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.

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.

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.

Avoid Unnecessary Expenses on Outdated Air Conditioning Units 

Anyone who has experienced an AC breakdown on a scorching hot day knows how uncomfortable it can be. Thankfully, Issaquah, WA, and the surrounding areas boast mild climates, and extremely hot days are rare, but when they do hit, you want your air conditioner to be reliable. To avoid an untimely failure, it’s important to monitor your cooling system’s health and decide whether to repair issues or replace an aging unit before a major problem happens.

The decision to opt for AC repair or replace an air conditioning unit depends on a few key factors. How old is the unit? Are your energy bills climbing for no apparent reason? Is the AC struggling to keep your home comfortable? In this post, we’ll explore each of these along with local factors, like climate and energy costs, to help you make an informed decision.

The Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning Team Wants to Help You Stay Safe & Energy-Efficient

It’s getting hot, hot, hot! There’s no need to struggle with being uncomfortable in your Seattle-area home this summer - or any season - when you’ve got Bob’s on your side. 

When it comes to cooling services, Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered this summer and year-round! Keep reading below to discover what you can do when you experience an AC issue, need maintenance, or need to reassess your cooling needs.

Enjoy increased energy efficiency, a simpler installation, and more flexibility in Woodinville, WA 

Summer is on the way, and now is the perfect time to invest in a brand-new home cooling system. Consider investing in a ductless system if you need to heat or cool parts of your home that do not have ductwork. Daikin offers both single-zone and multi-zone ductless options that balance the temperature, humidity, and fresh air in your home. There are many benefits of choosing ductless heat pump systems for your home in Woodinville, WA.

Discover why you need to get your air conditioner ready for summer before it even starts 

Summer is on the way, and that means warmer temperatures and sunnier weather. Is your air conditioner up to the task? It is vital that you get your AC unit serviced before summer starts so that you can remain comfortable, and make sure to get this done sooner rather than later to avoid any mid-summer AC frustrations! There are advantages to getting your maintenance done earlier rather than later. Learn four benefits of having your AC maintenance done before summer starts in Kirkland, WA, and surrounding areas.

Keep the heat out of your home by using your window treatments, appliances, and A/C unit

Summer is here in the Greater Seattle area, and that means temperatures are rising. While warmer weather is perfect for afternoons by the pool or fun family outings, it does put a strain on your thermostat. Maintaining your home's temperature is an important way to keep your family comfortable throughout the hottest season. How can you stay cool this summer? Keep reading to learn three key tips for home cooling this summer in Bellevue, WA, and surrounding areas.

In the hottest parts of the summer, an inefficient HVAC system can run for much of the day. Older units tend to be less efficient than newer ones, but there are ways you can improve the performance of your air conditioning system.

Your home is more than just four walls; it equates to security and comfort for you and your family. When the outdoor temperatures soar, you’ll want to escape to a cool dwelling space. However, like all things mechanical, your air conditioning system is prone to malfunction without routine maintenance.

If your air conditioner has stopped working properly, try these DIY tips to troubleshoot potential issues.

Keep Cool This Spring and Summer with Expert AC Repair Services Near You

Do you feel air flowing from your HVAC system or AC unit, but it doesn't seem to cool even if you lower your thermostat? There are various reasons why your AC may not be blowing cool air. As an AC repair contractor near you and serving Sammamish and the surrounding areas, at Bob's Hesting & Air Conditioning, we help you isolate the issues, pinpoint why your AC is not blowing cold air, and event provide vital repairs to help you avoid them. Below, we outline some of the top causes our technicians see, but we recommend not attempting DIY repairs as they can result in more damage, longer downtimes, and even bodily harm. 

Stay Cool & Let Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning Handle Every Detail of Your AC Installation

The summer heat is here, but are you ready for it? When it comes to air conditioner installations, many Sammamish-area homeowners are left with a long list of questions. Understanding what to expect from a professional air conditioner installation is paramount to ease your mind and prepare you for a seamless, efficient AC installation process. Read along below where we shine a light on what you can expect from an AC install with Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning.

