Month: May 2021

When it comes to investing in a new AC system, there are a lot of numbers to pay attention to. The different EER and SEER ratings matter, as do amperage and voltage levels. However, the most important number you’ll want to know is BTU, which measures the entire cooling capacity of your system. Some homes require a system with a high BTU, others not so much. If you ever find yourself asking, “how much BTU do I need for an air conditioner,” we have some answers below.

What is BTU?

To put it simply, BTU stands for British Thermal Units. This is the measurement used to measure energy. One BTU is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Think of it in terms of a calorie. Calories help power our bodies and give them energy. However, too many calories can lead to a sluggish system. You want the optimal number of calories—or BTUs—to power your system, but not to overload it.

Why Does BTU Matter?

BTU matters because it shows how much power the appliance has. The higher the BTU the faster a furnace or AC unit can change the temperature in your home.

There are a few things to consider though. A machine with a high BTU count can quickly temperature treat your home, but you may be looking at a higher bill. Something with a smaller BTU count will get your home to that optimal temperature, but it will take a few extra minutes.

How do I Calculate the Right Size?

There are a huge number of factors that go into determining the right size system and number of BTUs needed in your home. Just like HVAC systems, larger isn’t always better.

It’s important to find a system that works for you, your home, and your lifestyle. Anything can change the number of BTUs you need. Does your home have high ceilings? What about the location of your home? Do you have insulation?

All these will need to be taken into consideration when looking for the right sized system for your home.

What AC Unit is Best for My Home?

They type of AC unit you need depends on the type of home you’re living in. For studio dwellers, or people who rent a room, we recommend a portable AC unit.

Homeowners have more options. Our two favorites are the central home system and the ductless, or mini-split system.

Both these options have two components, an indoor unit and outdoor unit. Central AC systems are great for homeowners why may only have a furnace in place. It can add to your existing ductwork.

We recommend mini-split systems for homes that are new, or incredibly old. Both these homes usually do not have existing ductwork. Which makes the mini-split system your best bet.

Learn More About AC Options from A-Avis

At A-Avis, we believe an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. That’s why we recommend scheduling an AC tune-up every year. During this appointment, one of our HVAC experts will look at every part of your system and give it a professional cleaning. They will also give any advice to keep your unit up and running and will let you know about best options for your home and lifestyle.

To meet your HVAC expert, dial the number at the top of the screen or click here to request an appointment online.

It’s somewhat common knowledge that when the summer hits, utility bills can go way up. We blame increased AC use. While there are myths about how to lower your utility bills, we’re here to share the truth. There is an optimal thermostat setting for the summer months. And the temperature setting may surprise you. If you’re wondering, what temperature should I set my AC during the summer, we have the answer.

What’s the Best Temperature?

This is probably going to come as a shock to you. For a balance between comfort and budget, the best temperature to set your thermostat to is 78°.

Before you disregard this and say we’ve let the heat get to our heads, there’s actual science to back this up. Your AC is engineered to detect the outside temperature and create a cooler temperature inside. No matter what setting is on the thermostat, your HVAC system is doing the same amount of work.

To save on bills, and be the most energy efficient, let the AC run at a higher setting. This will cool your home over time.

We know how easy it is to come home on a hot day and just blast your AC at the lowest temperature. However, as we mentioned above this is actually a bad idea.

By setting your thermostat to 78°, you’re allowing the HVAC system to efficiently find a temperature balance that balances the temperature inside with the temperature outside.

Set the Thermostat Higher when You’re Gone.

To really make a dent in your monthly bills, set the thermostat higher while you’re out. We’re talking up to 88°. This advice comes directly from HVAC manufacturers and engineers.

You want to set your thermostat to a temperature that’s closer to the air outside. This setting ensures your home won’t be a sauna or a freezer when you return home.

The process of continually shutting down your system then turning it back on puts unnecessary strain on everything—including your wallet.

