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With rising temperatures, it’s a good time to ensure your air conditioner is ready for the summer heat. To ensure your air conditioner is in peak condition, you should take a few important steps.

Periodic Inspections

Most people don’t think too much about their air conditioning unit until it stops working! However, the reality is that AC units require regular inspections and general maintenance to ensure they are running their best.

While some people may prefer to only call a technician if something is wrong with their AC unit, there are a few reasons why scheduling periodic inspections throughout the year is a great idea.

Improved Safety

Did you know that getting your HVAC system checked by professionals can improve safety in your home? Here are three reasons why:

• Carbon Monoxide Detection: Faulty heating systems can release carbon monoxide, which can be extremely dangerous if undiscovered. By having your system inspected by professionals, you can ensure that there are no leaks, and that the ventilation is adequate, significantly reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Fire Prevention: Electrical issues or debris buildup in your HVAC system can cause fires, which can be a significant safety risk. However, with the help of trained technicians, you can have your system carefully checked for proper wiring and components that may be worn or damaged.
• Better Indoor Air Quality: If you or your loved ones suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, you might be surprised to learn that your HVAC system could contribute to the problem. Dust and pollen can easily accumulate in your air conditioner’s filters, causing issues with your indoor air quality. However, with regular inspections and professional cleanings, you can ensure that your air quality remains healthy and safe.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Regular air conditioner maintenance can offer you significant cost and time benefits in the long run. You can avoid expensive breakdowns and major system malfunctions by detecting minor issues early.

Furthermore, a professional technician can help you spot energy-saving opportunities that can also save you big on your utility bills. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Maximum Comfort

While there are many things that can impact its performance, a professional maintenance check can ensure your AC is keeping you cool and comfortable while preventing any unnecessary strain on the unit.

How to Check for Issues

When checking your AC unit for potential issues, HVAC professionals use a methodical process to make sure everything is working properly. Seasoned technicians begin by performing a visual inspection to recognize any apparent harm, signs of wear, or improper placement.

They’ll also examine the air filters and clear any blockages to ensure that your HVAC doesn’t work harder than it has to do to cool the home.

Professionals will also inspect the drainage system of your AC to address any drainage problems that may arise and could damage the system over time. They’ll inspect all moving components, such as fans and pulleys, while also assessing the wiring and electrical components to ensure to avoid any power failures in the unit.

When looking for long-term servicing options, most HVAC service professionals will also have annual membership plans that include several check-ups throughout the year to ensure your air conditioner is running efficiently and reliably.

Working with a qualified HVAC technician is the best way to keep your air conditioner from experiencing any major issues.

Clean and Clear Debris

For optimal performance and to avert potential complications with your air conditioner, it is necessary to keep the unit clean and free of debris.

First, deactivate the power and clear any debris around the exterior condenser unit. Next, clean the condenser fins, fix any distorted fins, and cleanse the coil, promoting better airflow and increased efficiency. Then, turn your attention to the indoor unit, removing any debris from the blower area and surrounding the evaporator coil.

Finally, make sure to lubricate the moving parts that need it and then reactivate the power for your AC unit. If you’re not comfortable performing these maintenance tasks on your own, it’s always best to call in a professional HVAC technician for assistance.

Regular air conditioner maintenance is essential for both the safety and longevity of your cooling system. By having your AC unit serviced regularly by a qualified technician like Sierra, you can avoid costly repairs and breakdowns while also improving energy efficiency, comfort levels, and indoor air quality.

Call Sierra and schedule an appointment today!

If you’ve ever wondered if the air vents in your home need to be where they are, the likely answer is yes. Here we’ll discuss the pros and cons of having air vents high or low, and why the two types are needed.

Air Supply Register and Return Grill Basics

Each room should have a supply and return vent

Both vents are needed to create sufficient air circulation for ample heating and cooling. Without the supply and return vents, rooms develop uneven temperature and air pressure zones which affects your overall comfort and efficiency of the HVAC system.

