Author: Brody Pennell

Prepare Your AC For Hibernation

Written by Brody Pennell on August 3, 2021. Posted in Air Conditioning.

Many of the appliances in your home work for you year-round. Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators operate 365 days a year. Your air conditioner is a little unique, because it only works for a few months of the year, then sits dormant for several months while no cooling is needed. In this article, we’ll talk about how to best prepare your AC for the winter months so that when it’s time for cooling again, your system is ready to go.

How to Prep Your Air Conditioner for Winter

Here in Los Angeles, the winter months are pretty mild. So, some of the advice you may find on the web are simply not applicable to Southern California. We don’t have to worry about protecting air conditioners from snow or sub-zero temperatures. For this reason, we don’t recommend that you cover your HVAC unit with a tarp or covering. It’s simply unnecessary, and will cause problems if you turn on your AC without remembering to remove the cover!

The best thing you can do for your air conditioner before the winter months is to give it a good cleaning. Cleaning your outdoor unit is a good preventive maintenance measure. Before starting, disconnect power to the AC unit. You can usually do this via your circuit breaker box. Then, use a broom to sweep off any twigs, leaves, debris, or anything else that may have collected on or around the AC. Use a hose to wash off dirt or dust which has accumulated.

Also, don’t forget about what’s inside! Make sure to change your filters at least quarterly, even during winter months. Replace filters more often if you have family members which are elderly or with allergies, or if you have pets. Another reason to replace filters frequently is due to wildfires or other air quality problems. A clean filter is not just good for healthy air, it also helps your AC move airflow more freely throughout the system. This improves energy efficiency and performance year-round.

Schedule Maintenance in the Spring for your AC

Homeowners should have a reputable HVAC contractor perform seasonal maintenance on all heating and cooling units in your home. We recommend maintenance just before you expect your system to turn back on for regular operation.That means you should schedule heater maintenance in the fall, and air conditioner maintenance in the spring.

A licensed professional will inspect your complete home comfort system, preparing it for the months ahead. During AC maintenance, our technicians complete a 26-point air conditioner checklist. Tuneups keep your AC running smoothly. And don’t forget, regular maintenance is required to maintain your equipment warranty.

In our 75+ years of experience serving the Los Angeles market, we’ve found that many homeowners don’t have time to remember to schedule maintenance. That’s why we started the Brody Comfort Club – a convenient, time-saving preventative maintenance program. Members get automatic scheduling of tune ups, priority service, and professional service from our award-winning team. It’s the easiest way to make certain all your HVAC needs are covered.

Here For You. Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

We’ve been serving this area since 1945. There is no other HVAC contractor in Los Angeles that can say that! We’ve stayed open for 75+ years for a reason: “old school” customer service, fully-trained technicians, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. If you have any questions at all about your HVAC system, don’t call anyone else but Brody Pennell!

How to Protect Your Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Season

Written by Brody Pennell on July 1, 2021. Posted in Indoor Air Quality.

A thick layer of smoke coating the Los Angeles skyline is a sure sign that wildfires are active. Longtime LA residents know that preparing for a wildfire can put your mind at ease and keep your family safe. When the outdoor air quality becomes very poor, local officials may advise residents to stay indoors. That might make you wonder: is the indoor air quality (IAQ) any better than the outside air quality during a wildfire?

In this blog, we’ll explain more about indoor air quality specifically as it relates to outdoor smoke and wildfires in California.

Is Indoor Air Any Better than Outdoor Air During a Wildfire?

The reason that officials advise homeowners to stay inside during a wildfire is because most homes in Los Angeles do not have any openings to the outdoors. That means the air inside your home is recirculating continuously.

If you have air conditioning, the fan inside your AC does all the work. The blower pulls indoor air across an air filter and a cooling coil before pushing that refreshingly cold air to your living spaces.

This recirculation process has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, your home is mostly sealed off from the outdoors. So during a wildfire, your indoor air quality can be better than outside. Here’s the downside: since the air is recirculating, any addition of pollutants to the air will stick around for a while.

So, indoors is definitely better than outdoors during a wildfire. But since you are relying on your home’s air to be clean and healthy to breathe, it’s important to protect – and even improve – your home’s indoor air quality.

