Gas furnaces are the most common way to heat your home in the US. Gas is cheap and is available in abundant supply. Gas is considered clean energy because burning gas emits very few pollutants. In spite of these wonderful advantages, gas is still a fossil fuel. So extraction, processing, and transportation of it takes money and resources. This also makes it a non-renewable resource.... read more >

In the realm of heating and cooling, innovation has led to more efficient and versatile solutions. Ductless mini-split systems are a prime example of this evolution, providing homeowners with a flexible and energy-efficient alternative to traditional HVAC systems. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of ductless mini-split systems, exploring their technology, benefits, and why they are gaining popularity in the modern era of... read more >

Air conditioner is a great invention that makes summer’s hot days bearable. It can be miserable when, on a hot day, the AC stops working. As your AC stops working, it gives signs that it needs to be maintained or is on the verge of breaking down. Here are a few signs that your air conditioning unit may not be working to its fullest and... read more >

You’ve probably heard that July 2019 was the warmest month ever recorded on the planet. What if you don’t have air conditioning in your home? There are some tried-and-true techniques that you may already know about — taking a cold shower, going to an air-conditioned movie theatre, and installing ceiling fans. But there are some additional strategies you may never have thought of. Turn off... read more >

With the hot weather and stay-in-place orders in San Mateo County, many households are installing A/C systems. On hot days when your new AC runs constantly, there’s a chance its effectiveness could lower. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure your newly installed air conditioner works smoothly throughout the summer. Replace your AC filter frequently The job of an AC filter... read more >

When the temperature goes down, the cost of operating your heating system goes up. Here are some ways you can lower the cost of keeping your home cozy. Keep your furnace well-maintained Regular maintenance to keep your furnace in good condition is important for both your furnace’s performance AND its energy efficiency. An additional benefit of good furnace maintenance is that it prolongs your heating... read more >

Regardless of whether your air conditioner is newly installed or in need of some maintenance after years of service, it’s best to use it to its maximum efficiency. Here are some easy, simple tips for how to save both energy and money when using your A/C: 1. Keep your home sealed and secure Cracks or openings in your door and window frames can both let... read more >

A conventional heating unit generates heat using gas and moves it into the house through the duct system to heat your home. Heat pumps, on the other hand, simply move heat from one area into another. This makes them very efficient to heat and cool your home. During the winter, heat pumps move the air from the outside, compresses it to increase the temperature of... read more >

Every year the fire season seems to start earlier and earlier. Fall is the fire season when hot weather, dry plant materials and gusty winds come together to create an atmosphere that is ripe for fire. During such burnings, the air fills with smoke and the sky takes on an apocalyptic hue. The smoke is filled with particulate matter that can get lodged deep in... read more >

Bay area peninsula can get really hot in the summer and fall. As the world gets warmer, the temperatures are getting higher earlier in the year. The last thing you want is to have your AC not work on a hot day. Regular maintenance work is key to keeping your investment (air conditioner) working at its peak. Here are a few reasons why doing maintenance... read more >

While there may be many ways to treat asthma or allergies, one of the smartest actions you can take as a consumer is to alleviate the various conditions that can trigger the symptoms. Did you know that your HVAC system is part of this ecosystem? By increasing the effectiveness of your HVAC system, you can optimize its efficiency to help reduce allergens that trigger asthma... read more >

If you are experiencing high PG&E bills, there could be a number of factors contributing to the increased cost of your energy usage. Here are some potential causes and solutions: Increased energy usage If you have been using more energy than usual, your bill will naturally be higher. Consider if there have been any changes in your household that may be contributing to higher energy... read more >

It is unnerving to hear sounds from the attic. If you hear gnawing, scurrying, scratching sounds generally in the early morning or late in the evening, chances are that there are critters in your attic or wall. Animals (rats, bats, mice, etc.) can do a lot of damage by chewing up the plumbing and wirings. They can make a small issue (like a displaced shingle)... read more >

