Spring is finally here, which means now is the perfect time to prepare your air conditioning system for its busiest season. With the winter starting to subside, you may be like most of our clients who haven’t given their HVAC system any thought in months. Especially with the more temperate climate of Southern California, many homes rarely use the heating element of their HVAC unit. Therefore, when homeowners go to turn on their system in the spring, there are often issues that arise unexpectedly. That’s why Just Right Services urges customers to schedule their Spring HVAC Tune-Up Service today! Additionally, Just Right Services offers a $50 discount to first-time tune-up customers. This offer includes:

Refrigerant diagnostics
Electrical component diagnostics
Total heat transfer capabilities of the indoor evaporator coil and outdoor coil
Indoor blower motor inspection and capacitance analysis
Performance acid wash of the outdoor condenser coil and condensate drain line maintenance service
50% off repairs from problems discovered during the tune-up (if parts are required). This offer doesn’t apply for system or major component replacements, i.e. compressor or furnace combustion chamber replacement.

Tune-up services are available between 7:30 am-5:00 pm Monday – Friday. We encourage all of our customers to take the time this month to check-in on their air conditioning systems and schedule any necessary maintenance before the system leaves your family sweltering in the spring and summer heat. As a part of your annual spring-cleaning, the professionals at Just Right Services will inspect your HVAC system and run the proper tests to make sure it is working efficiently and safely. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320.

While we’ve all gotten used to our dry conditions, El Niño will continue to bring wet weather to Southern California through the spring. As we welcome the break from our drought conditions, we also have to consider the proper storm precautions to keep our homes secure and families safe. Aside from traffic and general frustrations, one of the most common challenges associated with wet weather lies in your HVAC unit. Here are some tips for preparing your HVAC unit to survive the rainy season. Consider the Installation Location When installing an outdoor HVAC unit, it’s always best to consider placing it in an elevated location. Pay attention to the areas of your property that flood easily, and note the areas that are the first to dry. If your unit is currently located in a less-than-ideal spot of your property, contact Just Right Services for ideas on how to best protect your unit. Install a Sump Pump In many older homes, the HVAC system may reside in the basement of the home, which by its nature is the first place to flood in heavy rains. For indoor units that reside in a flood-prone location, a sump pump could be an incredibly valuable investment. Sump pumps are appliances that activate automatically during a flood and pump the water out of the home. Invest in Covers One of the simplest ways to protect your outdoor HVAC unit is to invest in protective covers. Starting at around $30 at most home improvement stores, the options range from zip-on to trellis covers. Regardless of the style, covers can protect the unit from the water and debris that tends to collect during storms. Maintain your Landscape With heavy rains and gusty winds, your yard maintenance plays a big role in protecting your HVAC unit. Regular debris collection is an essential step because debris, such as leaves and branches, which can become lodged in your system, clog your filters, and cause a system shut down. It can be easy to mow the lawn, prune the flowers, and forget to clean around the HVAC system, but it’s truly the simplest step in protecting the long-term functionality of your unit. For more tips on maintaining your HVAC system or to schedule an inspection, contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320.

If you’ve recently taken a stroll through your local home improvement store and perused the array of new appliances on the market, you know there is a wide range of features and options to choose from. One of the common features is a conservation mode or energy-saving setting. On the surface, an energy-saving setting sounds like a great idea, and in many cases, we agree. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether your conservation mode is saving or costing you money. Saving Energy VS Reduced Performance For plumbing installation appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, an energy-saving setting can save you money in two major ways. By reducing water consumption and lowering the amount of electricity or gas being used, consumers are able to lower their costs and their impact on our environment. In order to further lower the energy usage when running in a conservation mode, these appliances operate with reduced power. This often means less effective performance. In this case, it’s important for consumers to ask themselves if the job is getting done adequately or whether they are wasting more energy rewashing a sub-par cleaning. Properly Using Your Appliances Before blaming the energy-saving mode when dishes are left speckled with food, be sure you are properly using your appliance. Over-filling your appliances or using a conservation mode for heavy duty washes could be to blame. Always consult your owner’s manual before using your appliances. Purchase the Right Appliance At Just Right Services, we encourage all of our clients to purchase energy efficient appliances when shopping to replace old units. After all, it’s better for the environment and your wallet. Keeping that in mind, we also encourage them to research the products they are considering beyond the Energy Star Rating. Read reviews by other consumers to see whether the appliance is known for an efficient or inefficient conservation mode. Talk With the Experts Whether it’s related to HVAC systems or residential plumbing, the technicians at Just Right Services are passionate about providing our customers with the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes. If you’re considering new appliances or are in the market for a new air conditioner, consult an expert that can guide you through the process and ensure it is installed safely and efficiently. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320.

