After all, choosing the right equipment is only half the battle; the installation is just as important for high performance and energy efficiency.

Here’s what you need to do to prepare.

• Make your home as energy efficient as possible. Ensure that the builders install the proper level of insulation in the walls, ceiling and attic floor. Seal the home tightly by applying weatherstripping and caulking around window and door frames.
• Have a load calculation performed. A more efficient home means a smaller heat pump can get the job done. This saves money on the purchase price, as well as monthly utility costs. To make sure you size the equipment properly, have a qualified technician perform a load calculation. This takes numerous factors — square footage, home orientation, occupancy, windows, climate, etc. — into account when sizing your heat pump.
• Install ducts efficiently. If possible, install ducts within your home’s outer envelope. Then seal and insulate the ductwork to diminish heat gain and loss through leaks and conduction. Make sure the contractor installs supply and return vents in every room to avoid home pressurization and ensure optimal heat pump performance.
• Measure air leakage. To give you peace of mind regarding the ductwork installation, request an air leakage test. The results should indicate that your ducts leak less than 10 percent of the system’s airflow.
• Inspect the grounds. If possible, dedicate an area on the north side of your home for the heat pump’s outdoor condensing unit. This keeps the heat pump in the shade where it can perform optimally in the summer. If the north side isn’t available, pick another spot that’s shaded in the late afternoon. The location you choose should be away from vegetation or other obstructions that could block airflow.

To learn more about optimizing heat pump performance in your new home, please contact All Year Heating, Air & Solar today. We have more than 40 years of experience serving the greater Sacramento area.

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Break down threats to optimal air quality by room and breathe easier from now on.

Living room

Living rooms are among the most-used rooms in the home and often feature several threats to indoor air quality. These include pet dander, secondhand smoke and carbon monoxide from fireplaces or leaky chimneys.

• Keep pets off furniture and anything else that’s upholstered and vacuum the room frequently.
• Stop smoking indoors and ensure chimneys are functional, which includes checking the flue damper.
• Ventilate the living room and any room that has a fireplace.

Kitchen

• Avoid leaving food out to prevent pest insects from enjoying your kitchen, and use non-chemical methods of pest control whenever possible. Pesticides can damage the central nervous system in addition to irritating the eyes, nose and throat.
• Such chemicals are also cancer risks. Opt for natural home cleaners instead of ones that contain volatile organic compounds, as VOCs are released when used or while in storage.
• Ensure all gas appliances are functional to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• The kitchen is often somewhat damp due to cooking, so inspect its fan for optimal ventilation, which will help prevent mold growth.

Bathroom

Dampness in this room results in mold and mildew buildup, so make sure there’s proper ventilation.

• Clean frequently with white vinegar, which kills mold.
• Don’t leave damp towels and similar products lying around, which will also result in mold growth.
• Clean up any damp areas around sinks, tubs and shower stalls.

Bedroom

Dust mites are allergy triggers present in pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, furniture and carpets.

• Wash sheets and blankets in hot water and vacuum frequently to alleviate the issue.
• Dust regularly as well and use allergen-proof pillow covers and mattresses.

For more expert advice on indoor air quality and other issues relating to home comfort, contact the pros at All Year Heating, Air & Solar. We’ve been serving the greater Sacramento area since 1969.

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Here’s a closer look at seven benefits that all homeowners have the opportunity to enjoy when upgrading their air conditioning systems.

