Author: Brody Pennell

California Heat Pump Electrification In 2023

Written by Brody Pennell on January 6, 2023. Posted in Heating.

Global leaders are attempting to transition away from fossil fuels in hopes to reduce carbon emissions. President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August of 2022 aiming to fight inflation, lower prescription drug prices, and invest in domestic energy production while promoting clean energy. California Governor Gavin Newsom took immediate action to achieve critical climate goals set in place by the IRA. In this article, we will discuss what the Inflation Reduction Act means for California homeowners and their heating sources.

“Pumping” Into Climate Change

The IRA bill includes $370 billion for clean energy sources that improve energy efficiency. The Act positions to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 40% by 2030. This can be achieved by many steps in place, such as offering homeowners tax credits and rebates for switching to energy efficient heating options. Those who do not qualify for a rebate can receive up to $2,000 in tax credit when choosing to replace their home gas system with an electric heat pump.

The Golden State has set a target of 3 million climate friendly homes and 6 million heat pumps installed by 2030, called by Governor Newsom. If you are looking to install a new heating system for your home in California, now is the time!

How Heat Pumps Benefit California

There is a reason our global leaders are making a change to reduce carbon emissions: to improve air quality and overall human health. Heat pumps are an extremely energy efficient heating and cooling option for homes in most climates, especially California where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. The heating and cooling unit does not require burning fossil fuels to generate heat, as it relies solely on electricity.

What Is A Heat Pump?

The misleading word “heat” in the name leads most to believe the system only produces heat. Contrary to popular belief, heat pumps are a two-in-one system that provide both heating and cooling. To break down the name, the system “pumps heat” from one place to another. In colder months, heat pumps draw heat energy from the air, ground, or water and transfer it inside your home. In warmer temperatures, heat pumps collect heat from inside your home and relocate it outdoors.

Heat pumps have six main components: the outdoor unit, indoor unit, refrigerant, compressor, reversing valve, and expansion valve. All of these components work together to move heat from one place to another.

There are three main types of heat pumps: air-source, water-source, and ground-source. All have similar operation processes, but take advantage of heat from different places.

Advantages Of A Heat Pump

Aside from being environmentally friendly, heat pumps can provide many benefits for you and your home. Below are five advantages to installing a heat pump.

Lower Running Costs
Less Maintenance
Energy Efficient
Two-In-One System
Improve Air Quality

Lower Running Costs

Natural gas furnace systems are the most common heating source in the United States. Unfortunately, the price of natural gas has dramatically increased and has not been this high since 2014. As more natural gas is used, the more prices will increase. While furnaces can keep your home comfortable, it may not keep your bills affordable in the future. If you are looking to replace your heating system in Los Angeles, we encourage you to consider heat pumps. Heat pumps require much less electricity when compared to furnaces, which can reduce monthly bills.

Less Maintenance

Like all heating systems, heat pumps should be serviced by a professional once a year. Due to heat pumps providing both heating and cooling, homeowners can just have one system serviced rather than two. Heat pumps are one of the easiest heating systems to maintain, because the unit uses the same components to heat and cool.

Energy Efficient

Due to the process of moving heat rather than generating it, heat pumps consume less energy. According to the U.S. Department Of Energy, air-source heat pumps can save up to 50% of electricity use when compared to heating options such as furnaces. The less energy used, the more you will save.

Two-In-One System

As mentioned, heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling. As most California residents know, winter temperatures can fluctuate. The two-in-one system can be easily changed from heating to cooling with the flip of a switch. This provides flexible heating and cooling for unpredictable weather conditions and can always keep your home comfortable.

Improve Air Quality

The process of a heat pump requires it to constantly move air from one place to another. This can improve air quality due to the constant circulation rather than maintaining musty air in your home. While filtering out dust and pollutants, heat pumps can reduce humidity. Additionally, heat pumps do not release harmful fumes such as carbon monoxide into the air.

