Each Spring, air conditioner maintenance should be a priority when it comes to your Spring “to-do” list. At Ortiz Heating AC, we know the importance of servicing and cleaning your equipment before it comes time for heavy use. Air conditioner maintenance means less likelihood that your equipment will break down or fail during summer months, and that it will run efficiently – saving you money.

However, having an air conditioner check up offers other benefits as well, including:

Lower energy costs due to optimum efficiency.

Regular maintenance helps extend the life span of your system, meaning you won’t have to face expensive repairs or replacement as soon.

Peace of mind knowing that your HVAC system is operating safely, and at peak efficiency.

The next step to take if you’re in need of air conditioner maintenance is to contact the HVAC experts at Ortiz Heating AC to schedule an appointment. What can you expect during a maintenance visit?

Your technician will conduct a thorough inspection of your system to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that all components are working properly. This inspection may include:

• Inspecting for leaks and proper refrigerant levels
• Ensuring proper drainage by clearing any clogs and inspecting condensate drain
• Checking the thermostat, including sensors so that your HVAC system properly cycles on and off and maintains the desired temperature
• Cleaning or replacement of filter
• Inspection of ductwork to ensure proper airflow and that no leaks exist
• Lubricating components as needed; cleaning of fan blades and motor
• Inspect and clean connections and contacts; inspection of electric controls
• Ensure proper air circulation by testing air handler and motor

We know it’s easy to skip having your HVAC system checked, hoping that when it comes time to depend on your air conditioner for comfortable air, all works perfectly. However, neglecting to have your equipment inspected and maintained can lead to costly repairs or even having to have your HVAC system replaced long before it has reached its life expectancy. You would never dream of ignoring regular maintenance of your car; proper maintenance is just as important to keep your heating/ac running efficiently, meaning comfortable air, lower energy costs and maximum life for your equipment.

Call Ortiz Heating AC today, and let our expert technicians perform an air conditioner check up for your Bay Area home.

At Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning, we know that not every contractor offers professional HVAC installation – and the impact when your air conditioner/heating system is not installed properly. When it comes to heating and cooling your home so that it’s comfortable, as well as energy-efficient, we know that bigger doesn’t always mean better.

Some homeowners believe that it’s a good decision to buy a system that is a bit too large, rather than too small. The fact is, an HVAC system that is too big for your needs can actually cost you, and will not keep your home comfortable. Why? It will cycle on and off too frequently, and could possibly put unnecessary stress on the components of your system, meaning shorter equipment life.

Here’s a quick checklist to help ensure that your HVAC installation is done professionally, resulting in optimal comfort, energy savings and prolonged life of your HVAC equipment:

• Your contractor will install a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one, and explain how it works. He will also show you how to change the filter(s) on your system.
• Test for proper venting and burner operation of your boiler or furnace, and inspect vent pipes to ensure they aren’t leaking or deteriorated.
• Surprisingly, more than 60% of central a/c units are not correctly charged with refrigerant during installation. Your contractor should check to make certain that the refrigerant charge and airflow across the system’s indoor coil are in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Your condenser should be placed in an area where it is not exposed to vegetation, rain and snow. Additionally, your contractor should ensure that adequate room is provided around your equipment, so that it can easily be serviced and maintained.
• If you get a new outdoor unit, your contractor should install an indoor coil that is properly matched to the outdoor unit for optimal efficiency.

If you’re considering having a new HVAC system installed in your Bay Area home, always ask plenty of questions. Not all contractors provide expert installation, and it could cost you. Choose energy-efficient products, and make sure the company you choose is reputable and trusted.

Count on Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning for all of your air conditioning/heating installation needs. We’re the company that takes a personal interest in our customer, working to save you money, help you enjoy improved indoor air quality and comfort.

In Hayward and the rest of the East Bay area, having your ducts cleaned should be a high priority. Why? The unique climate conditions in our area make our homes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, pollen, dust mites, mold and other contaminants. Duct cleaning in Hayward is fast becoming a project that homeowners put on their calendars, and for good reason – they want clean indoor air that reduces the frequency of asthma attacks, allergies and other respiratory illnesses. An added bonus – you don’t have to dust as often!

Do you know what your air ducts actually do?

Air ducts are an essential component of your HVAC system, the primary conduits for air transfer. If your ducts need cleaning or are leaking, you may notice that more dust is building up inside your home than usual, or that your heat/air system is running longer, causing higher utility bills.

