Should I go with the cheapest bid for a new HVAC installation?

Don’t just look at the price. Look to see what you are getting. Remember to compare 2 bids and see if the work is the same.
I can help you decide what is best for you. I’ll move you away from any expensive or unnecessary work.

My house is not cooling (or heating). Do I need a bigger system?

Bigger isn’t necessarily better or the correct solution for you. There might be underlying issues that you aren’t aware of. So simply getting a better system may not resolve your issue. For example, maybe there’s a leak somewhere. Fixing the leak issue will be cheaper for you than installing a new system. So call your HVAC person today to get it evaluated. If you are in mid-peninsula, we will be happy to make a service call.

How can I test to see if my AC (or heater) is working?

One simple way that doesn’t require any complex instruments is by taking the temperature at the vents. Vents are where the air from the HVAC system enters or exits the house.

There are 2 types of vents: a return vent and the register. The return vent is from where the air in the house is pulled into the HVAC system. This air is then cooled (or heated) and pushed into the house through the registers.

You can tell which one is the return air and which one is the register by looking at their coverings. The return air generally can’t be closed whereas the air coming through the registers can be directed or closed using the lever.

To test, you have to take the temperature differential at the registers.

To begin, let the AC run for 15 minutes. This will give the AC enough time to get started and start pushing in cooled air through the registers.

First take the temperature at the return air. This is the temperature of the room/house.

Now take the temperature at one of the registers. There should be a 15-20 degree temperature differential between the 2 temperatures.

If the temperature differential is less than 20 degrees, then this means that the house isn’t getting cooled and the HVAC is simply moving the air around.

Between 15 and 20 degree differential means that the air conditioner is working well.

Should I get a programmable thermostat (like Nest)?

Nest and other wifi thermostats are the rage. Wifi controllers look nicer and give you more control. But it may not be the right solution for you if you don’t like to use a phone to control equipment or aren’t phone savvy. In such a case, a regular thermostat will be sufficient for you and a lot cheaper.

Do I need a permit to install a new HVAC system?

Yes. We can take care of all that for you.

Is installing IQAir worth it?

IQAir is expensive. If you or your loved one suffers from pollution (smoke, pollen, etc.), then IQAir is a good option. We use a particle scanner to measure how dirty the air is. Our client remarked that she could taste the clean air after we installed it in her house.

What is a mini-split?

Mini-split heating and cooling systems are ductless systems that are an efficient way to keep your home comfortable. They are compact, easy to install, and can be removed from one place and installed in another easily compared to a traditional system.