January 20, 2020

How Much Energy Can Solar Panels Create?

Before you make the upfront investment required to install solar panels, you will understandably want to know how much power you will get from the system. This information will help you decide if the system makes sense for you and how many solar panels you need to purchase. Not only can you meet all of your electric needs, but you can have extra power left to sell. Solar Panels Can Meet Your Electric Needs One array of solar panels can produce up to 850 kWh of AC energy per month. To put that in perspective, the average household will use just under 900 kWh each month. Thus, a solar array can meet practically all of your power needs for your home. Of course, if you purchase additional panels, not only can only all of your needs be met, but you will have extra solar power. It Depends on the Type of Panel When you are choosing a solar panel, you have two different options. Monocrystalline panels will be the most efficient and produce the most energy; although, they will be more expensive. If you are looking to get the most possible electricity from each panel, you should opt for this...

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January 11, 2020

Symptoms of a Dirty Coil

Condenser coils have an important role in your home’s cooling process. Since they are located on the outside, they may experience a buildup of dirt over time. If you fail to keep the coils clean, you can expect some serious consequences in the future. Here are some symptoms that your coils are dirty and that you might need to schedule a service call. Your Home Does Not Cool Down When dirt collects on the coils, it creates a layer between the refrigerant and the blowing air. That layer makes it harder for the heat to transfer from the coils to the outside air. In simple terms, all that humidity and heat will not be removed from your home. If you have a home that isn’t cooling down in Modesto, then you need to contact for an inspection. Your Energy Bills Are Rising With dirty condenser coils, the process of cooling your home becomes difficult for your system. The air conditioning unit will have to work harder and longer to cool down the warm air. In the process, your cooling system starts to consume more energy to keep your home at a comfortable level. When there is a sudden spike in...

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December 20, 2019

3 Common Water Heater Problems

When you’re trying to take a shower or bath and cannot get the proper water temperature, it is frustrating and inconvenient. Some problems may be minor, but others will require professional repair to return your hot water heater to working order. Here are several common hot water heater problems. 1. Leaks Leaking water can be a minor problem or a serious one, depending on the cause. If your water heater is corroded and water is leaking, this is a more serious problem that will require extensive repair or replacement. Such issues could be caused by sediment that has built up on the bottom of the heater. However, there could be loose connections or valves that are easily fixed after diagnosing the problem. You will need a professional to diagnose the problem and its severity. 2. Broken Thermostat When your hot water thermostat is broken, it will not be able to regulate the temperature of the water. Specifically, you will not be able to get hot water at all or will have water that is too hot. Alternatively, it may take a long time to get any hot water or you may not get a lot of hot water with your...

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December 10, 2019

The Biggest Reasons Your Heating Bill is Too High

Having an efficient heating system is important no matter what region of the country you live in. While residents of Modesto and other Central Valley cities can expect an increase in their gas bills during the winter, you shouldn’t experience an extreme change in your monthly charges. If your heating bill seems too high, here are some factors that could be the cause. 1. Dirty Furnace Filter Do you know when you last changed your furnace filter? A dirty filter that contains dust and debris makes it difficult for the blower to circulate air. When this happens, the airflow is reduced and the system must run longer to heat your home. 2. Leaks in Air Ducts When ductwork is damaged or installed improperly, the air leaks often result in higher heating bills and a reduction in indoor air quality. It’s not uncommon for 20% of the air circulating through a furnace to be lost due to holes or poor connections among the ducts. Uneven heating throughout your home is often a sign the ducts are damaged. 3. Lack of Heating Maintenance Annual furnace maintenance helps you save money by catching any problems before they become a major issue. Scheduling regular...

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November 22, 2019

Can Colder Weather Negatively Affect My Solar Panels?

Solar panels serve a vital purpose. They capture sunlight and convert its rays into electricity. This converted electricity can be stored in batteries to provide power when the sun goes down. The conversion process should work well, but concerns arise about weather changes and their effect on solar equipment. Do the dark days of winter have a damaging impact on solar panels? Some Sunlight Loss The sun can shine brightly even on the coldest winter day. So, in this respect, the change of the seasons makes no difference to solar panels. When wintertime clouds roll in, however, there can be less sunlight available overall. The panels will still produce electricity but not at the same volume. Sunlight and Panel Positioning Altering the solar panels’ angle might be necessary to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. During the winter, the sun’s apparent position in the sky differs from what we experience in the summer. Adjusting the angle at which a solar panel sits can put it more directly into the path of the sunlight. The system should then operate at peak efficiency. If you require assistance with this or any other task related to your solar power system, rely on for...

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November 12, 2019

Why Does My Heating System Keep Turning Off?

