Pay Less in Los Angeles for your new Furnace

The biggest energy expense homeowners in Los Angeles face is heating and cooling. Usually if your heater isn't working properly it is one of three issues:

• heat source: the furnace or heat pump which provides warm air to heat the house
• heat distribution system: the ducts, vents and return air grills which move the warm air throughout your home
• control system: the thermostat which regulates the amount of heat distributed

One of the best ways to make sure you are getting the most out of your furnace is to schedule professional maintenance and a safety check at the beginning of the season. This will ensure that your equipment is properly calibrated and cleaned.

Sometimes if your furnace is older and needing expensive repairs a new energy-efficient furnace can pay for itself in energy savings over a relatively short period of time. The city of Los Angeles has incentive programs created to encourage homeowners to swap out their old, inefficient furnaces with new technology that saves money and reduces our carbon footprints at the same time.

Getting your rebate is as easy as filling out an online SoCal Gas Residential Rebate form. There is also special energy-upgrade financing for Los Angeles home owners called California First click to see if you are eligible!

Buying Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment in Los Angeles

Lately I have received more phone calls than usual from homeowners in Los Angeles who want an estimate for new heating or air conditioning installed in their home. And, they just want an estimate for the installation not the equipment. The furnace, or the air conditioner they tell me proudly has already been purchased online. "Oh dear," I groan.
It is usually intelligent people who have an independent streak and are very capable of understanding complex concepts. They are smart enough to find a deal and confident about their ability to take the road less traveled. But buying air conditioning equipment online is a mistake.

I understand the lure of an inexpensive online purchase. I am tempted when I see a very real looking Rolex for $495.  But don't you want the company who installs your home comfort system to warranty their work? I can't warranty a system if I don't know where the equipment came from. When I install equipment that I have provided, I am able to guarantee the system for many years. For this reason, heating and air conditioning equipment should only be purchased from the person who installs it.
What's more, the person who installs should be licensed, insured and an authorized dealer for the heating and cooling equipment manufacturer.
Instead of google shopping for AC's or furnaces, the first thing to look for when you are searching for a new heating and cooling system in Los Angeles is a contractor you can trust. Referrals from friends are a good place to start, and then follow up with your own investigation. How long has the contractor been in business?
I am a heating and air conditioning contractor in Los Angeles which is a very competitive market. You don't succeed in a competitive market by ripping people off. Contractors succeed by giving real value to customers year after year. History matters.
I was licensed by the State of California in 1989. Twenty five years of practical experience means an increased skill level. It also means a 25 year relationship with my suppliers; the manufacturers of heating & AC equipment. That relationship is worth something. Buying hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of furnaces and heaters every year for 25 years means that when there is a problem with a piece of equipment (and problems do happen from time to time) the manufacturer will replace that piece immediately. There is no paperwork to fill out or return shipping charges.
Let's talk price. As an authorized dealer of heating and air conditioning equipment, the prices I pay for furnaces & AC's lower than anyone on the internet. At first glance my quote to you may look higher because I include the wiring, copper lines, fittings, drains, tubing, couplings, curbs, coils, oil traps, thermostats and whatever else might be needed to properly complete the installation of your HVAC system. The delivery to your home and the crane that will take your new packaged unit to your roof is included.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a great price on heating or air conditioning in Los Angeles stay away from online shopping and look for a great contractor.

What To Do If Your Furnace Is Red Tagged

Sometimes a utility company representative or service technician finds heating equipment so damaged that they are obligated to "red-tag" the furnace and shut it down. This means that it poses an immediate danger to life or property. A red tag, or warning tag, is placed on a furnace to indicate that your equipment is no longer safe to operate and either needs to be repaired or replaced. A licensed HVAC technician who identifies a warning tag situation is required by law to turn off your gas as a safety measure to protect the residents of your home or business.

Why have I received a warning tag?

Typical problems that I've seen red-tagged are a vandalized furnace in a foreclosure, severely corroded furnace components, or the improper use of flexible gas supply lines. Sometimes a homeowner fixes their own furnace using materials not approved for gas appliance installation.

A red tag is not something to take lightly. A defective heat exchanger in a furnace can release carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless gas that can cause serious health problems, even death, if undetected. In Los Angeles, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of death by poisoning. If carbon monoxide is leaking from a cracked heat exchanger, there is a chance of it mixing with the air circulated by the furnace and pushed throughout the vents causing a danger to everyone inside that home.

What should I do if I receive a warning tag?

If you receive a warning tag, you should immediately call a licensed and insured HVAC contractor in your area. In some cases, a furnace can repaired. In more serious cases, the equipment needs to be replaced. Dealing with natural gas and electricity requires extreme care. If you are in Los Angeles and you have any concerns about your furnace don't hesitate to call me. 818-780-0701. I am happy to speak with you free of charge to answer any questions you may have about you Red Tagged furnace, or any furnace concerns you may have.

If you need a house call Kilowatt's Safety Sealed service technicians are fully trained to diagnose and repair all brands of furnaces. After the problem is rectified a utility company representative will return to the house, verify the repairs, and reconnect the gas service to the home. Phew!

Angieslist Super Service Award

Kilowatt Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical of Sherman Oaks, California has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

"We work hard to provide the best possible service, safety and savings to our customers," says a very grateful Dean Gilford, the president of Kilowatt. "Angieslist is purely customer feedback. It feels good to know that our efforts are appreciated so much by our customers that we are being recognized with this award." 

Kilowatt has more than 55 reviews on Angieslist and it seems that customers are very appreciative of the efforts made by Mr. Gilford and his team of background checked, drug tested, and professionally trained employees. 