What Can I Do to Improve IAQ During a Wildfire

Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do that will make a big difference during California’s wildfire season:

Check Door and Window Seals – Remember how we said your home is mostly sealed off from the outside? One way that smokey air can make its way into your home is through small cracks and openings. Door stripping and window sealing break down over time, creating holes that allow air inside. A quick trip to the home improvement store to seal air leaks can repair most of these issues. And perhaps it goes without saying: keeping windows and doors closed during a wildfire is paramount. Only open windows and doors if it’s absolutely necessary.
Upgrade and Replace Your Air Filter – We normally recommend replacing an air filter every 3-4 months, but if wildfires are rampant, replace them monthly. And don’t be fooled by the color of the air filter – replace air filters before they discolor. Upgrade to the highest efficiency filter your unit can accept, remembering that a filter which is too high of efficiency can cause performance issues for your air conditioner and furnace. If you’re not sure what type of filter is suitable for your HVAC system, call us!
In-Duct Air Purifiers are the Real Deal – During the COVID-19 pandemic, room air purifiers grew in popularity. If you own an air purifier, make sure you have it at the ready. But if you’re in the market for one, or if you’re looking to upgrade your air purification game, we strongly recommend a whole-home air purifier. We install these air purification devices inside the ductwork of your HVAC system. This way, as air recirculates through your system it passes through the air purifier – treating every molecule of air inside your home. The Carrier Infinity Air Purifier is the best solution to treat the air in your home and eliminate many pollutants from smoke, to pollen, even to the coronavirus.

One other recommendation: take care not to generate any new pollutants that dirty up your indoor air. Things like burning candles, spraying room scents, cooking greasy food, and even vacuuming introduce more particulate matter into the air.

Brody Pennell Can Help Prepare Your Home for Wildfire Season

The IAQ experts at Brody Pennell can offer solutions to improve the health of your home to prepare for the wildfires. We have been serving the LA area for over 75 years, so we know a thing or two about how wildfires impact indoor air quality. Families here trust us because we invest in training our team on the latest industry technology and best practices, which is why we have a sparkling reputation. If you’re ready to get started on your IAQ project, call us at (310) 896-4911.

Should I Leave Interior Doors Open Or Closed During Heating And Cooling?

Written by Brody Pennell on July 1, 2021. Posted in Energy Efficiency.

We may be biased, but we think that air conditioning is one of the best inventions of the modern era. It keeps you cool and comfortable, no matter how high the temperatures get during our Los Angeles summers. If you’re looking for ways to get the most out of your cooling system, those articulating partitions (AKA doors) throughout your home may pique your interest. So, should you leave doors open or closed when the air conditioning is running?

Keep Doors Open While HVAC is Running For Best Results

Here’s a basic principle of HVAC that’s helpful in answering this question: the air in your home is continuously recirculating through your HVAC system. Keeping the path of airflow completely open will ensure your unit operates at its best. Closing doorways will restrict the movement of airflow, limiting the path air can travel to the undercut of the door and between any joints. When doors are open, air can travel more freely throughout your home.

Here’s another way to think about it. Think about blowing up a balloon for a birthday party. You start by holding the balloon’s opening to your lips with your fingers. When the distance between your two fingers is wider, the air from your mouth will fill the balloon quickly and smoothly. The tighter you hold the balloon’s opening, it becomes more difficult to inflate the balloon if you’re blowing with the same force as before.

In general, keeping doors open will improve airflow through your house during air conditioning.

When To Keep Doors Shut During Air Conditioning

There are some cases where you should keep doors shut during air conditioning.

One scenario is a room that you do not want or need air conditioning in, such as a closet. Keeping these doors closed during air conditioning will limit the airflow to them. That can save you a small amount of money in energy bills, but keep in mind that sometimes you want cool air to circulate in these spaces. For one, air conditioning can help with humidity control. If the space you don’t need cooling in has a supply air vent, consider shutting off the vent which will help redirect airflow to other spaces. Do this with caution, as closing an air vent changes the balance of airflow in your system, and could cause other performance problems.

Another scenario where you should keep your doors shut while the air conditioner is operating is during sleeping hours. Keeping doors closed when you are asleep is an important fire safety precaution. According to Underwriters Laboratories, 50% of house fires happen between 11pm at 7am. A closed door can reduce fire growth, limit damage to your home, keep temperatures down, and most importantly, save your life in the event you become trapped. So, make sure you close before you doze.

