Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash

While the summer months might bring a break for most of us, it's the hardest-working time of year for your HVAC equipment's cooling components. To help keep your AC running all summer, we've compiled some easy tasks that every homeowner can do to prepare their air conditioner or HVAC system for summer. Ready to save money and feel more comfortable? Keep reading to learn how to get your AC ready for summer.

Why Do You Need to Prepare Your HVAC Equipment For Summer?

The last thing you want is your air conditioner to break down in the middle of a heat wave. If your air conditioner has been dormant for most of the year, you shouldn't expect it to work at total capacity with the flick of a switch.

Understanding how the average central air conditioning system works will help you make an HVAC summer maintenance plan.

The cooling process starts inside the home with the evaporator. This part of the system absorbs heat, converts it to gas, and sends it to the compressor, located in its outdoor unit. The compressor and the condenser work together to cast away heat so the cooling properties can work effectively.

Shutting off your home air conditioner and sleeping with the windows open seems like a great way to save energy. After all, doesn't it make sense to give your HVAC a break when the sun goes down and temperatures drop? Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Sleeping with the windows open is just one of many HVAC mistakes that can unknowingly driving up your monthly utility bill. Keep reading to find out lesser-known mistakes that are costing you money.

Sleeping With Windows Open

Residents of the Pacific Northwest know the joy of cracking a window on summer nights. While people should enjoy a night of fresh air from time to time, it's essential to be aware of potentially higher energy costs.

When you leave your windows open all night, you essentially undo all the hard work air conditioning or heat pump system has done to cool your home. During the day, the air conditioning system works to remove heat and humidity from the indoor air. If the outside air is even one degree warmer than your home's internal temperature, the system will have to work harder to restore your desired temperature.

Additionally, outside air usually contains more humidity than the inside air, leaving your rooms feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. Humidity makes temperatures feel warmer than they actually are. If you let your home get too damp, you might feel inclined to compensate by setting your thermostat to an even lower temperature, increasing HVAC system workload, thus making it a major HVAC mistake.

Some research has revealed the optimal conditions for sleeping with open windows. If the outside temperature is about 70 degrees and humidity levels are low, you can crack a window overnight. However, try to shut them as early as possible in the morning to keep outside moisture and sunlight from increasing your internal temperatures.

Feel Great All Year Round with These Thermostat Programming Tips

We’re big proponents of feeling comfortable, whether enjoying a warm summer day or trying to stay cozy while it’s too brisk outside around Kirkland or the Greater Seattle area. Comfort is key!

With a professional thermostat installation, you can change how you heat and cool your home by setting things to run according to a pre-set schedule. Keep reading below to learn about thermostat porgramming tips for each season (give or take a few degrees, depending on your preferences and climate).

Air purifiers are becoming increasingly popular as people strive to create a healthier and cleaner home environment. As the season of growth begins, ensuring optimal indoor air quality for your well-being is crucial, which includes replacing your air filters. Keep reading to learn about the advantages of having an air purifier in your home during spring season and beyond, and learn how these systems work to remove airborne pollutants and allergens for your benefit.

Benefits of an Air Purifier in Your Home

Spring is the ideal time to invest in a home air purifier. An air purifier can provide a range of health benefits and improve the quality of your home's air, regardless of your home’s age. Even newly-constructed homes could use an air purifier or air filteration system to help with any lingering smells and remnant dust and debris from the building process. Here are some of the key advantages that you’ll enjoy when you install an air purifier in your home.

Improved Air Quality

The primary purpose of any air purifier is to remove airborne contaminants from your living space. Particulates like dust, pollen, smoke specks, pet dander, and other allergens that can cause breathing difficulties or aggravate asthma could be removed from the atmosphere by an air purifier. An air purifier will help create a healthier environment for everyone who lives in your home by eliminating pesky particles before they can be pushed into your home through the ventilation system.

