Air conditioners seem to fail at the most inconvenient times. Usually, the reasons for failure are relatively easy to repair or can be prevented with regular maintenance.

We’ve compiled a list of the most common AC problems people experience and what you can do about them.

AC Unit Won’t Come On
Sometimes mysteriously, an air conditioning unit won’t come on, but the fan inside the home seems to be working OK. There can be several reasons for this. The first thing to check is your thermostat to make sure it is working properly. A broken thermostat can easily disable an entire AC system.

If you are able to rule out the thermostat as the problem, check your home’s circuit breaker and the circuit breaker outside near the unit. If you suspect it may be the breaker, it doesn’t hurt to try to figure out what might have caused it to trip before you attempt to reset it. If you flip the breaker and it does trip again, don’t repeat the process. Call a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.

If you have excessive vegetation growing around your unit, it could also be a reason your air conditioning unit quit. Grass, leaves and debris can be easily sucked into the vents of your unit and cause damage to the capacitor. If you suspect this might have happened, you will need to call for service.

Air Conditioning Unit is Making Noise
Most air conditioners make some noise when they are running, and this is normal. If you are hearing vibration or loud rattling noises, something could be wrong. Your ac unit could have been installed incorrectly and should be checked by a professional.

Sometimes people report squealing sounds when their air conditioner is running. This may actually be coming from your air handler, the part of the ac system that regulates and directs air through the ductwork. Most air handlers have direct-drive motors, but older units may be belt-driven. The squealing noise sometimes occurs when the belt connecting the blower to the motor slips. If you suspect this is the case, shut your ac unit off and call a professional – proper diagnosis and repairs are likely needed.

AC Runs, But Doesn’t Cool Your Home
If air is flowing through your vents, but it is not coming out cold, you might have a stalled condenser coil – the part of the air conditioning unit that produces cold air. The condenser fan will run even if the condenser isn’t working properly. Condenser failure can be caused by a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Sometimes, it isn’t the condenser at all and a lack of cool air can be due to low refrigerant. In either case it is best to contact a professional to help you diagnose the problem.

If the lack of cool air you are noticing has been gradual or appears to be fairly minimal, your air conditioner may not be to blame. You could have leaks in your ductwork that are allowing conditioned air to escape. If your ducts are older, or tightly constructed you might benefit from air duct sealing.

Anytime your air conditioner fails or you suspect something is mechanically wrong, contact a professional to help you diagnose the problem. At Service Champions, we recommend regular maintenance to keep your unit running smoothly. We offer air conditioning tune-ups to help you avoid costly repairs and unexpected system failure.

If you suspect problems with your air conditioner, contact us today or schedule a repair online today.

“The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills – nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.”
-Energystar.gov

It seems we never really think of the consequences of tampering with our thermostats until the energy bill arrives. With energy costs soaring, installing and using a programmable thermostat is a wise move both financially and environmentally.

The thermostat inside your home is responsible for keeping you comfortable. It works by detecting the temperature of the surrounding area to control the air conditioning unit and furnace. Many times, we prefer different temperatures for different activities inside the home. A programmable thermostat reduces the demand placed on your heating and cooling units by allowing the temperature settings to rise or lower depending on the heating or cooling needs of the season and requirements of the zone being controlled. People who are regularly away from home during set times throughout the week are ideal candidates for using a programmable thermostat.

Choosing a Programmable Thermostat
When you decide to buy a programmable thermostat, you need to consider your schedule. Programmable thermostats come in three different models: 7-day, 5+2 day, and 5-1-1 models.

7-Day Model
This model is perfect for persons with an irregular schedule. With a seven-day setting, you can customize your comfort settings for each day of the week. For example, if you have a fluctuating work schedule and the time you leave and return home from work on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday is different from Friday & Saturday, you can create separate temperature schedules for each of those days - as well as your days off.

5+2 Model
For those with a fairly regular schedule, a 5+2 model works great. You can program your thermostat for Monday through Friday and keep a separate setting for Saturday and Sunday.

5-1-1 Model
This model is similar to the 5+2 model, only instead of the same setting for your weekends, you can program Saturday and Sunday separately.

Regardless of the model you choose, the following temperature adjustments are recommended for you to benefit from reduced energy consumption and cost:

During the Heating Season
Decrease your set point by 8 degrees during periods of inactivity or absence.

During the Cooling Season
Increase your set point by 7 degrees during periods of absence, and 4 degrees during inactivity.

To get the most from your programmable thermostat, consult with your HVAC company on how to optimize efficiency during your next maintenance visit.