1. Decreased spending – The cooling equipment being manufactured today is far more efficient than models that were on the market just a few years ago. This means that you could start saving money on your monthly utility bills.
2. Tax credits – From now until the end of 2013, the federal government is offering generous tax credits on the purchase and installation of energy efficient HVAC equipment. Eligible heating and cooling systems can earn a 10 percent credit on up to $500, and a solar upgrade can earn a 30 percent credit with no cap.
3. Reliability – Avoid the hassle and costs associated with an air conditioner breakdown during the middle of the season.
4. Eco-friendlier refrigerant - The refrigerant used in your current A/C is probably R-22, which is now being phased out by manufacturers due to environmental concerns. An upgrade, therefore, will help you do your part in protecting the environment, as new systems utilize EPA-approved refrigerants like R-410A.
5. A boost in comfort - Technological advancements make it possible for your A/C replacement to keep you more comfortable than ever before through providing more even temperatures, improved humidity control, and a consistent flow of conditioned air.
6. Better indoor air quality - Since your new air conditioner will offer better humidity control, you can expect a reduced potential for mold and mildew growth.
7. Warranty assurance - Some homeowners have old outdoor units that need repair, even though the indoor air handler or furnace may last for a few more years. In these cases, a dry-charged unit can provide a cost-effective solution, eliminating the need for ongoing repairs while still offering you the assurance of a warranty on the new outdoor unit.

For help on selecting the best A/C replacement for your home, contact us at All Year Heating, Air and Solar. We proudly serve residents of the greater Sacramento area.

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If your air conditioner is under the weather, there should be no shortcuts when it comes to finding a replacement.

Sum of the components

A split air conditioning system has four primary components: a compressor and condenser coil located in a metal cabinet outside the home, and an evaporator coil and air handler located inside the home.

Here’s how they work:

• Refrigerant flows inside tubing from the condenser to the evaporator.
• Refrigerant inside the evaporator absorbs heat from the airflow, which makes the evaporator extremely cold.
• Airflow is cooled from the heat extraction process and from the cold temperature of the evaporator.
• Airflow continues to be pulled through the supply ducts to the living spaces.
• Refrigerant with the absorbed heat flows to the compressor where it’s squeezed.
• The refrigerant flows to the condenser and releases the heat outside.

Find the perfect match

Over the last several years, air conditioners and heat pumps have switched to ozone-safe refrigerant as mandated by law. This is the primary reason swapping components is more difficult than in years prior to the refrigerant change.

The new refrigerant (R-410A) operates under much higher pressure than the old refrigerant (R22). If your air conditioner uses the old R-22 refrigerant, and you replace a faulty component with one that’s designed to work with R410A refrigerant, your entire split air conditioning system is compromised, and the likelihood for early failure is dramatically increased.

These are more good reasons why a perfect component match is critical:

• Tests show mismatched components lose substantial SEER (cooling efficiency).
• Poor cooling efficiency results in poor dehumidification properties and poor home comfort.
• The manufacturer warranty may be invalidated.
• Qualifications for manufacturer and utilities rebates and federal tax credits won’t be met.

If your split air conditioning system is acting up, contact an HVAC company that places your best interests first. Call All Year Heating, Air & Solar  today. We’ve proudly served homeowners throughout the Sacramento area since 1969.

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Otherwise, logic follows that you wouldn’t have one as either a self-contained unit or installed to your furnace. But if you haven’t yet gotten around to cleaning it, you’re in for a pleasant surprise because maintaining an air cleaner is surprisingly fast and simple.

Many people who once battled allergies, asthma, allergies, chronic colds and upper respiratory problems swear by electronic air cleaners. The best ones are workhorses that are designed to capture:

• Tiny, breathable particles, including allergens, dirt and pollen
• Chemical vapors and various household odors
• Bacteria, fungi, viruses and airborne mold spores

Keep your electronic air cleaner clean

• To get started cleaning your electronic air cleaner, grab the owner’s manual. It will guide you to the collector plates, which collect dust and particles. Put an old towel on the floor next to the air cleaner and slide out the plates.
• Gather up the plates in the towel and take them outdoors. Remove the dusty buildup with a rag or paper towels. You don’t have to remove every speck of dust because you’re going to wash the plates next.
• Take the plates over to a utility tub filled with sudsy water. Set the plates inside the tub and wipe them with a soft sponge. Drain the water from the tub and, as you do so, rinse the collector plates.
• Dry them by hand or let them air dry. Then reinsert the plates into the electronic air cleaner. It’s that simple.

