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.

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  That’s one reason why the government is helping homeowners replace their old, outdated air conditioner with new, high-efficiency systems.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!

Central AC: Repair or Replace?

The heat wave that has hit Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley this summer has had many homeowners calling AC repair companies to find out whether it still makes sense to repair their older central air conditioners or if replacement is a better option.

One 5 ton and two 3 ton American Standard 15 SEER super quiet units were installed at this 6,000 square foot home in Tarzanna.

After the unit reaches a certain age several factors can make it more sensible to replace the central AC rather than continually invest in costly repairs.

Repair or Replace Factors For Homeowners

Age of the Central AC and Heating Unit - Is your central Air conditioner older than 10 years? Depending on the brand and the quality of the installation 10 years can be the point at which equipment may start breaking down and requiring higher repair bills each season.

Higher Energy Bills in Summer - It won't come as a surprise to hear that your old Air conditioner is not much of an energy saver. By upgrading to a higher efficiency air conditioner or heat pump system you can expect to save approximately 40% in energy costs.

R22 Refrigerant is Leaking - Refrigerant is a toxic substance controlled by the EPA. It's expensive and reoccurring leaks are an indication that major repairs are needed.

Cost of Repairs - In Los Angeles Air Conditioning repairs are not cheap! If the cost of repair is more than $750 you are 1/4 of the way to a replacement AC unit. Remember you don't always have to replace the entire system. You can replace the AC only.

Frequency of Repairs - Even when AC repair costs are minimal, say $150 per repair, if you are having your central AC several times per year it may be time to consider a replacement unit.
A good central air conditioning contractor will help you decide what is best for you and for your home. It's always a good idea to get 3 different prices for replacing your central air conditioning and many San Fernando Valley air conditioning contractor will give a free estimate.

Is your Old Central Air Conditioner Worth Fixing?

The heat wave that has hit Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley this summer has had many homeowners calling AC repair companies to find out whether it still makes sense to repair their older central air conditioners or if replacement is a better option.

After the unit reaches a certain age several factors can make it more sensible to replace the central AC rather than continually invest in costly repairs.

Repair or Replace Factors For Homeowners

• Age of the Central AC and Heating Unit - Is your central Air conditioner older than 10 years? Depending on the brand and the quality of the installation 10 years can be the point at which equipment may start breaking down and requiring higher repair bills each season.
• Higher Energy Bills in Summer - It won't come as a surprise to hear that your old Air conditioner is not much of an energy saver. By upgrading to a higher efficiency air conditioner or heat pump system you can expect to save approximately 40% in energy costs.
• R22 Refrigerant is Leaking - Refrigerant is a toxic substance controlled by the EPA. It's expensive and reoccurring leaks are an indication that major repairs are needed.
• Cost of Repairs - In Los Angeles, the San Fernando valley and Beverly Hills Air Conditioning repairs are not cheap! If the cost of repair is more than $750 you are 1/4 of the way to a replacement AC unit. Remember you don't always have to replace the entire system. You can replace the AC only.
• Frequency of Repairs - Even when AC repair costs are minimal, say $150 per repair, if you are having your central AC several times per year it may be time to consider a replacement unit.

A good central air conditioning contractor will help you decide what is best for you and for your home. It's always a good idea to get 3 different prices for replacing your central air conditioning and many San Fernando Valley air conditioning contractor will give a free estimate.

Can You Handle the Heat? 10 Cool Tips

Everyone wants to stay cool when the temperatures are oppressive. People with certain medical conditions, like asthma, allergies, heart issues, the elderly and the very young can find themselves in distress when it gets too hot. Keeping as cool as possible in the summer heat can be a major factor in staying healthy as well as comfortable. We can't always be in places that have air conditioning installed. Sometimes we have use our heads to stay cool. Here are 10 good tips to staying healthy and comfortable in the hot weather coming this week.

1.  Stay damp, sweating helps keep you cool. Another way to stay cool is to spray yourself with a spray bottle filled with cold water. If you do that and sit in front of a fan, it has a cooling effect just like when you sweat.

2. Wear proper clothing. Wearing light colors reflects light where dark colors absorb. Lighter colors will keep you cooler. Light fabrics like cotton can breathe and help to keep you cool as well.

3. Turn off things that you don’t need that generate heat. Phone chargers don’t need to be plugged in if the phone is not charging. Unplug anything with a clock, not only does it use electricity when turned off, it also generates heat. Computers generate a lot of heat. Shut down your computer if you are not using it. Your microwave has a clock on it. That also generates heat. Dust busters or other small appliances sitting in a charger generate heat. If your coffee maker has a clock on it, that generates heat as well.

4. Stay downstairs if possible. A basement is always cooler than the rest of the house because heat rises. Normally a basement is about five to 10 degrees cooler than the other floors of a house.

5. Spicy food can make you feel cooler. Most countries where spicy food is a staple (Mexico, India, etc.) are countries with warmer climates. Eating spicy food and then producing sweat helps cool down your body. Don’t forget to stay hydrated when you are doing a lot of sweating. Dehydration can bring its own set of health problems

6. Soak your feet in a baby pool or bucket of water (don’t do it in the sun, if possible). If you are inside, a cat litter box or bucket filled with cold water has a drastic effect on your body. You can even put a chair next to your tub and soak your feet there. If you are able to have a baby pool outside, that works great too. Just having your feet wet will make your entire body feel more comfortable. This works for dogs too! Some dogs will actually lie down in the pool, where others will just stand in the cool water.