Other Considerations

• To get the most from your programmable thermostat, it’s best to locate it away from any device that can be considered exceptionally warm or cool such as appliances, vents, registers, or windows. Doing so can throw off the accuracy of the device. It’s best to install your thermostat on an inside wall, preferably in a hallway for a single-zone system, and near living rooms and bedrooms in multi-zoned homes.
• If you have a large home with multiple heating or cooling zones, you should have a thermostat for each zone to maximize on savings and comfort.
• Most thermostats are battery operated. It is a good idea to change the batteries at least once a year.
• Remember that although the programmable thermostat are a great way to help you save energy and cut costs, looking at other areas of your heating and cooling system should be done, too.
• If you are uncertain of the best type of programmable thermostat, or how to install it, it is best to contact a professional.

For more tips, how-tos and other great information on your home air conditioning, heating, air quality and more visit the Service Champions Blog.

 

That’s right, another opportunity for you to win awesome prizes from your favorite HVAC service providers – Service Champions. For the month of July, we will be offering weekly competitions for our friends and fans on Facebook. If you are currently not an official Facebook fan of Service Champions, become one now! You must “Like” us in order to win the prize from our competitions this month.

The Competitions Throughout July (July 12th, 19th, 26th)

1. Every Monday at 4pm PST, we will post a Service Champions related question to our “Discussions” tab on our Facebook Page.
    
2. If you're a fan (you "Like" us), check our Facebook Page Discussion tab every Monday at 4pm PST to see if you know the answer to the posted discussion question. (Hint : All of the answers will be found in the contents of our website)
    
3. The 1st person to answer the question CORRECTLY by Friday of that week will win 2 Regal Movie Tickets. How easy is that?
    

First contest begins Monday, July 12th at 4pm PST.
Stretch your fingers and study your Service Champions knowledge because the first correct answer WINS! Thank you for your participation and continued support.

Terms & Conditions

• You must be a Facebook Fan of our Service Champions Facebook Page - Must click the "Like" button at the top of the Facebook page.
• Employees of Service Champions are not eligible to win, however, their friends and families are.
• Participants may only win one Monday Fun Day competition for the rest of the month of July.
• Final competition is Monday, July 26th, 2010.
• Winners will be notified via a Facebook message from a Service Champions representative. The winner will have 72 hrs to reply to the message with their mailing address. If the winner fails to reply with in the 72 hr time limit, then the prize will be void.

Some of us are tightening our proverbial belts while others are looking for ways to use less energy and “go green.” If you fit into one of these two categories today is your lucky day. We’ve got some great tips that are easy to do, and can help you consume less energy, which we all know saves money.

Tip 1: Control the temperature inside whether you’re home or away. Programmable setback thermostats are a great solution because you can set different temperatures for different times, depending on your comfort needs and schedule. You can see energy savings of sometimes 25% or more with this simple step. Additionally, for every degree you lower your temperature in the winter and raise it in the summer, you’re saving 2-3 % in energy costs.

Tip 2: Close your blinds. Rooms without blinds, curtains or shades to block the sunlight will be warmer. Simply closing all of your blinds while you are away can make maintaining a comfortable temperature easier for your air conditioner or furnace.

Tip 3: Turn down the temperature setting on your hot water heater. For every 10 degrees you reduce the water temperature, you can see savings of 3-5%.

Tip 4: Install timers where you use vent fans. Most bathroom fans can remove moisture within 20 minutes. Timers help you avoid forgetting to turn them off.

Tip 5: Switch to energy efficient light bulbs, also known as CFLs. They use a fraction of the electricity of traditional incandescent light bulbs and instead of lasting about 1,000 hours, they continue working for 10,000 hours or more. With CFLs, you consume less energy and need to replace bulbs less often.

Tip 6: Let your dishes air-dry. Instead of using the heat cycle on your dishwasher, crack the door enough to allow the dishes to air-dry on the rack before putting them away. Eliminating the heat cycle will reduce your energy consumption and also keep from raising the temperature in your kitchen.

Tip 7: Clean the coils underneath or on the back of your refrigerator every so often with a vacuum. Dusty or dirty coils can cause the compressor to work harder than it needs to – which wastes energy.

Tip 8: Have your furnace or air conditioner serviced to assure they are running at peak efficiency. Tune-ups that are scheduled before there is a problem help avoid costly repairs in the future. Professional maintenance makes sure the unit and all the components are running smoothly and efficiently.

Tip 9: Make sure curtains, bedding, furniture or other items are not blocking baseboards or registers in each room. When the airflow is obstructed, your HVAC system has to work that much harder to regulate the temperature to a comfortable level. The harder it works, the more energy is consumed and the more it costs you.

Tip 10: Make sure cool, conditioned air isn’t escaping through cracks or gaps in your windows or doors. Re-calk and check to see that your weatherstripping is doing it’s job. Weatherstripping can be purchased for next to nothing at your local hardware store. Tight weatherstripping also prevents your home from penetration by moisture and pests.

