When you turn on the furnace in your Sacramento home, the last thing you want is to get hit with a blast of cool air. This inconvenience is actually pretty common and might be simpler to fix than you think. Before you call a heating and air conditioning technician to come out and inspect your Sacramento furnace, try a few of these troubleshooting tips.

Fuse Box

The first thing to do is ensure that your furnace is still getting power. Inspect your fuse box for any tripped circuit breakers. If you do find tripped circuit breakers, it might indicate that you have a problem with your electrical system and you should consult a technician.

If that isn’t a problem, then check your furnace’s power switch, usually located on the side of the furnace, and ensure that the switch is switched “on”. Some units feature another fuse by the power switch, which can sometimes be blown. If the fuse is blackened, then ask a technician to inspect your system and identify the problem.

Ventilation

Older furnaces tend to vent through chimneys, but newer units often have fresh air intakes and exhausts that ventilate along the sides of the home. If these ports of entry and exit become blocked, it will cause your furnace to not function properly. Check to make sure that no leaves, dirt or excessive moisture have contaminated the outdoor vents.

Thermostat

Just as easy as it sounds. Check to make sure that your system is set to “auto” and not “on”. If the thermostat is set to “on” it will continuously blow air into your house, regardless of whether or not the air is being heated. The “auto” setting will kick on your system only when the furnace is actually heating the air to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. After that adjustment, make sure that the desired temperature is set to be warmer than the current temperature in your house. If your thermostat does not seem to be responding, then it might be time to replace the thermostat batteries.

Air Filter

If an air filter has not been replaced recently, there is a good chance it has become dirty and clogged. A clogged filter will restrict the airflow into your furnace and can actually overheat your system. A safeguard causes an overheated system to stop heating altogether, so filters are very important. Filters should be changed about every three months to best avoid this problem and others.

Air Duct

If you are still experiencing trouble with your furnace, the culprit might be your air ducts. According to the National Comfort Institute, the average duct system in the U.S. is only 57% effective because of a wide variety of potential problems. The greatest problem is a poorly designed duct system that cannot deliver the proper airflow, even if the furnace equipment is functioning properly. Lots of air ducts experience leakage, which can strain your furnace as it overworks itself to make up for the leaked air. By getting your ducts sealed, you will lose less warm air and improve your system’s efficiency.

These are the simplest ways to ensure that your furnace is working at its full potential and keeping your home nice and warm!

So you’re all cozied up on the couch watching your favorite show, waiting for the heater to kick on and surround you in warmth when suddenly–you feel cold air coming from the furnace!? As uncomfortable as it sounds, this situation is more common that you might think, but before calling your Sacramento furnace expert for a home visit, let’s take a look at a few steps you can take to solve this annoying cold air problem!

Reasons why your furnace could be blowing cold air

Professional Sacramento furnace experts are likely to recommend that you check the following if your heater is blowing out cold air:

1. The Thermostat: Yes you really do need to check the thermostat! While it may not
   seem like the thermostat could be the culprit behind the cold air problem, it is the first place that your furnace technician will check when inspecting the heating system. Is your thermostat set on the “auto” mode, or the “on” mode? You want the thermostat on the “auto” mode because that way, the heating system isn’t blowing air out continuously and instead only blows out the air when it is being heated.

2. The Air Filters: When the air filters are not regularly cleaned out, they will eventually become clogged and a clogged air filter system can result in restricted airflow. This affects your furnace by causing the system to overheat and upon overheating, a furnace will stop producing hot air as a safety mechanism. How can you prevent this from happening? Simply remember to clean out the air filters every couple months to keep them from getting clogged!

3. The Ductwork: The ductwork is the part of the heating system that the air passes through, basically the vents and other air duct that deliver air throughout your house.

This part of the furnace unit could be the reason behind your cold air problem if there are any connection issues or leaks, which lets the warm air leak out of the ducts instead of warming up your home. Not only does this make your home colder, but it also ends up hurting your pocketbook because it takes more time and energy to get the hot air inside. Should your ductwork need adjustments, it’s best to have your local Sacramento furnace expert handle it as such work requires some technical skills.

