Experiencing high PG&E bills?

If you are experiencing high PG&E bills, there could be a number of factors contributing to the increased cost of your energy usage. Here are some potential causes and solutions:

Increased energy usage

If you have been using more energy than usual, your bill will naturally be higher. Consider if there have been any changes in your household that may be contributing to higher energy usage, such as more people at home or changes in weather conditions.

Rate changes

PG&E offers different rate plans, and changes to these plans can affect your bill. Review your rate plan to ensure that you are on the most appropriate plan for your household’s energy usage.

Equipment issues

Faulty or outdated equipment, such as an inefficient HVAC system or leaky windows, can lead to increased energy usage and higher bills. Consider having a professional assess your equipment and make any necessary upgrades or repairs.

Peak hour usage

PG&E charges higher rate between 4 and 9pm every day. This is when there is highest demand for energy. Use your high energy demanding appliances, like dryers, outside of these hours.

You may benefit from PG&E’s Time-of-Use rate plan. Check out PG&E’s website for more information.

Billing errors

It is possible that your high PG&E bill is the result of an error in billing. Review your bill carefully to ensure that you have not been overcharged, and contact PG&E if you have any concerns or questions.

If you are still struggling to understand why your PG&E bills are high, consider reaching out to PG&E customer service or consulting with a professional energy auditor or contractor. They may be able to provide additional guidance and support.

There are many simple ways to reduce your energy usage and lower your PG&E bill. These can include turning off lights and electronics when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, and sealing any air leaks in your home.

Heat pump is fast becoming another energy-saving mechanism to lower your PG&E bills. Learn more.

How to lower your PG&E bill

Recently PG&E bills have been skyrocketing. As the cost of natural gas goes up, so does our bill.

There are several ways you can reduce your PG&E bills. Below is a list of energy-saving tips from PG&E website and others.

Appliances: Use energy efficient appliances

Replacing old, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient ones can significantly reduce your energy usage and lower your PG&E bills. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.

Unplug that 2nd refrigerator: Many homes now have more than one refrigerator. More appliances means more energy use and that increases your bill.

Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature of your home based on your schedule, which can help you save on heating and cooling costs.

Lower the desired temperature in the winter and increase it in the summer. Ideally, health permitting, set your thermostat to 68°F in the winter and 78°F or higher in the summer.

Install efficient shower heads

Heating water accounts for a significant portion of residential energy use. By reducing the hot water consumption during showers, efficient shower heads can lead to substantial energy savings.

Take shorter showers

(From PG&E) The average American spends about 8 minutes taking a shower roughly once a day. Reducing average shower time by 1 minute can result in a 13% decrease in shower water use, which reduces the money you spend on water heating.

Run full loads on a dishwasher and washing machine

Run when the dishwasher is full. Instead of using the dishwasher’s feature of using heat to dry the dishes, air dry the dishes.

Insulate water heater

Insulating your water heater can reduce the standby heat losses by 25-45% and reduce water heating costs by 7-16%. (Source: PG&E)

Seal air leaks

Air leaks around doors, windows, and other areas of your home can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder than necessary, which can increase your energy bills. Sealing these leaks can help improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Use LED light bulbs

LED light bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer, making them a great investment for reducing your energy usage and PG&E bills.

Use motion detectors for outdoor lights

Outdoor lights that are left on all night can consume more electricity than most of your other light fixtures. Motion sensors used on these outdoor lights can significantly reduce their energy use.

Consider installing solar panels

If you own your home, installing solar panels can help you generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on PG&E. There are also state and federal incentives available to help offset the cost of solar panel installation.

Participate in PG&E programs

PG&E offers several programs that can help you save on your energy bills, such as the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which provides discounted rates for eligible low-income customers, and the Home Energy Analyzer, which provides personalized energy-saving tips based on your energy usage.

How do I cool my second floor?

Keeping your second floor can be a real challenge in the dead of summer.

Since hot air rises, the upstairs can get up to 10 degrees hotter than the downstairs. During these times, it can be a challenge to keep the upstairs cool.

Another factor is the roof. In the summer, the roof gets the full brunt of the sun and it absorbs a lot of heat. This heats up the air in the attic which in turn heats up the upstairs.

Here are a few ways that you can manage to keep the second floor in your house comfortable.