Follow these 10 simple tips and you quickly see lower energy bills. At Service Champions, we care about your comfort. If you are looking for more ways to lower your energy costs, contact us. We have a team of qualified experts who specialize in helping you identify ways to conserve energy while staying comfortable.

Taking the handyman approach and doing-it-yourself, or attempting to save money can certainly be a good idea from time to time, but when it comes to your home heating, cooling and ventilation system, take note of these common mistakes. You’ll avoid more costly fixes in the future.

Mistakes To Avoid
• Purchasing a unit too large for your home. Of all mistakes a homeowner can make, this is the most common and often most costly. Choosing to purchase a unit from your local home improvement store, or insisting on a larger unit (assuming bigger must be better) can result in wasting a significant amount of energy, and that can cost dearly over the long term.
• Installing a heating or cooling unit on your own. If you are unsure of your ability to properly install a new unit in your home, it’s best to rely on the experience of an expert. Certified HVAC technicians understand how to properly calibrate and balance each element of the unit so it works correctly and efficiently.
• Bargain shopping for repairs. While it can pay off to shop around for the best price on other areas of home service repair, when it comes to repairs on your HVAC, it’s best to go with a company you can trust. If the job isn’t done correctly the first time, you end up spending more to fix the mistakes of the cheaper company.
• Not having your HVAC system professionally maintained. Neglecting to maintain your system can lead to costly repairs and inefficient performance. Regular professional maintenance will prolong the life of your system and help it remain reliable when you need it most.
• Risking repair over a needed replacement. To save money, many homeowners will choose to repair their heating or cooling unit when it should be replaced. In the long run, this short-term savings can end up costing you more with additional repairs and more frequent service. With today’s federal tax incentives and energy efficient standards, it can be more economically beneficial to replace your system rather than spending more to keep it running.
• Not having your air ducts professionally sealed. Enlisting a professionally trained person to seal your air ducts helps to assure good air quality inside your home. If not sealed properly, your air ducts can contribute to an unhealthy environment, especially for persons with allergies or asthma.
• Not exhausting bathroom, kitchen or dryer vents to the outside of your home. Be sure your vents are not exhausted into your attic or crawl space. Doing so can lead to serious moisture problems that contribute to mold and mildew. Dryer vents exhausted inside the attic or crawl space can contribute to lint build-up, which can be a very dangerous fire hazard.
• Masking odors with air fresheners and/or open windows. If you have an odor inside your home that won’t disappear, don’t try to hide it by masking it. If you notice unusual odors, or the air seems stuffy and stale, it could be your air quality. Installing an air filtration system such as a Bioguard Powered Filter or Biocide Chamber can help your HVAC system deliver fresher, cleaner air.
• Not changing your air filter. It is important to change your system’s air filter regularly – every month for standard filters, and every three months for the HEPA variety. Clean air filters not only help keep your indoor air quality at a healthy level, they contribute to your HVAC system’s smooth operation.
• Regularly turning your thermostat up or down to overcompensate for temperature imbalances. If you find you are constantly adjusting the thermostat to make up for one room or area of your home always being too hot or too cold, you are likely wasting a great deal of money. Zoning your home might be a better solution, so you’re only controlling the comfort in the areas that matter to you most.

While it’s great to take on regular maintenance and repairs by fixing things yourself when you can, it can sometimes become more costly and complicated if not done correctly.

Do you have a need for repair? Do you have questions about your home HVAC system? Contact the pros at Service Champions or schedule a repair online today.

As you put away your winter wardrobe and step into your shorts and sandals, it’s a good idea to prepare your home for the transition into the summer season, too. In Southern California, where summers are predictably hot and dry, preventative safety measures and energy saving solutions are sure to make this season as enjoyable as ever.

Things To Do Inside
• Verify weather stripping and calking is intact. According to Southern California Edison, properly sealed windows and doors are a great way to lower your electric bill and conserve energy when cooling you home. Reseal any gaps or cracks and replace worn or old weather stripping.
• Install or inspect ceiling fans and make sure they are rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. Running a ceiling fan uses less energy than a light bulb, and the regularly circulating air can make a room feel much more comfortable without having to turn down the thermostat.
• Begin using a programmable thermostat and you’ll immediately see savings on your next energy bill. Programmable thermostats allow you to have more control over your indoor environment by letting you customize settings when you need comfort most.
• Consider the quality of your indoor air. Summer in California is often too hot for open windows, so you’re likely breathing a lot of recirculated air. Using a biocide chamber or electronic air cleaners can significantly improve the quality of the air you breathe.

