Prepare Your Home to Meet the Latest State Mandates and Energy Codes

If you're thinking about adding or upgrading your air conditioning this year, there are a few important things to know first. In 2025, Washington is rolling out new rules that change how AC installations work. These state-mandated changes include updated residential energy codes, stricter permitting and inspection requirements, and more accountability for homeowners. It may sound a little overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to help make it all make sense!

In this blog, we’ll break down what these changes mean for you and how to navigate the process with confidence. We’ll also cover the key questions to ask your contractor so you can be sure your new system is up to code and ready to go in Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas.

Comparing Central Air vs. Mini-Split AC Installations 

Choosing the right cooling system for your home can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. One of the most common questions we hear from families in Issaquah and surrounding areas is: “Is a mini-split system more efficient than central AC?” 

As your local HVAC experts, our team at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help break it all down. Here’s what each system offers and how to decide which is right for your family.

Take Control of Your Home’s Power and Comfort 

Are you worried that solar panels aren’t worth it in cloudy Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas?  The short answer is yes, they are. Modern solar energy systems can thrive in our climate and deliver big benefits. As a local HVAC company that’s been serving the Puget Sound region for decades, we at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning have seen homeowners increasingly embrace solar power as part of a comfortable, efficient home. 

We recently added solar services to our list of home comfort services to meet this growing demand​. In this thought piece, we’ll explain why so many of our clients are going solar and how solar can work hand-in-hand with their heating and cooling systems.

Make Your Home’s Environment Perfect in Every Season

Is your HVAC system doing everything it could be for your family's comfort? At Bob's Heating & Air Conditioning, we've helped countless families in Issaquah and the Eastside improve their indoor comfort and well-being while keeping energy costs in check. The right HVAC upgrades can make a big difference in how your home feels throughout the changing seasons we experience here in Washington. Here are five smart HVAC upgrades worth considering for your home this year.

Breathe Easier This Spring

Spring is a season of renewal, but for many households in Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas, it also marks the return of seasonal allergies, increased humidity, and airborne irritants!

While opening the windows may bring in a breeze, it can also invite pollen and dust inside. If you want to keep your home’s air fresh and healthy, here are some actionable steps to improve indoor air quality this spring. Keep reading below for our top air quality tips for spring!

Save More Energy with the Right AC Unit 

During Puget Sound spring, we get a nice break from high energy bills. Most days, it’s warm enough to keep the heating off, and we don’t need the AC on yet. 

But once the temperature starts inching into the high 70s, 80s, and 90s, our energy usage starts creeping up as we turn on the air conditioning. If you’re tired of paying high electricity bills every summer, tools like smart thermostats can help you cut back. But sometimes, it’s your AC unit itself that’s wasting more power than necessary. 

At Bob’s Heating, we help homeowners in Issaquah and surrounding areas keep their homes cool while reducing energy costs. One way to spot if your AC is an energy waster is to check its AC Seer rating. If it’s high, great—but if it’s low, contact Bob’s Heating for help picking out a new, highly efficient AC. Read on to learn more.

Find Out How This Major Change Affects Your AC Installation Plans

If you’re like most homeowners in Western Washington and the greater Puget Sound area, your heating and cooling system isn’t something you think about every day—until there’s a problem. But what if we told you that a significant industry shift is coming that could impact the future of your family’s comfort?

The production of air conditioning and heat pump units that use R-410A refrigerant officially ended on January 1, 2025. While you’ll still be able to install R-410A systems until December 31, 2025, this transition is a significant step toward more environmentally friendly HVAC solutions. 

So, what does this mean for you as a homeowner? Let’s break it down.

Is It Time to Replace Your HVAC Air Filters?  

Your home is your sanctuary—a place where you and your family should feel the safest and most comfortable. But what if the air you breathe inside your home is filled with dust, allergens, and pollutants? 

Indoor air quality is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in your family’s health and well-being. Poor air quality can trigger allergies, asthma, and even long-term respiratory issues and certain cancers. 

The good news? A simple routine, like regularly changing your air filter, can make a world of difference. Read on to learn more.

The Connection Between HVAC Systems & Better Sleep 

Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for living a long, healthy life. The quality of your sleep affects everything from mood to productivity and even your long-term well-being. 

But did you know that your HVAC system plays a major role in how well you rest each night?

Your body is highly sensitive to temperature while you sleep, especially during REM sleep when your body's temperature regulation pauses. If your bedroom is too hot or too cold, it could be interrupting your rest.

Fortunately, the right HVAC settings for sleep can help you create the perfect environment for deep, uninterrupted rest in Bellevue and the greater Seattle area. Read on to learn more.

Stay Warm without Breaking the Bank with a Heat Pump System 

During the winter months in Issaquah, WA, and the surrounding areas, furnaces work overtime to keep families comfortable and safe. Unfortunately, for many families, that also means skyrocketing energy bills to keep them running. Just heating your home throughout the winter could cost you over $1,000 without the right infrastructure in place. That’s why we’re increasingly recommending heat pump systems as backups for our clients, as they provide the most cost-efficient way to stay warm and cozy year-round. Read on to learn more.