Redirect cool air from the AC to upstairs

You can redirect more air from the AC upstairs by partially closing the vents downstairs. This will enable the cooler air to be blown upstairs. Be careful that you don’t close all the registers. This could affect the performance of the system. Talk to your HVAC specialist about balancing the system.

Install different zones in your house

With different zones in your house, you can control the temperature of each zone independent of the others. For example, you can set the thermostat to 68 downstairs and 72 upstairs.

Use window coverings to block the sun

If any of the windows get direct sun, especially in the afternoon, you should install drapes or shades. This can significantly reduce the temperature in a room.

Reduce your use of appliances upstairs

This is difficult if your kitchen is upstairs. Burners add a lot of heat to the surrounding area. On hot days, you could plan to eat out or make salads that don’t require the use of burners.

Install fans in the attic

Attic air can get to 130 degrees on a hot day! This would replace the hot air in the attic with cool air. (Rewrite this.)

Install ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are an easy and inexpensive way to keep the air moving and cooling a room.

Insulate your attic

When the midday sun hits the roof on a hot day, the attic heats up and this transfers the heat to the room right under it. By adding insulation in your attic you minimize the heat that is transferred to the living space.

You can install a vapor barrier on the bottom of the roof rafters. This slow the radiant heat from the roof into the attic which will keep your attic cool. Consequently your house will stay cooler.

Turn off any gadgets that generate heat.

Computers and other such electronic gadgets produce a lot of heat. Using these upstairs can also add to the temperature. Keep the electronic items turned off during the day or minimize their use upstairs.

Turn off lights. You’d be surprised how much heat they can create!

When the summer gets here, remember to drink cool drinks and keep hydrated!

Why is my air conditioner leaking condensation? Is it malfunctioning?

Air conditioners generate moisture as part of their operation. Normally this condensation is directed out of your home via a pipe. If your air conditioner is leaking moisture into your home, this is a sign of a problem. There are several reasons an air conditioner might be leaking condensation.

Air conditioner is rusted through

The drain pan in the air conditioner might be rusted through or otherwise damaged. If this is the case, you will need to replace the drain pan.

Drain line is clogged

There could be clog in the condensation drain line. Water can back up into your home if the pipe is clogged with dirt, dust, or sludge. You can try using a wet/dry vacuum on the drain line, or call an HVAC professional to clear the line with specialized equipment.

The air filter is dirty

The air filter could be dirty. When the air filter is dirty, the evaporator coil doesn’t get the air flow it needs, which can cause it to freeze. Then when the evaporator coil melts, it might generate more moisture all at once than your air conditioner deal with. If this is the case, replace the air filter. In general, the air filter on your air conditioning should be replaced every few months.

You have a broken pipe

The condensation pump could be broken. The pump is what directs the water out of the air conditioner into the drain line. You will need to have the pump repaired or replaced.

For these issues and any other problems with your air conditioning, call us.

RC Mechanical is Redwood City’s best HVAC contractor. We use state-of the-art software to make sure you are getting the right air conditioning system for your home — and our a/c repair & installation experts will ensure your air conditioning system is installed correctly. Call us today at 650-575-3915.

Improve Indoor Air Quality To Reduce Coronavirus Risk

Now that we’re spending more time indoors due to shelter-in-place, it is important that the air you and your family breathe is healthy and clean.

While there are several ways to limit your exposure to the coronavirus (hand washing, etc.), let’s focus here on how your home heating and cooling systems can play a role in a cleaner and healthier environment.

Upgrade Your Air Filters

According to the Center for Disease Control, the virus is mainly spread by large droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing. Your HVAC system’s air filters are the “face masks” of your home. They catch airborne particles but do not kill them. To reduce the risk of airborne exposure, consider upgrading your the air filters in your air conditioner and furnace. Higher density filters will trap airborne particles before they reach the air you breathe. Ask your HVAC contractor for the best air filter for your needs.

Change Your Filter More Often

A better air filter collects more particles. Especially when more of us are staying indoors, our filters will need to be replaced more often. If someone in your family is ill, consider changing your filters more frequently to minimize recirculating airborne particles.

Control Your Home’s Humidity

Keep your home’s humidity between 40-60% because viruses are least viable in this range. Several factors can improve your home’s humidity: installing insulation, installing a humidifier, and plugging leaking windows and doors. A skilled HVAC technician will conduct a thorough inspection and can recommend the best options to control humidity in your home so it remains within the recommended range.