Things To Do Outside
• Inspect and test your air conditioner, schedule maintenance if it isn’t working. The last thing you want is a 100-degree day and an air conditioner that isn’t doing is job.
• Clean up the landscape around your home. Summer wildfires are something we should always be conscious of. Clear brush, dried leaves and grass from your condenser, yard, away from your home and out of your gutters. Doing this can help prevent a fire from starting or spreading.
• If you have a pool, make sure you have proper safety fencing and gates installed around the perimeter. Check that all latches are in working order and secured.
• Inspect backyard play equipment. Check hardware and structure to make sure it is in good condition and address any sharp points or potential tripping hazards, so your children have a safe place to play.

These simple steps can help you save money, stay safe and make your summer more enjoyable. Service Champions is your heating, cooling and ventilation expert. Contact us today to learn how we can help you enjoy a cool and comfortable summer.

Leaky ducts can lead to a whole host of problems. Sealing your air ducts helps to keep harmful airborne contaminants from entering the ducts and posing a risk to your health. Sealed ducts also help to conserve home heating and cooling costs by reducing unnecessary energy loss.

Why should I care?
According to Home Energy Magazine, Online, improperly sealed air ducts - or ducts with multiple leaks - can contribute to significant health and safety concerns. Leaky return ducts take in air from the surrounding area and then distributes the conditioned air throughout the home. This air can often contain allergens and other dangerous fumes:

• Dust, pollen, and other airborne particulates
• Moist air that can lead to condensation mold and/or mildew growth
• Vapor from household cleaning agents and other harmful substances
• Vehicle and small machine exhaust fumes

A significant amount of energy is often lost when air ducts have even a small amount of leaks. As a duct loses conditioned air, outside air is sucked in to replace it. This results in your heating or cooling unit working harder than necessary to maintain a comfortable room temperature. Overworking your system wastes energy and drives up cost.

How do I know if I have leaks in my ducts?
In the average home, 25% of the air circulating inside your duct system is lost as a result of improperly sealed ducts. If your ducts are not connected properly, poorly insulated or inefficient, you might notice:

• Higher than average utility bills
• Rooms that feel stuffy or congested and are difficult to regulate
• Excessive amounts of dust in your home despite regular cleaning
• Rooms that are difficult to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter
• Ducts located in an unfinished basement or crawlspace, attic or garage

What can I do about it?
It is recommended that if you suspect problems with your ducts you contact a qualified service professional. Incorrectly sealed ducts can make a bad situation worse. Missing leaks or only fixing “major” leaks can lead to serious pressure imbalances. Service Champions specializes in diagnosing and sealing air ducts and assures that both energy efficiency and air quality improve. Our team of highly trained technicians is equipped with the knowledge and skill to fix air duct inconsistencies– the first time.

It’s also a good idea to be proactive towards improving indoor air quality. Service Champions offers a selection of indoor air quality products designed to clean and filter the air.

Want to know more? Contact us today or schedule service with us, online.

It is estimated that nearly 90% of our time is spent indoors. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. Many factors contribute to this: improper ventilation; indoor sources such as carpeting, upholstery, cleaning agents, and tobacco smoke; and biological sources like mold, mildew, dust and other airborne particulates.

The following hints can help you reduce or eliminate some of the common culprits of poor indoor air quality.

Fix leaks. Moisture entering through leaks in your roof, basement, crawlspace or foundation can lead to the growth of mold and/or mildew.

Make your home tobacco free. Request that smokers take the activity outdoors to eliminate the risks and pollutants caused by second-hand-smoke.

Keep houseplants. Plants inside your home are great at filtering out contaminants and adding fresh oxygen back into the air.

Use all-natural cleaning products. Newer “green” cleaning agents and products marked “low VOC” (volatile organic compounds) cut down on odors and toxins.

Ventilate bathrooms. Directly ventilating rooms prone to strong odors or moisture lowers the risk of mold or mildew growth and eliminates odors from traveling into other areas of your home.

Don’t let the car idle in the garage. Allowing fuel-burning machines to idle inside your garage increases the risk of releasing poisoning toxins into your home’s ventilation system.

Store toxic products outside the home. Keep solvents, cleaning agents, paints, pesticides and other potentially harmful elements away from indoor living space.

Limit the use of wood burning fires and candles. Fireplaces, stoves, candles and other combustible sources produce harmful byproducts and fine particulates that can pollute the air.

Vacuum regularly. Use a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) vacuum regularly to eliminate allergens that frequently collect in carpets and rugs.

Change your air filter. Plan to change your home heating and cooling system’s filter at least every thirty days to maintain optimal efficiency. Consider installing a Bioguard powered filter to capture and remove even more airborne particles.

Regularly wash linens. Using hot water to wash linens and draperies helps to fight dust mites and other allergens.