Follow Us for More Tips

Enjoy home improvement tips? Follow our blog for the latest in industry news and timely tips for Los Angeles residents. You can also follow us on Facebook for exclusive access to our latest specials and promos, along with a laugh or two. And as always, if you need help with your air conditioning system, trust the experts at Brody Pennell who have been serving the area since 1945. Contact us anytime!

Editor’s note: this blog was originally published in May 2015 and has been updated for content and accuracy.

AC Repair FAQ – Why Does My AC Turn On and Off?

Written by Brody Pennell on June 28, 2021. Posted in Air Conditioning.

You’re sitting on the couch in a quiet room, then suddenly… you hear the telltale noise of your air conditioning starting up. You feel the fan blowing air out of the vents. Moments later, this stops as quickly as it started. Many of our customers here in Los Angeles wonder why their AC unit system turns on and off all day long. And, is that normal behavior?

What LA Homeowners Need To Know About How ACs Work

Your thermostat is the communication center for your air conditioning system. It monitors the temperature inside your home and tells the AC unit when it’s time to turn on and off to maintain the temperature settings you give it.

When the temperature inside your home rises over the temperature setpoint, the thermostat signals your air conditioner to make cold air. This helps bring down the indoor temperatures. Once the temperature sensor gets a reading below the setpoint, your AC unit will shut off after a job well done.

Changing the mode and setpoint of your thermostat will be the biggest determining factor for your unit turning on and off (we call this “cycling”). This is totally normal throughout typical operation. But there can be too much of a good thing – read on to know when cycling is abnormal for your AC.

When Does Cycling Become A Problem?

If you find your air conditioner is turning on and off quickly, there could be a bigger issue. As mentioned in the section above, it’s normal for your system to cycle.

If the contractor that installed your air conditioner sized the unit correctly, the only time it would not cycle during operation is during the hottest hours of one of the warmest days of the year. Every other day, your AC will only need to turn on and off at 5-10 minute intervals to maintain appropriate indoor temperatures.

When those cycling intervals are much shorter, this is a sign there is a definite problem with your system. We call this behavior short cycling, and it usually happens when the size of your air conditioner is too large for the space it’s cooling.

Bigger isn’t always better. Short cycling will almost always shorten the lifetime of the unit and its components. It can also potentially cause humidity problems. An oversized unit can cause as much discomfort as an undersized one, so it’s important you reach out to true professionals to help select the right piece of AC equipment for you.

Modern air conditioners offer a lot of options, like variable speed and staged equipment. These models can operate longer without turning off. This reduces cycling and helps to continuously dehumidify the air in your home.

Next Steps If Your AC Is Turning On and Off Frequently

AC equipment cycling is very normal. But if it’s bothering you, or you think you need someone to take a look at it, reach out to us.

The best thing you can do to prevent future issues is to schedule regular AC tune ups. We recommend a preventative maintenance agreement, where we will check for these types of problems on an annual basis.

If you have any concerns about your AC unit turning on and off, or short cycling, don’t hesitate to call us.

AC Repair FAQ – Why is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

Written by Brody Pennell on June 24, 2021. Posted in Air Conditioning, Helpful Hints.

As the weather heats up in Los Angeles, keeping cool is more important every day. That’s why it’s critical that your air conditioning system provides refreshing cold air directly to you. So when you’re expecting cold air, and the air doesn’t feel cool at all, it can spell trouble.

Stay Calm. We Can Figure This Out!

First things first: don’t panic. There are several reasons why you might be getting warm air out of your air conditioning unit. Some of these we can address before calling in a professional.

Your Thermostat Is Not Signaling for Cooling. Look at your thermostat and see if the space temperature is at or below the setpoint temperature. If so, the thermostat is not sending a signal for your air conditioner to cool (or in industry lingo, the air conditioner is “satisfied”). Try lowering the setpoint a degree or two. If the AC starts blowing cold air, you’re all set. And while you’re looking at the thermostat, confirm that your system is set to cool. It’s possible your unit somehow got set to Fan Only mode, or even worse, Heat. Your unit might have symbols instead of words for these settings. In this case, look for a snowflake to indicate cooling mode.
Is it Plugged In? (AKA The Unit Doesn’t Have Power). It’s possible sudden surges in electrical demand due to the California heat were met with your circuit breaker tripping. Locate your electrical panel and check for any flipped breakers. You can reset them if needed. If you keep having to reset breakers, it’s probably time to talk to an AC and/or electrical company to address the overall issue. In the short term, resetting the circuit breaker will get you up and running, but it’s important to call a professional right away.
No Air. Make sure all supply vents in your home are fully open and return grilles are unobstructed. That means no furniture directly in front of or on top of the openings for your AC system. When airflow is blocked, it can cause your system to not operate properly.