Recently PG&E bills have been skyrocketing. As the cost of natural gas goes up, so does our bill. There are several ways you can reduce your PG&E bills. Below is a list of energy-saving tips from PG&E website and others. Appliances: Use energy efficient appliances Replacing old, inefficient appliances with energy-efficient ones can significantly reduce your energy usage and lower your PG&E bills. Look for... read more >

Fire is a part of the season in California. Fall is the fire season when hot weather, dry plant materials and gusty winds come together to create an atmosphere that is ripe for fire. During such burnings, the air fills with smoke and the sky takes on an apocalyptic hue. The smoke is filled with particulate matter that can get lodged deep in the lungs... read more >

Bay area’s warm weather begins when the rest of the country moves into Fall. Most of our homes in the peninsula aren’t equipped with AC, making it hard to keep cool. Here are a few ways to keep you cool when it gets hot. Close your window shades. If the sun’s rays reach your home’s floor or walls, you can bet that you’ll feel warmer... read more >

Keeping your second floor can be a real challenge in the dead of summer. Since hot air rises, the upstairs can get up to 10 degrees hotter than the downstairs. During these times, it can be a challenge to keep the upstairs cool. Another factor is the roof. In the summer, the roof gets the full brunt of the sun and it absorbs a lot... read more >

Air conditioners generate moisture as part of their operation. Normally this condensation is directed out of your home via a pipe. If your air conditioner is leaking moisture into your home, this is a sign of a problem. There are several reasons an air conditioner might be leaking condensation. Air conditioner is rusted through The drain pan in the air conditioner might be rusted through... read more >

As summer gets into full swing and temperatures across the country rise, many people with air conditioning systems in their homes consistently set their thermostat to about 70° Fahrenheit. While this allows for a comfortable space in which to take refuge from the heat, when the outside temperature is upwards of 90°, cooling the house to 70° can be quite a challenge for the AC.... read more >

Now that we’re spending more time indoors due to shelter-in-place, it is important that the air you and your family breathe is healthy and clean. While there are several ways to limit your exposure to the coronavirus (hand washing, etc.), let’s focus here on how your home heating and cooling systems can play a role in a cleaner and healthier environment. Upgrade Your Air Filters... read more >

Spring brings longer days and warmer weather. But spring can also bring miserable sniffling and sneezing for the 50 million Americans who suffer seasonal allergies. Eight out of 10 people in the United States are exposed to dust mites. What to do? Improve the air quality in your home to reduce allergy triggers. What are the main sources of indoor allergens? Some of the biggest... read more >

Summer is around the corner. This means hot days are approaching and your AC will be needed to keep you comfortable in your home. In addition to routine maintenance, check for any unusual or unexpected noises coming from your AC unit. These noises signal trouble with your unit and may require immediate attention. Here’s a guide to these noises and actions you can take: Squealing... read more >

When you think of installing a new AC, you think of it as an appliance. With a dishwasher, you purchase the model you want, get someone to install it, and — voilà — we are up and running. The cost of this is generally the labor cost of a handyman plus the cost of the appliance. An AC is a part of the whole HVAC... read more >

As part of cooling the house, an air conditioner creates condensation. This condensation turns to water which is collected in the primary drain pan. This pan is inside the unit and is not visible from the outside. The water in this pan is drained through pipes into the house’s plumbing system. If there is a clog in the primary drain pipe, water starts collecting in... read more >

When a heater or an air conditioner stops working or seems to have a problem, people tend to think that they need to replace it. Actually HVAC is a system as opposed to a single unit. If any part of the HVAC system isn’t working properly, you will not reap the benefits of the system. So you need to hire someone who can evaluate the... read more >

As the season turns, chilly mornings and mild days might have you reaching for the thermostat to take the edge off. You count on your HVAC system to heat and cool your home on demand, but if you find that some rooms aren’t comfortable, you might consider taking a closer look at your furnace and air conditioning systems to make sure they are running efficiently.... read more >

The air is supposed to flow through the ducts in a balanced way. This means that the pressure with which the air is forced into room should be the same. If you have some rooms experiencing forceful air pressures and others not as much, you have what we in the industry call “An airflow problem”. You will experience one of the following situations if you... read more >