Your air cleaner should run smoothly, quietly and efficiently just as it was designed to do. But the plates won’t stay clean forever, so be sure to clean them every three months or so. Like any mechanical device, your electronic air cleaner will behave sluggishly and inefficiently — and will also cost more to operate — if it’s not clean and well maintained.

If you encounter questions along the way, don’t hesitate to contact All Year Heating, Air and Solar. We’ve been serving the greater Sacramento area since 1969.

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Proper circulation of air reduces harmful biological and chemical pollutants, which are more common than you’d expect inside houses. In fact, even in cities, air is often cleaner outside than in. The key is maintaining circulation of air throughout the house.

Bathroom, kitchen and garage

• Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are found in household cleaners and chemicals throughout the house. Elimination of these emissions goes a long way toward cleaning the air.
• If the garage is attached, properly ventilate to ensure the buildup of gases from the car and workshop aren’t entering the house.
• Check under the sink in the bathroom and kitchen. Remove all cleaners to the garage or an out building.

Bathroom, basement and kitchen

• Mold and mildew can grow wherever the area is damp. Allergies and other respiratory problems can be mild to severe. Use fans to keep the air moving.
• Standing water should be dried. Water-damaged articles should be removed. If left for more than 24 hours, they can harbor fungi. Fungi creates spores, which become airborne.

Living room and kitchen

• Carbon monoxide is found in many forms, particularly in emissions from appliances, such as the furnace and stove. The fireplace and cigar and cigarette smoking create toxic environments.
• Vent appliances directly outside, keep the flue fully open when the fireplace is in use, and have all smokers take to the backyard instead of smoking indoors.

Basement

Though old news, radon is still a concern. So much so, that new homes are being built with vents from the basement to the outside. This cancer-causing gas rises up from the ground and gathers in large quantities in the basement or living spaces if left alone.

Carpeted rooms

Any space covered with carpet is a favorite of pets. All carpets should be vacuumed at least twice weekly and regularly steam-cleaned. The vacuum leaves behind dander, skin and hair.

Bedroom

Mites can be removed by washing all bed clothes in hot water. Switch down comforters to hypoallergenic products.

For more information about whole-house ventilation, or to discuss techniques for improvements, contact All Year Heating, Air & Solar. We’ve served homeowners in greater Sacramento for over half a century.

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The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that plugging drafty spots can reduce your energy bill by as much as 30 percent, and that’s a huge savings considering that most homeowners spend about $2,200 a year to heat and cool their homes.

With the same proactive spirit, approach your to-do list by:

• Knowing your limitations – Virtually anyone can install a window or door wrap with a pair of scissors and a blow dryer. But if insulation or climbing a ladder make you nervous, plan to reach out to the experts right from the start.
• Tackling urgent matters first – Your home energy evaluation should clearly identify big trouble spots and those that will similarly cost you big money to ignore. Repairing a gaping hole in an attic should be a no-brainer; old, dilapidated windows may require a stop-gap measure before you bite the bullet to replace them. Regardless, address glaring and the most costly issues first.
• Asking for help – Get a pro to help with calculating how much it will cost to address all the problem areas on your home energy evaluation, again keeping in mind those tasks that you can perform yourself. Then factor in any available tax credits.
• Ranking projects into short- and long-term investments – For example, if you’re thinking about selling your home, the costly prospect of replacing windows may be worthwhile. So might updating energy-depleting appliances.

View your home energy evaluation as an opportunity to curb your energy costs and to make your home more comfortable. And remember that the home efficiency experts at All Year Heating, Air & Solar are here to help you every step of the way.

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To get the most out of your system, here’s what you should expect from your NATE-certified HVAC technician during air conditioner maintenance.

What should I expect from a professional A/C tune-up?

During annual preventive maintenance, your technician is responsible for handling a number of tasks that will ensure that your equipment operates smoothly, safely and efficiently throughout the summer. During an A/C tune-up, your HVAC professional:

• Verifies proper refrigerant levels
• Checks all electrical connections and electrical control sequence
• Inspects your thermostat for functionality
• Tightens any loose connections
• Lubricates moving parts
• Measures airflow through the evaporator coil
• Inspects the belts for tightness and wear

With these tasks completed, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your system’s in good shape so that you won’t have to worry about any unexpected breakdowns during the hot, summer months. Proper maintenance can also lower your utility bills, improve your comfort levels and protect manufacturer warranties on newer systems.