Follow These Steps to Best Prep Your HVAC System Before Vacation!

Heading out on vacation is always exciting, but before you go, your HVAC system must be prepared as well. Balancing energy savings with protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this guide to learn how to maintain your home’s comfort and safety while you’re away, checking off everything you need for a worry-free trip. 

Once you’ve checked everything off, set your out-of-office message and enjoy your time away. Au revoir!

Keep Your Home Safe & Comfortable at All Times

The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, and warmth—but it’s also when weather-related power outages are most likely to strike. December’s unpredictable storms can disrupt electricity, threatening your festive plans and leaving your home in the dark.

A backup generator is the ultimate solution to ensure your holidays remain bright, warm, and stress-free. Here’s why having a reliable power source is essential this time of year in Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas.

8 Heating Scenarios That Require Immediate Attention 

Winter’s chill can make heating failures more than just an inconvenience—they can become serious health and safety risks. At Bob’s Heating, we offer 24-hour emergency heating repair to Issaquah and surrounding areas, so your family stays safe and warm no matter what. 

Not sure if your situation qualifies as a “heating emergency”? Here are some of the most common issues that might require urgent attention.

Find Out When a Simple Furnace Repair Will Do 

Homeowners are often faced with a dilemma when their heating systems start acting up—should they opt for a full replacement, or can a simple repair get the job done? When your furnace stops working properly, it’s easy to assume that replacing the entire system is the best viable solution. However, many issues are fixable and don’t always require an entire replacement.  

By accurately diagnosing the issue, you can address specific problems and keep your furnace running efficiently without a bigger purchase. Bob's Heating, a leading HVAC specialist in Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding area offers transparent assessments to help you determine whether a simple furnace repair can restore your system and save you from added costs. 

Preventative Measures to Take to Avoid a Too-Cold Winter

As the colder months roll into Redmond, WA and the surrounding Puget Sound areas, your heating system must be in good working order. However, even with regular maintenance, issues can occasionally arise. 

The good news is that many common heating problems have simple solutions and preventative measures you can take to avoid them occurring in the first place. Below, we’ll explore five common heating problems homeowners encounter, so keep reading!

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, make every celebration comfy and unforgettable!

The holidays are all about warmth, comfort, and spending time with loved ones. In a few weeks, the aroma of a home-cooked meal will fill the air, and the laughter of family and friends will echo through your house. However, any festive atmosphere can abruptly come to an end. Imagine, for instance, that all the joyful celebrations are interrupted by a chill in the air because your furnace has decided to give out at the worst possible time. Nothing puts a damper on holiday cheer faster than an uncomfortably cold home.

The last thing you want during this special season is to worry about whether your heating system will hold up. That’s why we recommend to avoid the stress with an early furnace installation. In fact, we recommend it so much that we have a pre-season sale for you!

In today’s blog, we’ll learn why a pre-season sale and early furnace installation can be a lifesaver for your holiday parties in Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas. Let’s dive in and get ready for a cozy season!

All You Need to Know About Air Duct Cleaning 

If your home has central heating or cooling, you have air ducts. Air ducts are passageways that transport air through your house. And just like air conditioners or fans, air ducts can collect a lot of dust, debris, and pollutants over time. These particles then blow through your house, potentially harming your family’s health and even home furnishings. 

Because of this, routine air duct cleaning is necessary to keep your Sammamish area home healthy and clean. But how often should you have air ducts cleaned? And how are air ducts cleaned, anyway? Let’s take a closer look. 

Create the Ideal Atmosphere Across Your Living Spaces

Ensure your home's safety and comfort during unexpected power outages! For enhanced security and peace of mind, a portable generator is a worthwhile investment.

Whether you live in an area prone to severe weather and rolling blackouts, or you simply want your mind at ease, a portable generator offers a reliable backup power solution. Here are some key benefits of having a portable generator for your home in Sammamish, WA, or the surrounding areas.

What Are the Benefits of Installing a Smart Thermostat? 

Have you seen a smart thermostat in a friend’s home or a local business? Curious if they’re worth installing in your own home? 

Smart thermostats aren’t just convenient for their touchscreen features—they offer plenty of surprising benefits you may not expect. Here’s how smart thermostats from brands like Honeywell, Nest, Ecobee (pictured above), and Bryant can benefit your home in the Sammamish area. 

Improve Your Home Environment Today

A key factor that's often overlooked in an ideal home environment is the quality of the air you breathe while inside. Poor indoor air quality can significantly impact your health, contributing to allergies, asthma, and possibly other respiratory issues.

Fortunately, your HVAC system can be a key element in maintaining and improving your Bellevue, WA, home's air quality. In this blog, we'll dive into some essential tips to ensure that your HVAC system contributes to a healthier living environment for your whole household. Keep reading below for more air quality tips!