Solar is a Must-Have Addition for PNW Homes

Everyone in the Pacific Northwest is paying closer attention to how energy is used because of rising utility costs and less predictable weather patterns. Overall, sustainability is becoming a higher priority for many families, so solar energy is a wise choice for forward-thinking homeowners. It is no longer a futuristic idea only seen in the movies!

At Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve proudly expanded our services to include premium solar services designed to fit the needs of Western Washington households. If you’ve wondered whether solar is worth it in our region, the answer is yes. Here are the top five reasons solar services are a must-have for homes in Bellevue or the surrounding areas.

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.

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.

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.

Tips to Create a Personalized Heating Schedule 

During wintertime in Bellevue or a surrounding neighborhood, it’s a constant struggle between wanting to crank the heat while trying to save energy. Some homeowners choose to bundle up in hats and coats indoors to save energy. But surely there has to be another way… 

And there is! With a smart thermostat system, you can create a personalized heating schedule that keeps your home cozy when you need it—and saves energy when you don’t. 

Today’s smart thermostats can even integrate with home control systems, letting you remotely adjust your heating system and schedules. Here’s how we recommend you use thermostat scheduling to stay comfortable and energy-efficient in your Bellevue-area home. 

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.

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. 

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!

Learn More About SEER Ratings and How They Affect Your Home Comfort

When choosing an air conditioner for your home, one factor to consider is the SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It's a measure of an air conditioning unit's cooling efficiency over a typical cooling season. While higher SEER ratings offer better efficiency, the best choice depends on factors like your climate, home size, and budget. Generally, a good SEER rating is 14 or higher, but it’s best to consult with a professional HVAC company like Bob’s to help you determine the nuanced role each of these criteria plays. 

Below, we explore SEER ratings in-depth so you can continue your research and make an informed decision that balances cost, comfort, and environmental responsibility. Keep reading!

Ensure Your AC Unit Stands the Test of Time

A reliable HVAC system is vital to your overall comfort, as it keeps your living space cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. However, many homeowners often consider embarking on a DIY project when installing a new AC unit instead of investing in professional air conditioner installation services. The allure of potentially saving money with a DIY installation is tempting for many. This route, though, is fraught with challenges and likely costly repairs.

Opting for professional AC installation services offers many benefits. The team of HVAC technicians at Bob’s Heating bring expertise, experience, and the right tools for the job. Our HVAC experts will ensure that your AC unit or HVAC system is installed correctly and follows the manufacturer's specifications to maintain the warranty. Plus, a team of professionals can identify and address any unforeseen issues to have your unit operating at peak efficiency from day one.

In the following sections, we highlight the benefits of working with Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning when considering professional AC installation in Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas.