When your home’s temperature can’t stay consistent or your energy bills keep rising, you could need insulation replacement services. Your home’s insulation is responsible for keeping your HVAC’s air indoors and stopping outdoor air from getting inside. If your insulation is damaged or ineffective, it can significantly impact your home’s comfort and cause your HVAC system to have to run longer.
As you try to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low, find out more about the main signs you need new insulation and how insulation replacement services can help.
Knowing the main signs of needing new insulation can improve your comfort and help you save money. Instead of just dealing with drafts of wind in your home and high energy bills, you can take action fast when you’re aware of what to watch out for. If you notice any of the four following signs of damaged insulation, contact your local insulation experts to schedule an inspection:
A properly insulated home shouldn’t allow wind into your home unless you have a window or door open. If you feel drafts of wind in your home, the problem is often due to improper insulation. Whether you have holes in your insulation or a window that needs to be sealed, you should take action fast to fix it. You’ll also want to watch for drafts around your attic or crawlspace, as these tend to be locations most vulnerable to drafts of wind.
Gaps and cracks in your insulation often cause your home’s temperature to fluctuate. For example, if it’s winter and you have your heating system set to 70, a properly insulated home will stay at that temperature.
In contrast, an improperly insulated home will allow cold air inside, causing the indoor temperature to drop. As a result, your home’s temperature will likely dip below 70 throughout the day. Regardless of the season, a home that won’t stay at the temperature you’ve set is a clear sign of insulation issues.
An improperly sealed home doesn’t just make your home less comfortable than it should be. As air from your HVAC system escapes through cracks in your insulation and outside air sneaks inside, your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your home at your desired temperature.
When an HVAC system has to stay on longer to make up for lost air, it will use more energy, leading to increasing heating and cooling costs. Besides higher costs, longer-running HVAC systems often break down faster and need to be repaired or replaced sooner. If you’ve noticed your electricity bills rising for no clear reason, there’s a good chance your home needs new insulation. In the long run, replacing ineffective insulation can pay for itself, as it will save you money on utility bills and HVAC repair costs.
Alongside letting outside air into your home, damaged insulation gives rodents, insects, and other pests a clear path into your home. Since many places in your home are attractive to critters, especially during the cold months, pests will often take advantage of cracks and holes in your insulation to get inside. While you can try to reduce the number of pests with sprays and traps, they won’t solve the problem for good. Instead of fighting a losing battle, schedule an insulation inspection if you notice more pests than normal in your home.
Insulation replacement services are home services where an insulation expert will replace damaged or ineffective insulation in your home. Before the insulation specialist replaces your insulation, they’ll inspect your home and look for damaged areas. If they find holes, gaps, or cracks in your insulation that air can escape from, they’ll replace the damaged insulation to prevent indoor drafts, skyrocketing energy bills, and inconsistent heating or cooling performance.
If you’re looking for insulation services in Concord, California, or the surrounding areas, turn to Big Air. Our insulation services help homeowners reduce their energy costs and be as comfortable as possible in their homes. When you contact us, our team will inspect your home, ensuring that any insulation service we provide fits the size of your home and your budget. Whether you need to replace existing insulation or need insulation for a newly built home, our team can install it quickly for you.
Learn more about our insulation services today. If you’re ready to make an appointment or have any questions, please call us at 925.687.7942 or complete our online form. You can also review our financing services and coupons to ensure our cost-effective services fit your budget.
Once again, the time has come to begin preparing for the cooler fall and winter months. The break from sweltering temperatures is welcome, but the higher utility bill is not. Households often find that their energy costs increase during the winter, and many Concord-area homeowners wonder why heating their homes is more expensive than keeping them cool.
We’ll explore the answer to that question and a few suggestions for keeping your utility costs down as we move into the fall and winter.
Heating costs across the country vary due to several factors, such as location, fuel prices, and local competition. As you try to keep your heating costs lower this winter, learn more about why heating expenses tend to be higher below:
Alongside the above reasons for higher heating costs, price fluctuations for heating fuels can also be a significant driver of higher energy bills over the winter. Some of the primary causes of price fluctuations for heating fuels include:
While it can cost more to heat your home than cool it, you can take action to reduce your heating costs over the winter. Some of the top ways you can improve your heating system’s efficiency and lower energy costs include:
If you’re looking for HVAC tune-ups near you in Concord or the surrounding areas, turn to Big Air. Our certified HVAC technicians can inspect your system and provide any maintenance services your system needs to run at its best. Alongside offering one-off heating tune-ups, we offer Big Air Beyond, which is an annual maintenance contract. With this contract, we’ll provide an annual furnace inspection and an annual AC inspection to ensure everything is working smoothly. You’ll also receive 15% savings on all services (up to $750), 50% off call-out fees, and extended warranties.
