Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Irvine’

Clogged Air Filter: A Simple Problem With Big Consequences

Monday, December 30th, 2019
pleated-air-filter

No matter what climate you live in, the clogged air filter in the HVAC system is a major problem. Here in Orange County, our heating systems don’t put in a huge amount of work, but you’ve probably had yours running regularly over the last few weeks when night and morning temperatures dropped into the high 40s. You’ll likely have reason to turn the AC on again before the winter is over—that’s just how our climate works.

No matter if you have the air conditioner, the heater, or just the central fan of the HVAC system running, you’ll need to pay attention to the HVAC filter and have it changed routinely to avoid having it become clogged. This is a basic part of HVAC maintenance in Irvine, CA—one of the few parts of maintenance you can do on your own. We recommend checking on the filter once a month. You’ll know it’s too clogged if you hold it up to the light and the filter blocks out the light. Expect to change the filter every one to three months.

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Some Facts to Know About a Heat Pump Installation

Monday, December 2nd, 2019
heat-pump-backyard

A new heating installation in Irvine, CA usually isn’t a big moment—and that’s because homeowners rarely think about heating systems in the mild winter climates of Southern California. However, any HVAC installation is important, and we recommend you give some serious thought to what type of heater you have in your house. If you’ve come to the point where you’re certain it’s time to put in a new heating system, one of the best options available in our climate is a heat pump.

Heat pumps are different from most standard heaters, such as furnaces and boilers, so to help you out with a heat pump installation, we’ve listed some vital facts about what to expect from a heat pump.

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Beware of IAQ Problems During Wildfire Season

Monday, November 4th, 2019

dramatic-smokeWe often do a post at this time of year to caution people about the potential effects of wildfires during this season in indoor air quality in Irvine, CA. It’s different this time, because California is already in the midst of major wildfires across the state. Although Orange County isn’t dealing with a specific wildfire now, trouble with air quality will spread through large parts of the state, and more fires are always a possibility we need to be aware of.

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Poor Cooling From Your AC in the Fall? Here’s Why

Monday, October 7th, 2019

woman-in-front-of-fan-hand-on-headOrange County only gets a small amount of relief from the heat in October. We can expect to have weather hovering in the 80s on many days this month. You’ll give your air conditioner a few small breaks, but you’ll think about the system less and less. Because of this “fall mindset,” you may not pay much attention to drops in cooling levels around your house.

If you notice a change in the volume of cooling from your AC or rooms that are warmer than they should be when the air conditioner is running, you may still need to schedule air conditioning service in Irvine, CA to have it fixed. Keep in mind, we can always have spikes in heat in Orange County at any time of the year—you want an AC you can always depend on!

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Know Where the Water Main Shut-Off Valve Is

Monday, September 23rd, 2019

plumbing-valves-and-tubesNobody wants to have a major plumbing emergency. At least you have a reliable plumber in the area who can help when you’ve got major trouble from the plumbing. Never hesitate to call us when you think you’ve got a plumbing emergency—if you wait, you’ll likely end up with a worse problem.

However, before you call us for help, there’s something essential to know in case of a plumbing mishap that’s threatening to flood your home. You must know where the water main shut-off valve for the house is and how to activate it. Share this knowledge with the other adults in the house so they also know how to stop the water flow into the house in case of emergency.

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Reasons Your AC Keeps Tripping Its Circuit Breaker

Monday, July 29th, 2019

installer-stripping-wireOne of the first things we recommend people check when their air conditioning system suddenly stops working (fans, compressor, all of it) is to check the electrical panel. The circuit breaker to the air conditioning system may have tripped and cut off the electricity. Resetting the tripped breaker will restore the AC to normal working order.

But what if this keeps happening? If you’re often walking to the electrical panel because the AC once again shut itself off, there’s something wrong. It might be with the electrical panel itself—if it’s an old panel, ask an electrician to look at it and determine it’s time for an upgrade. But it’s more likely you’re due for some good ol’ air conditioning repair in Irvine, CA from our skilled HVAC technicians.

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The Myth of the “Small Leak” (No Such Thing!)

Monday, June 17th, 2019

Lpipe-copper-leakingeaks are what most people think of when they hear about “plumbing problems.” (Well, that and clogged drains.) Leaking faucets are wastes of water that often go without repairs for far too long. But the truly harmful leaks are pipe leaks that occur out of sight around a home, behind walls, in the ceilings, etc.

All pipe leaks need to have the professional attention of a plumber in Irvine, CA as soon as a homeowner starts to notice the signs of leaking—water spots on the walls, higher water bills, changes in water pressure, higher humidity indoors, mold and mildew growth. Because there is no such thing as a “small” leak that can be ignored. A leak may not be large and send out geysers of water that can be immediately seen, but it can still create significant damage.

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AC Maintenance Is Always Smart in April

Monday, April 8th, 2019

Daffodils_field

When is the best time for you to call up HVAC professionals to schedule air conditioning maintenance services? Choose one of the following:

  1. Any time before the summer weather arrives
  2. Any time during spring
  3. Any time as long as you don’t skip it for the year
  4. April

Although none of these answers is incorrect, (d) is the best answer, while (c) is the worst. Yes, you should have maintenance for your air conditioner each year, but it’s also best to have it done before the summer weather and during spring—and April is the best month of spring to have it done.

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Water Savings Tips As We Head Into Spring

Monday, March 11th, 2019

faucet-drippingWater usage usually goes up for a household during the spring because of gardening—you’ll likely notice an uptick in your water bills for the first months of the season. However, if you’ve been dealing with higher water bills than normal, or you think your current bills could be lowered, you can take steps to save water.

Some of these tips are basic, common sense ones. Others will require you call a plumber in Irvine, CA for repairs, replacements, or new installations.

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How Video Pipe Inspections Make Pro Plumbers Better Than Ever

Monday, December 31st, 2018

technician-with-toolsDigital technology has changed the world in significant ways. For example, tiny digital cameras are now installed in the phones most people carry around with them, allowing them to take pictures almost anywhere to capture any moment.

One place where the digital camera has been helpful is in the world of professional plumbing. Although “plumbing” may not be the first thing that pops to mind when you think about the benefits of digital tech, you’ll be thankful for it the next time you need plumbing in Irvine, CA to help with trouble with hidden leaks, drain cleaning, or sewer line issues. The video pipe inspections that digital technology has made possible have improved the power of your plumber.

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