Schedule an HVAC Assessment

A skilled HVAC technician will inspect your furnace and A/C systems for leaks and damage, checking your ductwork for proper alignment and ensuring it is fully sealed. Leaking ductwork forces your air conditioner and furnace to overwork, leading to higher energy bills. A well-maintained HVAC ductwork system traps indoor allergens in the air filters. They play a critical role in trapping allergens by trapping particles and preventing them from circulating through your home.

RC Mechanical Can Help

HVAC contractors are essential service providers. RC Mechanical can help you manage these indoor air quality risks and make recommendations to increase air quality.

RC Mechanical, Redwood City’s best HVAC contractor, is a trusted local company that will quickly diagnose and resolve your air conditiong, heating, and indoor air quality issues. Whether you need help selecting and installing the right air conditioner, replacing a furnace, or conducting a home energy audit, you can count on RC Mechanical for superior and cost-effective HVAC service. RC Mechanical is a local veteran-owned business and has provided expert furnace and air conditioning repair and installation to the Bay Area with integrity for over 20 years. Homeowners in Redwood City and throughout the Bay Area count on us for all their heating and air conditioning needs. Call us today at (650) 575-3915 and we will respond within 24 hours.

Breathe Cleaner Fresher Air This Spring

Spring brings longer days and warmer weather. But spring can also bring miserable sniffling and sneezing for the 50 million Americans who suffer seasonal allergies. Eight out of 10 people in the United States are exposed to dust mites. What to do? Improve the air quality in your home to reduce allergy triggers.

What are the main sources of indoor allergens? Some of the biggest factors that affect home air quality are:

Pets
Wall-to-wall carpet
Damp areas
Soft furniture
Bedding

To make sure you and your family breathe easier this Spring, check out these four ways to improve indoor air quality:

Replace your air filters

The air filters in your AC and heating system are your first level of defense against bad air quality. The increased level of pollen in spring can overwork your air filters so be sure to clean or replace them more often. If your filters need to be replaced, check our tips on how to choose the right filter for your home.

Schedule an HVAC tune-up

Spring cleaning should also include an inspection of your furnace and air conditioner. A skilled HVAC technician will inspect your equipment for leaks and damage. A well-maintained HVAC ductwork system traps indoor allergens in the furnace and A/C air filters. They reduce allergens in your indoor air by trapping particles and preventing them from circulating through your home. RC Mechanical’s HVAC technicians will also check to ensure you have a properly sized heating and air conditioning system for your home and will make recommendations to increase air quality and save you money. We take pride in going above and beyond to make sure you don’t spend money on what you don’t need.

Add an air purifier

What’s the difference between an air filter and an air purifier? An air filter simply catches the particles. Air purifiers actively clean the air through ionization. Air purifiers are better at removing pollutants such as bacteria, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, spores, and viruses than the standard air filter. One happy client raved that she was able to “taste the clean air”! Ask us about installing a whole-house air purifier. Our expert technicians are the best in the business and will recommend the best air purifier that is compatible with your air filter and A/C or furnace so all work together to give you fresher, cleaner air.

Clear and clean the registers

When was the last time you cleaned your furnace or air conditioner’s registers and grates? If these have dust accumulation, dust circulates into the room and can worsen allergies and asthma. Don’t forget to check that nothing is blocking the registers, such as furniture, drapes, or toys. Keeping the register areas clear enables your home’s air to be better distributed in the room. To clean your registers, simply wash them in your sink with warm water and mild soap. Leave them outside to air dry or pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Ready for a cleaner fresher Spring?

RC Mechanical, Redwood City’s best HVAC contractor, is a trusted local company that will quickly diagnose and resolve your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality issues. Whether you need help selecting a new air conditioner, installing a furnace, or conducting a home energy audit, you can count on RC Mechanical for superior and cost-effective service.

RC Mechanical is a local veteran-owned business and has provided expert furnace and air conditioning repair and installation to the Bay Area with integrity for over 20 years. Homeowners in Redwood City and throughout the Bay Area count on us for all their heating and air conditioning needs.

Call us today at (650) 575-3915 and we will respond within 24 hours.

Why is my AC making noises!

Summer is around the corner. This means hot days are approaching and your AC will be needed to keep you comfortable in your home.

