Ensuring Proper AC Maintenance With Condensor Coil Cleaning

June 12, 2024

The best way to stay cool inside your Seattle home this summer is to schedule proper maintenance for your air conditioning system, including cleaning the condenser coils. Aside from changing your filters, you’ll need a professional HVAC technician to perform this routine service. Once the maintenance is complete, your air conditioner will provide efficient, comfortable, and reliable cold air throughout your house. What Are Condenser Coils? Your outside air conditioning unit has large metal shells with rows of tubes inside. These tubes may run vertically or horizontally, depending on your model. The refrigerant in your air conditioner absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it in the condenser coil. What Is the Importance of a Condenser Coil? As stated, the condenser coil is responsible for heat exchange. The coil releases heat outdoors to keep your home cool. The larger the coils, the more cooling they provide. Cleaning the Coils Keeping your condenser coils free of dust and debris is critical to the efficiency and reliability of your air conditioner. Your professional HVAC technician will wipe these coils clean during annual maintenance. The coils are an intricate and essential part of your air conditioner and should only be handled by...

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Choosing the Best EV Charger for You

May 23, 2024

If you, like many of the residents of Kirkland, WA, already own or plan to buy an EV, you’ll need a charging solution. That’s because it’s still rather inconvenient to rely solely on the public charging infrastructure. Plus, it’s far more expensive to charge an EV using public chargers than one at your house. The trouble is that the market for home EV chargers is still complex and ever-evolving. And since a home EV charger is a big investment, you wouldn’t want to choose the wrong one. To help you pick the right EV charger for your needs, here’s an overview of home EV charging technology. We’ll discuss what kinds of home charging infrastructure you can choose from and some of the key features of today’s best chargers. Making Sense of Charging Connector Standards One of the biggest challenges involved with choosing an EV charger for your property is understanding which one will work with your EV. The reason is simple. As EVs first gained traction here in the US, most manufacturers united around a single charger connector called the J1772, or J Plug. The biggest exception was Tesla, which used a proprietary connector that wasn’t compatible with the J...

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Flickering Lights and Energy Efficiency: How It Affects Your Utility Bills

May 1, 2024

A persistently flickering light can be annoying. While sometimes it may be a minor issue to fix, sometimes it can indicate a bigger problem that needs immediate attention. Not only can electrical problems in your home be unsafe, but they can signal energy-efficiency issues that are increasing your energy bills. Warning About DIY While the solutions to some of the causes in this list are something that you can do yourself like changing a light bulb, any serious electrical work needs to be dealt with by professionals. Attempting to fix an electrical problem in your home by yourself can possibly make the problem worse, but more importantly, it can result in serious bodily harm. Professional electricians have the knowledge, experience, and tools to remedy your electrical issue safely and effectively. Loose Electrical Connections Whether something wasn’t properly installed to begin with or wires just became loose over time, a poor electrical connection can cause a flickering light. This could be the wires connected to the light fixture, a switch, or somewhere else. Even a lightbulb that is loose can be causing flickering and one of the first things you can do is just check to make sure it’s screwed in...

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DIY vs Professional Hot Tub Wiring: Why You Should Call an Expert

April 19, 2024

A hot tub can be a great addition to your Kirkland, WA, home, but it can also be a big investment. Many people feel tempted to cut their costs by doing their own installation. Unfortunately, this is a mistake. While DIY hot tub wiring seems cheaper, it has a lot of drawbacks. It can even end up being more expensive than hiring a professional to do the job. On the other hand, an experienced professional can help you save money in the long run and make sure the process goes smoothly. Here are five reasons to rely on a professional for your hot tub wiring. 1. Avoid Costly Mistakes If you do amateur electrical work, you run the risk of breaking something. Breaking your new hot tub can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. You can also damage other electrical systems in your home. This can be even more expensive if you break a major component. While the cost of replacing a damaged hot tub part can be large, the costs do not always end there. You will need to call for help to fix the new problems. The cost of doing so may even exceed the cost of...

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Choosing the Right RV Plugin to Fit Your Needs

April 9, 2024

In recreational vehicles, it is essential to have a competent power source to enjoy your camping experience. The best power source for your RV is an RV plug-in that lets you easily connect your RV to the electric grid from the campsites and RV parks. A good RV plug-in increases safety and keeps you comfortable during your thrilling adventures. , a trusted HVAC company located in Kirkland and Monroe, WA and serving the greater Seattle area, understands the importance of selecting the appropriate RV plug-in to meet your specific needs. With our expertise in heating and cooling systems, we can guide you through the process of finding the perfect plug-in for your RV. Determine Your Power Requirements You need to determine the electrical consumption of your RV appliances and devices before deciding on a suitable plug-in. Include the various electric items you intend to operate, such as an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a microwave, and electronic appliances. Determine the wattage and amperage necessary to power each appliance or device and ensure that the plug-in could handle the amount. It’s best to let HVAC professionals help you with this, so you can avoid an overloaded electrical system that could result in...

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Do I Need To Clean My Air Vents?