Reduced Odors

Many types of odors can linger around the house long after their source has been removed or eliminated, including pet odors and cooking smells. An effective way to reduce these unpleasant aromas is with an activated carbon air filter found in many modern air purifiers. These help trap odor-causing molecules before they can spread throughout your home’s interior spaces.

Help Prevent Airborne Diseases

In addition to improved respiratory health, air purifiers can prevent the spread of airborne illnesses. They can’t fully stop them, but purifiers may capture the bacteria and viruses to lessen the chance of everyone in your household getting sick. 

In the realm of modern living, implementing sustainable solutions within your residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is paramount to many homeowners. As concerns over energy consumption and environmental impact deepen, homeowners and HVAC industry leaders are innovating ways to combine comfort with eco-consciousness. There are simple, effective, energy-efficient methods, and sustainable air conditioning solutions to cool your home; this article delves into the landscape of sustainable residential HVAC solutions, exploring advanced technologies and practices that optimize indoor climate control, lower energy usage, and reduce carbon footprints. 

From ENERGY STAR products to smart thermostats, these progressive HVAC approaches and solutions are reshaping how homes remain cozy while remaining energy efficient.

Stay Warm & Comfy this Upcoming Season with these Early Maintenance Tips

As the temperatures continue to drop, winter makes it clear that it's on its way. For many, this season brings the joy of snow, warm blankets, and cozy fireside gatherings. However, it also means it’s time to prepare your home, including your HVAC system, for the challenges that winter can bring, especially if you live in an area prone to frequent power outages or difficult-to-reach locations across Seattle, WA, during storms.

In this blog, we'll dive into essential “home winterizing” tips and the importance of winter HVAC maintenance and home generator installation. Keep reading below to learn more!

Embracing Efficiency and Comfort in the Pacific Northwest

As the vibrant leaves announce fall's arrival in and around Sammamish, WA, homeowners have begun feeling the nip in the air that signals the onset of colder months. Of course, inviting friends and family over for festive gatherings is on your mind, but this is also the time of year when you should prioritize your home's heating system efficiency.

Central to your system's performance is the thermostat. This small but mighty device makes a significant impact on comfort and energy consumption all year round. Below, we'll cover why now is the best time to consider a thermostat replacement and upgrade. 

Keep reading to discover how this essential climate control component can elevate your daily lifestyle this holiday season!

Find the Answer to this Question and More HVAC Tips Here

Staying cool becomes a top priority as we brace ourselves for more scorching summer days in the Sammamish area. We all love that refreshing blast of cold air when the AC kicks in, but have you ever wondered whether you should keep your windows closed or open during this process? Well, today, we're diving into this age-old dilemma to help you make the right call for efficient cooling this season, plus, we’ll review more HVAC tips you can follow for an energy-efficient and comfortable home. Let's get to it!

Discover how to maximize comfort and savings with an annual HVAC maintenance plan. 

When it comes to ensuring the comfort of your home season after season, few things are as crucial as maintaining your heating and cooling systems. At Bob's Heating, we understand the significance of this, and our mission is clear: to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency, providing you with worry-free comfort no matter what the weather is doing outside.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of comprehensive HVAC maintenance plans to keep your system operating successfully and how our unique services can help you enjoy unparalleled comfort and energy efficiency in Seattle, WA.

Who doesn't love home devices that make life comfortable, convenient, and conscientious? Smart thermostats provide all three by maintaining the ideal temperature for your home, offering access from anywhere, and reducing your carbon footprint. As you begin your search for the perfect smart thermostat, it’s important to arm yourself with the right information. There are a few lesser-known things you should keep in mind before upgrading, so read on to learn more.

Choose Your Upgrade Timing Wisely

Everyone loves saving energy, and it makes sense to swap to an energy-saving thermostat sooner rather than later to save the most energy. While it's tempting to make the switch to a more energy-efficient thermostat right before you'll most need it, like in the thick of summer or dead of winter or before you host a family gathering, that's not always the best time. If things go wrong during a DIY installation, you might be stuck without a functioning HVAC system until you can get it fixed. It might be better to wait for milder weather. If you've got any concerns about the installation, consider calling in a professional from Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning.