Instead, running your system at a higher temperature allows it to run at a lower level, preserving its functions and maintaining it while you’re out of the house.  What’s the point of keeping a house cool if no one is home?

The best way to maintain this cycle is with a programmable thermostat. Set it to raise the temperature when you’re out of the house and lower it when you are home.

Best AC Setting for Sleep?

One question we hear time and time again is how should I adjust my thermostat for sleep? Just like waking hours, there is an optimal temperature your home should be at while you’re sleeping.

Finding the optimal temperature for sleep can be tricky. For example, The Sleep Foundation recommends your bedroom temperature to be between 60° and 67° for the best sleep. However, this can still change from person to person.

You can program your thermostat to start lowering the temperature of your home around bedtime. Or try opening some windows in your bedroom. Fresh air is important for overall health and wellness, and nighttime air will help keep the overall temperature down.

The 60° to 67° recommendation is for adults. Infants and children have different sleep needs and may need a warmer room.

Keep the Humidity in Check

Humidity can make a hot day so much worse. It’s because of how humidity works with your sweat. When you sweat in a dry climate the sweat quickly evaporates. This keeps you cooler.

When you sweat in a humid climate the sweat has a harder time evaporating. Therefore, you’re stuck in a hot, sticky mess.

An air conditioner does more than keep your house cool, it also controls humidity. If your humidity feels off the wall, it may be time to schedule a tune-up. Or it could be time to look into a dehumidifier. Either way, to keep yourself cool, take care of your humidity levels.

Natural Solutions to Keep Cool

In addition to adjusting your thermostat, there are a few natural solutions to keeping your home cooler during the summer months.

If you’re still asking what temperature should I set my AC during the summer, these ideas don’t add to any utility bills and are completely natural and sustainable.

• Dress for the Temperature – A pair of joggers and a sweatshirt are always cozy. But when it’s summer, time to switch to short sleeves and short pants. You’ll truly feel the benefit of your AC system when you’re dressed for the season.
• Put Up Blackout Curtains – Get a pair of blackout curtains and make sure they’re drawn when the sun is at its peak. This will help keep cool air in and block the sun’s hot rays.
• Strategically Open Windows – Open your windows when you first wake up and when you’re settling down for bed. This allows for the circulation of fresh air into your home and brings in the cooler nigh and morning air.
• Run the Fan – When you turn on your AC for the first time in a season, don’t forget to reverse your ceiling fans. During the summer, ceiling fans should be turning counterclockwise. This creates a refreshing downdraft.
• Make sure to Weather Seal Your Home – All those little openings around your doors and windows can add up when the weather hits the high 80s. Every summer, take the time to inspect the seals around your windows and doors. Patch up any gaps between the windows or doors and wall.
• Schedule Regular Tune-Ups – Routine tune-ups are the best way to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system. At Service Champions, we recommend two tune-ups a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall.

Want the Best Temperature Solutions? Service Champions is Here

Still wondering what temperature should I set my AC during the summer? The HVAC experts at Service Champions have all the answers you’re looking for. Simply schedule an AC tune-up to and let us peek under the hood of your HVAC system.

Service Champions is the only Diamond Certified plumbing and HVAC provider in Southern California. We serve parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino communities. Call the number at the top of the screen or click here to request an appointment online.

There are number of problems that could contribute to why your air conditioner is not turning on. If you find any of the problems listed below with your central air, contact your local HVAC contractor for additional help.

With warmer weather quickly approaching, more and more people are starting up their central air systems. Homeowners who opt to skip out on air conditioner maintenance may find that their central air is not what they remembered.

The AC unit won’t turn on

Usually when the outdoor unit doesn’t turn on, it is because something tripped the circuit breaker. When this happens, you can easily reset it after locating the circuit breaker panel.

If you find that the AC unit still does not work, the next place to look is the thermostat. A non-responsive thermostat will fail to communicate with the rest of the central air system. Your HVAC contractor can fix this for you.