This weekend, most of the country will “spring forward” into Daylight Savings time. With an additional hour of sunlight in the evening, it’s time to take a look around your home and begin to make your spring-cleaning plan. While clearing out the closet and organizing the garage are both great options, don’t forget to address your home maintenance needs. Just like with your car, your HVAC system needs regular upkeep to make sure it continues to operate properly. Here are some tips for keeping your HVAC system functioning just right. Change the Filters Every season, homeowners should check their HVAC filters and clean or change them as needed. It is one of the simplest steps in maintaining your system, and it is often overlooked. For more information on your HVAC filters, check out our post on Understanding Your Air Filtration System. Clean the Air Vents All winter long, air has been moving through the maze of ducts and out the air vents in your home. If you look up towards those often overlooked vents in the corners of your room and find they are black with dust, it’s time to give them a good cleaning. That buildup of dust and grime can impact whether the treated air reaches your room or not. Invest in Air Balancing If you feel like some areas of your home get colder than others, it may be time to look into air balancing services. The goal of air balancing is to ensure you are getting the correct amount of treated air delivered to each of your home’s comfort zones. Your Just Right Services technician will analyze how the air is moving through your ducts and make adjustments, so you have consistent comfort in every inch of your home. Schedule Your Annual HVAC Inspection Even though you may not be using your air conditioning unit yet, it’s best to inspect your unit now, so you can beat the rush and plan ahead if there are any problems. Waiting until the last minute may mean some uncomfortably hot days if your system requires any repairs. Book your inspection with Just Right Services online or by calling (949) 245-6320.

The change in seasons, coupled with wet El Niño weather, has been wreaking havoc on many Southern Californians’ health. Between allergies, asthma, and viruses, this time of year is notorious for respiratory problems and flu-like symptoms. Did you know that the air inside your home might actually be contributing to the problem? According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.” There are many common allergens that can irritate underlying conditions, including:

Mold
Pet dander
Dust mites
Cockroach droppings
Pollen

Additionally, common viruses that are responsible for the cold and flu can become airborne and spread through indoor ventilation systems. While there is no way to avoid pollutants and toxins altogether, there are steps you can take to help keep your family healthy this spring, and your team at Just Right Services wants to help. Install an Air Conditioning System When we think of residential air conditioning, we naturally think of cooling your home. However, the “conditioning” side of air conditioning means so much more. Through advanced filters, clean ducts, and moisture control, a properly maintained AC unit can greatly improve the quality of air in your home. Maintain Your HVAC Unit Having an air conditioning unit can improve the quality of air in your home, but if not maintained properly, it can be the source of the problem. It’s essential to clean or change your air filters every three months and schedule a tune-up at least once a year. If your allergy-like symptoms seem to worsen, it may be time to talk with a Just Right Services technician to troubleshoot the problem. Look for Visible Mold or Mildew Mold and mildew are a top cause of allergy symptoms, and with the recent wet weather, Southern California homes are at a higher risk than the past few years. Just Right Services often helps our customers find a trustworthy vendor for air duct cleaning and mold abatement. Want to learn more about how your HVAC system can increase the air quality in your home? Contact Just Right Services online or by calling (949) 245-6320.