If your ducts are leaking, your cooled air may escape to the outdoors, while warmer, more humid air comes inside your home. It is critical that you have your duct work inspected by a professional HVAC contractor, who can make sure your ducts are in tip-top shape, allowing your family to breathe fresher, cleaner air while enjoying lower energy costs.

Even if your air ducts don’t actually have any leaks, improper installation can mean trouble. Dust, dirt, insects and other contaminants can make their way in even the tiniest of spaces. You know how dust accumulates in your home, and sometimes you wonder how it gets inside? Imagine how your air ducts may look! And when your air conditioner kicks on, where is that dust that’s building up in your duct work going? You guessed it – right inside your home.

At Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re a team of professionals who are dedicated to helping you maintain high quality air inside your home. We are happy to inspect your duct work to determine whether cleaning is needed, or even if you may need your air ducts replaced. Clean, healthy air is important – and while you may not know it, the air inside your home can be as much as 70% more polluted than outdoor air!

What can you expect with a duct cleaning?

There are various components of your HVAC system that may be cleaned during a visit from your contractor. These typically include grilles, registers, diffusers, fan motor and housing, supply and return air ducts, drip pans, etc.

Do your air ducts need cleaning? If you’ve noticed higher utility bills, decreased comfort or excessive dust in your home, call the professionals at Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning (650.758.4900). We care about your air, and treat your home as if it was our own.

At Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning, we are a Hayward HVAC company that understands the importance of saving money, while enjoying a comfortable home. When it comes to energy savings, a programmable thermostat can be a very smart investment; however, if not operated properly, a programmable thermostat can actually cost you money.

Basically, there are two types of thermostats, manual and programmable. As the experts in HVAC installation in San Francisco and its surrounding area, we want to educate you about programmable thermostats and locating them in the proper area, so that you enjoy comfortable indoor air and reduced energy costs.

Manual thermostats vs. programmable thermostats

Manual thermostats limit how much you can save on energy, and are typically found in older homes. While you can save a small amount of energy, it requires being diligent about adjusting temperature settings on schedule each day, which isn’t possible if you work or are otherwise out of your home during the day.

Programmable thermostats offer a wide array of options; since they can be preset, your HVAC system will adjust at the time you set it for. For example, if you want your home to cool down a few degrees before you arrive home from work, you can set the thermostat to adjust the temperature at a specific time. On average, homeowners who use a programmable thermostat can save about 25% on cooling costs, and 33% on heating costs.

Where should you place your programmable thermostat?

We recommend that you place your thermostat in the center of your home, such as on an interior wall in a living room, hallway or other area that is not located near a heat source or drafts. It is critical for best performance and money savings that you place the thermostat away from windows, appliances that generate heat, doors or exterior walls.

Is a programmable thermostat right for your needs? Contact us with all of your heating/cooling questions. Whether you are in need of expert HVAC maintenance services, repair or installation in the San Francisco area, we provide affordable solutions.

Whether you’re thinking about HVAC maintenance or are in need of HVAC repair in your Bay Area home, a tune-up may be in order. Just like your car, your heating/cooling system will perform at its highest efficiency if you maintain it on a regular basis. At Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning, we know that even older systems can run like new if they are properly maintained.

Not only will you save money by having your system tuned up in the form of cheaper energy costs and fewer HVAC repairs, there are other benefits you will enjoy including:

• A healthier home. Regular HVAC maintenance means a healthier living environment. Keeping your duct work and air filters clean and in good repair means less dust and bacteria. Family members who suffer from bronchitis or asthma will notice fewer symptoms.
• Efficient air movement. In order to reduce energy costs, it’s important that the air in your system moves freely. Your HVAC system will work harder if your air filters are clogged, and it could reduce the life of your equipment.
• Avoiding potential problems by detecting them early. During a tune-up, your technician can identify small issues that may potentially grow in to a huge (and costly) headache in the future. By repairing small problems before they become big ones, you will save money – and possibly avoid having to purchase a new HVAC system.
• Prevent a breakdown when you need your air conditioning most. This is a problem many homeowners face; they wait until the season has arrived, only to find that their HVAC system isn’t functioning properly. By having HVAC maintenance or repair performed now, you can rest assured your system will work when the temperatures start rising.

At Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning, we want to help you enjoy a comfortable home and reduced energy costs. We know the importance of regular HVAC maintenance in the Bay Area. Let our experts take care of your heating and air conditioning needs, so you won’t face an unexpected (and unpleasant) surprise when it comes time to cool your home this summer. We’re the company that cares about your air!