California is taking action to help fight climate change and reduce harmful greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere. The Inflation Reduction Act funds the development of renewable energy sources, such as heat pumps for homes. If you are looking to install or replace your heating system in Los Angeles or surrounding areas, give one of Brody Pennell’s technicians a call! We can help make the process a breeze and get you on track to reduce your carbon footprint in 2023.

Home For The Holidays Checklist

Written by Brody Pennell on December 16, 2022. Posted in Helpful Hints, Home Comfort.

The winter season brings a variety of holidays and festivities, and it is important your home is prepared! Many holiday to-do lists include making desserts, cleaning, and decorating. While all of these tasks are important for your family gathering, having a warm and comfortable home could be the most important! Be sure to include preparing your heating system on your holidays checklist, so your guests are cozy while celebrating. In this blog, we will list tips on how to prepare your home and heating unit for the winter season!

All I Want For Christmas Is… A Working Heating Unit!

Picture this: It is your favorite winter holiday, and you are spending it at home with your family. In the middle of the festivities, you notice your home has become chillier than normal. When you go to investigate, you realize your vents are blowing cold air. This is the last thing you should be dealing with on your favorite holiday!

Ensuring your heating unit is prepared for winter is important to avoid situations like this. Below we have provided six simple tasks to make sure your comfort remains this holiday season.

Be Aware Of Tree Fire Safety
Clean Air Vents
Check Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors
Examine Heating Unit
Replace All Air Filters
Schedule Heating Maintenance

Be Aware Of Tree Fire Safety

If you celebrate Christmas, it is important to be aware of the fire hazard Christmas trees can cause. Below are a few fire safety tips when it comes to Christmas trees.

Be sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source such as fire places.
If you have a live tree, water it daily. Dry Christmas trees are more likely to catch fire.
Turn off your Christmas tree lights when you are going to bed or leaving the house.
To avoid overloaded electrical circuits, limit three light strings to one extension cord or outlet.

Clean Air Vents

The next time you clean your home, make sure to add air vents to your list! Air vents can collect dust and debris and spread particles around your home. Not only does this decrease air quality, but make for a dirtier space as well. To clean your air vents, remove the vent covers and wipe each one down with a rag. Next, vacuum out the inside of your vents to remove built up dust and dirt. This will keep your home cleaner and allow your guests to breathe easier for the holidays!

Check Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors

We recommend testing your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors once a month, but especially before hosting a holiday gathering. Accidents can happen, and your safety is our top priority. Fuel burning appliances such as furnaces can emit carbon monoxide and be dangerous for your health. Additionally, ovens, stoves, and Christmas trees can be a fire hazard if ignored. To test both carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, press the “Test” button and replace batteries as necessary.

Examine Heating Unit

Depending on the type of heating unit your home utilizes, be sure it is clean, clear, and operating correctly. For furnaces, ensure the pilot light is on and a bright blue color. If the flame is a yellow/orange color, it could indicate a gas leak and harm your health. If your home uses a heat pump, be sure there is no debris lodged in the unit. Debris and trash can harm efficiency and lead to a breakdown!

Replace Air Filters

Whether you are hosting guests or simply enjoying the holiday season from home, it is important to maintain clean air filters. Your air filter can determine many aspects about your home and heating system, such as airflow, air quality, and efficiency. If your air filter is clogged, your heating unit struggles to push air through the filter pores. This can result in more energy usage or an uncomfortable breakdown. Additionally, a dirty filter allows more pollutants to pass through and reduces air quality. With flu season upon us, it is important to do everything you can to stay healthy for the holidays!

Schedule Heating Maintenance

The best way you can prepare your heating unit for the holidays is to schedule heating maintenance with Brody Pennell. Our expert technicians can take everything off your plate and ensure every component of your eating unit is working properly. We can identify underlying issues and repair it within no time, so your celebrations can go on!

