March 19, 2020

Is it Possible to Power a Household Entirely by Solar Power?

If you want your home to be comfortable and energy efficient at the same time, then a great way to achieve this is to use solar energy to power your house. While some people choose to provide part of their power needs using solar power, it is possible to go completely “off the grid” and supply 100% of your electricity from the sun. To achieve this goal, however, you have to make careful plans and preparations to ensure your Modesto home always has the power it needs. To get you started on this journey, here is a basic guide to powering your residence solely with solar energy. Limiting Power Consumption Before you convert to all solar power with , it is important to limit your home’s power consumption as much as possible. This will ensure that you are able to make the most of the solar array you have installed and will give you a much better chance of long-term success. To limit your power consumption, you can take common-sense steps, such as installing energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, you will want to lower your heating and cooling requirements by installing new windows, filling all gaps and cracks, and improving your home’s...

View Article

Continue Reading
February 20, 2020

How Does a Furnace Work?

A furnace is a simple system with some complex and delicate components. It is important to understand the basic process before understanding the rest of the components. The Simple Process The very first step is the thermostat sending the furnace a signal to start. When the furnace receives this signal, it lights the burner in the combustion chamber. This creates heat. That heat rises to the heat exchanger and warms it up. When the exchanger reaches the correct temperature, the circulating fan starts and moves air through the system. This fan draws air in through the return duct and pushes it through the exchanger. The exchanger then warms the air as it moves through, and the fan continues to push it out into your home. What Could Go Wrong? Many components in a furnace can malfunction. In the event that one does, the furnace can become dangerous if an ill-trained person attempts to fix or replace it. Most people can replace the furnace filters and the thermostat batteries on their own. This is actually the first step to diagnosing a furnace problem. From there, any of the following could be worn or malfunctioning, needing either maintenance or replacement. Circulating fan...

View Article

Continue Reading
February 10, 2020

How Do Solar Panels Work?

More and more solar panels are popping up all over the country, especially in California. Since the sun is our greatest source of power, it only makes sense that we try to harness some of its energy for our own advantages. The Idea Behind Solar Power The sun releases millions upon millions of photons each day, which are tiny packets of energy. Those photons make their way to Earth, and when they hit solar cells in solar panels, they cause enough disturbance to knock electrons away from their atoms. When those break loose, electrons flow between the negative and positive layers of solar cells and electricity is generated. The electricity that’s created is called direct current (DC) energy. Since the electrical power grid in the US uses an alternating current (AC), an inverter is used to make the DC energy compatible with the AC circuit in your home. At , we take care of the whole solar panel installation process for our customers in and around Modesto, CA. What About When the Sun Isn’t Out? Many solar energy systems are able to store energy through a process called “net metering.” If your system creates more energy than you use during...

View Article

Continue Reading
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...

View Article

Continue Reading
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...

View Article

Continue Reading
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...

View Article

Continue Reading
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...

View Article

Continue Reading
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...

View Article

Continue Reading
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...

View Article

Continue Reading
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...

View Article

Continue Reading