One common problem we often hear about from our Modesto customers is that of a furnace running for a few minutes before turning off. This is called short-cycling and it’s a condition caused by a few different furnace issues. Our technicians at recommend running through this list of three items to troubleshoot a furnace that keeps turning off: 1. Dirty Air Filter A dirty air filter is the most common cause of a short cycling heater. This is because the dirt trapped in the air filter restricts the airflow into your furnace. Without reliable air circulation, the furnace’s heat exchanger can overheat, which leads to the entire unit shutting down. Freshen the air filter every 30 days to protect your furnace from overheating and shutting down during use. 2. Thermostat Problem There are a couple of thermostat issues that can cause your furnace to keep turning off. Improper placement is the biggest concern. When a thermostat is installed close to a heat source, like in direct sunlight or near a heat register, the device thinks your home is warmer than it actually is. This leads to it running for only a few minutes before shutting down. The second issue is...

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October 22, 2019

Questions First Time HVAC Buyers Should Ask

If you’re thinking about buying a new HVAC system, you have a lot of potential factors to consider. The decisions you make before installation will affect your upfront outlay as well as your seasonal fuel expenditures, not to mention the levels of comfort and indoor air quality you will enjoy. Consider asking the following four questions before you make a purchase. 1. What Is the Proper Size of HVAC Equipment for My Home? ‘Bigger is better’ and ‘less is more’ have no place in shopping for an HVAC system. You want to find a furnace, thermostat, and air conditioning that are just right for controlling the temperature throughout your home. The best plan of action is to have a competent HVAC technician conduct a load calculation to determine the size of equipment best suited for your house’s specifications. 2. How Will I Heat My Home? Deciding on a fuel to use for your heating is a pivotal matter. Oil is a potent heat source but its combustion will produce pollutants. Electric furnaces convert electricity to heat efficiently without residue, but they can be expensive to run. Natural gas combines decent heating potential while being a cheaper alternative. A discussion with...

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October 2, 2019

5 Ways to Save Energy this Fall

To achieve lower energy bills this fall, there are some tips that you can take into consideration. These tips can help you to save money by making your heating system more efficient and keeping the warm air it produces within your home. 1. Replace Air Filters Dirty air filters, not to mention dirty air ducts, can cause your heating system to work harder. You’ll also experience a drop in your indoor air quality. Replace pleated air filters every three to six months. Low-quality fiberglass filters must be replaced every 30 days. 2. Seal Cracks and Gaps Drafts are the cause of a great deal of energy loss in homes, so seal up the cracks and gaps in your windows, doors, and other areas. You could use caulking, foam sealant, or even foam tape. 3. Add or Upgrade Insulation Insulation prevents heat loss, too, so you might want an inspection done to see if current levels are adequate. You could add layers of insulation to your attic or wall cavities, or you could remove it in favor of insulation with a higher R-value. R-value denotes the level of resistance to heat flow. 4. Request Professional Tune-Ups The heating system itself needs...

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September 25, 2019

Is Air Conditioning Healthy?

Suffering heat stroke is obviously not healthy. If air conditioning can prevent heat-related illness, then cooling the air is definitely a good thing. And having a heating or cooling system can improve air quality by providing a filtration system. But besides these two benefits, are there any adverse health effects that air conditioning can lead to? Dry Skin Spending long periods of time in air-conditioned environments may cause your skin to lose moisture. Unless you are spending a good amount of time outdoors or constantly using moisturizes, you are likely to suffer from dry skin. If your air conditioner needs servicing, we can help. Located in Modesto, can lend a hand when it comes to all cooling-related tasks. Our experienced technicians will service your equipment, 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Reduced Heat Tolerance It sounds silly, but getting used to spending most of your time in a cool, air-conditioned environment can eventually cause you to be more susceptible to the ill effects of heat exposure. Be sure to stay hydrated and be prepared when going from a cool, air-conditioned space into intense heat in order to avoid shock. Chronic Headaches and Fatigue Have you been shivering in your home or office during...

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September 15, 2019

What Size Solar Panel Should You Get?

If you want to save money and protect the environment, it is time to learn more about how solar panels work. One of the most common questions homeowners ask when they start thinking about adding solar panels to their house is “what size do I need?” Keep reading to discover what size solar panels you really need. Solar Panel Size and Output When trying to figure out how many solar panels you need, you will have to look into the size and output for various brands. There is no standard sizing or energy output guideline, so finding out what size solar panels you need is not so simple. For example, rather than tell you need two medium-size panels, you’ll need to be more specific. The average residential panel is about 65 by 39 inches, but a panel can produce anywhere from 150 to 370 watts. Higher-efficiency panels can have special materials. This means they produce more energy without taking up more space. As a result, you really need to figure out the number of specific-type panels you need, not just the actual dimensions. How to Calculate the Number of Panels You Need The first thing you need to do is...

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