Consider these six tips to ensure your home is comfortable and cozy before hosting your next holiday gathering. To schedule heating maintenance in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, give us a call. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

How To Save On Energy Bills This Thanksgiving

Written by Brody Pennell on November 11, 2022. Posted in Energy Efficiency.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many are preparing their homes and grocery lists for family gatherings. Turkey in the oven, mashed potatoes on the stove, and leftovers in the microwave make for full bellies and high energy bills. In this blog, we will discuss tips to saving on energy bills this Thanksgiving in Los Angeles!

Save Money This Thanksgiving!

While Thanksgiving can look different for everyone, we all use the same universal ingredient – energy. Thanksgiving can cause your energy bill to skyrocket due to cooking nonstop and family in your home. While you start up the oven, turn on the burners, and begin cooking a delicious holiday meal, remember these 6 energy saving tips!

Lower Your Thermostat
Utilize Convection Oven Fans
Keep The Oven Closed
Cook Dishes Together
Prevent Extra Heat From Escaping
Use Your Microwave

Lower Your Thermostat

If you are in charge of hosting Thanksgiving or cooking multiple dishes, we recommend lowering your thermostat beforehand. Heat generating appliances, such as ovens, can add excess heat to your home and make the temperature uncomfortable. The turkey won’t be the only thing roasting in your home! Not only will your friends and family thank you for their comfort, but your piggy bank won’t be empty from energy costs.

Utilize Convection Oven Fans

If your home has a convection oven, use it! Convection ovens have a fan and exhaust system that helps cook items quickly and efficiently. This feature circulates hot air around the inside of the oven and reduces hot and cold spots to create more even cooking. When using your stovetop, utilize the exhaust fan to remove pollutants and keep quality air inside your home.

Keep The Oven Closed

When cooking something as important as the Thanksgiving turkey, it is normal to check on it often for perfection. However, continuously opening your oven door lets out heat and uses more energy. Even opening for a quick second can lose heat and cause your oven to work harder and reheat its set temperature. We recommend sticking to a timer and using oven lights to check on your turkey.

Cook Dishes Together

While this may be against your grandma’s cookbook, cooking dishes together can save on energy bills. This Thanksgiving tip requires more planning, because all dishes need to be cooked at the same temperature. We are just here to help save on your energy bills, so be sure to plan dishes together at the correct temperature before burning your pumpkin pie!

Prevent Extra Heat From Escaping

Similar to keeping your oven door closed, it is beneficial to keep other heat from escaping. For stovetop dishes, consider using lids on pots. Keeping a lid on your stove dishes can reduce cooking time and energy usage. When selecting bakeware, ceramic and glass dishes typically retain heat better than metal.

Use Your Microwave

Some dishes are better cooked in the oven, and some taste the same in the microwave. To save energy, use your microwave whenever possible. Microwaves use less energy and heat your food much faster!

Is Your Heating Unit Prepared For Thanksgiving?

If your home is hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, it is important to ensure you and your guest’s comfort. Heating maintenance can ensure your unit has no underlying issues that can result in an unpredictable breakdown. Feeding your family and friends is stressful enough, let us help keep your peace of mind with a reliable heating unit! One of our expert technicians can thoroughly inspect your heating unit, perform tasks to prevent problems from arising, and repair components as needed. Give us a call to schedule heating maintenance in Los Angeles before Thanksgiving is here!

May your turkey be plump and your energy bills stay low this Thanksgiving. Consider these 6 tips to keep your home a comfortable temperature and energy bills affordable. We are here to help keep your home cozy for all of life’s events, give us a call for heating repair in L.A.

Fall Maintenance Tips

Written by Brody Pennell on October 14, 2022. Posted in Heating, Helpful Hints.

The fall season brings many fun activities in Los Angeles, such as apple picking at Oak Glen or visiting one of the many pumpkin patches. While enjoying the break from the summer heat, many wonder when to transition from air conditioning to heating. Fall is the perfect time to prepare your heating system for cooler weather, so your home is warm until spring. In this blog, we will detail fall maintenance tips to help homeowners prepare their heating system for the winter season!