What Else Could Be Going On?

Even if you end up needing to call in the pros for AC repair, you might want to know what they’re going to be looking for. Unfortunately, there are a lot of different things that could be going on with your system. After all, that’s why you need specialists to diagnose and treat it.

If there is a refrigerant leak, even a small one, over time you will lose refrigerant. That will cause reduced system performance including a lack of cool air. Our technicians will check refrigerant pressures and temperatures to see if this is what’s going on. Resist the urge to ask for a refrigerant top off, because too much refrigerant can be just as problematic as too little.

Coils can freeze up for a variety of reasons, but the most common will be because of low airflow. When air moves too slowly across the coil, moisture in the air freezes on the coil and will eventually block airflow.

There are several components of your AC system that can fail over time and need replacing. Capacitors, blowers, motors, compressors, and more could have reached the end of their life and you would need a new one. Technicians will use various tools to check these components and let you know what you will need.

My AC Is Blowing Warm Air and I’m Ready For Some Help

Now that you’ve done your research and tried some of the easy fixes, it’s time to get some help to get your AC back up and running. You deserve some indoor comfort in Los Angeles and we will help you get there. Call Brody Pennell for AC repair 24/7! Our technicians are very experienced in troubleshooting issues with warm air coming out of vents when the AC is on. So if you want a resolution as quickly as possible, stop searching the web – call us now!

Hot Spots in Your House? Here’s How to Fix It.

Written by Brody Pennell on May 18, 2021. Posted in Air Conditioning, Cooling Tips.

Have you ever noticed there’s one space in your house that is warmer than the rest? Maybe it is one specific room that feels several degrees warmer than the rest of the house. You can drive yourself crazy trying to fix hot spots, from blackout curtains to ceiling fans. In this blog, we’re sharing why hotspots happen and what you can do to fix them.

What’s A Hot Spot?

Ideally, your air conditioning system is providing an even temperature to the entire home. But sometimes, there is one space that gives you trouble. A hot spot is a concentrated area inside your home where it feels warmer than it should. And most likely, that hot spot in the summer becomes a cold spot in the winter.

What Causes a Hot Spot?

There are many reasons why a space in your home may feel warmer than the rest. Some of the most common causes are:

Thermostat Problems – your air conditioner operates based on the temperature sensor inside your thermostat. So if your thermostat is on the fritz, or if the problem area is located far away from the thermostat, that could be why it’s causing trouble.
Ductwork and Balancing Problems – another problem could be with airflow. Maybe other spaces are getting too much airflow, or the hot spot isn’t getting enough. You might also have an air leak in the duct that needs sealing. Adequate airflow is critical to delivering cool comfort to the space.
More Heat in the Space – a common culprit of a hot spot is simply that one space has more heat than other spaces. Large windows, lots of electronics, or south-facing walls can all be reasons that space has more heat. If there is more heat in your problem space than in other spaces of your home, that can cause an imbalance.
Spreading the AC Too Thin – if a lot has changed in your home since your air conditioner was first installed, that too could be the cause for a hot spot. This is especially the case if you have finished out a space that previously didn’t have air conditioning, like an attic or a basement.

There are many other possibilities for why a hot spot exists, but no matter the reason there is good news. You don’t have to live with a hot spot! We can make adjustments to your home comfort system to ensure that EVERY space feels comfortable, even on the hottest days.

How To Fix a Hot Spot in My Home

Luckily, there are better and more permanent solutions than cranking a ceiling fan to high and darkening the room with blackout blinds.

The first course of action is to check all the air vents in your home. If there are some rooms that feel frigid while others are sweltering, try changing the vane position on your vents to allow for more airflow in the spaces that are warm. Our team can also check any balancing dampers that are located inside your ductwork to make sure the spaces are getting adequate airflow.

One option could be to add a temperature sensor to the problem area. Depending on the type of thermostat you have, additional temperature sensors can be used to give the air conditioning system a more accurate representation of the temperature throughout your home rather than one specific area.

