly. In other cases, there are lubricant ports that are used to fill reservoirs. These reservoirs allow the system to provide more lubrication to those components over time. Lubrication is a simple thing but also essential to maximizing furnace lifespan and avoiding more serious repairs down the line.

FURNACE UNIT

The most important aspect of your furnace unit is the heat exchanger. This is also the most expensive component of the system, and should it need to be replaced, it is often advisable to replace the entire unit instead. Your technician will use a specialized chemical to remove scaling from the heat exchanger. During this process, he or she will also look for signs of corrosion or any cracks.

ELECTRIC VS. GAS OR OIL

An electric furnace has a control board that needs to be cleaned, inspected, and tested. A tune-up for a furnace that burns natural gas or heating oil is a bit more involved. The fuel line must be examined for potential leaks. The technician will have to clean and test the burner along with the pilot and thermocouple. It is also necessary to ensure that the gas pressure is appropriate for the system.

VENTILATION SYSTEM

Your maintenance technician will also inspect the ventilation system as it pertains to the furnace. This includes the air handler, which has belts, bearings, and other moving parts. The technician will also check that all registers and vents are clean and in working order. If any HVAC filters need replacement or cleaning, that will usually be done as well. Note that ductwork inspection and cleaning can be scheduled at this time as well but is not included because it does not have to be done as often.

THERMOSTAT

During the tune-up, the technician will remove the face of the thermostat to clean behind it and test the connections. He or she will then test it to ensure that the device is in working order. Sometimes, the calibration will be out of whack, in which case the technician will recalibrate it.

CONDENSATE LINE

Furnace maintenance will also include checking the condensate line. The technician will ensure that the line is properly oriented and that there is no obstruction. If there is an obstruction, then the maintenance will include clearing the line so that condensation can leave the home freely.

STARTING THE SYSTEM

After everything has been cleaned, inspected, lubricated, tested, and double-checked, it is time to start up the system. While the system is running, your technician may go back to the furnace and air handler to ensure that everything looks, sounds, and smells in order. The technician will then check the airflow from the vents in the various sections of the home to ensure that the air pressure is correct. He will ensure that the temperature of the air from the vents is also the correct temperature as set on the thermostat.

CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS

If you have a furnace that uses natural gas or heating oil, there is the potential for carbon monoxide levels. Your technician will test these levels. The technician will also examine your carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that the devices are working and calibrated and that they are positioned appropriately throughout the home.

CUSTOMER CONSULTATION

When the furnace maintenance has been completed, the technician will provide you with signed and stamped paperwork. This paperwork details all the work that has been performed on the system, and this is the documentation that you want to keep with your records. Should you ever need to make an HVAC warranty claim, you may need this documentation as proof.

Your technician will also take the time to explain all that he or she has done. The technician will discuss the wear and tear corrected and what you may have to watch for in the future. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions about the maintenance or your heating system in general.

YOUR FURNACE MAINTENANCE PROS IN RIVERSIDE

Dragonfly Heating & Cooling has served Riverside and the neighboring communities since 2010. That means that we have more than a decade of experience keeping local furnaces and other heating equipment running well. We perform tune-ups for both heating and cooling systems and offer maintenance plans. We offer two levels of maintenance plans that will provide additional cost savings and benefits. You can also count on us to install and repair both ducted and ductless cooling and heating systems. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us, or contact us online today.