Conquer Differing Temperatures in Your Home

Do you have a room that always feels hot — or one that is much draftier than the others in your home? Your house should have a uniform room temperature throughout, which is why it can be frustrating to find that certain areas feel warmer or colder than they should be.

No matter what time of year you notice disparate temperatures, you should investigate the problem as soon as you find it — it could end up saving you a ton of money on your heating or air conditioning, not to mention you won’t have to randomly bundle up (or take off some layers) in particular rooms! Identifying what’s causing this issue can help you get back to an ideal temperature in no time.

Here are a few of the most common causes of hot or cold spots, and what you can do to fix them or prevent them from happening:

Why Hot or Cold Spots Are Happening

Although we’ve heard plenty of spooky stories about ghosts causing cold spots, the real causes are far less supernatural. The same goes for hot spots. They’re both due to certain flaws that are happening within the home’s heating and cooling systems, which also include the windows, the insulation, and more.

These flaws could include:

1. Your HVAC is too large or too small for your home. Whether your home is old or new, it’s worth taking a look to see if your HVAC unit is the right size to heat and cool it properly. A small HVAC in a large house would be working ineffectively, and a large HVAC in a small house would struggle to properly dehumidify.
   
   Either way, it’s a recipe for inconsistency and can wreak havoc on how humid or dry your home feels. You should get an expert’s consultation on exactly what size HVAC system your home needs— particularly if you’ve been renovating and adding on units.

1. The air ducts might not be working properly. If your home’s air ducts have holes or cracks, they could be letting warm or cool air escape. Also, this means your HVAC has to work even harder, since faulty air ducts — even if they’re simply loose or not connected correctly — can lose up to 40% of your heated or cooled air.
   
   Dirty air ducts are another issue, as debris that’s built up within the ducts can affect air flow from room to room. In this case, you can clean or replace the duct filters yourself, or call in a professional to take care of it. A professional can also assess if there are any cracks in your ducts — again, you can seal those yourself, but it’s a smarter move to have an expert fix them, especially since it can save you from more damage down the line.

1. Your home has an insulation problem. Since ductwork is typically made of metal, it needs to be insulated to ensure that it can carry the warm or cool air further away from the HVAC unit. If the pipes aren’t properly insulated — or if they aren’t insulated at all — this can cause random hot or cold spots as the temperature leaks. It’s also an issue if you have exposed ducts in areas like basements or attics.
   
   A trained professional can take a look at all areas of your home and note where there should be more insulation around the ductwork — and they can also check to see if your windows and doors need stronger seals to prevent drafty leaks.

1. You need better zoning. If you’ve got a large home, it may be difficult for your HVAC’s output to reach every single area. This is where zoning comes in: It allows you to set different temperatures for different rooms, which is especially handy when the heat rises within a multi-level home.
   
   Setting the temperature from room to room can also save money on your heating and cooling bills. And it allows everyone to choose how warm or cool they’d like their bedroom to be! A similar solution is to go ductless, which will give you an even higher level of customization.

Get the Right Fix

You shouldn’t have to live with hot or cold spots in your home, particularly when it’s an annoyance that could also be costing you money. Although it could be as small an issue as a dirty duct filter, it could be something as serious as an embattled HVAC straining itself to service a larger home.

Whatever the problem may be, contact Bob Jenson for an evaluation and consultation — we’ll make sure you’re not too hot and not too cold, but just right!

Outta Site, Outta Mind.

As winter turns to spring, homeowners start thinking about spring cleaning and home maintenance. Most of us have the basics covered, and it’s easy to remember the tasks that are in plain sight — but, have you thought of the things you can’t easily see?

The air quality in your home isn’t a visible aspect, and many of the causes of poor air quality are easy to overlook or ignore, until it’s too late. Here are some of the most common springtime maintenance mistakes that San Diego homeowners make — and how you can avoid them this season.

1. Not Replacing Your HVAC Filters

Replacing your HVAC filters is usually quick and easy, but many homeowners forget to do it regularly. A dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy. It also allows more dust and other allergens to remain in your home.

Set yourself a reminder to change the filters at least every 90 days, and possibly more often during times of heavy use, like the summer season.

2. Neglecting to Check Seals on Doors and Windows

The transition from winter to spring comes with changing temperatures and an increase of moisture in the air — both of which can affect the seals on your doors and windows. If the entryways of your home are letting air leak through, your HVAC system will have to work that much harder to control the temperature and air quality of your home. This can result in an unexpectedly ugly energy bill towards the end of the spring and summer.