Another solution is a ductless mini-split. A ductless mini-split provides a dedicated air conditioning to a single space. This is a fantastic solution for a hot spot, especially if you have recently done renovations where there is added square footage. Mini-splits are also an excellent choice for a room that are used intermittently, like an office or a guest bedroom. The person using the space is able to choose the temperature that makes them the most comfortable, and can turn off the A/C when they leave the room.

Finally, considering weatherizing your home. Weatherization can help not just with your indoor comfort, but also with saving on your energy bills.

Need Help With a Hot Spot? Call Brody Pennell!

Call Brody Pennell to diagnose and fix your hot spot issues for good! Our team can help you navigate all the solutions, from zoning to ductless, and recommend the best solution for your home. You can trust the team that has been serving Los Angeles since 1945. Whatever it is you need, we’re here for you! Call us at (310) 896-4911.

Cooling Tips For Your Los Angeles Home

Written by Brody Pennell on May 17, 2021. Posted in Air Conditioning, Cooling Tips.

It can be a constant battle to keep the temperature of your home at a cool and comfortable level while not breaking the bank to pay your electric bill. Many families are feeling the heat, literally and figuratively, during the warmer months. However, there are some cooling tips for your home that can help create a comfortable balance and be better on the environment. For the benefit of your budget, your comfort, and the environment, follow these summer cooling tips:

Cooling Tip 1 – Keep Blinds Closed

One of the simplest house cooling tips is to keep the blinds closed. Keeping shades and blinds closed during the day can keep several degrees of heat out of your home. In the morning, make sure the windows are covered on the east side of the house, and in the afternoon the west side of the house. In addition, you can take this a step further and buy shades that reflect and further block the sun’s heat out of your home.

Cooling Tip 2 – Give Your AC a Break

If the temperature drops enough in the evening and at night, open your windows to let the cooler air in. This can give your air conditioning unit a break during the night, yet still keep your house at a tolerable temperature. In the morning when it starts to warm up again, close your windows and consider turning on the air conditioning before it gets too hot and the unit has to overwork to catch up.

Cooling Tip 3 – Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance

It is essential to keep your air conditioning unit well maintained. Each summer before the weather gets warmer, schedule AC maintenance with a certified technician from Brody Pennell. This will help ensure it is running at its best and less likely to break down when you need it most. If your unit needs work, you can possibly do the work now to avoid a larger bill in the future when you really need your air conditioner functioning properly.

Cooling Tip 4 – Use Those Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to keep cool. In fact, you can keep your air conditioner setpoint up to 10 degrees higher than you’d normally set it and still feel comfortable if you have a ceiling fan operating overhead. Bonus: ceiling fans use much less energy to operate than your AC, making it the affordable and eco-friendly choice for comfort.

Cooling Tip 5 – Check Your Thermostat’s Settings

The months before summer are a great time to check your thermostat settings. Look for any schedules and see if you need to adjust timing or temperatures for the warmer months. Smart thermostats may have a wide range of advanced settings that can impact your comfort and energy use. If you need help checking your thermostat settings, don’t hesitate to call us.

Cooling Tip 6 – Check What’s Around Your Thermostat

While you are looking at your thermostat, take a peek around. Are there any heat-generating sources located within a few feet of the controller? Ovens, stoves, coffee makers, hair dryers, and even lamps can cause your air conditioner to run longer than it needs to. Move heat sources far away from your thermostat, or if you need to relocate your thermostat give us a call!

Cooling Tip 7 – Weatherize Your Home

Now is the time to check your home for anywhere cool air could leak out or the outside heat can get in. Caulking and weatherstripping doors and windows can be really helpful in retaining coolness inside. Adding insulation to attics and crawl spaces can also be a huge help. Replacing old, leaky windows can have a dramatic effect on your AC bill, too!

Cooling Tip 8 – Let Air Move Freely

Your air conditioner works by recirculating the air in your home. For the best performance, make sure air can easily move throughout your home. That means keeping doors and corridors open when possible. Homeowners should avoid placing any furniture or other items directly in front of a return air vent.

Cooling Tip 9 – Replace Your Air Filter

Right before summer is a good time to replace your air filter. In fact, we recommend replacing every 3 months at a minimum. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your filter, it’s time!