How do supply and return vents work?

The supply air vent is responsible for supplying or bringing conditioned air from the HVAC unit into a room. The return vent pulls or sucks flat air back into the HVAC to be reconditioned, starting the air cycle again.

Do I have an air register or air grill?

You likely have both covering the two types of vents. Air registers are found on the supply vent; they have a damper or moveable flaps to allow full or partial airflow. Air grills are on the return vent and get their name from the resemblance to cooking grill grates.

Floor Vent Pros

If you want or enjoy more heat than cooling, floor vents are naturally more efficient for heat since heat rises.

• Easy to maintain: Because of their accessibility, you can clean floor vents with a broom, vacuum, or wash rag, plus repair dings or mars without needing a ladder and spotter.
• Can blend into floor design: When properly recessed into the floor, these vents can blend in with the sight lines, especially for composite or hardwood floors.

Floor Vent Cons

• Aesthetics: Most floor vents are painted metal, which means they can chip and mar and stick out aesthetically. Plus, there aren’t many design options available to choose from.
• Noisy: The vents may rattle and otherwise make noise whenever the HVAC system starts up and begins blowing air into the ducts.

Ceiling Vent Pros

On the other hand, if you prefer or use more cooling because of the geographic climate, ceiling vents are more efficient at cooling than their floor counterparts.

• Blend into sight lines: Skilled installers can blend ceiling vents into the ceilings so that most people won’t notice they’re there unless someone is standing under the supply vent.
• Furniture placement: Furniture won’t impede the air flow from ceiling vents so you can position it wherever you want.

Ceiling Vent Cons

• HVAC unit in unconditioned space: With ceiling vents, the HVAC unit is usually installed in the attic which is often subjected to extreme temperatures. These temperature swings can cause undue wear and tear on the unit.
• Needs powerful blower: For heat to reach the living area from ceiling vents, the HVAC unit needs to have a powerful blower to counter heat’s natural ability to rise.

Does it help to close vents in unused rooms?

No. Each HVAC system is designed to heat and cool a particular square footage and delivers a set volume of conditioned air to meet the requirements. When you close these vents, the HVAC continues to deliver the set amount. This causes the air pressure inside the ductwork to build, possibly causing the ducts to warp or leak which reduces the efficiency and comfort. And, without air going into the return vent, the HVAC works harder than necessary to pull flat air back in, which causes wear and tear.

It all depends on your personal needs

While you can organize the air vents based on the geographic climate, or the most efficient suggestion of the time, it all comes down to your personal needs and desires. Heating and cooling a home varies widely but you can find what works for you by working with an HVAC professional.

Improve Your Indoor Comfort with These Tips

Don’t block vents

Try to keep at least one foot of clearance around all sides of the supply and return vents, regardless of where they’re placed. Pay attention to how taller objects, such as bookcases, fit with the wall and some ceiling vents.

Replace the air filter

A clogged air filter reduces the amount of air flowing from the HVAC system to the vents. Remember to change the air every two to three months, or sooner if you live in a dusty environment.

Schedule regular HVAC maintenance

When your HVAC system is in good shape, it provides conditioned air through the vents on demand, no matter where the vents are located. Regular maintenance allows a trained technician to inspect the system from top to bottom and take a proactive approach to any potential issues rather than reacting and repairing.

No matter your personal preference for vent location, it’s always a good idea to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance so your home stays comfortable year-round.

You love your pets, and you adore plants but don’t know which plants are friendly for your furry friends. We’re here to give you a list of the best pet friendly plants, many of which have easy care needs.

African Violet

Known for its deep purple petals, the African violet is the perfect accompaniment to a living room side table or bedroom nightstand. It thrives in low to bright filtered light and enjoys average room temperatures and humidity.

Baby’s Tears

This slow growing plant features delicate leaves that resemble teardrops. Baby’s tears look great as a hanging plant, showing off its trailing stems, or in a traditional planter. Give it filtered light, consistent water, and above average room temperatures.