When To Turn On Your Heating System

Fall temperatures in Los Angeles typically mean cool nights and warm days, which can make it confusing when to transition from cooling to heating units. When to turn on your heating system is a personal preference, but it is recommended to do so when your indoor temperature is below 64 degrees. When your home becomes too cool for comfort, it is time to make the switch!

Steps To Prepare Your Heating System

To efficiently and effectively heat your home all winter, there are a few maintenance steps to follow. A heating system breakdown can be uncomfortable and costly, and we are here to help make sure it is avoided! Below are 5 fall maintenance tips to ensure your heating unit is ready for the season ahead.

Schedule Heating Maintenance
Replace Air Filters
Clean Around System
Winterize Your AC Unit
Ensure Vents Are Clean & Clear

Schedule Heating Maintenance

Your heating system should be serviced twice a year by a professional, ideally in the spring and fall seasons. This preventative service can help prepare your heating or cooling unit for the upcoming workload summer and winter bring. A Brody Pennell expert can thoroughly inspect your heating system this fall and repair any obstructions before it results in a bigger problem. Regular maintenance can help save money on utility bills and repairs!

Replace Air Filters

To ensure a healthy home and heating system, it is best to change your air filters every 3 months. The fall season can bring allergies for some and keeping a clean air filter is vital to indoor air quality. Clogged filter pores can make your unit work harder to provide air into your home, which uses more energy and drives up bills. If your heating system is a furnace, be sure to regularly change its filter as well. Before turning on your heating system, ensure your air filter is clean and ready to catch pollutants!

Clean Around System

No matter the heating unit your home utilizes, it should be cleaned before operating. If your heating unit is located outside, ensure debris such as sticks and leaves are cleared and not obstruct airflow. If your unit is located in your home, check for dust, boxes, or other things that could harm operation. Your Brody Pennell technician will clean your unit during a fall maintenance checkup. Cleaning around your system is a good monthly practice to ensure your heating unit maximizes efficiency!

Winterize Your AC Unit

There is more to transitioning from air conditioning to heating rather than switching a thermostat setting. To properly take care of your air conditioner, it should be prepared for the winter season, Below are steps to winterize your AC unit.

Turn off power.
Clean debris off the unit.
Add a protective cover.
Remove snow and ice throughout the winter.

Even though snow and ice is unlikely in Los Angeles, it is still a knowledgeable tip to carry with you. Your air conditioner is an important appliance in your home and should be properly taken care of, even throughout the winter.

Ensure Vents Are Clear & Clean

While performing fall cleaning, don’t forget to add your air vents to the list! Air vents can collect dust and debris and harm indoor air quality. Debris can be spread around your home and settle in your ductwork. Additionally, ensure furniture is not blocking your vents to prevent duct leaks and costly utility bills.

If you take care of your heating and cooling system, it will take care of you. Consider these fall maintenance tips as we transition from air conditioning to heating! To schedule your fall heating maintenance appointment, give us a call!

How To Extend The Life Of Your HVAC System

Written by Brody Pennell on September 9, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning, Helpful Hints.

Heating and air conditioning units are the most expensive appliances in your home, and they will run efficiently and without issue as long as you perform regular preventative maintenance. A maintenance visit from your Brody Pennell technician will keep your operating costs down and will ensure that optimal efficiency is achieved. If your system is under maintained, you can expect high energy bills, expensive repairs, and premature replacement. To ensure your HVAC system has a full life ahead of it, we have detailed tips and tricks to help extend its years of
heating and cooling your home.

Lengthen Your HVAC System’s Lifespan!

If you properly take care of your heating and cooling units, they will take care of you. Below are 5 ways to help extend the life of your HVAC system!

Schedule Regular Maintenance
Keep Clean Air Filters
Install A Smart/Programmable Thermostat
Maintain Outside Unit
Seal And Insulate Leaks

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure your unit lives a long life. Both units should be serviced once a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Maintenance allows your Brody Pennell technician to identify issues before they become bigger ones. If your unit is operating with a broken part or obstruction, it can cause more problems and reduce its lifespan. In addition, maintenance in the spring and fall lowers the chance of a breakdown in peak season.