Cooling Tip 10 – Get a Quote for Replacement

If your air conditioner has been running for more than 8 years, it’s a good idea to get an estimate for an AC replacement. The possibility of summer breakdowns increases as your unit ages. And while we do everything we can to keep repairs affordable, sometimes the parts to fix a unit are downright expensive. Getting an estimate on a new system is free – which means no strings attached. You wouldn’t wait to shop for a new car until your current vehicle has reached its end, right? The same is true for an air conditioner – at least knowing what type of unit you’ll replace with can be helpful even if you decide not to replace your AC before summer. And don’t worry about having all the money saved up- we offer financing to make replacements affordable.

Call Brody Pennell for Cooling Help this Summer!

Use these tips to keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the warmer months, as well as keeping your electric bill within your budget. Whenever you need us, we’re here: yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Call us anytime!

AC Repair FAQ: Why Do I Need Refrigerant Top Offs?

Written by Brody Pennell on May 11, 2021. Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC Repair.

One question we hear from Los Angeles homeowners is about refrigerant charge-up, top off, or refill services.

There is really only one scenario where this question comes up, and it’s with a broken AC in need of repair. Many of our customers have had a faulty AC quickly solved by a technician “topping off” the refrigerant in the system. However, this quick fix is just a band-aid solution. Worse, we can guarantee that you’ll need another refrigerant top off service again in the future.

Why Does Refrigerant in AC Need A Top Off?

Your air conditioner contains refrigerant that recirculates through components to provide you with cool air. All air conditioning systems have an ideal quantity of refrigerant required to function as expected. You’ll encounter problems if you have too much or too little refrigerant in the system.

It’s important to remember that AC refrigerant is not a fuel nor is it akin to a battery charge. You will not need to fill up your refrigerant every year in order for it to operate.

AC refrigerant is more like the air inside of a tire. Tires don’t work well when they are low on air pressure, and over inflating tires can cause damage as well. You need just the right amount of air pressure. If there is a tiny leak, filling a tire up with plenty of air can give you just enough of a safety net to get to a repair shop. And once you’re there, the mechanic can either patch your tire or recommend a replacement.

Air conditioners, too, can get leaks. Leaks are a common side effect of system wear and tear. If the refrigerant in your system is low, it’s a sure sign of a leak.

HVAC professionals have many methods to locate the leak, but occasionally the leak could be in a location that’s difficult to reach or in a component that cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Topping off your refrigerant is a stopgap to get the system cooling again but beware – because without repairing the leak, your system is actively losing refrigerant.

Ultimately, it’s critical to deal with the root cause of the problem by sealing the leak or replacing the component. Otherwise, you will need a refrigerant top off again and again.

What’s So Bad About A Refrigerant Top Off?

You might be in conversations with an air conditioning professional that wants to repair your system, when you just want to pay for the refrigerant top off. Rest assured: repairing the leak is the way to go.

If you’re only topping off the refrigerant and not repairing the leak, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll need to call the technician back out again to charge up the system with more refrigerant. If the leak is microscopic, the refrigerant will leak slowly. Larger leaks, the chemical will dissipate quickly. Repairing the leak is the best way to protect your comfort – and your wallet.

Also, refrigerant fluctuates in pricing. This is particularly true if your AC was installed over 10 years ago and uses a specific refrigerant blend called R-22 (or better known as the brand name, Freon®). The federal government has discontinued the import and production of R-22, making it more scarce to find and thus, more expensive. That can make your regular refrigerant top off a pretty spendy repair. Read our Homeowner’s Guide to the Freon Phaseout for more information.

Call Brody Pennell to Solve Your Refrigerant Leak

Our team is adept at finding and sealing refrigerant leaks. We are up-to-date on the latest technologies available, which translates to fast and affordable AC leak repairs for Los Angeles homeowners. We also offer AC maintenance services which includes a check on your refrigerant charge. That means we can catch and repair any leaks before they cause real problems for your comfort. And in the case your system is beyond repair, we can provide a quote on an AC replacement. We’re here to help – contact us anytime.

What to Expect: Your New AC Install

Written by Brody Pennell on April 14, 2021. Posted in HVAC Installation.

Here at Brody Pennell, we do air conditioner installations and AC replacements pretty much every day. But we know that this process is new to you. In fact, most homeowners will replace an air conditioner just a few times in their lives! With that in mind, we’ve created this blog to help set expectations for your new AC install. You’ll learn how to prepare, what to expect day-of, and how to keep your AC running in top-notch condition after we leave.