Banana

A stunner by nature, banana plants add height and a conversation starter to any home. But it does have particular care needs, namely full sun, plenty of water, well-draining soil, and lots of humidity. Banana plants have been known to produce bananas with the right indoor conditions.

Spider Plant

Though its trailing leaves look fragile, the spider plant is quite robust. Known for its ability to purify the air around it, the spider plant can handle a range of indoor temperatures but prefers bright yet indirect light and only watering when the soil is completely dry.

Venus Fly Trap

If you’re looking for a plant to dote on the way you do your pets, then the Venus fly trap could be perfect. While it takes care of its nutritional needs by catching unsuspecting flies and small insects, it does best in higher temperatures with humidity and good air circulation.

Areca Palm

With full green fronds, the areca palm looks lush but is a low maintenance, pet friendly plant. It can handle average indoor temperatures but does need indirect, bright light and well-draining soil. Allow the areca palm to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.

Boston Fern

When given the right indoor conditions, the Boston fern returns years of lush green and bushy fronds. It needs medium to high amounts of indirect light, moist soil, and doesn’t mind a bit of humidity. The Boston fern does well as a hanging or traditional potted plant.

Calathea

Known for its striking patterns on the leaf tops, the calathea is native to the tropics and does best with these conditions indoors. Provide filtered or indirect natural light, higher temperatures and humidity, and moist soil for best results. The calathea can mature within a year.

Peperomia

The Peperomia family is known for its eye-catching leaves featuring almost symmetric designs. Plus, its small size is great for coffee tables, open kitchen shelves, and office desks. Make sure the Peperomia has partial to full indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity and temperatures.

Orchid

Known for their clustered but stylish petals, orchids are pet-friendly and relatively easy to care for. Provide with bright, indirect light; moderate humidity and temperatures; and orchid-specific soil. Orchids usually bloom during the colder months.

Mosaic Plant

Similar to the Peperomia in size and stand-out leaf designs, the mosaic plant has colorful veins streaking through the leaves. Its care needs are easy — bright but indirect light, moderate temperatures and humidity, and only water when the topsoil dries out.

Bromeliad

A tropical plant, bromeliads can grow with or without soil, making it perfect for pet parents who live with diggers. These plants have a wide rosette shape with strap-like leaves but only bloom once in their lifetime and under the right conditions. Bromeliads need bright light with moderate temperatures and humidity.

Ponytail Palm

This cousin to edible asparagus is a bit quirky, but that’s why we love the ponytail palm. It thrives in full sun with average indoor conditions, and stores extra water in its large, bulb-like roots. But, the ponytail palm still appreciates water every week to week and a half.

Royal Velvet Plant

No, the royal velvet plant doesn’t have built-in lights — hundreds of fine, tiny hairs cause the leaves to shimmer in the right light angle. Give it average indoor temperatures and humidity levels and moist (but not soggy) soil and the royal velvet plant can reach maturity in a few weeks.

Echeveria

Like most of its succulent relatives, the echeveria is popular among plant lovers and pet friendly! Don’t worry about spending too much time with your pets and not this plant — it loves a bit of neglect. Just make sure your echeveria has well-draining soil, full sun, and a splash of water from time to time.

Enjoy your pets and plants inside with any of these pet friendly plants!

Tips to Prevent Damage to Your AC

Thunderstorms bring winds that pose a moderate to high level of danger to people and property. What’s the best way to protect your system from severe weather conditions such as high winds?

1. Cover your external unit – High winds are categorized as winds that exceed 58 MPH. As you can imagine (and may have experienced), strong gusts of wind can lift debris and cause indirect damage to property. Covering your condenser will better protect the more delicate parts of your HVAC system from stray twigs and other airborne debris.
2. Strap down the condenser – Connecting your outdoor unit with straps reduces the chances of your system getting knocked over by debris.