Check For Compatibility Before Buying a Smart Thermostat

When shopping for a new thermostat, it's important to check for compatibility with your existing HVAC system. Most smart thermostats require "low voltage" 24-volt HVAC systems, often called "central heat" or "central air." You likely have this type of system if:

Let Bob’s Heating take care of your system and keep your spaces comfortable all year round!

Climate control is an essential part of building a welcoming environment to enjoy with your family. Whether you are trying to create a cozy, comfortable  room on a cold winter’s night in the greater Seattle area or keeping your spaces cool on a hot summer day, a reliable and advanced HVAC system is essential.

To get the systems that satisfy your home's unique needs, reach out to a professional HVAC company that can walk you through the whole process. Bob's Heating has decades of experience and is ready to update your HVAC technology to ensure you always get the living experience you deserve. Keep reading our blog to learn three must-know details to keep in mind when updating an HVAC system.

There’s No Need for the Summertime Blues When You Work with Bob’s Heating & Air

If you’re in the Sammamish area, it’s time to brace for the warm months ahead. As a premier HVAC company serving Puget Sound, we know a thing or two about creating the coolest (pun intended) home on the block for our clients during the summer!

It's essential to explore energy-efficient strategies to maintain a cool and comfortable living situation, so here are five proven techniques you can use to reduce your cooling costs. 

Let Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning Take Care of Your HVAC Needs

 Not all HVAC contractors in the Seattle, WA, area deliver the same top-notch service. We know how difficult it can be to find the right one for your home. It takes a lot of research into the company, a look at past testimonials to get a feel for them. Even then, it takes a little bit of trust to make the jump. Our team of HVAC experts is here to make the process as seamless as possible. Read along below to discover three reasons why you should trust Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your heating and cooling needs.

Discover Why a Certified HVAC Company is Your Best Bet Against System Failure

Keeping your family comfortable in Seattle, WA, shouldn’t be dependent upon the weather outside. You should be able to rely on your climate comfort systems to keep you warm, cool, cozy, and everything in-between no matter the time of year. 

In order to do that, you need to enlist the assistance of Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning. As a certified HVAC company with several technicians holding a NATE certification, we take pride in offering outstanding professionalism and superior quality to every project and interaction we have with our clients.

Want to learn more about the importance of NATE certification when you’re in need of HVAC services? Keep scrolling below to read our blog on the topic!

ac technician with bryant furnace

With spring fast approaching, it's time to consider optimizing your home for the upcoming warm weather. One sure way to make indoor living more comfortable year-round is to invest in air conditioning. With increasing temperatures, there are several reasons why having an air conditioner installed is beneficial, from improved health and comfort levels inside your home to better energy efficiency ratings when using modern systems. Learn more about AC installation and discover three reasons for installing your air conditioning this spring.

What to Know About AC Installation

Adding an air conditioner to your home comes with several benefits—and not just during the warmer months. If you're wondering how much AC your home really needs, consider the following questions:

• What type of AC system is suitable for my home?
• How powerful should the unit be, and what size do I need?
• Are there any additional features or accessories I should consider?

A Bob's Heating sales representative can help you find answers to these questions when you're looking to decide on the best air conditioning system for your home.

Once you commit to adding an air conditioner or heat pump to your home, consider the following reasons to have the installation completed before summer arrives.

Beat the Rush

Planning to install an air conditioner in your home should be done well before the summer heat arrives. Many of the best AC contractors are booked during summer when demand is highest, so scheduling an installation in spring provides you with plenty of extra time and better access to inventory options.

Keep your lights on, kitchen cooking, and shared spaces cozy with a backup generator. 

With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to create the ultimate festive atmosphere inside of your Seattle-area home . 