How To Prepare Your Home For AC Installation

We encourage all homeowners to prepare ahead of time for their new air conditioner installation. With your help, we can ensure our visit goes fast and smoothly.

Clear Access to Outdoor Unit – We’ll need a clear and direct path to the location of your existing condenser unit and/or where the new unit will be installed. You can help us by unlocking gates, clearing away overgrown bushes, and moving any yard furniture or other items that would be in the pathway of our install team.
Check the Indoor Pathway – Do a quick visual scan of the pathway from where we’ll park our truck all the way to where we’ll install your new indoor unit. It will be an immense help if you can move any small furniture pieces or indoor plants ahead of time. If there are any items hanging on the wall that are especially fragile or require special care, relocate them for the time being.
Clear Clutter – Over the years we have noticed many of our customers love to store things near their air conditioners! You can save our team a lot of time by relocating your holiday decorations, vacuum cleaner, or any other clutter you have stored next to or nearby the equipment. We’ll need at least 6 feet of clearance on all sides of the equipment. This is the perfect excuse for some spring cleaning!
Arrange to Be Available on Install Day – We need an adult over 18 years of age onsite at your home to supervise the install.
Make a Plan for Your Pets – We’ll be making some loud noises, entering and exiting doors, and loading in some heavy equipment. For the safety of your animals, please secure them to a closed-off space in your home. Remember – we’ll be working outside, too, so your yard may not be the best option. You might treat your pets to a day at a local pet daycare!
Arrange for Childcare – For your family’s safety, children should remain far away from our working areas. If possible, plan for children to be out of the home for the duration of the install.

What To Expect the Day of Your New AC Installation

The day is here! Cool comfort is heading your way. Most air conditioner installations will take about 8 hours to complete. The length of the job varies depending on type of job (install in a new construction home or replacement of existing AC).

You will receive a text message and email reminder the evening before your appointment. The message will provide you with your arrival window. On the day of your air conditioner install, you’ll receive an email and a text when our technician is on the way. The message includes a GPS tracking link so that you know the exact location and estimated time of arrival. Now’s the time to secure your pets and make sure any other family members are safely away from the working area.

Our team will arrive on-time with your brand new air conditioner and everything required for installation. The lead installer will introduce themselves and inspect the paths leading to the equipment installation area. The team will lay drop cloths and floor coverings to protect your home. Every Brody Pennell technician will be wearing shoe covers inside your home to prevent tracking in any dirt or dust from outside. Then we’ll get straight to work!

Relax! A new, energy-efficient air conditioning system is just a few hours away.

As we wrap up for the day, our team will be sure to show you how to operate your thermostat with your new system. We’ll pick up all of our drop cloths and floor covers, and clean up any dust or debris produced from our installation work.

How To Take Care of Your New AC System

Congratulations! You have a brand new home appliance. Just like any other machine, the wear and tear begins from Day 1. The best way to take care of your new air conditioner is to schedule annual AC maintenance. Regular tune ups are required by air conditioner manufacturers to keep your warranty intact. We strongly recommend all homeowners join our Brody Comfort Club – which includes automatic scheduling of your 26-point air conditioning precision tuneup. Ask your installer for details on how to sign up!

From all of us here at Brody Pennell, welcome to the family! We look forward to serving you for many years to come. We’re Here For You: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

Signs You Will Notice When Your Furnace Is Not Working Properly

Written by Brody Pennell on January 4, 2021. Posted in Heating, HVAC Repair.

Call it intuition – or just being observant – but most Los Angeles homeowners know when there is a problem with their central heat. It’s like the furnace is trying to tell them that there is a problem. But besides that pit-of-your-stomach feeling, there are some sure signs that your furnace is just not working right.

Your System Isn’t Heating

Let’s tell it like it is, shall we? If your heater isn’t heating, that’s a sign that something is wrong. So if you wake up feeling chilly and you’re sure your thermostat has power, all signs point to a repair.

Similarly, if your furnace is cycling on and off frequently, it could be cause for concern. Many times this is a simple fix, but it definitely shouldn’t be ignored. Short cycling could be an indicator that your system is near the end of its life. If that’s the case, now is a good time to research a new heating system. It’s better to do that research while you still have some heat, than when you’re stuck in the cold and trying to make a quick decision.

