January 20, 2023

How Net Metering Makes Rooftop Solar Worthwhile

Here at , we make it our mission to let as many homeowners as possible know about the benefits of installing rooftop solar systems. If you’re considering investing in solar, you may think that a rooftop solar power system will eliminate your home’s electricity bills. In reality, this is rarely, if ever, the case. Most of the savings come from the usage of a system called net metering. Here’s an explanation of what net metering is, how it works, and how it makes rooftop solar installations worthwhile. Rooftop Solar Generation Capacity Before going over net metering, it’s important to understand why rooftop solar systems don’t typically eliminate a home’s electricity bills. The simple answer is that most of them lack the generation capacity to fully meet a home’s power needs at all times. There are a few reasons for that. The first reason is a lack of space on a home’s roof. It’s only possible to install a solar rooftop system that’s as large as the space you have to work with. Most homes can’t support systems large enough to replace grid power. Second is the orientation of the roof. The direction a roof faces plays a key role in...

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December 19, 2022

Is It Necessary to Cover Your HVAC System During the Winter

Winter is coming, and it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to prepare for the cold months ahead. If you live in a climate with cold, snowy winters, you may worry about damage to your air conditioner in the winter from snow and ice buildup. However, your HVAC unit was designed to withstand harsh conditions and cold temperatures. While it may seem like a good idea to cover your HVAC unit in the winter, it isn’t. Here are a few reasons why we don’t recommend it, and what you should do instead. Covering Your Unit Traps Moisture Covering your unit could cause damage from moisture buildup. If enough moisture is trapped inside the system that isn’t being released through normal operation — like when the condenser fan comes on — then this can cause corrosion on internal components like coils and fins. Rusting occurs when moisture enters an enclosed space like a furnace or air conditioner. If you have a covered unit that’s not vented properly, this will happen much faster than usual. It Encourages Mold Growth When you cover your air conditioner or heat pump, you are encouraging mold growth. Mold can form on the inside of...

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November 16, 2022

Different Types of Furnaces: 80%, 90%, and Single Speeds

Understanding the Different Types of Gas Furnaces Gas furnaces are probably the most common heating source in the U.S. This is even true in places like Modesto, where the winters are usually fairly mild. If you plan to install or replace a furnace, multiple options are available. The one you choose will play a major role in how effectively it heats your home and how high or low your heating costs are. To help you make a more informed choice, here is everything you need to know about the various gas furnaces on the market and how they work. Conventional and High-Efficiency Condensing Furnaces No matter which type of gas furnace you’re looking at, they all function in a similar way. The unit first burns gas inside its combustion chamber, producing extremely hot combustion fumes. The fumes travel out of the chamber through what is known as a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a series of metal tubes that run from the combustion chamber to the exhaust flue. As the combustion fumes flow through the heat exchanger, they quickly cause the metal to become extremely hot. Cold air is blown over the heat exchanger, releasing all the stored heat...

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October 20, 2022

What Are the Advantages of Using a Smart Thermostat?

More and more homeowners are realizing the benefits of smart thermostats. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you might want to consider installing this device in your home. Energy Savings Smart thermostats use sensors to detect when no one is home and turn off heating systems in empty rooms. They also use algorithms to adjust temperatures based on current weather conditions and previous usage patterns. This means they can adjust themselves to save energy without causing discomfort to residents inside the home. Because smart thermostats constantly monitor temperature levels, they can also ensure that your house is always at an optimal temperature, even if someone forgets to adjust the heat or air conditioning after leaving for work or school in the morning. Automatic Scheduling Smart thermostats are able to automatically schedule based on your habits and preferences. For example, your smart thermostat will know when you’re at home or away and use this information to adjust the temperature accordingly. If you leave before sunrise in the morning, it turns down the heat, and when you get home from work in the evening, it turns up the heat. Additionally, if you are out of town for several...

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September 20, 2022

5 Possible Causes of Your Home’s Hot and Cold Spots

Anyone who has experienced hot and cold spots around the house can attest to how annoying of a problem they can be. When your home has uneven temperatures, it can make it just about impossible to stay consistently comfortable. After all, it’s not exactly convenient to add or remove layers of clothing every time you want to move from one room to the next. That said, hot and cold spots are a very common issue that many homeowners experience. If you’re noticing this frustrating problem in your Modesto, CA area household, there are several possible reasons it could be happening, and we’ll cover a few of the most likely culprits. 1. Air Leaks In many cases, the cause of uneven household temperatures will be air leaks around the edges of your doors and/or windows. Those leaks, regardless of their size, can allow conditioned air from your HVAC system to escape. As a result, those areas of your home may regularly be warmer or colder than the rest of the house. Plus, the presence of those leaks can waste energy and put unnecessary strain on your heating and cooling appliances. It’s a good idea to periodically check the edges of your...