A  big part of the holiday season and the atmosphere that makes it so great is what’s made in the kitchen. Many people can agree that full hearts and happy tummies are made here! But when you’re dealing with a big storm or sudden power outage, it can create a disastrous domino effect of problems while you’re trying to host friends and family. Not to mention, losing power can simply make the rest of your home entirely uncomfortable. .

Keep your kitchen appliances and home technologies running - and help ensure your family stays safe and warm with a home backup generator. Keep reading below to learn why this home upgrade is a must for your property this year.

As the winter season approaches faster than many of us had hoped for, it becomes more critical to prepare your home and keep your mind at ease when the weather starts to turn. Many may not realize how much winter can impact your home, so taking the proper precautions will help to get you and your home ready for the winter season. It is very important to take care of your home's exterior and interior when preparing for the chilly weather. Who wants to worry about having to take on any home projects when it’s cold out? Our guess is, no one!

This article will walk you through what you should have in your home for winter and what to mark off of your checklist before the first snowfall.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

After returning home from a long day at work on a cold winter afternoon, the last thing you want is to walk into a frigid house. If you’re wondering how you would be able to avoid that, we have the answer for you – smart thermostats! A smart thermostat can be controlled from your smartphone, so you’re able to turn your heat on and off with the tap of a finger. This makes it quick and easy to manage your home’s temperature while the system itself helps to save you money and energy.

If you don’t already have a smart thermostat and are considering one, making the choice sooner rather than later will add to a comfortable home and reduced utility bills. Installing this type of thermostat is something that should be done before winter hits in case any incidents occur, such as faulty wires or power outages. If you’re unfamiliar with thermostats and their installation, Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning can help you install a smart thermostat for your home.

Check your Home’s Insulation

Before winter hits, creating a checklist of what needs to be done will also help you to get your home ready. One of the items on the checklist should be to check your home’s insulation during the summer or fall to allow you to find and resolve any problems that arise. Due to the temperature drop outside as winter progresses, ensuring your home is properly insulated will help keep your home warm. Your windows, siding, attic, and basement should all be insulated to avoid any cold air from entering your home.

Begin Preparing for the Colder Months Today! 

Fall has just arrived in the Pacific Northwest area! The weather is crisp, the leaves are turning, and you can smell pumpkin spice just about everywhere you go. Though these aren’t the only signs that the year is coming to a close, they do indicate it’s time to assess your heating system. Preparing your home for a comfortable winter should be at the top of your autumn to-do list.

Adding space heaters may be the first thing you consider as a line of defense against the chilly air, but the truth is that these heating devices are not the best fit for all living spaces. Keep reading our blog below to learn how to safely and efficiently heat your home this upcoming winter.

Woodinville, WA — Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning has been named to the winning list of Nextdoor’s 6th annual Neighborhood Favorites, an awards program recognizing local businesses committed to helping their neighborhoods thrive. Winners of the 2022 Neighborhood Favorites were determined based on the number of neighbor recommendations a local business receives on Nextdoor across various categories.

“On Nextdoor, small businesses are a trusted and core member of the community. These local businesses go above and beyond to make their neighborhoods a kind, welcoming place. It is a true honor, and good for business, to be voted a Neighborhood Favorite by your most loyal customers — neighbors.” said Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar.

With more than 55 million business recommendations from neighbors, Nextdoor connects neighbors with each other and everything nearby.

“We’re very honored to have been recommended by so many wonderful neighbors in our local community. Bob’s has been serving homeowners throughout Western Washington since 1957, so we are proud to see our values recognized and appreciated by local community members,” wrote Gabby Roppo, the marketing coordinator at Bob’s Heating.

The complete list of winning businesses in each city is available at nextdoor.com/favorites. Join the neighborhood network by downloading the Nextdoor app or visiting nextdoor.com.

Spring welcomes the birth of new beginnings everywhere. It is the perfect season to turn over a new leaf, so to speak. It also happens to be the best time to tackle HVAC spring cleaning. Get your home prepped and ready for the warm seasons ahead by following these three easy steps!