Additional things to consider…

• Try not to crank up the temperature too high, or keep it at a high setting for a long period of time.
• Program your thermostat to heat your home when you are there, and to go off when no one’s home, that way you don’t run the furnace unnecessarily.
• Keep a regular maintenance schedule with your trusted Sacramento furnace company. An expert HVAC technician can spot furnace issues that can lead to cold air problems during the winter months, which means that you won’t have to worry about sitting in a chilly house with cold air coming out of your furnace this year!

With the breeze getting cooler and cooler, you’re expecting your furnace to provide you warmth for a more comfortable feel inside your home. Bu, without any notice, your furnace starts blowing cool air! That’s not right! But what could have caused such troublesome situation?

Here are a few possible explanations as to why your furnace is blowing cold air instead of warm air:

1. There’s a problem with your thermostat.

A thermostat is a component which senses system temperature to ensure that it is maintained at a desired level. Thermostats are the primary control for both heating and cooling systems.

Thermostats for heating systems respond when there is a change in pressure due to the change in temperature. An operational thermostat would only allow the release of air when the temperature is hot enough. If you have a problem with your thermostat, controlling when the air is released gets harder.

But before concluding that your thermostat is broken, first, make sure that your control is not set to “auto” as this would allow the release of air even if it is not yet warm. Ensure that your thermostat control is set to “on”.

2. Your air filter is clogged.

Air filters make sure that the quality of air that is released by your heating system is good. Over time, dust will accumulate in your air filters. It is recommended that you clean your air filters regularly.

If you don’t clean your air filters, the accumulated dust will clog the filters. Not only will this decrease the quality of air that is released by your heating system, but it will also restrict the airflow into your system, which will cause the overheating of the system itself. To prevent unfortunate events, most heating systems are designed to stop heating air. Your system would then be blowing cold air that is potentially filled with dust particles and allergens.

3. Your duct work has leaks or connection problems.

Ducts are tubes that allow air to be distributed from your furnace to the different parts of your home. If your ducts have leaks, or if there are connection problems with your ducts, then warm air will escape before reaching the desired room.

Not only will this scenario cause discomfort, it would also cause your energy bills to go through the roof!

For proper inspection of your system to find out why your furnace is blowing cool air, seek professional help.

Aside from these three most common reasons why your furnace may be blowing cool air, there are many other possibilities. To be able to find out the exact reason for your furnace problems, get help from the professionals.

All Year will be able to give you professional inspection services for your heating system, as well as for the identification and execution of the right remedy or repair needed to correct your problem. All Year AH could provide topnotch installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilating, and cooling systems.

For all your HVAC needs, All Year is here for you!

When was the last time you had the heating system in your house inspected and maintained by a professional HVAC company? If your answer to this question is longer than a year, than you need to seriously consider scheduling a heating maintenance visit with your local heating specialist, because if you expect your heating system to work at top levels of performance year in and year out, then it is imperative that you have it examined by a technician on a regular basis.

While on average, most experts will advise homeowners that an annual tune-up is necessary to ensure optimal functioning of their heating units, in reality, the time is now to schedule an inspection of your heating unit, especially if you have not been maintaining a regular maintenance schedule. The primary reason why it’s of such importance to have your heating system maintained by a professional on an annual basis is because the system performs at optimal rates when used and properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, something that only an expert HVAC technician can perform.

Let’s take a look at a few additional reasons why you should schedule a heating maintenance visit with All Year, today!

• The dust and dirt which have accumulated in the nooks and crannies of the unit during our long, hot Sacramento summers could put unnecessary stress on the heater, causing a major loss in efficiency when it’s not regularly cleaned out. In addition to cleaning the heating system, the All Year HVAC technician will also tighten any bolts, belts, and fittings which may have come loose during the summer, a simple and quick procedure that ends up making your system much more efficient.
• By having a regular cleaning and tune-up performed on your heater before winter sets in, not only will you save a good deal on energy bills, but you will also reduce the possibility of future problems associated with a lack of maintenance and cleaning. Technicians can spot something in the early stages of a problem before it evolves into a big ordeal, a quick and easy task for them that could end up saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run!
• One of the lesser known reasons why homeowners should consider scheduling a heating maintenance visit today is the fact that, it is a matter of safety that a professional comes and cleans out the filters and checks all gas valves, as neglecting these components could pose a fire hazard.