Use essential oils to refresh air. A diffuser with natural odor-blocking scents like lavender, lemongrass and tea-tree oil is a chemical-free way to freshen up any space.

Clean your home regularly. Us a damp cloth or mop when cleaning surfaces to avoid stirring dust and other particulates into the air.

Install an air cleaner. Using an indoor air purification system or Biocide lamp can cut down on molds, mildew and other germs in the air.

No home is without its fair share of indoor air pollution. Taking these steps towards eliminating airborne particulates, allergens, contaminates and odors can significantly improve the quality of the air you breathe. Your indoor air will smell better; you’ll breathe easier, and live healthier.

Service Champions is your indoor air quality specialist. Contact us today to learn how we can help you cure your indoor air quality concerns.

Often when thinking about replacing or repairing your furnace or air conditioning system, your decision comes down to choosing between the upfront cost of an entirely new unit, or the expense of regular upkeep and often unanticipated repairs. The information below can help you better determine which action you may need to take.

Repair
Sometimes inconsistencies in your home that appear to be unrelated, are in fact indicative of issues with your home heating and cooling system (HVAC). In these instances, the poor quality of one element within your overall system could be blame for overall faulty performance. According to http://www.EnergyStar.gov, less costly repairs could be the solution if you have the following concerns:

• No matter how much you clean, your home is always dusty. Improperly sealed ductwork could be redistributing dust and other airborne particulate throughout your home. Leaky ducts can contribute to uneven distribution of air when trying to heat or cool your home. Have your ducts properly sealed and this may solve both problems.
• Humidity control has become a problem inside your home. Often, inadequate or faulty equipment and leaky ductwork can lead to air that is too humid or too dry for the season. This situation can likely be improved by having your system serviced by a Service Champions technician.
• Temperatures from room to room are not consistent. This problem can be from a number of things. Again, leaky ducts could be the culprit, but inadequate insulation also is often an auxiliary factor.
• Your energy bill seems unreasonably high. You keep your HVAC unit running full blast all day long to assure your home is comfortable when you return home in the evening. This wastes energy and money. Install a programmable thermostat to eliminate the need to continually run your system all day long.

Replace
Repairs or improvements to your system might not be the best fix if:

• Your AC unit or heat pump is 10 years old or more. It is likely that you will benefit from a new unit with greater energy savings and decreased repairs.
• Your furnace is older than 15 years. Although these units can run well for many more years, often the cost of operation can be significantly higher than if you replaced your unit with a more energy efficient model.
• You find your equipment needing regular repairs. There could be quality concerns with your system and this could be costing you dearly. The upfront expense of a new unit could end up saving you more in the long run.

If you’re considering replacing your existing HVAC system, contact us to learn more about our product and service warranties. For service, make a request online today.

Every spring we begin our traditional spring-cleaning regimen and work to rid our homes of dust and clutter. Despite our best efforts, improving our indoor air quality is a task often left unaddressed. This season, spring isn’t the only thing in the air. Allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold and other airborne particulates have been wreaking havoc on your indoor air quality all winter long. Now is a great time to clear the air. Learn how by reading these simple tips below.

Prevent dust from entering your home.
More than 60% of dust inside your home originates outdoors. Simple ways to keep dust outside include taking off your shoes before entering your house or using a doormat outside, and an entry rug inside. These minimal steps will stop any additional dust from being tracked into your home. It is also a good idea to vacuum or shake out the rugs at least once a week.

When you’re cleaning, be certain to use products and tools designed to trap dust - not just push it around. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter or cleaning with microfiber or electrostatically charged cloths are good ways to get started.

Improve indoor ventilation.
When it comes to dust and other airborne particulates, these preventative measures can only get you so far. Sometimes, allergens enter your home from under your house and attic. The solution to this problem is to assure your air ducts are properly sealed. Your Service Champions technician is trained to seal your air ducts and prevent contaminants and debris from entering while at the same time, improving your ventilation efficiency.

It is also a good idea to make sure you regularly change or clean your HVAC system air filter at least every 30 days. Clean air filters help keep particulates out of the air and also protect the equipment.

Another small but helpful step includes cleaning the dirt and other visible matter from bathroom vents. With the power off, simply remove the vent cover and scrub it clean in warm soapy water. A toothbrush or slightly damp rag can be used to wipe the blades of the fan clean, too.

Be intentional about purifying your air.
It’s estimated that most people spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, so wouldn’t it be a good idea to help guarantee the air you breathe is clean? Service Champions provides several services to aid in purifying the air inside your home. Installing a biocide chamber can help to kill any new airborne bacteria which in turn, assists in reducing respiratory agitators and the risk of unwanted illness.