If you’re considering having a high-efficiency HVAC system installed in your Hayward home, it’s important that you hire a licensed HVAC contractor who is knowledgeable and experienced. At Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning, we know the importance of having your home evaluated before you have an air conditioner installed. Even though you may already have an older system that needs replacing, it’s important to know that your equipment is the right size for your home, and has the right features for your needs.

Having an HVAC system that is too small or too large for your home can cost you money. A heating/cooling system that is too small for the areas of your home will cost you money, because the unit will run longer in an effort to keep the air inside your home at a comfortable temperature. On the other side, have an air conditioner that is too large installed, and you may notice that the humidity level inside your home is higher. When a system is too big for your needs, it will turn on and off more frequently; the most energy is used when a system begins to run, so you will pay more in energy costs. Your contractor should know all about this, and should know how to help you choose a HVAC system that is properly sized for your needs.

How can you be sure that the Bay Area HVAC contractor you choose is the best one for the job?

• Make sure he is licensed
• Interview the contractor, and be sure to ask about his level of experience and education
• Ask if he performs a home evaluation prior to installation. Reputable contractors will evaluate your home, then recommend the best system for your home
• Is he knowledgeable regarding Energy Star guidelines? Can he give you energy saving tips?

Unfortunately, some HVAC contractors are more interested in getting as much money out of the homeowner as possible, rather than providing them with air conditioning installation that will keep their home comfortable, provide quality indoor air, and save them money.

If your heating/cooling system is old and worn out, don’t simply choose the first Hayward HVAC services you come to in the phone book. At Ortiz Heating and Air Conditioning, we treat your home as if it was our own. We’re the experts in home comfort, and saving you money!

Interested in scheduling a free estimate appointment? Call us at 650.758.4900!

Without proper HVAC maintenance, you could end up facing air conditioner repair in your home – or even replacement. Either way, failing to maintain an HVAC system can cost you substantially. Does your technician do a thorough job when performing scheduled maintenance? Chances are, you really don’t know what all he/she does while checking out your system. At Ortiz Heating & AC, we’re the experts when it comes to air conditioner repair and installation, but we also want you to know how to keep your system running properly and efficiently for as long as possible.

If you aren’t aware of what should be taking place during a HVAC maintenance visit, here are a few tips:

• Inspection of all wiring, connections and electrical controls. Your technician should check for damage, wear and soundness of all of these components.
• System test. A general system test should be conducted, which involves checking all operating functions such as the shut-off control, starting cycle, listening for strange noises, measuring system pressure, etc.
• Thorough duct work inspection. It is essential that your HVAC maintenance technician check your ducts for leaks, holes or areas where seams may not be properly joined. When your duct work is leaking, it can lead to inefficiency and poor indoor air quality.
• Checkpoints. The compressor, refrigerant tubing, outdoor fan motor, indoor blower assembly and blades should all be checked to ensure these components are working properly.
• Inspect condensate drains, drain pans and refrigerant level. Not having the right amount of refrigerant in your system can reduce the life of your heating/cooling system, as it makes the compressor work harder.
• Indoor evaporator units and outdoor condenser coils should be cleaned. If not cleaned during maintenance visits, dirt and debris build up on coils and refrigerant lines, which means added stress on your system’s mechanical parts.

How often should your system be inspected? At least once each year. If your system both cools and heats your home, consider HVAC maintenance in the spring prior to the cooling season, and in fall before winter sets in. Systems that perform only one function (heating or cooling) should be maintained before the season in which you will use your system.

At Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the importance of regular HVAC maintenance for keeping your system running at its most efficient, and saving you money. Avoid air conditioner repair by having your technician perform a “check up” regularly.

Ready to schedule a HVAC maintenance visit? Call your local San Francisco HVAC company, Ortiz Heating & AC, at 650.758.4900 to get started!

When your air conditioner goes “on the blink,” is it time to repair or replace? Naturally, homeowners want to save as much money as possible, especially in tough economic times like these. At Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in air conditioner repair in the Bay Area, as well as new installation. We know that these decisions can be tough for homeowners. If you have your HVAC system repaired, how long will it last? Would it be more cost effective over the long-term to simply have a new system installed?

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help determine whether you should have your air conditioner repaired, or if it may be time to replace it.

Do you experience hot and cool spots in your home? Homeowners often find that certain rooms are noticeably cooler or hotter than others. If this is the case, it could be serious – your HVAC system could potentially be headed for a break down.