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August 17, 2022

What You Should Know About SEER Ratings

There’s nothing like knowing that your Modesto home is as efficient as it can be. While some energy upgrades are easy to understand, air conditioner upgrades can be a little more mysterious. At , we have a lot of experience with various types of air conditioners. That’s why we want to help you gain a better understanding of the SEER ratings that measure the efficiency of air conditioners. SEER Definition SEER is an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Basically, this rating captures the efficiency of air conditioners by measuring how much electricity a particular unit uses to create its cooling output. A higher SEER rating indicates that an air conditioner is more efficient. SEER ratings range from a Federally mandated low of 13 to a high of 21. Units with ratings higher than 14.5 can qualify for ENERGY STAR® status. Comparing SEER Ratings SEER ratings are designed to make it easy for consumers to buy an air conditioner that will help them save some money on energy costs. Although it’s easy to understand that a higher rating indicates a more efficient machine, what’s less clear is how the different ratings relate to each other. Given average energy...

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July 15, 2022

6 Houseplants That Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

Houseplants are more than just decorations for your home. In fact, they play an important role in improving the air quality of your indoor space. Plants help to filter out harmful toxins and chemicals from the air, providing you with clean, fresh air to breathe. They also help to improve humidity levels, which can be beneficial for both your skin and your respiratory health. Here are some houseplants that can help improve your home’s indoor air quality. 1. Bamboo Palm Bamboo palm is native to Mexico and Central America, and it grows best in shady, humid conditions. This plant is an effective air purifier, as it helps to remove several common pollutants from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. In addition, the plant releases oxygen into the air, which can help to improve air circulation and reduce stuffiness. Bamboo palm is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much water or fertilizer, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners. When selecting a pot for your Bamboo palm, be sure to choose one that has drainage holes to prevent the roots from rotting. Place your plant in a location where it will receive indirect sunlight, and water it when...

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June 7, 2022

Why You Need a Whole-Home Humidifier

When winter hits, it’s time to crank up the heater. Unfortunately, as the weather cools, the air gets drier. This is made worse by forced-air heating systems. Dry air can lead to problems for you and your home. To stay warm without becoming dehydrated, the solution may be to add a whole-home humidifier to your heating and cooling system. Health and Comfort Dry air can not only be uncomfortable, but it could also compromise your health. We know you care about the health and comfort of your family. A whole-home humidifier installed by can help protect your loved ones and your home in Modesto. When there’s a lack of moisture in the air you breathe, it can dry out your sinus cavities and irritate nasal passages. This can lead to sinusitis and headaches. It can also exacerbate asthma or other breathing problems. At night, dry air can dry out your soft palate, making snoring worse. Also, when living in dry air, your risk of catching viruses can increase. If someone in your home is ill, the virus in the droplets stays suspended for longer when the air is dry. Of course, dry air can also dry out your skin. You...

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May 20, 2022

6 Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide in Your Home

Every year, there are thousands of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled for too long. Although it is impossible to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, there are a few simple steps that you can take to reduce the chances of it occurring in your house. 1. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Home and Test It Regularly This is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. A carbon monoxide detector provides an early warning for any toxic gas buildup, so you will be alerted if there are any issues. You can take steps to address the problem before it becomes too severe. In addition, having a working carbon monoxide detector installed in your house instills a sense of safety and peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones will be protected from exposure to this deadly gas. 2. Do Not Use Gasoline-Powered Engines Indoors Gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide, so it is essential not to use them indoors. This includes cars, trucks, lawnmowers, generators, and other small engine equipment....

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April 12, 2022

Is an HVAC Air Purifier Worth Buying?

These days, air quality is an issue that’s getting plenty of attention, and it’s not just in reference to the outdoors. As proof, look no further than the fact that sales of air purifiers in the US rose by 50% over the past decade. Most of those sales represent the purchases of single-room or portable air purification units. But small standalone units aren’t the only option for homeowners. For any property with a forced-air HVAC system, whole-house air purification systems are becoming an attractive option. They offer the promise of excellent air quality in every room of your home. But many people wonder if HVAC air purification systems are worth the cost of purchase and installation. If you’re one of them, here’s everything you need to know about HVAC air purification systems so that you can decide for yourself if one is worth buying for your residence. What Is an HVAC Air Purifier? To understand if an HVAC air purifier would make for a cost-effective addition to your house, you must first understand what they are and how they work. Put simply, an HVAC air purifier is an add-on to your existing HVAC system that can clean the air in...

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