Learn more about our heating system tune-up and repair services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call us at 925-687-7942. You can also review our coupons and financing options to ensure our services fit your budget.
Autumn brings a fluctuation in temperatures. In the cool morning hours, we wear jackets or sweaters, but by the afternoon, we’re wiping sweat from our brows because the temperature is blazing hot. These temperature fluctuations make finding the right temperature for the home a challenge. Another issue that confuses many is knowing when it’s time to turn on the heat.
To heat or not to heat? That is the question you’ll find yourself asking during the fall. Some believe you should turn on the heat as soon as October hits. Others wait until the first cold day before firing up the furnace. Neither of these groups is right or wrong, as it comes down to a matter of personal preference.
The general rule of thumb is to start heating the home once the outdoor temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But, the HVAC’s purpose is to keep your household comfortable, so essentially, you should do what feels best. If you’re feeling chilly in September and want to turn on the heat, go for it.
Don’t be afraid to switch back to the AC on warmer days if that will provide comfort. Just be careful not to strain the system by constantly switching back and forth.
While turning your furnace or heating system back on is often a matter of personal preference, you’ll still want to review some of the main factors that could affect your home’s comfort and your HVAC’s performance. As you think about the pros and cons of switching from AC to heat, review the top three factors that can help you make a decision below:
When you decide it’s getting close to time to switch to your furnace or other heating system, you’ll want to follow a few tips to ensure it can perform well and won’t lead to a significant spike in your energy bills. Learn more about the four top tips to follow before you turn on your heating system:
If you’re looking for furnace repair in Concord, CA, or the surrounding areas, Big Air has you covered. From furnace inspections and heating maintenance to furnace repairs and HVAC installations, our many services ensure we can be your one-stop-shop for all-year heating needs. We also offer an annual maintenance contract, Big Air Beyond, that will ensure your furnace is inspected and running at its best every winter. You can also review our coupons and financing options to ensure our heating services fit your budget.
Learn more about our Concord heating services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call us at 925-687-7942.
Mold needs moisture and food to survive, leaving any of the surfaces in your home at risk. Mold in your AC unit is particularly hazardous since it can spread throughout the home quickly, causing health issues for members of your household. Here's a closer look at the dangers of mold and why the cover for your air conditioner may be the cause of mold growth.
Mold produces several toxins harmful to respiratory systems and leads to a number of health problems. These health problems include the following:
While the health problems listed above are the main concerns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warn to watch out for these diseases and symptoms as well:
Due to the health issues caused by mold, it’s important to have your AC routinely inspected for it. If mold is allowed to grow in your AC, it can spread more easily as its spores could be carried through your ductwork and out your vents.
It should be no surprise that AC units built for the outdoors can stand up to the elements. While you might think you need to cover your compressor over the winter when you’re not using it, your compressor is designed to stand up to outdoor conditions all year long. For instance, compressors are constructed with sturdy metals made to sit outdoors and not need a cover.
Covers can cause more harm than good as they trap moisture inside the unit. If your goal is to keep moisture out, this is not the way to do it. Over time, condensation and humidity will gather under the cover, and mold will grow. Then, when you turn the unit on, spores and other particles will begin circulating through your home, leading to numerous health issues.
Instead of covering your unit over the winter, regularly remove any sticks, debris, or dirt you notice on or near your compressor to avoid wear and tear.
Once mold begins spreading, you won't be able to spot it with the naked eye. However, an HVAC professional can identify mold problems and present a viable solution. As you try to protect your home and AC system from mold, watch out for these top signs of mold in an AC unit:
Cleaning mold is an unsafe task and should only be handled by professionals with the knowledge and equipment needed to eliminate the problem. Since they have access to mold inhibitors, they can use these chemical applications to stop the mold from forming and spreading. HVAC technicians also use professional-grade disinfectants to clean the ventilation system. With an HVAC technician cleaning your mold, you can expect any mold to be completely removed in the safest way possible.