By taking the time to address the needs of your home’s heating system on a regular basis, you are guaranteed to experience a warmer home, as well as a smaller bill, this winter season! So whether you are in need of a tune-up, an inspection, a repair, or the complete replacement of your heating system altogether, an All Year HVAC specialist can help advise you on what will best get your heating system in top shape as soon as possible! So don’t wait and get started before it’s too late, and visit our website, allyearah.com, or call today!

Here at All Year Inc., we want to help you save a few dollars on your utility bill this winter by taking care of your water heater. As a local Sacramento company specialized in heater installation, service, and repair, we know that your water heater is a serious investment and it is worth taking the extra precautions to maintain it.

Old Electric Water Heater

These are three simple tricks that you can use to improve the longevity of your water heater.

1. Check the Pressure Valve

Every water heater, whether it be gas or electric, has a safety valve called the temperature and pressure valve (T&P valve). It is meant to open and release pressure if the tank overpressurizes, but if it is not working right it could explode. Do yourself the favor of periodically checking it to make sure your heater is safe.

• Turn off electricity or gas to extinguish pilot light.
• Place a bucket under the valve to catch water. Pull up the trip lever and listen for a slight rush of air or some water exiting through the valve. If you don’t hear or see anything, it is time to drain the tank and replace the valve.
• Click here to schedule an appointment.

2. Check the Anode Rod

• Locate the anode rod, usually located at the top of the heater and looks like a hexagonal plug screwed into the heater.
• Turn off power supply whether it be gas or electricity.
• Turn off COLD water supply.
• Connect a hose to the valve and drain about a ½ gallon of water to alleviate pressure.
• Use a closed end wrench to remove the anode rod and check for corrosion. If the rod is less than ½ an inch thick, it’s time to buy a new one.

3. Insulate your water heater

First, find the temperature dial on the side of the tank and set it to 120 degrees using a flathead screwdriver. Every 10 degrees of lowered temperature will save you about 5 percent in energy costs.

• Buy some self-sticking 3/8-inch-thick foam pipe insulation that matches the pipes’ diameter.
• Starting at the water heater, measure lengths of insulation needed to cover all the hot water pipes.
• Cut foam and secure around the pipes.
• For gas water heaters: Use an insulation blanket to wrap around the body of your water heater from the top to just below the controller.
• For electric water heaters: Use an insulation blanket to wrap around the sides and top of your water heater because they have no exhaust. But be careful not to cover heating element access panels. 

These tips will help you self-maintain your water heater and make it last longer. When you do have questions or concerns, be sure to contact your trusted Sacramento heater repair company, All Year Inc.

For most of us living in Sacramento, we spend the majority of our HVAC concerns focused on our central air conditioning units, and given the fact that we have some of the hottest summers in California it makes perfect sense why we would!

But did you know that there are some common mistakes many homeowners unknowingly make when it comes to their heaters, mistakes that could end up costing you hundreds of dollars in repair fees that could have been avoided? Since it is so easy for us Sacramento residents to overlook the needs of our heating systems as a result of relying so much upon our A/C units throughout the year, it’s important to remind ourselves of the things we need to do (and things to avoid) in order to keep our heating systems in top shape for the season ahead!

Professional Sacramento heating and air conditioning companies advise homeowners to do the following three things if they wish to avoid the common problems that require heating repair experts to fix once they develop:

1. Having the temperature set your thermostat too high for too long

While the thermostat in your home is technically capable of being cranked up to 90° F, it’s never a good idea to have your thermostat on it’s highest setting because it will not be able to withstand such a demand for very long. In addition to the intense strain put on your heating system by cranking up the heat during the winter, doing so will also be very expensive, possibly even more so than it costs to have the A/C on full blast during the summer months. So to avoid unnecessary strain and potential mechanical failure, aim to keep your thermostat no higher than 70° F when you are awake, and a few degrees cooler at night when you are asleep.