By its nature, your HVAC system deals with moisture, and we all know that moisture can lead to mold and mildew. During the majority of the year, the risk of mold and mildew in your HVAC system is mitigated by our naturally dry climate, but as El Nino weather brings wetter conditions, we need to be aware of the potential for a hazardous problem. Especially in rainy conditions, mold spores can evolve from unnoticeable microscopic spots to full-scale system shutdowns in a matter of weeks. To help you avoid problems this winter and spring, we’re breaking down the risks associated with mold and mildew, how to identify the warning signs, and steps for eliminating problems from your HVAC system. The Risks Associated with Mold and Mildew Because we live in a dry climate most of the year, many of us have HVAC systems that aren’t efficient at dealing with humid weather. This is especially true for outdated systems or ones that haven’t been properly maintained. If moisture is being captured in the filters, ducts, vents, or drain pan, it can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. As the air gets pushed through the system, those spores can travel throughout your home, causing a wide range of health issues. The Warning Signs of Mold and Mildew Mold and mildew problems are most often identified using your senses. Obviously, if you see mold, you know you have a problem, but it may visually appear as bubbling in paint; discoloration on surfaces such as drywall, paint, plastic, metal, or concrete; or condensation appearing anywhere in or around the HVAC system and ductwork. More commonly, residents will begin to notice a musty, damp smell in the home. The Process of Elimination When dealing with mold and mildew in your HVAC system, we always suggest talking with your Just Right Services professional about your best options. If you decide to tackle the problem on your own, here are some steps to help guide you.

Choose an EPA registered mold removal disinfectant solution.
Wear protective gear to protect you from the mold spores and the chemicals in the cleaning solution. This should include an N95 respirator mask, rubber gloves, coveralls, and protective eyewear.
Turn off your HVAC system.
Scrub the moldy areas using the disinfectant solution and disposable towels. Then vacuum the area.
Bag the disposable bags in plastic that is at least 6mm thick.
Apply an HVAC-approved mold inhibitor.
Keep an eye on the area in the upcoming months.

With an unmatched commitment to excellence, prompt 24-hour service, trained and knowledgeable technicians, and a guarantee that your job will be done right the first time, the team at Just Right Services prides itself on our customers’ 100% customer satisfaction. For all your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs, your Just Right Services professionals are here to help you maintain your healthy home. Give us a call today or schedule online to get started. (949) 245-6320.

It’s hard to believe that spring break is just around the corner. Regardless of whether you are planning on escaping for a weekend in the mountains, a camping trip up the coast, or a week at Grandma’s, a little pre-planning can help reduce the stress of leaving your home unoccupied. To help you prepare, the team at Just Right Services compiled a list of things to consider before you pack up for your vacation. Enable Vacation Mode – If your hot water heater or HVAC system is on the newer side, it likely has a “vacation mode” feature that helps to reduce the amount of energy being used while you are out of town. Adjust the Thermostat – It’s no secret that heating and cooling your home takes a lot of energy. If your home is going to be empty, adjust the thermostat to a more appropriate setting. When choosing the right temperature, keep in mind any pets or plants that will have to endure the heat or cold. Program the Thermostat for Your Homecoming – If you have already installed a programmable thermostat, you should be thinking about suspending the normal program while you are away. However, you may want to consider programming it to turn back on for your homecoming. Turn Off the Main Water Valve – As long as your HVAC system doesn’t require continuous water, you should consider turning off the main water valve to your home. If a pipe were to burst when your home was unoccupied, the consequences could be catastrophic if the water was able to flow until your return home. Set the Lights on Timers – Electric outlet timers are very inexpensive and can be purchased at your local hardware store. Having at least one light turning on and off can help to deter burglars. Recruit a Trusted Neighbor – While you are out of town, ask a trusted neighbor to check in on the house. It will give you significant peace of mind knowing that your home is being looked after. Schedule a Maintenance Check – The vacation season is arriving quickly, and you want to be sure you aren’t coming home to any unwelcome surprises. By scheduling a maintenance check with Just Right Services, we can inspect your heating or air conditioning unit, discuss any potential plumbing concerns, and show you how to prepare your home to be vacant. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320.

As with so many things in life, timing is essential for efficiency. Whether you’re thinking about small decisions, such as avoiding traffic during your commute, or larger ones, such as purchasing a new home in a buyer’s market, properly timed decisions can leave the headaches behind. The same is true for your appliances. Similar to using your sprinkler system before the sun comes up, your HVAC system has optimal times and setting that allows the user to receive the greatest benefit without wasting energy. Let it run. It may seem counterintuitive to leave your AC unit running, but in fact, you waste less energy by maintaining a consistent temperature. Trying to cool a hot house wastes significant amounts of energy, but maintaining a stable climate is easier on your system. Keep it consistent. Avoid the temptation of setting your thermostat to have large sways in temperature. By keeping the home within 5 degrees of your desired temperature, your AC avoids wasting energy and supports your energy-saving goals. Use a digital thermostat. By programming a digital thermostat, you can control the temperature of your home to adjust to your family’s normal schedule and routine. With modern technologies, it is even possible to vary your automatic controls by individual days of the week, depending on your schedule and preferences. A digital thermostat helps you keep your home consistent within the suggested 5-degree variance. Cutting-edge technology. Incorporating the latest in wifi controls allows homeowners the ultimate control over their energy-saving initiatives. A wifi-controlled thermostat allows you to control the temperature in your house via any device with an internet connection. If you’ve tried all the simple tricks and you still feel like your energy bills are higher than they used to be, it may be time for a professional HVAC inspection. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 to get trusted advice about your HVAC system.