Replacing your old air ducts with green safety ductwork can also help maintain fresh, clean air. Green safety ductwork has built-in anti-microbial polyethylene that keeps mold, mildew and other particles form growing, among many other benefits.

As your cleaning this spring, don’t forget to clear the air – stop dust before it enters, improve your indoor ventilation and start being proactive. Follow these simple tips, and you’re on your way to cleaner, healthier air!

For questions or information about any of Service Champions’ products and services, contact us today.

If you haven’t noticed already, the season of spring is upon us, and it’s a good time to start thinking about preparing your home’s air conditioning unit for steady use. Southern California summers have proven how unforgiving they can be, so if comfort, cost, and energy savings are important to you, read on.

To assure the air conditioning unit in your home is in top condition and ready to perform come the first sign of warm weather, there are a few simple things you can do. The first easy, but important, step is to assure the condenser is clean and free of any debris. Loose leaves, grass, dust, dead insects, and other matter can accumulate on the unit’s coils and cause it to work harder and wear out sooner. If after inspecting the unit, you see it could use some attention, turn off the power to the air conditioning system. Then be sure to remove any debris and excess plant growth from the surrounding area. With a garden hose, gently spray from the top of the coils towards the bottom of the unit to wash away any remaining dirt or debris.

Air conditioning units do more than simply cool the air inside your home; they help to purify the air by removing dirt and other particulates like dust. It is important that all air conditioning units also have good airflow to assure it performs at its best. Just as it is important that the condenser is free of debris, you should be certain your system is operating with a clean air filter whether that means regular cleaning or replacement, on a monthly basis. A clean filter will improve performance and reduce energy consumption.

While its important to keep your air conditioning unit running smooth, using a programmable thermostat will help to keep summer energy costs down by up to 25%. With settings that allow you to customize temperature settings based on your schedule and the time you need indoor climate control most, you are guaranteed to see savings on your utility bills.

These tips can help cut costs by keeping your air conditioning unit running smoothly and your home more comfortable all summer long. At Service Champions, we recommend contacting us for a complete precision tune-up and professional cleaning by one of our licensed and insured service technicians.

To schedule a maintenance appointment, learn more about our products-including programmable thermostats and indoor air quality products, contact us today.

What’s the Difference?
Traditional Water Heaters heat and store water in a large tank. Each time you shower, wash dishes or run a load of laundry, you consume pre-heated water from the tank. Your water source refills this tank as hot water is used, and the cycle continues.

Tankless Water Heaters, sometimes called Instantaneous or Demand Water Heaters, heat water only at the time of use, rather than storing heated water in a tank. When you turn on a hot water tap, cool water runs through the Tankless Water Heater. Its heat source – either electric or gas – instantaneously heats the water on demand.

Which is Better?
When shopping for a Water Heater, there are many things to consider, including efficiency, convenience and cost. There is no universally “right” choice, as your decision should be based on your individual needs. We’ve outlined the key differences between Tankless and Traditional varieties to help you determine the best selection for your home.

Efficiency
Traditional Water Heaters devour a lot of energy because a constant supply of heat is needed to keep the stored water hot, even when you are not using any hot water. Tankless Water Heaters only use energy as you use hot water, making them the more energy-efficient option by a landslide.

Convenience
Generally speaking, a Tankless Water Heater is more convenient because it eliminates the dreaded last-one-up-gets-a-cold-shower dilemma. It’s an unfortunate and common situation: When a Traditional Water Heater’s tank is used up in shower no. 1 and shower no. 2, the unlucky recipient of shower no. 3 gets a not-so-relaxing cold shower. Brrr.

Tankless water heaters also can save you space, where as traditional water heaters can require a larger amount of space. These compact units can be mounted on a wall, inside or outside your home and supply hot water on demand.

However, there are some circumstances when a Tankless Water Heater does not win the convenience category. Some Tankless Water Heaters are too small to supply enough hot water for simultaneous use. For example, if you were showering, running a load of laundry in hot water and washing dishes in the dishwasher, you could be demanding more hot water than the Tankless Water Heater can supply. This can be avoided if you avoid certain types of Tankless Water Heaters or choose to install multiple units. If you have a busy lifestyle and consume a lot of hot water, a Service Champions representative can help you select a Water Heater that will meet your needs.

Although energy bills can be somewhat unpredictable, Service Champion’s up-front pricing eliminates the element of surprise so you can plan your budget accordingly. We also offer flexible financing options to make your Water Heater purchase manageable.

An educated purchase is a smart purchase. A call to Service Champions will give you the assistance of one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff to provide you with a wealth of additional knowledge.

We strive to make your Water Heater purchase simple and tailored to your budget and needs. Contact us for more information.