2. Failing to clean and change out the air filters

Failing to have the air filters cleaned out for HVAC units that use forced air (like a furnace or a heat pump), often results in bug problems during months of high-use. The air filter is responsible for trapping and keeping out dirt, dust, and other debris, so if the filter becomes over saturated with trapped particles, it can cause serious damage to the inner workings of the heater. Moreover, if the air filter in your heating system is not cleaned out at least every couple of months, the efficiency of the unit will start to decrease, resulting in a higher bill for less heat output.

3. Forgetting or avoiding the necessary preventative maintenance because you think it will be too expensive

There are few things that can cause a heating system more problems than avoiding maintenance altogether. Just as your car needs regular tune-ups and oil changes to keep it functioning at maximum efficiency, so too does your heating and air system need regular attention from a certified HVAC specialist in order to keep all components in working order.

One of the best reasons to schedule regular maintenance with a professional heating and cooling company is to catch small problems before they evolve into something in need of a big repair, as a minor issue with your unit right now could end up making your winter much colder and more expensive than you originally planned! It’s best to stick to an annual preventative maintenance schedule, and to try and have your unit inspected in the fall before the cooler weather kicks in- remember that annual maintenance is the best way to prevent the need for repairs to your heater in the future!

Now that you know how important regular maintenance is for your heating system and the comfort of your family during the winter season, don’t hesitate to call the HVAC experts at All Year to schedule your next heater inspection!

Did you know that your thermostat is actually a vital part of your home’s HVAC system? It is responsible for so much more than just measuring and displaying a temperature reading.

Despite what many of us first assume in terms of what it actually does, this particular part of your home’s heating and air system unit influences how well the unit operates daily, and even plays a huge role in maintaining an energy-efficient system throughout the year.

Homeowners are also surprised when they learn that another way they can benefit from having a new thermostat installed in their home is by saving money on monthly energy bills!

Working with an outdated or inefficient thermostat model?

If your HVAC unit is working in tandem with an outdated thermostat you could be costing yourself hundreds of dollars every year in unnecessary energy bills, not to mention the fact that working with an inefficient thermostat also puts a great deal of undue stress on the entire system.

Older thermostats tend to be made with a manual temperature slider to adjust the settings of a heating and air conditioning unit. It’s a feature that is often difficult to adjust and produces inaccurate temperature changes, resulting in higher energy costs as you naturally spend more time adjusting the unit due to its inaccurate temperature display.

What is the best way to combat poor temperature control caused by an outdated or inefficient thermostat?

While many of us would assume that an issue like poor temperature control in many rooms of a home would likely be caused by a technical issue with the mechanics of the unit itself, professional HVAC companies will tell you that the cause of this type of problem can often be traced back to the thermostat.

The older technology found in the inefficient and outdated models will sometimes result in poor heating and air conditioning unit performance in terms of how accurate and efficient the temperature control and display apparatus functions.

In other words, the best way to solve this problem is with the professional installation of a new thermostat!

Why are the digital thermostat models so superior to older thermostat models when it comes to keeping your home at the desired temperature?

Unlike older models, new models are made with technology which far surpasses that of the technology behind older thermostat versions, allowing you to keep each room of your home at their own ideal temperature settings while at the same time-saving money!

The precision of the temperature increments of new thermostats also means that you will spend much less time fidgeting with the settings in order to find the best temperature.

Another beneficial feature associated with having a new thermostat installed in your home is that the system can be programmed to pick up on the patterns you have set the thermostat at in order to eventually, be able to create the ideal settings without you even having to adjust the system yourself.

How can an older thermostat model be harmful to your HVAC system over time?

Believe it or not, the efficiency of your thermostat is directly connected to not just the efficiency but also the overall longevity as well of your HVAC system.