Oftentimes, something as simple as power can solve the issue right then and there. If not, there may be a bigger problem relating to the thermostat and wiring.

The AC doesn’t cool evenly

Ducts, or ductwork, are used to transport conditioned air throughout the home, and are sized to match each room of the home. However, other variables that need to be considered, such as how much sun comes in through the windows. To manage natural heat sources and even out air conditioning, we install dampers within the air duct system to control the flow of air.

Your AC contractor will work with you to assess your home environment and customize the air conditioning to each room or area.

The AC doesn’t cool at all

When the air conditioning doesn’t feel cool, the problem could lie within the control board. Otherwise, the refrigerant may be to blame. In either case, the attention and care of your air conditioner contractor is needed to restore service.

Refrigerant can be hazardous to handle yourself. For your safety, wait for your trusted air conditioning contractor, who is EPA certified, to deliver proper care.

The Condenser Unit Turns on and Off Repeatedly

The outdoor condenser unit contains safety controls that automatically shut down the system when the pressure drops below a certain level. Once pressure rises again, the system starts up. Pressure can change with general temperature as well as refrigerant levels contained inside the central air.

If your condenser continues to turn on and off, your AC contractor can assess the safety controls ensure correct performance.

Another reason your AC system could be repeatedly turning on and off is if it’s short cycling. It happens when your AC can’t reach the temperature on the thermostat or reaches that temperature too soon. The machine will constantly turn on and off while never completing a full cycle.

Common Causes of AC Problems

With age and use, even the best central air system experience changes. There are common air conditioner problems that no central air system can fully escape without the help of an HVAC contractor. These include:

• Wiring – There are several networks of wires that connect one part of the central air system to the next. Some of these wires are exposed above ground, other are hidden behind walls. When these wires break, erode or are damaged in any way, air conditioner service is impaired.
• Refrigerant Shortages – Refrigerant in the central air system runs through a closed circuit of tubes. Though refrigerant does not need to be refilled, some central air systems do accumulate leaks. When this happens, refrigerant drips out, contaminating the air supply. Your HVAC contractor repairs this for you, restoring the health of your home air and system.
• Icy Build Up – Ice can build up around the evaporator coils, pipes or even outside the unit. This usually happens when the air filter has not been replaced. A dirty air filter means that the central air system has to work twice as hard to push air through a clogged filter. This results in exceptionally cold air circulating inside the central air before it makes it way through the duct system, freezing out internal parts.
• Short Cycling – Short cycling is when your system constantly turns on and off and never completes a full cycle. If your AC is unable to reach the temperature set on the thermostat, it will short cycle to reach that setting. When your system is never allowed to take a break, it’ll wear out much faster. It takes the attention and precision of a professional to clean out the icy build up without damaging the delicate parts that make up the internal structure of the air conditioner.
• Dirty Evaporator Coils, Filters and Condensers – Changing the air filter of your central air is something homeowners can do themselves. The air filter is the first line of defense against bothersome airborne particles and pathogens that plague the air and the air conditioner unit. It’s a simple way to keep the air quality in your home high while protecting the efficiency and cleanliness of the central air system.
• Faulty Motors – When any of the blower motors run at half speed or freeze over, the central air system experiences unnecessary stress. Choosing to replace these motors help the furnace and air conditioner perform efficiently while lasting long.
• Faulty Compressors – Compressors are responsible for pumping compressed refrigerant throughout the air conditioner system, cooling air. When the compressor goes bad, amperage skyrockets in order to keep up with the demands signaled from the thermostat. Your air conditioner contractor needs to replace the condenser, either in part or whole, so that air conditioning in your home is restored.
• Faulty Thermostats – Homes outfitted with faulty thermostats usually have analog thermostats, which cannot keep up with high efficiency models. Today’s thermostats are digital, touch screen and less likely to have problems communicating with the rest of the system. In addition, older thermostats contain mercury, which pose a health hazard inside the home. Any HVAC contractor will recommend having old thermostats replaced with higher efficiency models to save time, money and trouble.