Unfortunately, thunderstorms aren’t the only harsh conditions your HVAC system could experience during its lifespan.

Other Extreme Weather Conditions in Reno, Nevada

Wildfires are a fairly common occurrence thanks to our close proximity to inland California. Running your air conditioner during a wildfire can help to keep your indoor air quality clean — as long as you have recently changed your air filter and closed the fresh intake vents. Wildfires clear large swaths of land for another natural disaster — flash floods.

Flash Floods

Flash flooding happens without warning, which means you need to be prepared long in advance. Installing brackets above sea level or creating a raised platform to place your condenser atop is the best method of protecting your HVAC system from high water.

No matter what kind of HVAC service you require Sierra Air Inc is your team! We sweat the small stuff, so you don’t have to. Contact us 24/7 for emergency service at (775) 800-5500.

Remove the remains. Do this while the decomposition is in its early stages. You’ll know when it’s dead because the smell won’t be as overpowering. First, shut off the HVAC system, then open the windows. Follow the smell to where it’s strongest. Once you’ve located the body, you can either take care of the removal yourself or call a local HVAC professional to handle the work.

Have a trusted HVAC company clean and sanitize your ductwork. Removing the body isn’t the end of the process, however. The remains may have left discharge inside the air ducts that can lead to bacteria and mold growth. To keep your home safe and healthy, turn to a dependable heating and air conditioning company like Sierra Air for a comprehensive duct cleanup. We’ll clear the mess from your air ducts and disinfect the surfaces to remove any lingering odors or bacteria.

We use an advanced duct cleaning method, Turbo Jet Cleaning, that’s widely recognized as the most significant duct cleaning equipment technology. In fact, it’s used by leading professional duct cleaners throughout the country. Turbo Jet Cleaning removes airborne contaminants and sanitizes your entire HVAC system with Enviro-G and EPA, OSHA and USDA sanitizer to eliminate microorganisms.

Seal the ducts properly. To prevent further infestation in your air ducts, have Sierra Air find and seal any holes the creatures have made in the ducts. You can also schedule preventive maintenance with us to ensure your ductwork continues delivering the reliable, efficient performance you’re used to. Sierra Air isn’t only the area’s expert in heating and air conditioning repair–we can take care of your ductwork needs, as well.

Keep your duct system rodent-free and performing well by turning to Sierra Air. We proudly serve Reno, NV, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (775) 800-5500 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.

What Exactly Is Recovery Mode?

A feature on smart thermostat models, recovery mode indicates the device is working toward achieving a new temperature that’s warmer or cooler than the outside air after it’s been disengaged for a period of time. For example, if you’ve had your AC system turn itself off while you’re outside, the thermostat will enter recovery mode so that it can have your home cooled down by the time you return. Recovery mode just lets you know that your AC has turned back on and is running as it works to arrive at your optimal temperature.

How Does Recovery Mode Benefit You?

Recovery mode can actually help you save money on heating and air conditioning by allowing you to limit the use of your HVAC system to the times that you need it to control your home’s indoor temperatures.

Some Essentials About Recovery Mode

You’ll want to understand how recovery mode works so you can set up your HVAC system to be more energy efficient. Here’s what you need to know:

• Thermostats typically enter recovery mode when you set it there.
• If it still occurs even if you haven’t done this, a glitch or power surge may have occurred that’s caused your thermostat to reset itself. Another reason is that there may be an issue with the thermostat itself.
• A more serious cause is that your HVAC system has performance issues. Recovery mode occurs when the system is trying to reach the desired temperature. That’s why, if your system isn’t working the way it should, this may indicate that it’s failing to cool or heat your home properly. Prompt heating and air conditioning repair by Sierra Air will help mitigate this.

As your trusted HVAC expert, Sierra Air provides only the highest quality heating and cooling repair services. We proudly serve Reno, NV, and the surrounding areas. Fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.