Keep Clean Air Filters

Air filters can determine how well your unit functions and should be changed every three months. A clogged air filter can harm airflow, efficiency, air quality, overall comfort, and many more factors. If your unit is working harder to push air through the filter, it can decrease your unit’s life. We promise – an air filter is much cheaper than a new heating and cooling unit, so we recommend staying on top of changing your filters.

Install A Smart/Programmable Thermostat

Both thermostats can result in your HVAC system utilizing less energy. Less energy used saves money on utility bills and possible repair calls. An overworked unit is the cause for many breakdowns, which shortens your unit’s life. Both thermostats can adjust your home’s temperature during down times to give your HVAC system a much needed break.

Maintain Outside Unit

Your outdoor unit can collect debris from the weather and harm the unit’s performance. To efficiency, ensure your unit is free of debris such as grass clippings, tree branches, leaves, and other things weekly. Most debris is easy to remove, but some can enter your unit. Consider turning your system off and safely hosing down each component. To make sure this process is done correctly, allow your Brody Pennell technician to thoroughly clean your unit at your maintenance appointment.

Seal And Insulate Leaks

Air could be escaping your home and causing your HVAC system to work more than it should. Consider insulating your attic to help cut down on air exiting through the roof. Similarly, air can exit through cracks in windows and doors. To help with energy savings, caulk or weather strip air leaks.

We recommend doing anything you can to help your HVAC system function properly and not overwork itself. Your system will live a much longer life if proper care is given. The less breakdowns and repairs, the less wear and tear your system will endure. Consider these 5 ways to extend the life of your HVAC system and help save money in the long run!

Brody Pennell Upgrades HVAC Facility

Written by Brody Pennell on August 19, 2022. Posted in Awards and Accolades.

Heating and Air Conditioning Company, Brody Pennell, relocates to a larger facility.

Brody Pennell Heating and Air Conditioning, now in its 77th year of serving Los Angeles, has relocated operations to a new and expanded facility. On July 22nd, the well awarded contractor commenced operations in its new facility on Venice Blvd., signaling a new chapter in the company’s storied history.

“It’s really a special time in the history of our company,” said Lawrence Castillo, President of Brody Pennell. “The new building is a commitment to the people of Los Angeles, who have stayed with us for 77 years. The new facility has room for more growth, and our training center is much larger. This new space will allow us to provide faster response, better service, and to increase the size of our training classes. This move has been all about providing better service for our customers.”

Brody Pennell was recently voted the best Heating and Air Conditioning company in Los Angeles for the second year in a row by the readers of the L.A. Times. Along with its two-time L.A. Times recognition, Brody Pennell has been presented with the Carrier President’s Award for 14 years in a row.

Founded in 1945, Brody Pennell has been providing heating and air conditioning repair, maintenance, and installation services to Los Angeles residents for 77 years. “Many of our customers have a generational history with us,” says Castillo. “We regularly visit homes that we have been servicing for 50+ years. As well, we get phone calls from the children of long-time customers, who choose to use us because we were their parents’ choice. It’s unique to see a customer base dedicated to a local brand. We are honored, and we work very hard to make sure that those relationships are kept strong.”

Brody Pennell is the leading Heating and Air Conditioning company in Los Angeles, serving both Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Brody Pennell provides repair, maintenance, and new installation service for residential customers. Brody specializes in the new installation of energy efficient heating and air conditioning, air duct systems, and attic insulation. Since 1945, Brody Pennell has been providing five-star customer service to its Los Angeles clientele and has a rapid-response fleet that is available 24/7 for emergency service.

For more information, please email [email protected] or contact the office at (310) 810-2721.

To view the full press release, please see the link below.

Brody Pennell Press Release

Should I Turn Off My AC When I Am Not Home?

Written by Brody Pennell on August 5, 2022. Posted in Air Conditioning, Home Comfort.