In addition to routine maintenance, check for any unusual or unexpected noises coming from your AC unit. These noises signal trouble with your unit and may require immediate attention. Here’s a guide to these noises and actions you can take:

Squealing From Blower Motor

Your AC unit’s motor may have a bad belt or bearing. You can replace the belt yourself if you choose since it is an inexpensive and easy task. This should be done as soon as possible since a bad belt can lead to a broken belt which will prevent the blower from turning. Also, if your motor unit has oil ports, you may want to change or fill the ports with motor oil to help soften motor noises. Always research appropriate oil before using as each motor will have its own specification.

Loud Rattling or Banging

These sounds typically originate from either loose fasteners on the metal cage or a component of the blower assembly or motor which has come loose. Loose fasteners require tightening screws or bolts that secure the cage. A more complicated problem will be if the problem is with a component on the blower assembly. If not addressed, this rattling will get louder and may result in the disconnection of the blower itself. As this is a more complicated issue, you may want to do more research before attempting to address the issue yourself. Or you may want to call a certified HVAC technician to fix the issue.

Clicking

Normally, your unit will click as it is being turned on and off but if the clicking is abnormally loud and coming from inside the cabinet, your capacitor may be on the way out and should be replaced. As a short term battery supply for the compressor and blower motor, the capacitor is a critical part of your AC unit and can wear down over time. An ineffective capacitor can put stress on the compressor which can in turn affect the overall health of your entire HVAC system. If you think your capacitor is making the clicking sound, turn off your AC unit immediately and contact a certified HVAC technician to replace the part.

Humming

If your AC unit does not turn on and your clicking sound has turned into a hum, this can be a very serious problem indicating the compressor is being used as a power source and can quickly lead to costly repairs. For this reason, we suggest that you turn off your AC unit to prevent further damage. These parts also have a tendency to fail during the warmest part of summer when your AC unit is working harder than normal. To avoid a breakdown, make sure to have a certified HVAC technician address this problem as soon as it is detected.

Loud Whistles or Screaming Noises

These types of noises are critical and can be very dangerous as they may indicate a refrigerant leak or internal pressure buildup. This needs immediate attention by a certified HVAC technician. If there is a 24-hour hotline for your specific technician, it is best to use that route as they may be able to diagnose the issue over the phone and provide next steps.

Metal on Metal

If this noise is coming from the fan, your blades may be the culprit. It is possible a foreign object like loose wiring or stones may be in contact with the blade. If not addressed, the blades may be damaged as well as the motor. This can even lead to a refrigerant leak. If you hear this type of sound, turn off your unit immediately and investigate what may be obstructing the blade(s). If the culprit can be removed manually, then cleaning and clearing the debris will fix the issue. A routine visual inspection of the fan and blades should be performed frequently while your unit is being used.

In summary, proactive and routine maintenance can help to prevent your AC unit from breaking down unexpectedly.

If your AC is making any of these strange sounds and you live between Burlingame and Sunnyvale, give Sal a call at (650) 575-3915.

Why does AC installation cost so much?

When you think of installing a new AC, you think of it as an appliance. With a dishwasher, you purchase the model you want, get someone to install it, and — voilà — we are up and running. The cost of this is generally the labor cost of a handyman plus the cost of the appliance.

An AC is a part of the whole HVAC system of your house. So it is unhelpful at best, and disingenuous at worst, to publish a price range for installing an AC.

There are many factors that go into the cost of the installation of an AC. Here are some important ones.

The size of the AC

Unlike a dishwasher where you can determine the size of the dishwasher, you need a professional to evaluate the size of the unit for your house.

It is very important to get the size of the unit correct. If you get a bigger one, then the unit will turn on and off frequently resulting in wear and tear of the equipment. You will also spend your money in energy for this inefficiency. The biggest issue is that you are going to have comfort issues – noisy equipment, hot and cold spots in the house, etc.

If the unit is not sized correctly, your equipment will not be able to keep up with the demands of making your home comfortable.

Energy efficiency

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) ratings measure the energy efficiency of an AC. Purchasing a higher energy efficient unit will be more expensive. In the long run though, it will cost you a lot less in energy bills. EER tells you miles/gallon about how efficient your equipment is. This has been tested in the factory’s controlled settings where they send this information to dept of energy to tell them how efficient this equipment is.

Duct work

Ducts are the tubes that carry the cold (or warm) air to the various rooms in your home. If you need to replace these, it will cost you a lot more. The cost of duct work varies depending on many factors, including the following:

Size of the home
Diameter of the duct needed
Material used
Design of the duct work
Space where the duct work will be installed

Number of vents & returns

These are the outlets for your duct where it either releases air into the house (vents) or pulls air into the duct (returns). You need vents in all the rooms and different areas where you need to feel comfortable. With each additional area/room to heat/cool, your installation cost goes up.