Choose A-Avis for Superior Air Conditioning Care

A-Avis is the preferred HVAC provider for Southern California. We excel in delivering positive results, combining genuine customer service with expert technical care.

To experience the difference that comes with superior heating and air conditioning, contact one of our helpful representatives in our call center or click here to schedule an AC tune-up online at your convenience.

When it heats up in Southern California, humans aren’t the only ones seeking refuge from the heat. Bugs are also looking to keep cool. Many times, this won’t be a problem, but we get questions from customers about how to prevent bugs from coming through the air conditioner.

Here are our favorite ways to stop bugs from getting into your cool, cozy home.

Can Bugs Get into my HVAC System?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a resounding yes. It is very easy for insects, and other creatures, to find their way into your HVAC system and then your home.

Most HVAC systems offer a nice home for critters. Oftentimes there’s protection in the condenser’s grill. There’s almost always a fresh water supply from the condensation, and the whirring of the machine can be a toasty place to stay warm at night.

Another reason bugs like your HVAC system? It can grant total access to your home. They get in through ductwork, return vents, and small holes in the walls.

The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to keep bugs from coming in through the air conditioner.

What Kind of Bugs Get In?

Bugs seek out the same basic shelter we do. They are attracted to the lights inside your home, cool temperature, and availability of food. Your air conditioner can offer easy access to the inside of your home.

The bugs most commonly found in your AC system are flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ants, and spiders. I don’t know about you, but we sure don’t want these critters running around inside our home.

Fill in the Holes

Go outside and look at the area around your condenser. Are there any cracks or holes? Simply fill them up with caulk or concrete.

Though the holes may be small, they’re a great way for bugs to come through the air conditioner and in your home. You can purchase caulk and concrete at your local Ace Hardware, Home Depot, or Lowes.

Keep up With the Landscaping

Landscaping matters, especially when it comes to your condenser. There are basic rules all homeowners should follow when it comes to AC and foliage.

First, any plants, trees, or fences should be 2-3 feet away from the condenser. Just like most other things in this world, it needs room to breathe. Make sure any tree branches are not too low. Also, clean any debris from around the condenser. Leaf piles are a great starter home for bugs.

Second, move anything that could attract bugs away from your condenser. This includes wood piles, trash cans, and grass clippings.

By clearing away any gathering places for pests, you’re minimizing the risk of bugs coming in through the air conditioner.

Consider a Rock Garden

If cleaning up shrubbery seems like a total buzzkill, why not put in a rock garden?

These stone gardens are gaining popularity because they’re easy to maintain and drought resistant. Also, they will deter bugs from making their nests around your condenser.

A rock garden can be anything from aesthetically pleasing gravel to bricks, or even large river rocks. Also, tall plants can potentially block airflow and clog your condenser’s coil. A rock garden would entirely alleviate this problem.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Over the summer dust, leaves, and other debris can easily buildup in your home’s gutters and downspouts. This buildup is an incredibly inviting home for pests and critters.

Routinely cleaning your gutters and downspouts is not only a good thing to do, but it also keeps away bugs.

Stop Water Leaks

Cockroaches are always looking for water. A damp place could provide a wonderful home for a family of roaches. That’s why you’ll want to inspect for any water leaks and patch them up as soon as possible.

Check your hose spigots and make sure they close nice and tight. If you notice any water leaking from your condenser it’s more than a beacon for roach families, it could be an indicator that something is wrong with your AC

Schedule an AC tune-up

Want to prevent bugs from coming through the air conditioner? Schedule an appointment with the HVAC experts at A-Avis. Our techs will perform an AC tune-up and professional cleaning to ensure there are no critters in or around your system.

Call the number at the top of the screen or click here to request an appointment online.