If you’re looking for AC mold removal services near you in Concord, CA, or the surrounding areas, turn to Big Air. AC mold can be a source of damage to your home and health, so why take the risk? With our HVAC inspections and tune-ups, you can rest easy knowing mold isn’t growing in your AC unit. We also offer Big Air Beyond, an annual maintenance service that provides regular AC inspections, savings on services, and priority scheduling. You can also review our coupons and financing options to ensure any service we provide fits your budget.
Learn more about our AC maintenance and air quality services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call us at 925-687-7942.
If you’ve been thinking about installing a new AC system or upgrading the old one, you’ve probably run across mini-split air conditioning systems while researching. Before you make any final decisions, let’s take a closer look at how mini-split systems work and the advantages they provide homeowners.
Mini-split HVAC systems are two-in-one systems that cool and heat your home and don’t require ductwork. This feature makes it much more efficient than just a wall or floor-mounted AC unit. On your journey to find one, you’ll also see them listed as a ductless AC or mini-split heat pump. Keep in mind that some mini-split systems only have cooling settings, so make sure any mini-split system you purchase has both heating and cooling settings if you don’t have an alternative source of heat.
There are two major components to the mini-split AC system, an outdoor unit and a set of indoor units. The outdoor unit is much like the outdoor AC compressors we usually see, and the indoor units are strategically mounted on walls. The wall units connect to the outdoor compressors, and instead of ductwork carrying the air through the home, the indoor units do the cooling.
If you’re unsure whether this system will work in your home, learn more about the top advantages of mini-split AC systems for homes and businesses below:
Since mini-split AC systems are ductless, they don’t require a ton of upkeep. Once a mini-split is installed, much like a traditional AC, you’ll need to inspect and clean the air filter every 4-6 weeks and keep the unit free of dirt and debris. Besides that, an annual check-up is recommended to keep the unit working efficiently.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), traditional duct systems are responsible for more than 30 percent of “energy consumption for space conditioning.” That means installing a ductless system can reduce your home’s energy use and costs by a great deal. As a result, you’ll reduce your energy usage and cut down on your electrical costs.
These systems can work to cool any home, no matter how difficult it may have been in the past. The absence of ductwork also means there aren’t many homes or rooms that mini-split HVAC systems won’t fit in.
If your home has antique features you don’t want to disturb, a mini-split HVAC system is the perfect solution. Its unobtrusive design allows it to be installed without damaging any of the home’s original features. Many people also like to use mini-split systems in sheds, garages, and other areas that tend not to feature ducts.
Anyone suffering from allergies or coping with asthma can benefit from the unit’s built-in filtration system. It removes contaminants and other harmful particles from the atmosphere, leaving the air you breathe cleaner.
Anyone concerned about their home’s environmental footprint will appreciate that mini-split HVAC systems don’t burn natural gas or oil, so you don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide off-gassing or emissions. If you want to go or stay green, this is the greenest HVAC system around. They also run on electricity which helps to reduce energy consumption and waste.
Wall units can be individually programmed using a remote control. This individual programming permits you to control the temperature room-by-room, thus allowing you to adjust the comfort level in each space to your liking. The air will circulate evenly throughout the home, eliminating any stale air.
Instead of installing multiple window units and operating a separate furnace, many mini-split HVAC systems give you an all-in-one unit that cools the home and keeps it warm during winter months. Having heating and cooling in one system alleviates any extra house maintenance that comes with running separate heating and cooling units.
So if you’ve been complaining about a lack of airflow in specific areas of the home, or have an older home without ductwork, consider the benefits of mini-split air conditioners.
If you’re looking for mini-split HVAC system installation services near you in Concord or the surrounding areas, turn to Big Air. At Big Air, we offer ductless mini-split HVAC system installation services to our clients. Whether you want to cool your entire home or need a mini-split for a work shed, our team can recommend reliable mini-split systems and install them for you. We also offer multiple coupons and financing options to keep costs low for our clients.
When you’re ready to schedule a mini-split installation or have any questions, please call us at 925-687-7942 or fill out our online form.
As a pet owner, you understand the importance of air conditioners for pets, especially since they provide a comfortable environment for your furry companions. One often overlooked aspect of pet comfort is the temperature of your home.