Think about it this way: if you are constantly readjusting your heating and air system because it can never quite reach the exact temperature setting you to desire, the unit itself will be put under undue stress due to that constant fluctuation in status.

This stress eventually results in the expedited wearing down of the entire HVAC unit, causing you to purchase a new system well before it should have been necessary.

New models help to improve the lifespan of a heating and air conditioning system also by allowing you to pre-program the unit to minimize use while your house is not occupied, a feature that was never possible with older models.

The benefits associated with investing in a new thermostat include important things like an overall improvement in energy efficiency for your home, as well as reduced energy-related bills and expenditures.

So if your HVAC system is still operating in tandem with an outdated model, get in contact with All Year today to update and improve your unit!

As a Californian, you’ve more than likely had the experience of being in a home or building that does not have a functioning air conditioning system and know exactly how it feels to be trapped in such sweaty discomfort for too long. We often hear stories about how people either reluctantly suffer through the heat without an A/C, or instead find a way to get creative by seeking out cooler temperatures elsewhere.

Stories like that of an elderly woman for example, who bought a fan to try and ease the heat and humidity in her home one summer when her air conditioning system broke down, only to eventually discover that the fan was no match for cooling down her entire house, so as a result, she decided to spend the rest of those hot summer days at the local recreational facility to keep cool. The air conditioning companies of California have even seen cases where an individual will sit in their running car for an afternoon just so they can have the air conditioning! The list of air conditioning-horror-stories is a long one, but for every A/C system dilemma, there is always a solution to be found by the pros at All Year!

How to Lessen Strain on Your Air Conditioning

Record-breaking temperatures are expected to continue throughout this year and beyond so now more than ever is the time to get your air conditioning system in the best shape possible! Living in California heat means that we depend on upon our air conditioners rather frequently and as such, it’s important to take care of our A/C systems with all the proper maintenance and repair checks provided by the air conditioning experts at All Year. In addition to maintaining a regular check-up routine with your All Year specialist, there are a number of things you can do to help relieve the strain put on your A/C unit by the intense summer heat.

Check and clean all filters: clogged and dirty air filters can dramatically impact how your unit functions and cause a backup situation in which the air cannot flow through properly resulting in the unit seizing up. Excess dirt and debris on the filters can really put excess strain on an air conditioning unit that is being run constantly during the summer months.

Make sure the condenser unit is always free of debris: it’s vital to keep the condenser located outside of your home is totally free of branches, leaves, and other debris, because the condenser will function optimally only when the airflow surrounding the unit is free from obstruction.

Inspect all ductwork for debris as well: just as with the condenser unit, you need to clear away any obstructions surrounding or inside of the vents of your home, and clean and tune-up the ductwork as well to get the best results out of your system this summer.

Smart programming of your thermostat: One quick and easy way to ease the strain on your A/C unit is to use and program your thermostat strategically, or in a way that cools your home in the most efficient way possible. By knowing the optimal time, duration, and temperature at which to run the system, you will be better able to keep cool while maintaining a reasonable budget.

Remember to get in touch with your All Year air conditioning specialist to schedule a quick and easy maintenance inspection for your A/C unit soon, and beat the heat this summer!

As the summer is fast approaching and the weather gets increasingly warm with each passing week, it is time to finally start thinking about getting our air conditioning systems tuned up and ready to go!

With record-breaking temperatures expected this summer in California, it is essential to have an efficient and properly functioning air conditioning system if you wish to stand any chance of beating the heat. So if you haven’t already scheduled an appointment with a professional Sacramento air conditioning system company to inspect and tune-up your A/C unit before the intense heat of the summer arrives, you could save yourself a lot of sweat and stress by doing so now!

There are however, several small tasks homeowners can do on their own in order to get ready to use their air conditioning unit for the first time of the year.

