Most of us are aware of the debate between tankless and traditional hot water heaters. Those who sit in the “tankless” stands cheer for energy efficiency, while those across the field on the “traditional” side boast lower upfront costs. With all of the back-and-forth, we wanted to provide you with a true look at the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, so you can decide what is right for your home. Pros of Tankless Water Heaters Going Greener – Traditional water heaters have a large tank that is continually heated so that hot water is available when someone needs it. Naturally, the water inside the tank cools due to the temperature around the tank, so the heating element kicks in again and again, whether you are using hot water or not. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, which provides significant savings on utility costs. When no one is using hot water, none is being heated. Additionally, tankless water heaters don’t leave a large metal tank rusting in the landfill once it is replaced. Longer Heartbeat – Tankless hot water heaters last longer. While traditional water heater may last between 10 to 13 years, their tankless counterparts are expected to last up to 20 years. They also generally carry a longer warranty. Small Space Friendly – Traditional water heaters are large and bulky, with a 40 to 60-gallon capacity taking up 60” in height and 24” in width. In other words, they take up the space of a small closet. On average, a tankless water heater measures approximately 28” tall and 20” wide, similar to a large computer. Cons of Tankless Water Heaters Chance of Going Cold – Tankless water heaters are able to produce a few gallons of hot water at all times, but they are also only able to heat a few gallons of water at a time. This means, that if you live in a household where your water usage often happens at the same time, for example, multiple showers, the dishes, and the laundry often happens simultaneously, a tankless water heater may not be up for the job. Increased Power Requirements – In order to have hot water on demand, it takes more power than heating it slowly and constantly. Your tankless hot water heater may require up to 4 times the amount of energy in bursts than your old unit. For some homes, this simply isn’t possible. Spend Now, Save Later – While the tankless hot water heater will save you money in the long run, it often costs much more to purchase and install. With traditional units starting at $300-$400, tankless versions often begin at $1,000. However, if you consider the longer expected lifespan, it may even out in the end. Call In The Experts Choosing the hot water option that fits best with your family’s needs is a personal decision. Consult an expert that can guide you through the process and ensure that your new system is installed safely and efficiently. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 to get trusted advice about your hot water heating system.

While much of the country is beginning to cool down with the first signs of autumn, Southern Californians often battle the heat for a few more months. This is great news for those who love the sunshine, but for those who are looking from a reprieve from the sky-high summer utility bills, it can be a bit frustrating. To help ease the financial burden, we have compiled some tips to help you reduce the cost of using your air conditioning unit in the upcoming months. Tips And Tricks For Reducing Air Conditioning Costs Of course, we are proponents of long-term solutions for lowering energy usage, such as properly maintaining your HVAC system, ensuring ducts are properly sealed, and making home improvements to keep the cool air in. However, we also understand that our busy lifestyles often require some simple tricks to help along the way. Set the thermostat one to two degrees warmer. By setting the temperature inside your home one to two degrees warmer when using the air conditioning unit, you will reduce your energy usage while still remaining comfortable. For each degree above 78, you can reduce your electric bill by up to 8%. Similarly, in the winter, try setting the thermostat one or two degrees cooler to save money on heating bills. Adjust the thermostat when the house is not occupied. Many homes remain unused for the majority of the day, while the occupants are at work and school. Set the air conditioner’s thermostat four degrees warmer when you will be gone for four hours or more to save energy. Install a programmable thermostat. Most of us have somewhat predictable schedules. By installing a programmable thermostat, your air conditioning system can automatically increase and lower in temperature depending on your family’s needs. Use fans to circulate cool air. While fans do not actually reduce the temperature in the home, the movement of cool air can make it feel between four and six degrees cooler. This can help make up for the increased temperature you have decided to set on your thermostat. Keep hot air and sun out. Making sure windows and doors are tightly closed can help reduce your energy use by keeping the cool air in and the hot air out. Additionally, closing the blinds will block the boiling sun from adding to your cooling costs. 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 or AC repair service. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 to get trusted advice about your HVAC system.