John S. who had a new HVAC system designed and installed by Kilowatt says, “The entire experience with Kilowatt was extremely positive. Their level of professionalism and expertise is outstanding. From the spec’ing of the system to the commissioning, to the friendly and knowledgeable office/business communications, they provided the utmost in skill and efficiency. The team’s coordination in the whole process was flawless. Their project management, client interface, execution, and follow through serve as a model for all construction industry professionals. This is a well-synchronized firm with superb products, service, and client communication. We recommend them highly!”

“Only about 5 percent of the companies Kilowatt competes with in Los Angeles, California are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”

2013 Award Requirements

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie’s List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to healthcare. More than 2 million paid households use Angie’s List to gain access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List Magazine and the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.

Kilowatt Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical

4925 Sepulveda Blvd.

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

www.KilowattHVAC.com

Is Your Heating Company Safe Enough?

When you invite someone into your home to service your furnace you are putting the health and safety of your family in their hands. Los Angeles furnace repair men are dealing with gas lines, potential carbon monoxide problems, electricity and vent pipes that can create openings for unwanted creatures in your home if not handled correctly.

I recommend making sure that your home heating service provider is properly licensed and insured, not just for liability but for workers compensation. Both of those insurances protect YOU the homeowner.

Also your technician should be involved in regular training. Equipment changes constantly because of new technologies. The industry is transforming to become greener and this impacts the way we provide service and repairs to home owners.

Not only do our service technicians take continuing education classes in HVAC, they are enrolled in heating and cooling equipment manufacturers training programs, we have professional furnace repair teachers frequently at our weekly staff meeting, and often our service technicians provide peer training to each other.

In the photo above you see our heating and air conditioning service technician, Erik demonstrating safety procedures and best practices for welding. Not only does this refresh the information for the entire crew, but Erik will never forget the things he has taught. Peer training is a super effective way to keep our HVAC technicians sharp.

Home Heating Expert’s Saving Secrets

When outdoor temperatures get too hot or too cold many property owners resign themselves to higher energy bills. But good property managers understand that a penny saved goes straight to the bottom-line, therefore is truly a penny earned.

My name is Dean Gilford, I am a heating and air conditioning contractor, and my customers pay some of the lowest utility bills in Southern California. That’s because I refuse to let their heating and air conditioning costs get out of hand when savings are so simple. I’m going to give you the exact same savings secrets that I give to my customers.

You know and I know that when we talk about energy costs we are talking about more than pennies. Hundreds, even thousands of dollars can be saved with a few simple fixes.  

TOP TIP:  Change Your Filter

A dirty filter in your HVAC (heating/ventilating/and air-conditioning) system makes your furnace work harder, and leads to big scary numbers on your heating bill. Aim to swap your filter out once a month. 

Yearly Tune-Ups

Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort. Properly calibrated and lubricated equipment will save you money consistently on your energy bills and extend the life of your system.

Install a Programmable Thermostat
This is one of the most cost effective upgrades you can make to your HVAC system. I know you intend to turn your heat down when you are sleeping or not home. But you forget, right? Why not have your thermostat do it for you? Programmable thermostats turn off the HVAC systems at predetermined times when they are not needed. This way, the home is only conditioned when it needs to be and the energy consumption of the home is reduced. Programmable thermostats can reduce the amount spent on heating and cooling by 5 percent to 12 percent.

Insulate
You can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs by properly insulating your home. There are different types of loose-fill insulation, which are blown or poured into place using special equipment.  Cellulose, fiberglass, foam or even recycled denim can be used for insulating enclosed walls, new wall cavities, unfinished attic floors and other hard-to-reach areas.

Block that Leak!

The small gaps surrounding windows, doors and other areas in the average home, taken together, are like a 9-square-foot hole in the wall. Plugging them can save you up to 10% on your heating bill.

·       First, find the leaks: On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick to the most common drafty areas: chimney flashing, recessed lighting, sill plates, window and door frames, all ducts and flues and electrical outlets.

·       Buy door sweeps to close spaces under exterior doors, and caulk or tacky rope caulk to block those drafty spots around window frames. Apply weather-stripping to movable joints. Recessed lighting caps and outlet gaskets can be installed where cold air often enters.

Properly Seal Ducts

Nothing depresses me like improperly installed duct. I’ve seen homes lose up to 60% of their warmed air before it reaches the vents because of poorly connected ducts, or ducting that is not well insulated.

Seal and insulate ducts to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house. 

Know When To Replace

Furnaces need the most costly and frequent repairs in the last two years of their life. If you can circumvent those repairs and move seamlessly into a new energy efficient furnace, your new furnace can pay for itself. Maria Vargas is a spokeswoman for Energy Star, a federal-government-backed program that promotes energy efficiency and lends its name to energy-saving products. "If your furnace is over 20 years old, you're probably paying more to use it that it would cost to replace," says Maria Vargas, “Furnaces bearing the Energy Star label are about 15% more efficient than a standard conventional model”

Energy Star Rebates, Tax Credits and Utility Incentives

There are great tax incentives, rebates and utility discounts available for the different types of Energy Star HVAC equipment. Your contractor should be able to explain what is available for the equipment you decide to purchase and help you with the paperwork.

Since 1989, Dean Gilford and his company Kilowatt have provided A+ Rated guaranteed heating, air conditioning and electrical services for Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. www.KilowattHVAC.com

Tip for Saving Your AC Equipment

   
     What can you do for your central air conditioning equipment that will make it stay healthy longer? Give it a rain coat for the winter! A waterproof protective cover fits over your outdoor condenser and protects it from the wet debris and frost that can corrode equipment all winter long.

      Now that the weather has turned decidedly cold it is time to dress your outdoor air conditioning compressor for the winter. You will be using your furnace in Los Angeles for the next several months so an equipment cover will save your outdoor compressor from the destructive effects of the winter weather.