Zones and controls

Different areas in your home may need different types of heating/cooling. For eg., an upstairs room will be noticeably warmer than the room below because warm air rises. These 2 areas are considered to be in 2 different zones. So you will need separate temperature control upstairs and downstairs.

The more such localized controls you need, the higher your installation cost will be.

Permits

You will have to get a permit to install a whole HVAC system. In such a case, your contractor should be able to get a permit. Remember that the cost of the permit will be added to the cost of the installation. Once you get a permit, all these tests, including HERS, air leakage, static pressure, will be done.

Remember to compare apples to apples. Read your contract to find out what you are getting. Ask questions about how they came up with the design of the system.

MAKE SURE THE CONTRACTOR USES MANUAL J CALCULATIONS TO SIZE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM.

Call Sal at (650) 575-3915 to give you an estimate on your AC and other HVAC projects.

The following 2 articles may be helpful for you in picking the right contractor for your job:

How to choose an HVAC contractor

Questions to ask your HVAC contractor

How to choose an HVAC contractor

When a heater or an air conditioner stops working or seems to have a problem, people tend to think that they need to replace it. Actually HVAC is a system as opposed to a single unit. If any part of the HVAC system isn’t working properly, you will not reap the benefits of the system. So you need to hire someone who can evaluate the whole system and make a recommendation.

There are many handymen who call themselves an HVAC contractor without the necessary credentials. All you need is a van/truck with a big signage on it and people will believe that you are an HVAC contractor. Hiring such a person in the short run could seem like a money-saving idea, but in the long run it could end up costing you more and create unnecessary and avoidable headaches.

Learn how to spot a good HVAC contractor who can help you keep your home comfortable for a long time to come.

Don’t consider someone who will quote you over the phone

When someone gives you a quote over the phone after listening to the issues you are having with your heating or air conditioner, it should be a warning sign for you. This person is probably not a licensed contractor.

An HVAC contractor will insist on coming to your house to check the ducts, registers, insulation, etc. They would do a thorough evaluation of the state of your HVAC system to give you an estimate. It is called a SYSTEM for a reason: it is not just a furnace or an air conditioner. If the supporting structures for these units don’t function well, you can have the best appliance and yet not be comfortable in your home.

When a contractor comes to your house to give you an estimate, be wary of someone who gives you an estimate by just looking at the appliances. Get 3rd party verification from Dept. of Energy (proper sizing of heating and AC) The genuine contractor will want to check the crawl space, attic, ducts, and survey the house before giving you an estimate. If they don’t do this, their estimate and their work could cost you more in the long run.

Select a contractor who is licensed by the Contractors State License Board

In the state of California, anyone who works on HVAC system is required by law to be licensed. The license allows you to manipulate gas lines and electrical & plumbing as it relates to HVAC. A person without sufficient knowledge could endanger much more than just the HVAC system. You may check for someone’s licence at https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx

Being licensed means that you have met a set of minimum requirements for the job, and now are authorized by the state to conduct business in that state.

Most importantly, if a contractor does a shoddy job, you can complain to the State License Board. If you hire a handyman to manipulate your HVAC system and if it ends up costing you more than necessary, you have only yourself to blame.

Get written estimate & warranties

As the saying goes, “The biggest fallacy about communication is that it has taken place.” A verbal quote is liable to be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

Your contractor should send you a written estimate of what the job entails and an estimate of what it would cost to do the work. Everything that will be done should be written down, including anything that will need to be bought.

This is important for 2 reasons. First, you can see if there’s something missing in your understanding of the work. Second, the estimate becomes a legal, binding contract that you can fall back on, if you need to take the contractor to court.

If they warranty parts or work, then you should get it in writing. Find out how long it will take them to come back and fix the issue.

Check the HVAC contractor online

Not only should you check the contractor’s license on the California State License Board, you should also research the contractor online.

Check out the contractor’s website. A website is a place where the contractor gets to present his skills and expertise. You will also learn about the person, how they work, and any testimonials from other clients. The website should certainly have his license on his website.

On websites like Yelp and Google, you should be able to see the kind of work this contractor has done for other people. You will also get a feel for the nature of the contractor – on time, tidy, honest, pays attention to detail, doesn’t talk much, etc.