Prior to listing those steps and consulting with a Sacramento air conditioning system company to inspect your unit, it is helpful for your general knowledge to understand the basic elements of the air conditioning system itself before performing any maintenance or cleaning on it. Here is a simple description of the three main parts of a central air conditioning system:

1. The condenser: the large, metal box unit located outside of the home and it regulates the temperature of the refrigerant, which travels back and forth from the condenser unit to the house, and by pressurizing the refrigerant, the condenser turns that refrigerant into a high- temperature liquid.
2. The blower: receives the liquid refrigerant from the condenser, turning it back into gas, and then this cold gas gets pushed through a coil in the ductwork, over which passes the now cooled air
3. The ductwork: the cooled air from the ductwork in the blower is then drawn through the ductwork and into the house through the air vents, and then the refrigerant is then returned back to the condenser to repeat the cycle.

As a homeowner, you can leave the technical aspects of A/C maintenance and care up to the Sacramento air conditioning system specialists, but now that you know the basic elements making up a central air unit, let’s take a look at the few things you can do on your own to help get your A/C unit ready for this summer season!

1. Clean those filters! A clogged and dirty air filter can dramatically impact how your unit functions, as it can cause a back up situation when the air cannot flow through properly, often resulting in the unit seizing up.
2. Inspect for water damage: due to the accumulation of condensation, moisture and water have the potential to build up and eventually cause water damage, and while most units will have a pump that removes excess water, if there is damage to that pump, water could accumulate and cause serious damage.
3. Keep the condenser located outside of your home free of foliage and other debris: the condenser functions optimally when the airflow surrounding the unit is not obstructed by objects, so keep the area clear at all times.
4. Maintain the ductwork: clear any obstructions surrounding or in the vents of your home, clean and tune-up the ductwork as well, while keeping a keen eye out for any signs of mold!

Once the basic steps are completed, be sure to consult with an expert Sacramento air conditioning system contractor if any issues arise during your routine maintenance!

If you need help, don’t hesitate to call All Year! The professionals are all year are here to help you and keep you comfortable during the summer months and all year around!

When it comes to the most comprehensive Sacramento heater repair service available today, All Year Heating and Air continues to be the superior choice, with qualified professionals who have years of experience in expert heater installations and repairs! Replacing or servicing a heating unit is no small task, so don’t make the mistake of trying to cut corners and save a buck by hiring a cheap contractor to do the job-instead look to the experts! You can trust the experts at All Year for all of your Sacramento heater repair needs. From heater repair, tune-ups and maintenance, to free quotes for Sacramento heater repair or replacement; the quality service and technicians of All Year come second to none in the Sacramento heater repair industry!

All Year Sacramento hires only the best of the best when it comes to technicians and contractors so you can be sure that you will receive a quality heater repair or installation that you and your family will be able to depend on for years to come. Since investing in a quality heating system is making an investment in your home, it pays to have the right person install and service the unit throughout its service life to get the most out of the heater. In addition to knowledgeable technicians and contractors who will provide an exceptional heater repair or installation, All Year Sacramento can help you make the most efficient and appropriate decisions when it comes to choosing the best heating options for your home and lifestyle! Whether you have a large home in need of an exceptionally robust system, or just need to look into more efficient options within a reasonable budget, All Year’s superior service is up to the task. Looking simply for a quote on a heating unit you already have your eye on? Well, a reliable, quick, and free quote is just a call to All Year away! And since not all Sacramento heater repair jobs are the same, you can trust the professionals at All Year Sacramento to provide the superior service you need and expect for your family and your home. Moreover, All Year Sacramento has years of experience working with all the leading brands and products in the heater repair business-just give us a call to discuss all the various options available for your home today!

Likewise, All Year’s technicians and contractors are the superior choice when it comes to saving money and working on a budget, since they know all the details regarding heating system efficiency that will assist you in making the optimum choice for your home. Even if you are not familiar with the technical aspects of choosing a heating system and are not sure where to begin, don’t hesitate to call All Year Sacramento. So whether you are simply looking for a heater installation quote and need assistance choosing the right make and model, do yourself the favor of seeking out the very best company in heater repair and installations that the Sacramento area has to offer–call All Year Sacramento today!