We still have a few more months of air conditioning here in Los Angeles, which means your AC bill will continue to be a large part of your monthly bills. Many homeowners are looking for ways to cut down on costs and energy used, such as wondering if they should turn off their cooling system when not home. In this blog, we will answer and discuss the in’s and out’s of turning off your air conditioner in the summer.

Will I Save Money By Turning Off My AC?

Simply put – yes, you will save money if you turn your air conditioner off at any time. Turning off your AC unit means it will run less and use less energy, because it is not cooling your home. However, there are factors to consider before you turn off your air conditioner in the Los Angeles heat. Below are a few things to consider before jumping to shutting your AC system off during the day:

Furniture and Flooring
Indoor Animals or Plants
Comfort When You Return
Humidity Levels
Technology

You may be thinking why you should consider these factors or why they relate to shutting off your AC system. The remainder of this article will explain the potential risks your home faces when powering off your system.

Furniture and Flooring

Wood or metal furniture can be damaged if it reaches a high temperature. If your AC is turned off, humidity levels will rise and cause wood to expand and leave cracks in your furniture. Similarly, wood flooring and paper can warp.

Indoor Animals and Plants

Do you have an indoor animal that stays at home while you leave? Consider their health before exposing them to the high temperature your house would reach if air conditioning was turned off. We encourage homeowners to consult a veterinarian before altering your home’s temperature. Indoor plants are put at risk if the climate is too hot for them to survive. For both animals and plants, it is not the best idea for their health to turn off your air conditioner during the day.

Comfort When You Return

If you turn off your air conditioning for your whole house in 85-90 degree weather, it will take time to cool it back down to a comfortable temperature. Depending on the size of your home and your air conditioner, it could take three to five hours to cool your entire home. This means if you come home at 5, you will sacrifice your comfort until about the time you go to bed.

Humidity Levels

Along with cooling your home, your air conditioner removes humidity. If you choose to turn your air conditioner off during the day, humidity levels will rise in your home. Mold and mildew are likely to grow in places and can affect your home and your health.

Technology

Consider your electronics before shutting down your AC unit. Many delicate electronics can not sustain high levels of heat and can be damaged.

How To Save Money And Your Home

We urge homeowners to consider these factors before turning off your air conditioner when the daily temperatures are highest. Instead, consider turning your thermostat temperature up a few degrees during the day. We recommend staying below 80 degrees to ensure the health of your home and the factors inside.

Another way to save money while keeping your home’s temperature intact would be to invest in a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats adjust your home’s temperature due to previously programmed settings. Homeowners are able to change the temperature from a mobile device to ensure it is cool when they arrive home.

Consider turning your home temperature up and not off this summer. For any questions or air conditioning repair in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, give one of our expert technicians a call to help!

Technician possibly fixing why AC not blowing cold air

Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air?

Written by Brody Pennell on July 8, 2022. Posted in Cooling Tips.

Let us help solve why your air conditioner is blowing warm air!

In the Los Angeles heat, air conditioning is a must. An air conditioning breakdown is a nightmare in the summer due to comfort levels for you and your family. Like the saying goes, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. This rings true for air conditioning, because you never realize how much you rely on it until it breaks down or needs a repair in the summer. Your AC blowing warm air is just as uncomfortable as a broken air conditioner. If you notice your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, it could be due to a variety of factors. In this article, we will explain why your AC may not be blowing cold air and what to do to get you cool and comfortable once again!

While some reasons as to why your air conditioner is blowing cold air could be a simple fix, others require the help of an expert. When in doubt, we recommend always contacting a professional to ensure your safety and comfort. Below we have listed reasons as to why your AC is not blowing cold air and how to proceed.

Loss of Power

Your air conditioner uses a large amount of power to produce cool air. An air conditioner losing power can be due to an overloaded circut or whole home power loss. If your breaker trips or a fuse is blown, this could result in your air conditioner blowing warm air. Try safely resetting your breaker, but don’t go hunting for cut or loose wires.