The new year is here, and it is time to look ahead at 2016 to see where you can make adjustments to save money and energy. If your utility bills make your heart sink when they arrive, it’s time to make some changes in your home. While many don’t think about it, you have a lot of control on the amount due area of your utility bill. Some of the fees are unable to be avoided, but through controlling your usage and making yourself more energy efficient, you can reduce the cost of your utility bills across the board. Here are a few easy ways to cut costs on your utility bills in 2016. Limit your electronic use. While this may seem like a sacrifice at first, it may be in line with other New Year’s Resolutions. Do you have goals to lose weight, spend more time with family, or explore a new hobby this year? By turning off the electronics, you may find yourself open to more engagement with your life. Additionally, simple changes can make a big difference, such as unplugging electronics when not in use, using surge protectors with on/or switches, turning off lights and fans, powering down computers at night, and using sleep timers on televisions, if it is a late hour. Purchase Energy Efficient Appliances If your New Year’s Resolutions include any remodeling or updates to your home, be sure you look at the energy efficiency of new appliances and electronics. By purchasing energy efficient models from the get-go, you have less to worry about each day. Conserve water. Even though we have been in a serious drought, many Californians don’t stop to consider how much water they use. To benefit your utility bill and the environment, it’s important to work towards becoming water efficient; and that doesn’t mean you have to make major lifestyle changes. Only run full dishwashers or washing machines, turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, install aerators in your faucets to reduce water flow, limit your showers to 5-7 minutes, and resist the urge to wash your car each week. Additionally, if you’re making home adjustments purchase water-conserving plumbing appliances, such as toilets or washers. Also, invest in landscaping that doesn’t require frequent watering, like succulents. Use less natural gas. The more natural gas you use to do things like heat your house, the more you owe the utility company. To ease up on gas usage, install a programmable thermostat that will automatically reduce heating and cooling when you don’t need it, set the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees, avoid using hot water when unnecessary, and wash your clothes in cold water. Also, small changes to your home can make a big impact on your natural gas usage. Upgrade your outdated heating equipment. If you have a natural gas furnace that is more than 15 years old or a gas water heater that is more than 10 years old, it’s time for a newer model. Your HVAC Experts Cutting back on electricity, gas, and water usage is not only good for your wallet, but also good for the environment. With these easy ways to decrease utility usage, you can feel better about your bank account and your conservation efforts. At Just Right Services, we are dedicated to ensuring your residential HVAC system and plumbing systems are performing at their best. Contact us today at (949) 245-6320 to talk about how we can make your system even more efficient.

It’s hard to believe the time has come to bring 2015 to a close and prepare to usher in a new year. As we gather with family and friends to spread joy and goodwill through this special season, we revel in the opportunity to give thanks for the good fortunes of this past year. And this year has certainly been one to celebrate. Throughout 2015, the team at Just Right Services has been honored to continue to serve the heating, air conditioning, and plumbing needs of our community. We recognize the level of trust that our customers place with each of our technicians, and as the new year approaches, we renew our resolve to routinely meet and exceed their expectations. Having been built from the ground up here in Southern California, our company is dedicated to providing our neighbors with unparalleled service. We pride ourselves on 100% customer satisfaction, and therefore, we adhere to an established customer service protocol, which we call our Red Carpet Treatment. So, as we reflect on the past year, we can’t help but be incredibly grateful for the opportunities we have shared with our team, our customers, and our local community. From our “family” to yours, we would like to wish you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with happiness and health. Give us a call today or schedule online to book your annual maintenance appointment. (949) 245-6320.

Spring Tune Up Services