March 13, 2024

Over time, the air vents in your home can accumulate various allergens, such as dust, pollen, hair, debris, spider webs, and dirt, reducing the air quality you breathe. It is essential to make cleaning your air vents a regular task to ensure good air quality. Moreover, it can help you save money on heating and cooling. To determine whether your vents require cleaning services, it is crucial to watch out for signs, such as visible dust or mold growth, musty odors, increased allergies or respiratory symptoms, and reduced airflow from vents. Here are some signs to look for: 1. Mold and Mildew Growth Mold and mildew are fungi that can be highly hazardous to your health if they thrive in areas where you work or live. You might think that mold only grows in damp places like a bathroom or the crawlspace, but that’s not the case. Mold spores may thrive in moist, dark spots and air vents due to condensation in your HVAC system. If you find mold in your air vents, act fast to protect your home’s indoor air quality. Mold can be difficult to detect, but professional HVAC technicians can eliminate the problem and help keep it...

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How Often Should I Replace My Air Filters?

March 2, 2024

Knowing what to look for when shopping for air filters is vital to choosing the right kind. Air filters play an imperative role in indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency. For the HVAC system to work at its best, you must pair it with a compatible filter that doesn’t put extra strain on it. It’s also important to know how often to change the filter. After all, different filters have different replacement guidelines. By staying up-to-date on different filters, you can make informed shopping decisions. This knowledge also empowers you to select a filter that preserves the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system. Fiberglass Filters Fiberglass filters are cost-effective air filters made of layered fiberglass fibers. These fibers are designed to capture large airborne particles like dust and lint. They work by trapping particles as air passes through the filter, improving indoor air quality. Ideal for standard HVAC systems and homes with minimal air quality concerns, fiberglass filters are suitable for those seeking basic filtration on a budget. They require replacement every 30 to 60 days, depending on usage and environmental factors. While effective for capturing larger particles, they may not address smaller pollutants or allergens, making them less...

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Maximizing Efficiency By Maintaining Your Heat Pump

February 12, 2024

Heat pumps provide efficient cooling and can also be an efficient way to heat a home. However, how efficiently a heat pump system works depends on whether it is properly maintained. Heat pump systems work most efficiently when well maintained, and their efficiency will quickly decrease when not tuned-up regularly. How Often Should a Heat Pump Be Serviced? If you have a traditional heating and cooling system, experts suggest having your air conditioner and heater serviced once a year. Most homeowners hire an HVAC technician to tune up their heater in the fall and their air conditioner in the spring. Alternatively, since a heat pump provides heating and cooling year-round, it needs to be tuned up twice a year, also in the spring and fall. The Importance of Regular Heat Pump Maintenance While maintenance is important for all HVAC systems, it is essential for heat pumps. They are highly efficient but can also be more prone to issues that prevent them from heating and cooling effectively. The reason for this is simple: heat pumps run for many more hours each year compared to separate heating and cooling systems. Furnaces and traditional air conditioners usually have a lifespan of around 15...

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Do I Need to Call a Professional to Have My Electrical Outlet Wiring Tested?

February 7, 2024

Any time you have an issue with an electrical outlet, it’s advisable to call a professional electrician to test the wiring. Electrical work is dangerous, and checking wiring requires special knowledge, skills and tools. A professional electrician can inspect your wiring, find problems and assure safety. Regular expert inspections prevent electrical fires and guarantee electrical system dependability, making them a smart home safety investment. Consider 11 reasons to have a professional test outlet wiring. 1. Will Childproof the Outlets Childproofing is a service that electricians provide when they check and test electrical wiring. To preserve electrical outlets, avoid accidents and protect children, childproofing is essential. Electricians childproof outlets with outlet covers, sliding plate covers or tamper-resistant outlets. To prevent youngsters from inserting objects that they should not, covers and tamper-resistant outlets work best at limiting access. This precaution prevents electrical risks and makes these electrical receptacles work longer, giving homeowners peace of mind. 2. Can Install GFCI Outlets Testing outlet wiring helps electricians determine whether to install ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. These outlets improve safety by identifying power surges and other electrical problems. To avoid electrical shocks and fire hazards, they quickly turn off the power. Kitchens and bathrooms,...

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9 Things to Look for in a Water Heater

January 18, 2024

When it comes to household comfort and energy efficiency, nothing is more important than choosing the correct water heater. With so many choices, it’s crucial to have a good grasp on the various aspects to consider when making a selection. Different brands offer different features and selections, but it’s important to narrow your choices to the ones that will work best for your home. This not only improves your home’s interior comfort but also helps you save money on energy bills. Here are nine important factors to think about when selecting a hot water heater brand. Why Choosing the Right Water Heater Matters The water heater you select for your home will directly affect your comfort and convenience. With an effective and properly sized unit, you can be certain that you will always have hot water on hand when needed. Water heaters that are too big or too small for your home cause major energy waste, thus skyrocketing your bills. A water heater that’s too small will also result in you having to go without hot water when you need it most. 1. Fuel Type When choosing a hot water heater, it’s important to think about the fuel type since...

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