With the Labor Day holiday behind us, it’s time to begin to think about preparing your HVAC system for the change in seasons. After all, it’s best to be prepared for the cool weather than to be caught in the cold. Whether you are located in an area with dramatic seasonal changes or more moderate ones, the beginning of fall is the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the upcoming winter weather.

Tips for Preparing Your HVAC System

Here are some simple tips for inspecting your system before the cold weather hits. As a reminder, be sure to completely power down your system before performing any maintenance work on it. Clean or replace the filter. The easiest way to keep your HVAC unit working efficiently is to maintain the filters. The filters on your air filtration system should be changed or cleaned every three months. We find it easiest to remember this by changing the air filters at the beginning of each new season. Need more information on air filters? Check out our post on Understanding Your Air Filtration System. Clear the vents. Your home has a maze of air vents running through the walls that allow the air from your HVAC system to circulate through the home. If these vents are blocked due to obstructions, build up, or blocked filters, the air cannot move properly and your system works extra hard to maintain the temperature on your thermostat. Check the seal on your blower doors. It is essential to make sure the blower doors on your unit are working properly. After all, this is the feature that allows the combustion gasses created by your heating system to safely leave your home. If carbon monoxide leaks into your home, it can be incredibly dangerous. In fact, this is also the perfect time to check the batteries on your home’s carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Inspect the exhaust flue. Similar to the blower doors, the exhaust flue is essential in allowing the dangerous gasses from your heating system to safely leave your home. Make sure the outside flue is clear from debris. Additionally, you can remove the flue cap to inspect the line between the furnace and the outside of your home. Just be sure to replace the cap securely when you’re done. Remove flammable objects. Before you turn on your heating system, walk through your home and make sure all flammable objects are a safe distance from any heating element. This includes the furnace, water heater, and fireplace. Schedule a professional inspection. Before powering up your heating system for the first time, it’s always best to have it professionally inspected. During your inspection, we’ll make sure the system is working efficiently and safely, so your family can be comfortable all year long. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 for your inspection.

Have you noticed your gas and water bills skyrocketing for no reason? Do you feel hot spots under your concrete floor? Do you hear water running even though the faucet is turned off? Slab and pinhole leaks have become an increasing problem for many homes throughout Southern California. What Are Slab and Pinhole Leaks? Both slab and pinhole leaks start with small holes in the piping of your home. Slab leaks happen underneath your foundation, and pinhole leaks happen within the structure of your home. The cause of these leaks continues to be a hot debate; some claim water quality is to blame, while others point to shoddy workmanship during the construction of the home. Regardless of the cause, identifying the problem and fixing it as early as possible is essential. What Can Be Done? As first mentioned, the telltale sign of both slab leaks and pinhole leaks are a sudden increase in gas and water bills with no apparent reason. Slab leaks are commonly marked by hot or wet spots under the floor; pinhole leaks can be identified by wet spots or mold developing in the drywall of the home. For a full explanation of all the signs, read our post Signs of a Slab Leak: How to Spot a Problem. Even though these initially small leaks may not seem like a big problem, these annoyances can turn into large issues quickly. The longer the leak goes without repair, the more damage can be done, including mold issues and structural damage. It’s important to talk to a plumbing professional as soon as you suspect that you have a problem. The professionals at Just Right Services do more than HVAC. We can identify the problem and explain your best solution with trusted expertise. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 for a free diagnostic exam.