Check to make sure your seals are in good condition and aren’t letting drafts in or out of your home. Minimizing air leaks allows your HVAC system to work more efficiently. Reinforcing and replacing seals are relatively simple tasks, but they can make a big difference.

3. Failing to Clean Mattresses and Pillows

You wash most of your bedding regularly, but remember that your mattress and pillows get dirty, too. Dust mites and other allergens can build up and over time, this negatively affects the air quality in your bedroom. Since you spend a significant portion of your time in close contact with your mattress and pillows, this is a critical oversight. Be sure to add these two items to your spring cleaning list.

Most pillows (with the exception of those made from a foam material) can be put in your washing machine; but you should refer to the care instructions on your own pillows to learn how to clean them correctly. Once they are clean, you also can use anti-allergen pillowcases that zip around the pillow and help repel allergens. Anti-allergen mattress pads also are available.

While your mattress obviously isn’t machine-washable, you can use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery tool to remove dust near the surface. Check the manufacturer instructions for your mattress to see what kinds of cleaners you can use to remove stains and disinfect the surface without doing any damage.

4. Forgetting to Dust Fans and Vents

It’s easy to remember to dust objects at eye level, but don’t forget to look up! If dust has built up on your ceiling fans and air vents — which have been sitting dormant during the winter months — you’ll be in for a nasty surprise when you turn them on and all that dust blows around the room.

The brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner is a great tool for this task. Remember to do this before you clean the rest of the room, so any dust that may fall during the process isn’t landing on surfaces you just cleaned.

5. Skipping Your Annual HVAC Maintenance Check

This is a big one, because skipping your annual HVAC checkup can become very costly and inconvenient. Just because you don’t see or hear anything unusual when you run your air conditioner doesn’t mean everything is fine. Regular preventive maintenance is necessary to keep your HVAC running smoothly and identify any potential problems before they become emergencies.

It’s best to schedule your annual maintenance for the early spring, before it’s hot enough to turn on your air conditioning. Your HVAC professional will clean and inspect your unit(s) and recommend any necessary repairs. This reduces the chance that your unit will break during the spring and summer, leaving you in a swelteringly hot house with a large repair bill coming.

It’s also a good idea to have your air ducts checked and cleaned to eliminate dust, mold, and other problems that lead to poor air quality in your home.

This spring, contact the experts at Bob Jenson to schedule your annual HVAC inspection and maintenance before it becomes necessary to run your air conditioning. Make the call now, so you can stay cool later.

Spreading Some HVAC Knowhow

Since 1977, Bob Jenson A/C has consistently delivered top-notch customer service, equipment installation, and system repairs in the greater San Diego area.

Forty years of experience has taught our dedicated team a thing or two about the ins and outs of home improvement. With that experience, comes a great responsibility: passing on the knowledge we’ve gained to benefit homeowners everywhere. When it comes to property upkeep, you don’t have to be an expert in every facet of home maintenance; you just have to know where to look to find the answers you need.

Through our dedicated blog, we strive to provide the comprehensive and practical answers our customers are looking for. Here are 5 of our favorite home improvement tips, featuring expert advice from our most recent blog posts:

1. Do HVAC Systems Increase Home Values?

If you’ve been thinking about impactful ways to increase your property value, this article is for you. This post is designed to help you decide whether an HVAC upgrade is worth the investment for your home. We specify what factors to consider, such as how often you should replace current HVAC models, and to what extent an upgrade can truly add value to your home. The post covers the cost saving incentives — both at the onset of homeownership, and when selling your property.

2. Home Buying Checklist

Purchasing a new home (or investment property) comes with an overwhelming number of things to consider — the least of which is how the home looks from the outside. This article guides you through the key questions to ask before you buy a home. Some of these questions will have an incredibly large impact on whether you say yes or no to the property. Plumbing, electrical systems, and basement problems are just a few of the many issues we cover in this blog post. With these tips, prospective homeowners can buy with confidence and address problems efficiently as they arise.

3. Sustainable Home Solutions [Infographic]

Families are faced with more decisions than ever when it comes to energy efficiency; and it’s hard to tell which “green” solutions will have the biggest influence on your home’s sustainability. We are always on the lookout for ways to reduce energy waste, through everything from improving indoor air quality to upgrading energy-draining appliances. Check out our stunning infographic detailing the four most impactful ways to maintain and improve your sustainable home.