Increasingly NextDoor is becoming a place where neighbors trust other neighbors’ experiences. These are great referrals because they have presumably used the contractor’s services. Unlike Yelp where you can get spurious reviews, NextDoor reviews are genuine and trustworthy.

Don’t pick a person because they quoted the lowest price

Is it tempting to pick the contract with the lowest bid? Yes!! Should you pick the contractor based on price? No!!!

Even though your urge may be to save a few dollars and pick the contractor with the lowest bid, you will be served much better going with a contractor who has the experience, track record of fantastic installations, and happy clients. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples; the higher price may be getting you better quality of work along with a better service.

Picking a contractor based on price alone could cost you a lot more in the long run.

Get a comfortable home and save yourself money by going with a licensed and trustworthy HVAC company.

Call Sal at 650-575-3915 for quality heating and cooling service. If something happens with a new installation, we will come out right away to fix it.

Things to leave to your HVAC professional

DIY projects are popular after being cooped up in the house for so long. For the DIY person in you, it would be tempting to evaluate, install, or fix a malfunctioning furnace or air conditioner.

Unfortunately HVAC isn’t one of the house parts that you should fiddle with without detailed knowledge or HVAC training.

While you can certainly find sections of the HVAC system that you can evaluate for effectiveness, it is best to leave the installation and repair of air conditioners and heating systems to your local Redwood City HVAC professional. And here are a few reasons for that:

DIY on your AC or furnace could end up costing you more

HVAC systems may seem straightforward, but they are in fact, technically complex.

HVAC licensed contractors undergo training to evaluate, install, analyze, troubleshoot, and repair air conditioners, heaters, and air filtration systems in your house.

While it may be appealing to repair or install these systems yourself to save a few dollars, in the long run, it could end up costing you more.

In the worst-case scenario, you are endangering yourself with possible electrocution as well.

You may not have all the tools

Having the right tools is important for completing any project successfully. Heating & air conditioners are no different. HVAC appliances require the use of specific tools to repair an air conditioner or heating system. These tools are expensive and very specific to these jobs. These aren’t your regular screwdrivers.

If you have never taken apart an HVAC system, we’d highly recommend that you hire a professional qualified HVAC contractor for this work.

HVAC repairs aren’t for claustrophobes or arachnophobes!

AC and furnaces may be installed in very tight spaces which are accessible only by crawling inside. These spaces under the attic or under the house can be very small and constricting.

If your unit is installed in a similar tight space and you have a fear of closed spaces, call your HVAC technician to help you with it.

Attics and crawl spaces are also spaces that are enjoyed by rodents. If you have a fear of these animals, you may not want to tackle A/C or furnace repair yourself.

Since these areas aren’t frequently visited, they generally have a lot of spider webs. If you don’t like spiders and don’t like getting caught in webs, leave any furnace/AC repairs to the professional HVAC technician.

Warranty nullifies when you repair your HVAC yourself

If you tinker with your HVAC system, you could nullify the warranty that it came with. You don’t have to spoil the installation to void the warranty. The fact that you, a lay person, tinkered with the HVAC system could be enough to invalidate the warranty of the product or the installation.

This should be enough to convince you to leave HVAC work to a professional!

HVAC work may require permits

Since HVAC installation and repair work are highly technical, they may require a permit. Permit work requires that you hire a licensed contractor who has worker’s compensation and liability insurance. In case there’s an accident, the worker’s compensation would kick in, protecting you from a possible lawsuit.

HVAC work can also have EPA regulations governing them. These have to be adhered to for the whole process to be legal. If you are a weekend DIYer, you better know what you are doing.

If you aren’t aware of all the new regulations on HVAC, it is best that you call your local HVAC technician.

If you wish to give a cursory evaluation to your HVAC system before calling your HVAC technician, here are few articles that can help you with doing basic troubleshooting of your furnace or air conditioner:

Learn to read the signs that your HVAC is broken.
This article will help you troubleshoot your AC issues.
Is your furnace leaking water? Troubleshoot with this article.
If you suspect a leaky duct, read this article to see if you can diagnose the problem.
Why is my AC leaking condensation?
Does your furnace blow harder in some rooms? Read this blog post to diagnose this pesky issue.
Is your AC making noises? Use this article to diagnose the problem.

If you need to talk to Sal, our expert HVAC technician, to come out and evaluate your HVAC system, call Redwood City’s best HVAC contractor, RC Mechanical, at (650) 575-3915.