Like an old picture that has hung on your wall for years, your thermostat is a feature of your home you rarely think about and occasionally forget is even there. You know that by setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summertime, you are saving yourself valuable money on your utilities each month. Did you know that upgrading to a programmable thermostat can save you even more, plus offer a ton of features you probably aren’t receiving with a traditional thermostat? We’ve outlined the essentials of why you should make the switch to a programmable thermostat. Less Hassle Adjusting your thermostat each day before work or remembering to set the temperature before a vacation is an extra item on your checklist that can be crossed off with a programmable thermostat. With an updated model, you can set your home’s temperature schedule by the hour, adjusting for when you are out, asleep, or an incoming heat wave is featured on the news. No more forgetting about the AC, resulting in a hefty energy bill. More Options Wish you could set your home heating and air system to the schedule you nearly never deviate from? What about having the freedom to change your settings remotely? These are just two of the options you enjoy when you invest in a programmable thermostat. By giving you a greater set of functions, it lets you experience the full capacity of your heating and cooling system without any second thought of wasting energy or money. After all, you control the water and electricity usage in your home, down to the drop and kilowatt; why should your heating and air be any different? Lots of Savings Aside from being the most obvious advantage of a programmable thermostat, the amount you save may surprise you. According to the Department of Energy, you can save 5 to 15 percent on your heating bill, a savings of close to 1 percent per degree if you set your thermostat back for 8 hours each night. Those savings are pretty remarkable when you look at your annual expenses! Want more information before you make the switch? Give us a call at (949) 245-6320

If the AC stops working and your home becomes a furnace inside, it can be tempting to take the path of least resistance and immediately call your technician for a maintenance visit. In many instances, your AC’s malfunction may warrant a repair, but it is worth taking these steps to troubleshoot easily fixed problems beforehand. We’ve compiled the three steps you should take before calling.

Check the filter. If the filter is fairly soiled, a simple change could make a significant difference in your system’s performance. Additionally, you should check to make sure it has been properly inserted.
Clear debris.- By keeping garbage cans, tools, and other yard debris away from your outdoor unit, you are ensuring the system is able to get proper air flow. Avoid the host of problems caused by debris by keeping the area around your unit free from clutter.
Check your breakers. While this may seem obvious, breakers often get switched off and forgotten about. It may be a temporary fix to a larger problem, but it’s worth a shot.

We are always happy to assist you over the phone or in person, but these simple tips may save you time and money! If you’ve followed these steps and still need a hand, call us at (949) 245-6320.

Certain home upgrades or renovations are no-brainers. Think a new first-floor laundry closet or additional bathroom will boost your property value? You’re probably correct. Yet many homeowners struggle with adding certain features that some consider luxuries, such as air conditioning. While there are factors that every household should consider before investing, an HVAC system in Southern California is a home feature that will recoup its financial cost quickly, provide added comfort, and allow your home to appreciate in value over time. Quickly Recovered Cost The initial investment may seem sizeable, but if you’ve been running multiple fans and single-room units, it may actually be more efficient to install an AC system. Those alternatives require a ton of electricity, while a newer HVAC system that is Energy Star approved will likely make a smaller dent in your utility bill. Additionally, there are many rebates you can qualify for should you choose an energy-efficient system, making it even easier to recover your investment. Added Comfort In addition to the capacity to recoup their initial cost, HVAC systems provide an obvious bonus of comfort for homeowners living in a warm climate. Instead of hunkering down in your basement (if you’re lucky enough to have one), or braving the crowds at the beach or local pool, you can enjoy relaxing at home without the stickiness or squabbles of a too-hot household. Appreciation of Property Because HVAC is a feature most native Southern Californians are accustomed to, it has become a standard on the wish list of standard homebuyers. What was once a luxury is now a necessity, and the added value of HVAC systems is undeniable. Furthermore, as more innovations roll out that make HVAC increasingly efficient and inexpensive to run, their utility surpasses their operation costs, adding appreciation and value to your home. Want to discuss the pros and cons with a professional? Give us a call at (949) 245-6320.

No matter the age or average usage of your air conditioner, there is no reason your system shouldn’t operate at full efficiency. To maximize your cooling power, your best bet is a combination of regular maintenance and a few simple tricks. With these measures in place, you can be sure energy isn’t wasted and your home is as comfortable as it can and should be. Close windows with southern exposure Closing all windows is typically a good idea, however, those with southern exposure (directly lit by the sun) allow the most light to enter, increasing your home’s temperature tenfold. Install blinds and drapes Aside from creating privacy and adding to your home décor, blinds and drapes are a great way to keep heat from entering your home. For especially hot spots, you can purchase blinds made with fabric specifically designed to protect your interior from heat waves. Leave the air conditioning on This may seem counterintuitive, but the urge to turn the air conditioner on and off throughout the day should be resisted. The amount of energy required to compensate for the large swings in temperature is inefficient and uses more energy than if you were to keep it consistent. Change your air filters A dirty filter stops the free flow of air, forcing your system to work harder than it needs to. Change your filters regularly to avoid spending extra on utilities each month, and see the added benefit of fewer allergies and respiratory issues. Keep up with regular maintenance The best way to monitor your AC’s efficiency is by enlisting a professional technician to run diagnostics once a year. This will not only keep it running at maximum efficiency but will extend the life of your system significantly. Not sure if you are getting the most out of your system? Give us a call for a free diagnostic at (949) 245-6320!

If your last round of utility bills have left you feeling deflated, it may be time to consider alternatives for making constant use of the heavy electricity load appliances in your home. Air conditioners are particularly costly, and truthfully, not always necessary. To help you out, we have the top five tips for staying cool without running your AC.

Close your blinds. Studies have shown that by simply blocking the ambient sunlight, you can reduce standing room temperatures by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Close interior doors. Limiting the amount of air you are trying to cool helps to focus your efforts on just one or two rooms, giving you optimal results.
Turn on your fans. A few well-positioned fans can make a world of difference and can create a cross-breeze that makes your home feel significantly cooler.
Dim or turn off your lights. Light bulbs, especially incandescent lights, can give off more heat than you may think. By dimming or turning off the lights in your house that you use less often, you can save money on your energy bill as well as keep your home cooler.
Let in a breeze. At night, temperatures can drop dramatically, bringing much-needed relief to a stuffy home.

Remember: turning on your A/C system is not the only way to stay cool through the blazing hot California days. There are lots of ways to stay cool and comfortable without driving up your energy costs.

When most people think of double paned windows, they envision a nice quiet home in the Midwest with all the special features to weather the severe storms that come through each season. However, double paned window technology is widely applicable for a variety of homes and climates because of one universal characteristic: energy efficiency. If you are struggling to maintain the temperature in your home, your single pane windows may be to blame. It is much easier for air to escape through single panes than double panes, meaning your system works twice as hard to maintain your thermostat’s set temperature, resulting in higher utilities each month. Taking the time for small upgrades like this one keeps your bills at a manageable level and increases the value of your home in the long-term. Insulation Double paned windows are designed exactly as their name suggests: with two panes of glass spaced .5-.75” apart. Space between is filled with a gas such as argon, a non-toxic stable gaseous material that helps reduce heat. Additionally, the windows are coated with UV protection to prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating the window, an essential feature for Orange County residents who see the sun all year round. The window’s framing also has a large impact on the insulation capacities, with heavier materials being the most effective. From an aesthetic perspective, you should consult your contractor when choosing which materials will provide the best insulation while still fitting the aesthetic of your home. Noise Reduction An added bonus to this upgrade is its ability to reduce noise pollution, both internally and externally. Do you have a dog that’s quick to bark? Not a problem. What if your neighbors start working on a new construction project at 6 a.m. each morning? You won’t hear a peep. Sound waves have difficulty penetrating two panes, making a calm, quiet home much easier to achieve. Carefree Cleaning Last but certainly not least, double paned windows are easy to clean, giving homeowners one more invaluable reason to upgrade. If the double pane is inset into the frame as one piece, cleaning is a breeze. Inset frames also protect the internal components from the elements and can prolong the life of your windows. Between saving money each month on heating and cooling costs, eliminating irritating noise pollution, and hassle-free cleaning, double pane windows are a no-brainer when it comes to valuable home upgrades. The cost of installing new windows varies by location and contractor, so shop around to find the best fit for your home. For questions regarding the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system, call us at (949) 245-6320.

Tankless Water Heaters Understanding The Pros And Cons

Tips for Preparing Your HVAC System