Does your system seem to work particularly hard to keep it comfortable in your home? If your air conditioner or heater tends to run for what seems too long to keep the air temperature comfortable, it could indicate trouble. Most systems last on average 15 years, but this varies greatly depending upon the average temperatures in a geographical area. In the Bay Area, summertime highs average about 70 to 80 degrees, which shouldn’t be a “heavy load” on your system. It may be time to have a new unit installed.

What is the age of your HVAC system? Generally speaking, a system that’s older than 10 years isn’t as efficient as the systems that are offered today. You can save a substantial amount of money on energy costs each month by having a high-efficiency system installed. In fact, you may save as much as 30% on your annual energy costs by having an Energy Star unit installed.

If you’re still unsure whether you need air conditioner repair, or whether it could be more beneficial to have a new system installed, contact the professionals at Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning. We keep you comfortable, and help you save money!

Most people in the San Francisco Bay Area never give a second thought to having the ducts in their HVAC system cleaned. If you live in Hayward, duct cleaning is essential for fresh, clean air inside your home and better health for your family. At Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning, we are the HVAC company that truly cares about your air – in more ways than one!

The fact is, most people give little thought to their heating/air system as long as it is performing properly and energy bills stay within reason. Many homeowners aren’t even aware that dirt, dust, mold and mildew accumulates inside the ducts, and that some of this can make its way into your home. Dust and dirt begin to accumulate, creating the perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew. This can mean serious illness for members of your family. Those who have asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems can really suffer.

With our Hayward duct cleaning services, your family will enjoy fresher, cleaner air inside your home. Not only that, a clean system will increase energy efficiency, saving you money on monthly energy bills. There is much more to keeping the air inside your home clean and healthy besides changing the filter!

When you’re in need of duct cleaning services in Hayward, never assume that one company will do just as good a job as another. Proper procedures should be followed, as a service provider who is not trained could actually damage your ducts in the process of cleaning, resulting in costly repairs or higher energy costs.

A skilled professional will check your duct work during the cleaning process to ensure that there are no leaks, holes or cracks. This helps ensure that the dust, dirt (or even rodents) getting inside of your ducts is kept to a minimum. Duct cleaning is one of the most important steps for preventing respiratory health problems and providing cleaner air inside your home, when combined with other air cleaning strategies.

Is the air inside your home polluted? If you aren’t sure, take our healthy air quiz. At Ortiz Heating & AC, we are the HVAC company you can rely on for a job well done by skilled professionals who are concerned both about the energy efficiency of your HVAC system, and your family’s health.

Not sure if we’re the ones for the job? We understand! Check out our Yelp reviews to ease your mind.

You can schedule a routine duct cleaning appointment by calling us at 650.758.4900.

Whether you’re considering a new air conditioner in the San Mateo or Contra Costa areas or are in need of air conditioner repair, there are a few questions you may want to ask your HVAC expert. At Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning, we know that when you have questions while getting your existing air conditioner repaired or having a brand new system installed, the answers you may get sometimes seem like a lot of “technical jargon” that goes right over your head. If you’re considering an upgrade, it’s particularly important that you understand some of the common HVAC terms.

Knowing the meaning of these terms can help you in the selection of a new HVAC system, so that you know you’re getting the right size system for your heating/cooling needs. Essentially, you will save money by having the right system installed, rather than one that is too small or too large for your needs.

SEER – This abbreviation stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.” When comparing units, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficiency you will enjoy, resulting in savings on your utility bill. A SEER rating is simply the ratio of electrical input to cooling output.

Cooling load – When an indoor space is at its normal temperature without the air conditioner running, this is known as the cooling load. All factors that contribute to the heat load (insulation, windows, etc.) are considered. This helps your HVAC expert know what size system will efficiently cool that area.

Cooling capacity – This is one of the most important terms you need to understand when having air conditioner repair or installation performed in your home. Cooling capacity is expressed in terms of BTU/h, or British thermal units per hour. Essentially, this factor measures the extent to which your air conditioning unit can meet the cooling demands of a specific cooling load.

BTU/h – The British thermal units per hour actually measure how much cool air is capable of being put out by your air conditioner system on an hourly basis.

At Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning, we want homeowners to understand how HVAC systems work, how to determine which system is best for your needs, and how the efficiency of your system affects money savings. If you are considering the installation of a new HVAC system in your Contra Costa or San Mateo home, call the San Francisco HVAC experts at Ortiz – we’re the trusted professionals you can count on for answers to all of your questions.