Pets can be sensitive to changes in temperature, and maintaining an optimal climate is crucial for their well-being. That's where programmable thermostats come into play. With a programmable thermostat, you can ensure you always have the right air conditioner settings for pets in your home. As you consider investing in a programmable thermostat, learn more about the top four reasons to make the switch and create a cozy and pet-friendly space for your beloved animals.
Pets thrive in environments with consistent temperatures. Programmable thermostats allow you to set and maintain a specific temperature throughout the day, ensuring a comfortable living space for your pets.
Instead of just leaving your AC on for pets all day and wasting energy, your programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature based on your pre-set schedule. Whether you're at work or away for a few hours, you can trust that your air conditioner is providing a stable and soothing climate for your furry friends.
Keeping your home energy-efficient is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your wallet. Programmable thermostats enable you to optimize your energy usage by automatically adjusting the temperature when you're not at home or when your pets are less active. If your pets are comfortable in higher or lower temperatures than you’d normally be comfortable with, you can save money by having your programmable thermostat raise or lower the temperature while you’re away to save energy.
For example, cats tend to enjoy warmer temperatures, so having your programmable thermostat automatically raise the temperature to 80 degrees while you’re away during the summer could lower your energy bills. In fact, Energy Saver states that adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day could save you as much as 10% on heating and cooling costs. Big Air’s fast service and high-quality workmanship ensure the seamless installation and programming of programmable thermostats, helping you reduce your energy consumption without compromising your pet's comfort.
Different pets have different temperature preferences. Some may enjoy cooler environments, while others prefer warmer spaces. Programmable thermostats offer the flexibility to create customized comfort zones for each area of your home.
You can set different temperature settings for the living room, bedrooms, or any specific area where your pets spend most of their time. By accommodating their individual needs, you provide a personalized and cozy atmosphere that enhances their overall well-being.
Big Air understands that pet owners have unique financial considerations. That's why we offer financing services and coupons to help keep costs lower. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat not only improves your pet's comfort but also leads to significant energy savings.
By efficiently regulating the temperature, programmable thermostats can reduce your utility bills. When combined with Bonney's financing options and cost-saving coupons, you can enjoy long-term savings while investing in your pet's happiness and well-being.
Pet owners understand the significance of creating a comfortable and nurturing environment for their beloved companions. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat is a practical and effective way to optimize your AC for pets while enjoying the benefits of energy efficiency and cost savings.
When you’re looking for programmable thermostat installation near you in Concord or the surrounding areas, turn to Big Air. As the leading plumbing, heating, and air company in Concord and the surrounding areas, we offer a range of services to help you achieve a pet-friendly home. From our fast service and high-quality workmanship to our financing services and cost-saving coupons, Big Air is your trusted partner in ensuring a comfortable and inviting space for both you and your pets.
If you’re ready to make an appointment or you have any questions, please call us at 925.687.7942 or fill out our online form. Don't forget to take advantage of their financing services and cost-saving coupons, which can help you save money while investing in your pet's comfort.
If you’re trying to keep your energy bills low over the summer, one of the most helpful things you can do is to pay attention to your thermostat. Over the summer, your HVAC system will have to work harder to cool your home, and it will increase your energy bills as a result. Fortunately, you can reduce the strain on your air conditioner with efficient AC thermostat settings. As you attempt to reduce your energy bills, review our guide to AC temperature settings and tips for the summer.
While some homeowners like to keep their homes in the high 60s or low 70s during the summer, these temperatures can significantly raise your energy bills. To help consumers reduce their energy consumption, Energy Star recommends that homeowners keep their thermostats at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months.
Even if you don’t want to set your thermostat at 78, you can reduce your energy bills by setting it slightly higher than you normally would in the spring. For example, if you prefer to keep your thermostat at 70, raising it to 73 can reduce your energy consumption without impacting your comfort.
When you’re away from home, one of the easiest ways to save energy and money is to set your temperature to a higher setting. Since you won’t be at home to enjoy the cool air, raising the temperature while you’re away is a simple way to save money without affecting your comfort. In fact, Energy Saver states that you could save 10% on cooling and heating costs every year by changing your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day.