Looking around your home for ways to be proactive and make a difference on your heating system’s energy consumption can have a huge impact on your monthly utility bills, as well as help you do your part with conserving natural resources. Making the effort to carry out energy efficient practices can be overwhelming, homeowners often don’t know just where to begin and what will make the biggest difference. Below are a few tips on how you can get started with offsetting your carbon footprint while saving money:

• Cooling and heating costs are wasted by drafts at door and windows. Apply weather stripping or replace stripping that is worn out. If you are not able to weather strip for any reason, try to block off the drafts as best you can. Heavy drapes at all windows and the patio door can help. Also filling in cracks on window frames with sealant or utilizing blockers such as the beanbag draft snake at the bottom of your doors.
   
• Yearly maintenance of your heating and cooling system. If you are not having your heating and cooling system serviced and cleaned by a professional at least once a year, you can be sure that your equipment is wasting energy. Your system can work up to 40% less efficiently when it is not serviced. This not only wastes energy, but also costs you more in higher utility bills. Make your appointment today.
  
  
• Switching out standard light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Although you may think these are a more expensive alternative than standard bulbs at first, after continuous use you will find that they use less energy and last longer over time and will end up paying for themselves.
   
• Lower your home’s water heater temperature. Many homeowners find that their home’s water heater temperate is set much too high, which is not only a waste of energy, but can pose a hazard in homes where there are young children exposing them to scalding tap water. Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households only require the temperature set at 120ºF. You should also ensure that your water heater is wrapped properly in insulation.
  
  
• Inspect your attic and heating duct insulation in both new and older homes. If your home is older you may find that your insulation has not been replaced since the home was built. Insulation has changed greatly over the last 20-30 years and addressing any issues will make a significant difference in your home’s efficiency. A newer home can also benefit from an inspection, as you may find that your builder has not done all that they could to insulate your attic and ducts, as they should be. Your Service Champions technician will check to see not only what type of insulation you have, but also how much there is. If it is not adequate, we will replace or supplement it.
   
• Install a programmable thermostat for better control. This device can be programmed to adjust the temperature settings in your home so that you can conserve energy during off hours, when running the heat or AC might be a waste. Program your thermostat so that your system will kick on before you return home to ensure comfortable temperatures.
   
• Simple, yet easy ideas that we all know but may forget to practice. Turn off the lights when you leave a room in your home or office. When doing the dishes or laundry, stick to running full loads to conserve water and electricity; partial loads are a waste of resources. Skip the preheat cycle on your oven, except where food requires it. Put on socks and a sweater instead of raising the thermostat when it’s cold, and in the summer, use fans for additional cooling.

Contact us today for more ideas on how to save you money and make your home operate more efficiently!

Your home’s air duct system is responsible for dispersing heated and cooled air throughout your house, and then is cycled back into your system so that it can be treated, then heated or cooled again. If you have a leak in your duct return system, or if it was poorly installed you can run the risk of having to deal with significant financial and equipment performance problems.

Leaks in forced air duct systems are seen as a major source of energy waste in both new and existing houses. Studies indicate that duct leakage can account for as much as 25% of total energy loss and can even cause your utility bills to be 20% higher than they should be. We have found that duct leakage is responsible for many of the comfort issues experienced by homeowners today.

What Types of Problems Can Duct Leakage Cause?

• Unwanted outside air can be pulled into the duct system reducing efficiency and range. Hot summer air and the cold the winter chill can find its way into your home through these leaks, as well as causing uncomfortable humidity.  Moist, humid air can overrun the dehumidification element of your air conditioning system, causing your house to feel damp and sticky even when the air conditioner is running. 

• Heat pumps are exposed to problems from duct leakage, most commonly during the colder seasons. These leaks can cause the air coming from your heat pump to feel luke-warm or even cool during the winter. 

• Leaks can cause conditioned air to be wasted and redirected into your attic, crawlspaces or garage instead of into your home, and can also draw air into the house from these same areas bringing in dust, mold spores, insulation fibers and other impurities. 

• Depressurization from leaks and imbalanced systems can cause spillage of hazardous combustible products from furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces into the house, exposing your family to unsafe elements.

• Moisture can enter through leaks or by an improperly installed system. Research suggests that condensation (which occurs when a surface temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the surrounding air) on or near cooling coils of air conditioning units is a major factor in moisture contamination of the system. The presence of condensation or high relative humidity is an important indicator of the potential for mold growth on any type of duct.

How Can You Stop Duct Leakage?

• Schedule regular maintenance check ups with a certified technician to make sure your ductwork is properly vented and sealed and is in excellent working order.  We also perform duct replacement if we find that your system may need additional help.  Maintained and properly installed ductwork allows your heating and cooling system to run more efficiently and produce consistent temperatures while providing better overall comfort to your household. 

