EMERGENCY: Cooling Centers Open In Los Angeles County

Looks like it's going to be triple digit temperatures for the next several days. Everyone needs air conditioning in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley this week.

Check on family and neighbors. Obviously don't leave anything living in a hot car. You wouldn't leave children or pets in the car anyway, would you?

If you plan to be outdoors, please take precautions to protect yourself from the sun and heat

• Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest. 
• Reduce physical activity
• Wear a wide - brimmed hat and light colored lightweight, loose - fitting clothes when you are outdoors 
• Avoid hot, heavy meals that include proteins
• Set your air conditioner between 75 ° to 80 °
• If you don’t have air - conditioning take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air conditioned facility
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty
• Avoid alcohol 
• Use sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun
•  Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst 

During times of unbearable heat Los Angeles County provides cooling centers. Air conditioned spots that people can go to and cool off. Click here for a list of COOLING CENTERS

How Much Does Air Conditioning Ducting Cost?

"Some rooms are working and some aren't."

There is a proper use for this kind of duct. But this isn't it.

Wondering how much air conditioning ductwork costs? It could cost you your whole system if it is not installed properly. After twenty five years of repairing, installing and inspecting heating and air conditioning systems I have seen some crazy installations that have ruined the energy efficiency of perfectly good air conditioning equipment.

"My air conditioning is not blowing."

Mold can cause lasting health problems

The best thing to do when your air conditioner is not working is to call a licensed and insured air conditioning contractor. They should be certified by the EPA. They will know the correct duct to use for different applications and how to install it correctly. Improperly installed ducting is an energy waster at best. Badly installed ducting can allow toxic mold into your home or stress your HVAC equipment enough to cause mechanical failure.

Don't trust your HVAC ducting repair or installation to an unlicensed handyman or your friend who has a tool-belt. Your air conditioning system is an valuable investment for your home. Properly installed ducting is an investment in the indoor air quality of your home and the health and safety of your family.

Installed by a friend :-(

Should I get the Extended Labor Warranty for Home Air Conditioning?

Installing central air conditioning in Los Angeles is an investment that pays back in increased home value and comfortable, healthy indoor air. But that value can quickly disapate if your system is not properly maintained.

Studio City air conditioning installers show perfect work

Quality name brand Air Conditioning equipment usually comes with a 10-12 year manufacturers warranty. But what Jay Leno says about cars holds true for AC equipment, "In the old days parts were expensive and labor was cheap. Now it's just the opposite: Labor's expensive and parts are affordable."

We offer an extended labor warranty with every air conditioning installation Kilowatt performs. Some homeowners want it some don't. I have seen it work out well in both instances. It's an investment. I recommend the labor warranty if you are going to keep your home.

Either way, whether you accept the labor warranty or not, homeowners should definitely sign up for a professional maintenance program. I am adamant with my customers that investing in maintenance is imperative. Regular documented maintenance is needed to preserve the manufacturers warranty on your air conditioning equipment. AC maintenance extends the life of your equipment and keeps the indoor air quality safe and healthy for you and your family.

How the Ban on Ozone-Depleting Refrigerants Effects You

What You Need To Know About New R-22 Freon Laws

This year, 2013, is the first year that there will not be enough R-22 refrigerant produced to meet residential demand. You and I both know that when supply tightens up prices rise. Freon is already expensive. So plan on prices rising this summer and over the coming years.

Ozone-depleting R-22 Refrigerant

But terms like R-22 are a little technical, let me explain; R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately for the environment, R-22 contributes to ozone depletion. In addition, R-22 is a greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming.

What is being done to keep us cool? 

As R-22 is phased out over the coming years manufacturers of residential air conditioning systems are offering equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants. Many homeowners may be misinformed about how much longer R-22 will be available to service their central A/C systems and heat pumps. Homeowners need information about the transition  when deciding whether to purchase a new A/C system or heat pump, or when having an existing system repaired.

Existing units using R-22 can continue to be serviced with R-22. There is no EPA requirement for homeowners to change or convert R-22 units for use with a non-ozone-depleting substitute refrigerant.

New refrigerants have been developed and many companies are using them to replace R-22 in existing systems. Such changes, called "retrofits," are allowed if the alternative has been found acceptable for that type of use.

Air Conditioning Contractor, Dean Gilford, provides training for his EPA certified service technicians

WARNING: Use a reputable Air Conditioning contractor

One important thing a homeowner can do for the environment, regardless of the refrigerant used, is to select a reputable dealer that employs service technicians who are EPA-certified to handle refrigerants. Technicians often call this certification "Section 608 certification," referring to the part of the Clean Air Act that requires minimizing releases of ozone-depleting chemicals from HVAC equipment.

A Reputable Air Conditioning Contractor will take the time to learn and train their service technicians how to properly retrofit an air conditioning system with ozone friendly refrigerant.

"We are seeing terrible disservices done to homeowners," says Dean Gilford, owner of Kilowatt Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical. "Service techs pumping the less expensive newer refrigerant into a unit without taking the existing R-22 out first!"

There are steps that need to be taken and a specific way these retrofits need to be handled so extra training is required to be able to properly provide new safer refrigerant.

If your home is located in Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley there are technicians trained in the replacement of R-22 and they can be reached by calling 818-780-0701.

