David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By Anita Ginsburg If hot weather is just around the corner in your area, you need to be sure that your home is ready for the summer heat. With these simple upgrades and repairs, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your home will remain cool and comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside: Roof When it comes to your home's efficiency, few things are as important as your roof. It protects your home against harsh UV rays and plays a major role in the overall insulation of the property. That is just one of the many reasons why you should carefully inspect the inside and outside of your home at least a few times every year. If you notice any signs of damage, contact a team of roofing contractors to address those issues as soon as possible. HVAC System It should come as no surprise that your HVAC system is going to have a big impact on the temperature and humidity inside your home. As a general rule, you should plan on having yo...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By Anita Ginsburg During any season when you need to use your furnace, the last thing you want is to have it malfunction. The thing is, even if you schedule regular maintenance and keep your unit clean, there are still some issues that can go from bad to worse quickly. Here are four common furnace issues that are more dangerous than you may think: Dirty Air Filters Although quite common, and easy enough to swap out, dirty air filters can do a lot of damage. Over time, your furnace will have to work harder and cycle more often. In addition to higher utility bills, this can lead to other parts in the furnace breaking down more quickly than they otherwise would. Clogged air filters can also make you sick. Over the course of several months, trapped dirt and debris from the filter can contaminate indoor air, dramatically reducing its quality. It's not uncommon for people to develop respiratory issues, sometimes severe ones. Always kee...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Few household maintenance routines pay off better than checking out your central air conditioning unit before the hot weather sets in. Preparing the unit for heavy duty now will not only save on energy costs, but will up your chances of staying cool all summer and avoiding an emergency service call. Air conditioning experts suggest these routine tips for ensuring trouble-free performance: Turn off power to the unit.  Turn off the switch and unplug the unit to allow for safe handling. Clean or replace the filter.  Most likely located behind the air return grille on the wall or ceiling in a central part of the house, the air filter can accumulate dirt, dust and allergen particles over the winter months. This makes the system work harder than it needs to, and costs in terms of efficiency and utility dollars. If the filter is disposable, replace it, and keep a couple more on hand for replacement every two months during use...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Here’s an eye-opening fact: For every degree your raise the set temperature on your central air, you’ll save about 3 percent on your utility bill. But despite that important bit of information from the Department of Energy (DOE), it can be difficult to convince the other members of your household to raise the temperature on a sweltering day. Energy Star, a joint federal program run by the DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency, recommends the following schedule for your central air: • 78° F when you’re home • 85° F when you’re at work or away • 82° F when you’re sleeping If these settings prove to be too high for your comfort, lower them by one degree at a time, allowing the house to reach that temperature before adjusting it down further. Conversely, if you’re comfortable at the above temperatures, go ahead and raise them further. Remember, 3 percent savings for every degree higher you go! Should you not have central a...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com With the sweltering summer season upon us, many are turning to our trusty AC units to keep us cool. Unfortunately, this can negatively impact our bank accounts - but it doesn't have to. "It can get much more expensive to keep a cool home when temperatures reach the 80s and 90s," says Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating. "Finding little ways to make a home's cooling more efficient can add up to significant savings over the course of a few months." Petri recommends residents utilize the following tips in order to cool their homes without breaking the bank on energy bills: Consider home efficiency upgrades and maintenance. Double-paned efficiency windows or a solar fan for an attic can be relatively inexpensive upgrades that will keep a home's air conditioner from working as hard. Also, check seals and weather stripping along doors and windows and replace as necessary. This will preve...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Many homeowners turn their AC off in the fall and forget about it until late spring or early summer. Unfortunately, doing so could mean your unit with fail when you need it most--peak summer season. "Getting your HVAC unit regularly serviced can prevent it from failing during the times you need it most, and it can also save tremendous amounts of money that would be better spent on summer vacations," says Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating. "There are a number of reasons why HVAC tune-ups should be on every responsible homeowner's list of routine annual maintenance. The Petri Plumbing & Heating team offers these three reasons why homeowners should consider getting their air conditioner serviced this spring, to ensure it works all summer long. Keep the cold air blowing on a hot day . The most obvious reason for regular maintenance is to make sure the air conditioning doesn't stop working...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Your HVAC unit controls the temperature in your home, and if you keep it clean and well-tuned, it should last you quite a long time. But if you're having issues with your HVAC, you may be wondering if you should repair it, or replace it. Joseph Giannone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning recommends to carefully consider the benefits and costs of either option to find the best solution for the circumstances. "If you expect your HVAC to last several more years, even expensive repairs can be a good investment," says Joseph Giannone, owner of Joseph Giannone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. "But spending hundreds of dollars to repair an old and inefficient system usually isn't worth it in the long run. A new energy-efficient HVAC might be the more expensive option right now, but you'll save money over time." Consider the following from Joseph Giannone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioni...