Licensed HVAC Contractor for 34 years and counting!
Oasis Blog
Importance of Filter Replacements and Routine Maintenance
March 2018
Changing air filters is critical to the proper performance of your HVAC system, not to mention your home's air quality. Knowing what type of filter and when it needs replaced is essential to keep your system running efficiently, which is why we recommend routinely having maintenance performed on your HVAC system. Not only do your filters get checked/replaced, but other important checks and procedures are performed. Lack of changing out filters to the point where dust and debris is heavily coated on them can restrict air flow causing your unit to ice up or overheat; both of which can lead to additional damage to your unit if not addressed! If you have pets you might also find your filters need to be changed out more frequently, filters do their job by trapping all particles in the air before being fed back into your house. Providing you with cleaner air and helping prevent problems for those of us with allergies.
Preventative maintenance will encompass changing out your filters as well as checking your indoor and outdoor coil for additional dirt and debris coating them, checking your refrigerant charge, lubricating all moving parts, checking compressors, compressor mountings, overall health of the unit, and much more. If you are interested in scheduling a preventative maintenance or signing up with our team for a maintenance contract please contact us today!
"My AC isn't working, what do I do?"
May 2018
Sometimes when your A/C won’t turn on it can be resolved without needing to schedule a service call. Most often the reason behind your unit not working is due to power. Check your circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped, check power to your unit, as well as power to your thermostat. Some thermostats require batteries be changed, others are wired (in the event your thermostat is wired and not showing a display, but has power feeding to it, we would recommend a technician trouble shoot the problem). After finding all power sources operational, check your thermostat settings. Your thermostat should be turned to cool and set a few degrees below the actual room temperature. All doors and windows should be closed to ensure optimal cooling in your home or office, your unit will struggle to meet the requested temperature if they are open, causing it to run continuously. If your thermostat is set too low this could cause problems with your unit icing up, so be sure you don’t continue to lower the temperature at your thermostat hoping the unit will cool faster or better. On hotter days if you call for your unit to cool, it could take a longer period of time to meet the temperature requested, giving the unit ample amount of time to cool your space is recommended before calling in. If you find these troubleshooting tasks do not solve your cooling issue, please call in to your trusted HVAC contractor!
Problems that indicate a technician is needed:
Unit blowing air but it isn't cold
Water leak from indoor unit
Lines at unit are frozen
Unit is running but no air is coming through the vents
Energy Saving Tips
June 2018
To get optimum heat and cool from your unit without excessive energy use we recommend performing routine maintenance regularly. Most residential homes (depending on usage of system) require yearly maintenance. If your unit is running day and night and rarely off, we can recommend every six months to ensure filters are clean and the unit is running efficiently. Checking your air filters regularly is highly recommended, whether done by an HVAC professional or yourself. If your air filter is dirty it can restrict air flow and make your system work harder which in turn uses more energy, thus costing more. At Oasis Air we stock and provide EZ Flex filters which are MERV 10, meaning they are a higher efficiency filter that traps more dust, dirt, and debris. They are also larger in size so their life expectancy is longer than that of a 1” filter. Smaller filters require at least every 3 months to be changed out. Energy Star recommends “A programmable thermostat which is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.” Lastly, ensuring that you are getting optimum air flow not only pertains to your filter but also your duct work. Patches or holes in your duct work cause air to dump into your attic (or where ever your duct work runs) and not into your home, ultimately causing your unit to run continuously to meet set temperatures when air flow is redirecting elsewhere. Following these few tips can help you save money and energy in the long run!
R-410A Replacement Refrigerant
February 2019
Carrier has chosen Chemours Co. to replace R-410A, announcing that R-454B will be the next generation refrigerant. “Opteon XL41 has been selected by Carrier Corp., after extensive testing and evaluation, as the primary lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant to replace R-410A in ducted residential and light commercial packaged products sold by Carrier in North America.” EPA standards are ever changing to move toward environmentally friendly, and sustainable solutions. “Carrier Corp. choosing R-454B enables them to achieve their exacting performance standards, while exceeding the anticipated requirements of future regulations.” R-454B will reduce CO2 emissions by 78% over R-410A, it will improve energy efficiency, and lower the GWP percent by 30. This new refrigerant will achieve the maximum GWP all while satisfying long term requirements.
As we gather more information on this change, we will keep our customers informed. It is still early in the development of the refrigerant, and news pertaining to it. R-454B isn’t planned to be introduced until 2023.
If you would like to keep in the loop with HVAC news and updates, you can subscribe to IHACI online.
*information above was collected from www.IHACI.com February news letter*
What is a Ductless System?
Ductless systems are an alternative solution to adding heat or air conditioning to your home where ductwork otherwise isn't feasible or is challenging. Ductless systems come in single and multi zone styles that can be installed in various locations in your home, giving you ease of operation and localized heating or cooling.
The sleek design of the ductless systems are attractive for a minimalistic look, whether installed high, or low on a wall, or even a ceiling, they fit in almost anywhere.
Call us today to speak to a trained installer to see if your home/requirements are compatible for a ductless system!
Shop Ductless Systems
Bryant® Ductless Systems
Ductless Systems are a flexible solution for your home’s heating or cooling needs. Perfect for room additions or anywhere ductwork is a challenge, they offer single and multi-zone styles that can be installed high on the wall, in the ceiling, or near the floor.
How do I Find a Contractor?
There are several ways you can search for an HVAC contractor, some as simple as a local google search for contractors in your area. While convenience is a perk, we always recommend researching the company you plan to contact. Making sure they provide the scope of work you are interested in, if they are licensed, and what others who have used the company might have to say about them. Yelp is an essential tool in researching companies, as well as finding local contractors. Reading reviews is helpful in knowing whether a company takes high regard in their work and their customers, or if they have a less than desirable string of work.
For a small family owned business (like Oasis Air) we take word of mouth referrals very seriously and appreciate when we get them. It is always nice to know a customer enjoyed their experience with us, as well as trust’s us enough to refer other friends and family. Happy customers mean happy experiences, so asking your neighbor if they used anyone recently, or know anyone who used a company that came highly recommended is always a safe option.
With word of mouth from customers, also comes general contractor referrals. General contractors have sub-contractors they trust and use frequently on their jobs, whether it’s for installation, service, or maintennace. If you have a trusted general contractor, consider asking them who they would use.
Lastly, we highly recommend searching what equipment you would like to install. Most equipment manufacturers have requirements of their contractors to meet training needs; Bryant has factory authorized dealers and awards companies that go above and beyond. The medal of excellence award is only given to one company throughout the united states a year. Mitsubishi has their Diamond dealers which requires meeting strict trainings yearly to keep that stature. You can go to a manufacturers website and search your area for their trusted and highly rated companies or call in for referrals.
One thing to keep in mind when searching; not all company’s pay into memberships for review sites. You may find a site that asks for your location and will only list contractors that pay into their monthly fee, while it is a place to start, you might be significantly slimming your options based on that factor alone.
The biggest key to finding a trusted contractor is doing your research. Once you have narrowed down your search you can always check a company’s license on http://www.cslb.ca.gov/to ensure your work will be done professionally and to code.
Contractors State License Board
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) protects California consumers by licensing and regulating the state's construction industry. CSLB was established in 1929 and today licenses about 290,000 contractors in 44 different license classifications.
Low NOx- What You Need to Know
November 1, 2019
On October 1, 2019 South Coast AQMD instated Rule 1111- the reduction of NOx emissions from natural gas fired, fan type central furnaces will be in full effect.
What does that mean? All condensing and non condensing natural gas furnaces installed in our district (South Coast) must be compliant and labeled as SCAQMD certified Ultra-Low NOx furnace. Mitigation fees are no longer necessary with the Ultra-Low NOx.
Why is it important? The new Ultra-Low NOx is expected to improve overall air quality in affected areas. NO and NO2 react with other chemicals in the air to form particulate matter and ozone. High concentrations of NO can lead to an overall reduction in air quality. NO and NO2 can interact with water, oxygen, and other atmospheric chemicals to form acid rain which can damage plants and ecosystems, killing trees and a variety of organisms. NO is partially responsible for the declining fish and shellfish populations in coastal areas. It is capable of algal blooms and “dead zones” (hypoxia) which are harmful to aquatic life.
Benefits: Rebates of up to $500.00 are available through www.cleanairfurnacerebate.com while funds last. The sooner you buy the more likely there will be rebates to claim. The 95% model Low-NOx furnaces also help save money on monthly gas bills.
Important notes: Any party offering for sale, supplying, selling, or installing non-compliant condensing or non-condensing furnaces after Sept 30th, will be in violation of Rule 1111. Violators of this rule will be liable for penalties of up to $10,000.00 per day or more. Homeowners are not required to change out their furnaces to meet compliance, but should your system require furnace replacement you will have to meet the Ulta-Low NOx requirements.
Halo-LED Whole House in Duct Air Purification
August 2020
Have you been considering increasing your air purification/filtration but are unsure where to start? You might consider Halo-LED as your next step and we would be happy to help! While we can not control the environment outside, we can in our homes and businesses. The first step to any air purification is your filter. Filters are essential to protecting your coil from debris which can build up and cause clogs in your drain lines resulting in water leaks, but are also crucial in trapping dust, dander, pollen, and particulate matter. Where we need additional purification is with surface and airborne microbials, bacteria, viruses, and mold. That is where Halo-LED comes in, coupled with your filter Halo-LED kills surface and airborne microbials, bacteria, viruses, mold, as well as reduces smoke, odors, pollen, dust, and allergens. The Halo-LED does not replace the need for a filter, simply enhances your air purification when paired with one. Should you be interested in taking a step further with your home or business air purification give us a call, we are happy to help!
Learn More
The HALO-LED™ is the industry’s first LED in-duct, whole home and building air purification system that is both mercury free and zero ozone compliant. The HALO-LED™ proactively treats every cubic inch of air conditioned space, reducing airborne and surface contaminants and pollutants through bi-polar ionization and revolutionary, patent pending, REME-LED™ technology.