Your Utility Savings Could Cover the Cost of a new Air Conditioner!

         If your A/C is more than 10 years old, it more than likely contains R-22.  The Federal government is in the process of eliminating this refrigerant, which is harmful to the environment.  As a result, it means that your A/C will eventually be OBSOLETE!    

new energy efficient 410A air conditioner

              Any future air conditioner service or repair on your current air conditioner with R-22 will become increasingly expensive and difficult with each passing year.  That’s one reason why the government is helping homeowners replace their old, outdated air conditioner with new, high-efficiency systems.  As an individual who has been in the HVAC industry for many years, I can tell you that there is likely NO better time to invest in a new A/C.  Here’s why:

1. When you replace your old A/C with R-22, you will get a new, highly efficient air conditioner that could REDUCE your utility bills by 20-35%!

Think of your air conditioner like an athlete.  At some point, an athlete hits a peak and can no longer compete at a high level.  The same thing can be said about your A/C.  After about 10 years, it likely doesn’t run as efficiently.  That means you’re wasting energy and paying higher utility costs!  Over time, you could be wasting thousands of dollars!  Today’s air conditioners have benefited from scientific breakthroughs and are far more efficient!  A high-efficiency A/C (with R-410A refrigerant) could reduce your utility bill by 20-35%! 

2. A new A/C will likely NEVER be less expensive!

Today’s steel prices are rising higher and higher, and as a result, the cost of air conditioners, furnaces, and all other HVAC equipment is rising.  There’s talk that these costs could continue to rise in the next few years.  If you have a 10+ year old A/C with R-22, it’s probably better to replace it now, rather than a few years from now.  Who knows what the price will be then?

3. You can benefit from the big, environmental BAILOUT!

To help homeowners, like yourself, who have A/C’s with R-22 make the transition, the federal government may grant you up to $1,500 in tax credits when you install a new, high-efficiency air conditioner in your home!

            If you choose to have your old, outdated A/C replaced, and you allow Kilowatt to install your new, high-efficiency system, you can benefit even more!!!!  Here’s how….

Your Utility Savings Could Cover the Cost of a new Air Conditioner!

            As you know, the banking industry has tightened its lending… even homeowners with good credit are having challenges.  Knowing that, I scoured the market for lenders that are willing to provide my clients with some incredible financing options… minus all that red tape. 

         

        For example, you could have a brand new, high-efficiency A/C installed (with R-410A refrigerant) now, and when your final investment comes due, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your investment, over time, might be LESS than what you were OVERPAYING the utility company, because your old, outdated air conditioner was that INEFFICIENT!  It was guzzling energy and your money!  So, it would be as if your new A/C paid for itself!

Wildlife Waystation Air Conditioning

The Wildlife WayStation is a national non-profit, holding rehabilitation, medical and problem solving refuge for native, wild and exotic animals located in the Angeles National Forest.

Sometimes things break at a non-profit organization like this and there is just no money to get it fixed. This was the case with the HVAC system.

The Wildlife Waystation offices and gift store had air conditioning installed when the offices were built. But over the years time and dust took their toll on the condensers, duct and freon lines. The air conditioning stopped working, and if you have ever been in those offices you know the situation was desperate. Most windows in the offices don't open so it can get extremely uncomfortable when the temperature rises.

Dean Gilford & Elizabeth Marquart at the Wildlife Waystation

Longtime friend and supporter of the Wildlife Waystation Elizabeth Marquart brought in her favorite Air Conditioning contractor Dean Gilford of Kilowatt Heating, Air & Electrical to donate his time and expertise. Within a couple of hours Dean had the AC working and the offices cool.

Dean fell in love with the Wildlife Waystation and will be returning with a case of filters to do maintenance on the HVAC package units.

Dean Gilford fixing the Air Conditioning at the Wildlife Waystation

Tragic Danger Posed By Home Air Conditioning System

Rest in peace Kristal Salcido

Who would ever imagine that your home air conditioning system could be a danger to children or teens in your neighborhood?

The heartbreaking death of 12 year old Victorville girl, Kristal Salcido today, is the latest tragedy resulting from the practice of breathing freon. It is called "huffing" or "bagging".  Children and teenagers looking for a quick easy high open the air conditioner line and inhale the refrigerant.

Kristal inhaled the chemical, later passing out in her grandma’s bathroom. She was pronounced brain-dead at a local hospital. Her family says there were never warning signs of Kristal’s dangerous behavior which is not surprising, children honestly don't realize how dangerous this is.

Huffing freon prevents the body from getting oxygen. It is a dangerous EPA controlled substance.  The chemicals irritate the mouth, throat and lungs. A person can get frostbite through any of the tissues in the nose, the mouth, the face. Huffing Freon, even one time, can cause brain damage including memory loss and behavioral problems or even worse. Kids don't realize what they are risking.

But how easy is it for teens to get to that dangerous freon? Access to the refrigerant is similar to a tire access. You just unscrew the cap, press the button and let the refrigerant out.

There are refrigerant locks available and most HVAC service companies will gladly install them on your system. If teens or children have access to your equipment you may want to buy a little peace of mind. Before your next scheduled maintenance of your heating and air conditioning system ask for a freon lock. It is typically about a $40 extra.