The main components of your comfort system are built to last. They can live through several owners and years of successful running seasons. However, the time does come when your air conditioner or furnace stops working, or should be replaced due to safety hazards. Large pieces of equipment don’t give up without a fight, so keep an eye out for signs that your equipment is nearing the end of its working life.

Air Conditioners and Furnaces show many of the same indications of failure:

Age – the average lifespan of air conditioners and furnaces is anywhere from 12-20 years. They may last longer, but once your equipment is around this age, you should schedule maintenance regularly.

Noisy Operation – If you hear creaks, squeaks, scratches or other noises while your equipment is running, it could just need a filter change. It could also mean that the motor needs replacement.

Burning Smell – Particularly in the case of furnaces, it is normal to smell dust burning when you turn on heat at the beginning of winter. If this burning smell persists, turn off the furnace immediately. It is possible that the cords or other internal parts have been set aflame and consequently destroyed.

Cracks in the Equipment – Your equipment needs to be replaced if the exterior or interior parts of either the furnace or air conditioner are cracked.

Pilot light wavers – if you need to keep lighting a furnace pilot light, it could indicate a carbon monoxide leak.

Freezing air output – Specific to air conditioners, freezing air output can occur when the blower has run for too long. If the air conditioner emits freezing air every time it runs it is a sign of an unhealthy equipment.

Concerned about your equipment? Schedule maintenance today.

The State of California is advancing its policies on building energy efficiency. January 1, 2010 is the beginning of a gradual decrease in emission levels and energy use along with a better environment and lower electricity costs. By setting efficiency standards, the California Energy Commission (C.E.C.) will achieve the following goals

• Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions
• Make energy use “adequate, reasonably priced, and environmentally-sound”
• Decrease electricity peak demand
• Enforce a gradual upgrade in building codes

How this affects you
Depending on the age and model of your heating and cooling equipment, you might be using more energy and producing more pollution than is needed for your home. It’s important to make sure your system is up to date and functioning according to state standards.  Check out the 2009 Appliance Efficiency Regulations from item B-1 to E-8, or take our word for it. Service Champions provides any information you need about your equipment and how it measures up to the 2010 standards.

How Service Champions Complies
Service Champions is now required by law to provide only state-approved heating and cooling equipment, as well as make any improvements required to current systems that improve efficiency. Since we have been providing only the best equipment and highest quality of installations since we began, the new laws do not represent a big change for us.

Make sure your equipment is 2010 compliant. Contact Service Champions today.

Heating your home is a winter necessity. When furnaces and heat pumps break down during the holidays, the only option is a speedy repair job. The good news: some problems are safe and simple to solve. Before contacting a service company, look for the problems you can fix yourself. If all else fails, Service Champions provides round the clock service for your holiday comfort.

Power switch
If you have a power switch next to your furnace, the switch can be mistaken for a light switch. If you have guests who are unfamiliar with your home, this switch is more likely to be flipped. Make sure it is on. Before starting any repairs on furnace equipment, turn the switch off.

Thermostat
Anything from an accidental brush against the dial, to a loose wire can cause the thermostat to malfunction. Check the batteries on digital thermostats, and replace if necessary. Make sure the thermostat is set and programmed to your desired temperature, and is set to heat. If this does not work, remove the unit from the wall, and clear the area of dust and other debris. Make sure the two wires (one for heating, and one for air conditioning) are securely connected.

Circuit breakers
Power outages from winter storms are rare in Southern California. On these occasions, some electronics short when power is restored. Try flipping the circuit breaker to your furnace completely off and then back on again, to get the electric current running again.

Owner’s manual
Consult your furnace owner manual or visit the manufacturer website for information about your specific model. Most model names and numbers are found on the front of the machine. Your owner manual can guide you through

• Replacing your filter
• Checking and re-lighting your pilot light
• Unclogging intake and exhaust vents
• Finding worn or broken belts in the furnace motor
• Detecting a gas leak
   

Vent Registers
Check vents in each room. At least 80% of the registers in your home should be open. If only a few rooms in the house are not receiving heat, the problem could be in the duct system.

When to call a service company
If the steps listed above don’t do the trick, it is not a good idea to continue troubleshooting. Contact a professional heating company for advanced problems with your heater. If you run across the following problems give us a call.

• Furnace motor isn’t running properly.
• Furnace doesn’t provide heat
• Furnace turns on and off
• If your house isn’t heating evenly
• In the event of a gas leak, evacuate your house and call for repair as quickly as possible. 
• Any instance where you are unsure of what to do
  
  

Saving time and money through furnace first aid is a welcome option. If your furnace still does not function properly, Service Champions can help. Contact us today or give us a call at (714/949) 777-7777.