4. Effective Insulation for Any Situation

One of the most important (and energy efficient) decisions a new homeowner can make is the choice of insulation for the attic. If you weren’t previously aware that there are different types of insulation, now is your chance to learn about them. From Batt Insulation to spray-on insulation, and everything in between, this blog post outlines what to expect from each insulation type — as well as which conditions each one performs best in. Selecting the right insulation will have a long-term impact on the efficiency of your home, and the cost of your energy bills.

5. Water Heater Q&A

Having trouble getting consistent hot water throughout your home? Hearing strange noises coming from your water heater? Our helpful Q&A provides the most common answers the age-old question: why does my water heater do that?

If you’ve ever noticed a bad odor or strange color in your water supply, this is the blog post you must read. With the average American spending one-third of his or her annual income on home improvement, it pays to understand what your water troubles may indicate — and whether you need to call a professional or not.

At Bob Jenson A/C, our aim is not only to provide affordable, safe, and efficient installation services; but to also offer informative guidance and advice to our customers. These five home improvement posts just scratch the surface of our expertise. Make sure to follow our blog for current advice from our experts, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have a specific question.

Factors to Consider

Though it may not be the first feature you think about when preparing your home for sale, your HVAC system is an intrinsic component of your home. Whether it’s keeping you cool during the summer, warming your family throughout the winter, or providing crucial ventilation, HVAC equipment impacts not only the comfort levels within a property, but also the value of the residence. Many experts agree that upgrading your HVAC system could be enough to increase the chances of selling your home faster — particularly in certain geographical locations.

Although estimating the value of a home requires a great deal of investigation into various factors, including the size of the home, and the various amenities that make a property attractive — the quality of your central air system could be pivotal in giving your real estate a better shot in the market. Research suggests that homes with high-efficiency HVAC systems and dual-pane windows generate a 5.8% higher selling price compared to similar properties that lack those features. In other words, it’s a factor you can’t afford to ignore.

These days, when a potential buyer views your property, they expect that certain systems will be well-maintained and in good condition. If you don’t have a reliable HVAC system installed, that aspect alone could be enough to send interested viewers running. After all, if you consider the stress involved in moving to a new home, then add on the cost and trouble of installing a new HVAC system, you can see the deterrent that you’re placing on your home sale.

Usually, it’s a good idea to consider replacing your HVAC system if it is more than ten years old — but try to avoid simply swapping the unit for another standard model. Opting for a higher-quality, energy efficient model will assist with lowering energy costs, and give you an extra selling point when it comes to increasing your property value. Keep in mind that there are also numerous components that you can add to a HVAC system in order to improve efficiency and performance. A professional HVAC technician can install for instance, improved compressors, a variable-speed blower, and other aspects, so that you have more to brag about when potential buyers come looking.

Upgrading Your HVAC Delivers Savings

Most real-estate professionals advise that failing to replace an out-of-date HVAC system isn’t something you can simply get away with. When it comes to having your property inspected for sale, an old HVAC system will undoubtedly raise flags, and failing to upgrade could prevent buyers from making an offer on your property. In other words, upgrading your HVAC system isn’t just about improving the value of your home, it’s essential to making sure you can find interested buyers in the first place. Without a reliable HVAC, buyers are more likely to ask you to lower your price, or search elsewhere for a different property.

When upgrading your HVAC system, it’s worth looking into newer, more energy efficient models wherever possible. Being able to offer residents a lower energy bill can be a huge factor in persuading them to buy your property, as many residents are beginning to consider the long-term costs of powering their home. After all, heating bills make up about one-third of our annual utility costs, and swapping to an energy-efficient furnace can cut down those bills by up to 20%.

At the same time, it is possible to experience tax breaks if you decide to invest in a new, more energy-efficient unit. Certain states provide tax benefits to people who choose to purchase energy-saving appliances and home improvements, meaning that you’ll have more money to invest in your future.

Enhancing Your Home’s Value

Just as with any addition to a home, It’s important to remember that certain HVAC upgrades and improvements are likely to sell more successfully in particularly geographical areas. For instance, a heat pump may be appealing in the desert, whereas solar heat is more likely to pay for itself in San Diego, where the sun appears to be constantly shining.

In spite of this, the evidence suggests that no matter where you live, having a fully-functional and dependable HVAC system installed is an essential part of cementing your home’s value. Though an upgrade may seem like a significant investment, it could be everything you need to get that all-important sale.