Top 5 Ways to Winterize Your AC for Long-Lasting Performance

When the vibrant foliage in Sammamish and the surrounding region begins to turn, it signals the arrival of the cooler months ahead. This is a crucial time for homeowners to think about winterizing their air conditioners, AKA winter air conditioning care, even when they don’t plan to operate them for a few months.

Proper preparation can extend the lifespan of your AC unit, but it also ensures its efficiency and readiness for the warmer season, even though it seems so far away. Keep reading to learn the five top tips for winter ac care from the experts at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning. To effectively winterize your air conditioner, incorporate this essential advice!

At first thought, it may seem like you cannot go overboard with air conditioning. After all, the whole point of having an AC is to control the air temperature in your home and you can hardly have too much control now, can you? Well as it turns out, if you figure in the cost of installation and running the unit, there are situations where your AC is oversized for your home. To answer the question "How much AC do I need?" you need to factor in various aspects and understand the airflow in your home. So, to help you out, we will cover these aspects and help you determine the right amount of air conditioning for your household.

Understanding How Air Conditioners Work

For measuring the effectiveness of air conditioning, we use BTUs. A British Thermal Unit is a measurement that shows how much heat an AC unit can remove from the airspace within one hour. The recommended BTU per square foot is 20. With that in mind, there are a couple more factors to consider…

Room

To properly cool a room, you must consider its size and purpose. Take the square footage of the room and multiply it by 20. That is the recommended BTU for your AC. Before you opt for a unit, remember that it is usually better to go a bit above your recommended BTU than below. This is especially true if your room gets a lot of natural light or if it’s a common gathering area for your family. Kitchens and laundry rooms will also require stronger air conditioning, as the appliances in them will produce heat on their own.

House

If you plan on cooling the entire home with a single AC unit, you will have to consider the layout of your home. The more freely air can flow through your home, the easier it will be to cool it off. Just like with rooms, you can choose to multiply the size of your house by 20 to understand the amount of BTUs required to cool your whole home. Large-scale AC systems use “tons” for measurement, where one ton equals 12,000 BTUs.

Local Climate

Another critical aspect to consider is the local climate. Namely, if you live in a warmer climate, you may need a more powerful air conditioning unit. On the other hand, if you live in a cooler coastal climate, you might need to consider the unit’s specific protective coating to prevent sea air erosion.

Entrust Us with Your AC Repair & Installation Services

As the intense heat of summer approaches, you’ll want to rely heavily on your new air conditioner to provide your Seattle, WA, home with a cool and comfortable environment. However, to ensure that your AC unit performs optimally and lasts for years to come, regular maintenance is crucial.

But what can you do to make sure that you need minimum AC repair and maintenance for your unit throughout the year? Keep reading below to find out how you can get the most out of your AC and how our team at Bob’s Heating can help.

Here’s What to Ask Before You Move Forward with the Process of Your AC Installation

It’s always best to be prepared, and with summer right around the corner, now is the time to take a look at your air conditioning system—or lack thereof! As a Western Washington resident, you may find yourself being a part of the 56% of homes without air conditioning. As summers in the Puget Sound region continue to heat up, more and more Seattle-area homeowners are making the move to live comfortably during the warm weather seasons by turning to AC. 

If you’re one of these people, please keep reading, as we’ve put together a checklist of what to look for in a contractor before having air conditioning installed at your home! 

Let’s look at what you need to ask a professional before an air conditioner installation and why Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning is your ideal partner for getting the job done right.

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.

Did you regret not indulging in a new air conditioner last summer? With March almost here, you can save 20% on a new air conditioner unit from Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning. Discover how to shop for your new cooling appliance by following along in our Complete Buyer’s Guide to a New Air Conditioner!

Hot weather can be unbearable without a reliable air conditioning system. Before temperatures rise, consider whether or not you can get another season out of your aging HVAC unit.