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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April 19, 2019

Learning the Difference Between HVAC and Air Conditioning

Many homes, offices, and public places today have HVAC or air conditioning systems in place. They may seem to be similar, but there’s a thick line between the two terms. Understanding the differences might be the key to avoiding getting lost in all the technical terms and jargon. 1. Definition of Terms You probably have used the phrases AC and HVAC sometimes without the need to define what these acronyms mean. The two terms are used interchangeably in most common settings but may bring confusion unless one defines their meaning. AC stands for air conditioning, while HVAC is more of a technical acronym used in the air conditioning industry that stands for heating, ventilation, and cooling systems of a home. AC can also be used to define a single unit of the HVAC system (the cooling half). In most settings, “air conditioning” is used to define a system that conditions or controls the air properties whether cold or hot. 2. What’s the Difference? Air conditioning defines the whole field of processes, power machines, and appliances used to control the air flow, humidity, smell, and temperature. Examples of air conditioning systems include: Window AC: Only cools the rooms in which it’s...

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February 21, 2019

How to Choose Your New HVAC System

Selecting a new HVAC system for your home is a big decision you’ll have to live with for at least 10 years and probably longer. At Honey’s Air & Solar, we prefer a step-by-step approach to determine what the right equipment is for a particular customer’s home. Inspect Your Ductwork Start by having your existing ductwork inspected. It’s often preferable to use your existing air ducts in order to keep costs low. However, if any maintenance or repairs are required, then this is a good time to complete them. It’s also important to know if your ducts are appropriate to the equipment you’re considering. Choose Your Air Conditioner For our customers in Modesto and the surrounding areas, Honey’s Air & Solar often recommends opting for a highly efficient air conditioner. When it comes to SEER, we recommend the higher the better in terms of keeping your long-term costs low. Choose Your Furnace If the furnace you’re replacing is old, you’ll be pleased to know that modern furnaces have come a long way with regard to energy-efficient operation. Furnaces are generally defined by their air handlers, and you have three basic choices: single-state, two-stage, and variable-speed. Consider a Heat Pump You...

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