Thermostat Issue

Once power loss has been checked, make sure your thermostat is properly working. First, ensure the thermostat settings have not been altered. Your thermostat should be set to “cool” or “auto” and read your desired temperature under the setting. If everything is properly set, try changing the batteries if it is battery operated. A communication issue between the thermostat and unit could be the problem, which requires professional help.

Blocked Compressor

If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, it could be due to your outdoor unit. Debris such as grass clippings, branches, and leaves can harm your air conditioner’s efficiency and air flow, which results in warm air. Make sure your unit is clear and able to breathe easy, so you can do the same!

Refrigerant Leak

The refrigerant plays an important role in your air conditioner’s ability to function and could be the cause of your AC blowing warm air. Your refrigerant is likely leaking, but your air conditioner will continue to run and blow warm air. Your air conditioner is likely overworking itself, which can result in further problems and a high utility bill. If this is the case, give us a call to find the leak and get your home comfortable again!

Dirty Air Filter

Your air filter can be an indicator of many problems you may be experiencing, and blowing warm air is one of them. A dirty or clogged air filter harms your unit’s ability to push air through. While struggling to maintain airflow, your unit is working harder and using more energy. Your unit can shut down from overworking itself, so be sure to keep a clean air filter!

Clogged Drain Line

Your air conditioner cools and decreases humidity throughout your house. The water it pulls from the humidity and moisture exits through a drain line. Debris such as dust and dirt can be carried off by the moisture, which causes a build up over time. Excess moisture also causes mold and mildew and adds to the build up. A clog can prevent your air conditioner from blowing cool air or blowing any air in general. Drain line clogs are likely deep and require professional help, but we are happy to help get your drain line unclogged and your air conditioner working in no time.

Here at Brody Pennell, we have seen just about anything. We are air conditioning experts and get the job done right in a timely manner. If your air conditioner is showing problems such as blowing warm air, give us a call. We will help you beat the heat and get you comfortable and cool in no time.

7 Air Conditioning Tips For Summer

Written by Brody Pennell on June 8, 2022. Posted in Cooling Tips.

The heat has hit here in Los Angeles, which means it is officially air conditioning season! Air conditioners have a longer season in L.A. due to fall months typically staying warm. This means your AC unit has many warm days ahead, and we want you and your system to be prepared. Consider these seven tips to help keep you cool this season and save money on your utility bills!

Schedule AC Tune Up

We recommend air conditioning tune ups to start in the spring time to ensure you are prepared for the heat. Your air conditioner constantly runs when it is hot outside, and your unit needs to be prepared for this change. Tune ups allow your Brody Pennell technician to make sure your unit is functioning properly. Regular maintenance in the spring and fall season can prevent breakdowns and other malfunctions, because your technician catches the problem early. If you have yet to schedule yours, it is not too late! Call us today.

Clear Area Around Unit

Debris such as grass clippings, branches, and leaves can clog your air conditioner. It is important to inspect your unit once a week to maintain strong airflow throughout your house and keep your unit running efficiently. Loose vegetation can interfere with the system’s ability to perform, causing it to work harder and potentially raise your energy bills.

Test Your Air Conditioning Unit

Before turning on your air conditioner for the long haul, we recommend letting the unit run in smaller increments to prepare for running consistently. This tip is recommended sooner rather than later, because there is nothing worse than turning on your AC unit in the L.A. heat and finding out there is a problem.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans have two settings: one for summer and winter. Be sure to set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise in the summertime, which causes air to be pushed down creating a cool breeze. Ceiling fans create the option for homeowners to set their thermostat a few degrees higher without feeling the temperature difference.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat adjusts the temperature setting at different times during the day. The adjustment is based on settings imputed into the system, which can also be done from a mobile device. These thermostats can raise the temperature when the home is vacant during the day and lower before anyone arrives back home. Research suggests that programmable thermostats can save roughly $180 a year!