7. Freeze bottles full of water. You can use the frozen bottles (plastic bottles only) to hold behind your neck to cool you off. You can also drink them as they start to melt. Remember to put more bottles in the freezer as you are using them so you always have a supply of frozen bottles. Keep air circulating, draw the blinds. Fans will help cool you off. Even the little hand-held, battery operated fans can have a cooling feeling. There are some little fans that mist you with water, like item number one on this list, to help make you feel cooler.

8. Do exercise during the cooler hours. Exercising in the early morning or evening is much easier during the hotter months of the year. You will have more energy and be able to exercise longer if you are not as hot.

9. Eat cool foods instead of cooking. Salads, fresh fruit and cheese are great options for the summer. Keeping that oven turned off will go a long way to keeping your home cooler.Run the dishwasher and/or dryer during cooler hours of the day. Any appliances will give off heat, even the microwave. If you do need to run these appliances, again, try doing it at night when it is cooler. Or go out while the dishwasher is running, leaving the exhaust fan on in the kitchen, to remove the hot air.

10. That brings us to the last thing, which is to go somewhere cooler. If you have chores to do, do it when the day is at its hottest. Malls, grocery stores, movie theaters, banks and just about any other business will have air conditioning in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Leaving your home when it is at its hottest and going back when it is cooler seems like common sense, but you don’t always think clearly when it is so hot!

Los Angeles Takes The Heat!

Triple Digit Temperatures Hit Southern California

Numerous heat advisories have been issued for Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley this summer. With temperatures reaching triple digits residents are asked to look out for elderly neighbors, vulnerable to Heat Illness.

With the downturn in the economy still affecting property owners many L.A. homeowners have let the maintenance on their HVAC systems lapse. This can lead to system failure, and during this scorching hot weather with high levels of humidity a broken AC system can cause serious health problems.

Local Heating and Air Conditioning Company, Kilowatt, is offering special savings to help Los Angeles residents survive the heat.

Kilowatt is offering numerous ways for Los Angeles homeowners to save on new or replacement Air Conditioning systems installed including 0% financing, Energy Star rebates and government incentives worth hundreds of dollars, government tax credits, manufacturers incentives and energy savings. All told Los Angeles residents can save thousands of dollars installing energy efficient equipment. Dean Gilford is a reputable licenced Los Angeles air conditioning contractor who is committed to helping local property owners understand all the different savings available to them.
"Helping people install the right equipment for the best possible price is a passion for me," explains Dean. "My customers have saved thousands of dollars with the terrific energy efficient equipment available now."

Kilowatt is located in the heart of Sherman Oaks and for 22 years has been providing A+ rated guaranteed air conditioning service to Los Angeles residents, helping neighbors stay cool in triple digit weather! Below are some important tips for staying safe and healthy during the heat wave.

How to Combat Heat Stress

Adequate hydration is the most important step to combating heat stress. When the heat index is high, stay properly hydrated. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink; if you are thirsty you may already have lost 2% of your body's water. The onset of heat exhaustion can begin after losing 3% of the body's water and heat stroke occurs once 8% is lost.

WARNING SIGN: If you are not urinating regularly or have dark urine, you may be dehydrated and at risk for heat illnesses!

Rest in a cool environment. Take fluids and salty foods or an electrolyte solution such as sports drinks.

Los Angeles Opens Emergency Cooling Centers

To provide relief from the heat for the elderly and others who face heat-related health difficulties and stress, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will open cooling centers throughout Los Angeles County, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. A list of the location and times of operation of the 55 cooling stations in Los AngelesCounty can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1.

Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst.

The Department of Public Health recommends several ways to manage the heat:

• Never leave children, elderly people, or pets alone in a parked vehicle.
• Wear light, loose fitting clothing to stay cool
• Drink water often. Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Check on those in your neighborhood who have limited mobility.
• Stay in an air-conditioned area during peak heat hours such as a mall, park, or library.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim.
• Don’t exercise vigorously outside during the hottest hours of the day

Always use a licensed and insured Air Conditioning Contractor in Los Angeles.

When Is It Time To Replace Your AC?

According to Energy Star, there are certain telltale signs that indicate it's time to consider replacing you Los Angeles air conditioning equipment to improving the performance of your overall system. It may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if:

Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.

Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.

Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.

Consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, which is 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. If you have a boiler, consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler that is 5% more efficient than a new, standard model.

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.

Your cooling or heating equipment my have become less efficient.

Some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold.

Improper equipment operation, duct problems or inadequate insulation could be the cause.

No one is home for long periods of the day and you do not have a programmable thermostat.

Install a programmable thermostat or have a good contractor install one and instruct you on its use — to start saving energy and money while they're away or sleeping.

Your home has humidity problems.

Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.

Your home has excessive dust.

Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics, crawl spaces and basements and distribute them throughout your house. Sealing your ducts may be a solution.

Your heating or cooling system is noisy.

You could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.