DIY projects are popular after being cooped up in the house for so long. For the DIY person in you, it would be tempting to evaluate, install, or fix a malfunctioning furnace or air conditioner. Unfortunately HVAC isn’t one of the house parts that you should fiddle with without detailed knowledge or HVAC training. While you can certainly find sections of the HVAC system that... read more >

If the ductwork has no leaks, you never need to clean your ducts! Our top priority is your health and safety. That’s why we’re taking extra care in reducing risk to you and your family through these safety procedures. Spring cleaning often includes a deep clean of your home. Sweep out the gutters. Check for leaks and water damage. How about cleaning your air conditioning... read more >

The San Francisco Bay Area enjoys mild winters. However, in the first weeks of this month, temperatures plummeted to the 30s for cities along the Bay like Redwood City, San Carlos, and Burlingame. Are you and your kids not sleeping well because everyone is cold? Here’s what to do to make sure your house is comfortable: Check for leaky ducts When rooms don’t stay warm,... read more >

RC Mechanical appreciates the trust you place in us when you allow us into your home. Our highest priority is your health and safety. Given the current public health situation in Redwood City and the rest of San Mateo County, we want to make you aware of the safety procedures we have implemented. When visiting your home to install, replace, or repair your air conditioner... read more >

Before you know it, the summer heat will be upon us. With a little bit of preparation, your home will be ready to keep you comfortable through the dog days of summer. Turn your AC on early Turning on your AC will allow you to find out if it is in working condition. If you hear the equipment cranking up, then it is working. Then... read more >

Ducts are a vital part of your HVAC system. They distribute the air from your furnace or AC to different parts of your house. However, when air is lost through gaps in the ductwork, your HVAC has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature in the house. Even if you have a super energy-efficient AC or heating unit, leaky ductwork will mean you won’t... read more >

Good air quality inside your home is important to your family’s well being and comfort. Bad air quality can adversely affect you and your family’s health. The effects can range from sneezing to chronic asthma or worse, especially if a family member has compromised health. These are the four devices that have the biggest impact on your indoor air quality, and you should make sure... read more >

Does it ever feel that certain parts of the house are very comfortable and others are not. They could either be too hot or too cold. This could happen even if the furnace is working well. The main culprit is the duct design. When the furnace is actively blowing warm air into the home, they tend to pool in certain areas. Warm air rises. So... read more >

Here are a few simple ways to prevent a fire from starting in your home. Kitchen Leaving pots and pans unattended is one of the main causes of kitchen fires. If you have to step away from the kitchen, use a timer to remind you that there’s something on the burner. Better yet, try to avoid circumstances where you would have to leave the kitchen... read more >

HVAC systems are just like other equipment or appliance. They need regular maintenance. You wouldn’t drive your car without a regular maintenance. The same holds true for HVAC systems. Regular maintenance is needed to keep the system performing at its peak. With preventative maintenance, you can catch small issues and fix them before they become a bigger issues. Keeping your HVAC running at its peak... read more >

Homeowners in Redwood City, like those everywhere, expect to feel comfortable and secure in our homes. Our homes keep us safe from the outside elements and dangers, like pollutants, inclement weather, etc. However, a faulty HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is the biggest cause of poor indoor air quality. If furnaces and air conditioners are not installed and maintained properly, they can not... read more >

Air filters are an important, but often overlooked, part of the HVAC system. The primary purpose of a furnace or a/c filter is to trap and remove dust, dirt, hair, fur, fibers, bacteria, pollen, mold, etc. from the air in your house, and to protect the HVAC system. Without a filter, these impurities will compromise the efficiency and longevity of your heating and air conditioning... read more >

An HVAC system includes a furnace and/or air conditioner and the duct system to carry the air around the house. In general, the lifespan of an HVAC system is between 15 and 20 years. The lifespan of a furnace or air conditioer depends on how often the HVAC system was used, the quality of the mechanical components (furnace and AC), the quality of the furnace... read more >