Maintain Air Filters

Changing your air filters regularly is one of the most effective ways to keep you cool. Clean air filters improve air quality, air flow, overall comfort, and your system’s ability to function. A general rule of thumb is to change your air filters every 3 months or sooner depending on other factors such as indoor pets. Your Brody Pennell technician can help determine the best time frame to change your filter and the type of filter needed for your home.

Keep Your Windows And Doors Closed

Air can escape through the smallest openings, and it is important to ensure all windows are closed and latched and doors are shut while your air conditioner is running. Even if both windows and doors are shut, air can slip through. Caulking and weather stripping are cost effective solutions to resolve air escaping through holes.

We love the fresh air, but opening your windows while your air conditioning unit is running can harm your system and your air quality. As air escapes, your unit runs constantly to keep up with the temperature set on the thermostat. Your system can overwork itself and risk a breakdown or shorten its life by running consistently.

Give Us A Call!

We hope these 7 tips help you stay cool this summer and keep your air conditioner running smoothly. Here at Brody Pennell, we are here for you at all hours of the day. Give us a call at (310) 810-2721 for all your air conditioning needs this season!

Is it Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

Written by Brody Pennell on December 9, 2021. Posted in Water Heaters.

As a homeowner in Los Angeles, you have plenty of home maintenance items on your to-do list. A water heater is one of those appliances that’s out of sight… and too often, out of mind. The fact is, we depend on our water heaters for many daily household tasks. Hot water is a requirement for clean laundry and sanitizing dishes, not to mention cleaning our own bodies! No one wants a cold shower. You may wonder when the time is right to replace your water heater. We’ve got you covered with this blog!

How Long Should a Water Heater Last?

Every appliance has an approximate duration of useful life. Most water heaters last for about 10 years. If you’ve had your water heater regularly serviced, it can last much longer.

But age is just a number, right? Unfortunately, much like vehicles, any home appliance will start degrading in performance from the very first day you use it. So even if your water heater is 20 years old and still working, it’s likely that there are some invisible costs associated with running an older water heater, such as reduced energy efficiency.

Don’t know how old your unit is? You can find the date of manufacture on the equipment nameplate. Also on that label you’ll find the brand name and serial number, which can help identify further details about the equipment. Take a picture on your smartphone of the equipment nameplate – it’s not only helpful for your own reference, you can text it to us when scheduling service to help ensure we have all the right materials on hand.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacement

Besides the age of your water heater, there are some sure signs that it’s time to replace.

Rust in your water – Rust is a sign of corrosion – and that’s a problem that needs addressing immediately. If you’re seeing rust in the water coming from any of your faucets, it’s time for replacement. Call us ASAP for an estimate!
No hot water – Does it take forever for one of your faucets to produce hot water? That’s not normal! While there are several things we can do to troubleshoot, it’s possible that your tank is too small. In this case, reach out to a water heater installation professional like Brody Pennell for recommendations on how to proceed.
Cloudy water – If the hot water coming from your faucets is cloudy or milky looking, that could indicate sediment build-up. Sediment gets created when your water heater heats and reheats the water in the tank. Over time, sediment can grow thick on the floor of your tank, causing inefficiency and damage to your equipment.
Leaks – Water pooling around the floor of the tank is an indicator of a leak. Water leaks of any kind can damage your home, but because your water heater stores lots of water, take a water heater leak seriously. Although it’s possible the leak is coming from a loose fitting or connection, you should have a professional inspect your water heater storage tank ASAP for damage.
Rumbling noises – Water heaters operate quietly under normal conditions, so if yours is banging, rumbling, or otherwise loud, it’s time to take action.

Water Heater Replacement Professional in Los Angeles

Water is one of the most-used resources in Los Angeles homes. And most of the time – we need water to be hot! So if your water heater is giving you any problems – from noise to cold showers – call a water heater professional to have it inspected.

In Los Angeles, homeowners trust Brody Pennell for their water heater installations. We install high-quality Bradford White water heaters, both tankless and standard storage tank styles. Call our friendly team today for a no-obligation estimate on a new water heater for your home: (310) 810-2721.