What can I do to keep my cooling equipment in top condition?

In addition to scheduling professional maintenance, there are also a few things that you can do to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Be sure to:

• Check the A/C air filter every month, changing it as soon as it’s dirty or every three months.
• Remove any grass, leaves or other debris away from your outdoor condenser unit, as anything that collects on its fins can reduce A/C efficiency.
• To ensure proper air circulation, check that none of your vents are blocked or obstructed by objects like furniture.

To schedule a professional A/C tune-up, contact the pros at All Year Heating, Air, & Solar. We proudly serve residents of the greater Sacramento area.

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This is a loan program with low interest rates to help people finance improvements that will demonstrably lower their energy bills. The program is a win-win for everyone, since lower energy consumption translates to lower utility bills and potentially higher home values.

Your home has five areas that contribute to high heating and cooling loads that include:

1. Air infiltration - Air infiltration occurs through weaknesses in the envelope of your home. Air can leak in and out can drive up energy consumption.
2. Ductwork losses - Forced air systems use a network of ducts to deliver the conditioned air. Energy losses occur when the ducts have leaks, are uninsulated or have design flaws.
3. Inadequate insulation in walls and attics - When your home has inadequate insulation, heat transfer accelerates. Heat naturally travels to cold, and inadequate insulation speeds the cooling of your home in the winter and its heating in the summer.
4. Inefficient windows - Single-pane or inefficient dual-pane windows have almost no resistance to thermal changes. Thermal and Energy Star certified windows resist heat transfer far better.
5. Energy inefficient HVAC equipment - Age and lack of maintenance reduce the energy efficiency of heating and cooling equipment, which causes high energy bills.

The CHF Residential Energy Retrofit Program addresses these issues and provides a loan of up to $50,000 with a 6.5 percent fixed interest rate for qualifying homeowners. All Year Heating, Air & Solar is proud to be a provider in this program. We specialize in ductwork insulation, repair and insulation, along with HVAC equipment, service, maintenance and repair.

Since summers in Sacramento are hot and winters can be cold, it makes sense to have your home evaluated for its overall energy efficiency, especially as it relates to your heating and cooling equipment and the ductwork.

If you would like more information about the CHF Residential Energy Retrofit Program, contact All Year Heating, Air & Solar. We’ve provided HVAC services in the greater Sacramento area since 1969.

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Here’s a look at your options.

• An electronic air cleaner: Installed alongside your forced-air system, an electronic air cleaner zaps particulates in your airstream. It gives particulates such as dust, dander and mold spores a charge that forces them to drop to collector plates. Your indoor air becomes cleaner each time it passes through the system. Electronic air cleaners need minimal maintenance. The collector plates just have to be washed from time to time.
• UV lights: If you or members of your family are susceptible to colds, or if a loved one has a lower resistance to infection, a UV light system is something you should consider. UV lights capture organic contaminants such as airborne viruses. They kill these organic contaminants by exposing them to ultraviolet light that destroys their ability to replicate. Many homeowners opt for both electronic air cleaning and UV lights. Remember, however, UV lights do not destroy germs on the surfaces of your home.
• HEPA filtration: Air cleaners with high efficiency particulate air filtration offer the highest minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings available — 17 to 20. Most hospitals in the United States have HEPA filtration. These filters are too dense to be used in most residential HVAC systems. You should never try to swap a regular air filter for a HEPA filter if your system doesn’t call for one. HEPA filters are commonly used in stand-alone whole-house air cleaners.

Have questions about air cleaners? Get in touch with the Sacramento experts at All Year Heating, Cooling & Solar. We’d be pleased to help you go over your options and help you find the solution that’s right for your family and your home.

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