In the summer, you can receive these cost-saving benefits by raising your thermostat’s temperature while you’re away from home at work. For example, if you regularly keep your thermostat at 72 degrees, setting it to a temperature between 79 and 82 degrees while you’re not at home can save you money. Programmable or smart thermostats make this tip easy to implement, as you can have your AC thermostat settings automatically change the temperature at different times of the day.
Alongside using efficient AC thermostat settings when you’re at home or away from it, you can follow a few other best practices to lower your energy bills during the summer. Review some of the top AC energy-saving tips for the summer below:
If you’re looking for AC services near you in Concord, Big Air can help. Just like how efficient AC thermostat settings can reduce your energy bills, regular AC maintenance can ensure your AC is running at its best and consuming energy efficiently. Alongside offering AC maintenance, we provide AC repair and installation services, meaning you can trust us to fix your AC or replace it if it’s past the point of repair. Additionally, you can review our financing services and coupons to ensure any AC services you receive fits your budget.
Learn more about our air conditioning services today. If you have any questions about AC thermostat settings or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us online, or call us at 925.687.7942 .
Over the summer, Concord and the surrounding areas can get incredibly hot, and your air conditioner will have to work hard to keep your home cool. Since you’ll want your air conditioner working at its best during the summer, it’s important to invest in regular air conditioner tune-ups. With regular AC maintenance, you can reduce the risk of your AC breaking down when you need it most. As you consider receiving AC maintenance, review some of the most frequently asked questions about AC tune-ups.
When you receive an air conditioner tune-up, a licensed HVAC professional will review your entire HVAC system to ensure it doesn’t need any repairs. Besides inspecting your unit and checking various components, an HVAC tech will often replace dirty air filters, clean components like a condenser coil, and make any needed repairs.
If you’re interested in receiving air conditioner maintenance, it’s important you schedule an appointment with a technician who will thoroughly inspect and maintain your system. Before you schedule an appointment, you’ll want to check that they’ll comprehensively maintain your system. As you look for maintenance services, make sure that their AC tune-up includes the following services:
Typically, most homeowners with a standard HVAC system will need an AC tune-up once a year. This yearly inspection and maintenance help to prevent breakdowns and keep your system energy efficient. While you can schedule one-off AC maintenance services, it’s usually a good idea to sign up for a home maintenance contract, as these contracts usually include automatic yearly inspections and tune-ups for your home’s heating and cooling systems.
Since AC tune-ups ensure your system is operating at its best, they provide several benefits to homeowners. Some of the top advantages of yearly AC maintenance include:
One of the most important parts of regular AC maintenance is to change out your air filters on a regular schedule. Your AC’s air filter is responsible for preventing various contaminants and allergens from entering your system. Over time, these contaminants will clog your filter and prevent air from flowing easily through it. As a result, your HVAC system will not have the airflow it needs to operate efficiently, resulting in more wear on your system and increased energy consumption.
While some air filters will need to be changed at different intervals, most HVAC systems use filters that need to be replaced every 90 days. However, if you have lots of pets or poor air quality, you’ll likely want to change your filter every month, especially if you suffer from asthma or allergies. Additionally, changing your filter every two months is often recommended if you have allergies, mild air quality, or have a low-allergen pet.
Like your air filters, your air conditioner’s condenser and evaporator coils will get dirty over time. As your system ages, dirt and grime will collect over your evaporator coils, reducing their ability to absorb heat and hurting your air conditioner’s cooling performance. Your condenser coils will also get dirty, as they’re located outdoors, and debris often collects around them.
However, unlike air filters that need to be replaced every one to three months, evaporator and condenser coils usually only need to be cleaned once every year. Since these coils can be difficult to clean, it’s best to have an HVAC technician clean them during their annual inspection. You can also reduce dirt build-up on your condenser coils by keeping debris and foliage off your outdoor condenser unit throughout the year.
If you’re ready to schedule an AC tune-up near you in Concord or the surrounding areas, turn to Big Air. Our certified HVAC technicians are happy to inspect your system, swap out dirty filters, clean key components, and make any repairs you might need. In addition to our one-off AC tune-ups, you can sign up for Big Air Beyond to receive annual inspections and maintenance for your HVAC system. We also offer several coupons and financing options to ensure any HVAC service you receive from us doesn’t strain your budget.
Learn more about our air conditioner tune-up services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call us at 925.687.7942 .