Unusual Noises or Odors

It’s important to use all your senses when troubleshooting heaters. Besides how you feel (too hot, too cold, or juuuust right) you should also consider the sounds and smells. A furnace that is rattling or making other noises is a definite indicator that there is a problem. Another sure sign? If your carbon monoxide monitor is beeping away. Take any CO alert seriously: carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless, so it’s not always apparent there’s a problem.

Colors of the Flame

Another warning signal is the color and shape of the flame. If your heater is in good condition, the flame visible through the opening in your furnace should always be a pretty hue of blue. That’s indicative of a system that’s stable and burning clean.

An abnormal flame inside your furnace is one that appears to be yellow or orange. When a burner gets dirt built up in or around it, yellow to orange flickering flames will be present. But a dirty burner is not always the reason for an unstable or yellow flame; these can also be signs of a gas leak or other problem.

Don’t Wait to Call For Repair

Any of these problems – or a combination – could mean a major dollar sign in the future. And remember, broken furnaces don’t heal themselves. In fact, holding off on repair can make things worse and more costly in the long run. Call Brody Pennell for heater repair and we’ll resolve your problem quickly.

Many issues can be avoided by scheduling an annual furnace maintenance and keeping up with it year over year. The best way to stay on top of these things is with an HVAC maintenance agreement like our BPM club! It’s a simple and easy way to make sure your furnace stays in tip-top condition for the long run. Whether you need repair today or if you’d like to schedule a tuneup, we’re here for you. Contact us today!

stephanie C.

1714102943

Jose Rivera came to replace Thermostat on a newly installed system. He explained the whole process very well. It was an exceptional and spotless installment, would definitely recommend to family and friends. He deserves 5 stars, will have him working with us again.

Brian K.

1714095576

Great, friendly, knowledgeable, and professional service! Enrique, Danny and Nathan did an excellent job of duct cleaning our hvac system. They were polite, professional and very friendly.

Marcia W.

1714093751

Tony M and Jose were both here for our 6 month checkup and they were extremely thorough, explained everything, and very nice. Would highly recommend them.

Steve L.

1714085783

Tristen and Juancho were efficient and friendly and explained everything clearly.

Debra M.

1714085316

Excellent service by Juan Munoz, Daniel Picard, Brian Diaz, and Juan Sanchez. Very helpful in explaining the HVAC installation process and helping set up new thermostat. Extremely kind and helpful. I recommend Brody Pennel for any HVAC installation or repair.

S O

1714085187

Maria was pleasant and did an excellent job. Explained everything very clearly. Very happy with the service.

Eva B.

1714084317

JuanMolina serviced my ac and heating today He was very polite and helpful,

Tony G.

1714083874

Our regular semi-annual service was performed today and Rene, our technician, did a terrific job, showing care and attention to detail. He's very friendly and informative and made sure we had all our questions answered and were completely satisfied.

Shari M.

1714082673

Marco is the best!!!!

Liza U.

1714081448

Kevin and David E were great4/25/24 Juan C and Gio Q were awesome and helped in everyway. Thanks guys

S M

1714078921

Daniel B & Jose CWe're very polite and courteous and worked very proficiently and efficiently and were able to inform us of the exact problem which was great. I would not hesitate to call on these guys for HV assurance. Thanks Daniel & JoseOn 4/25/2024 Daniel B & Jason S provide our company with best care that we find truly impeccable and would recommend this company and these workers to any other establishment and wouldn't want anyone but the best and these guys are the best in our opinion.

beatles341

1714077166

Jose C. was a great technician to work with. Excellent customer support and service.Ivan D and Kevin L are great guys. They did the maintenance for my property around a month ago. 4/25/24

brett H.

1714076214

My technicians did a great Job ! Steven and Leo.H I would definitely use them again and recommend them.

peter B.

1714076196

Kevin L. and Ivan D. were great and outstanding technicians, efficient, thourough, and wonderful. Please send them back again.

Norman M.

1714074725

Armando and Richie completed a comprehensive inspection and cleaning of my HVAC system. They were thorough and professional, and courteous .I am pleased with their work. Thanks Brody-P.

gloria R.

1714070730

Juan Romo was amazing super knowledgeable and friendly!!!! Amazing service

Helen S.

1714006075

I’ve been with Brody Pennell for many years, and I’m very happy with their service. James Handy is particularly amazing, and I was very fortunate to have him on my most recent maintenance services. He gave me great advice and did a fantastic job.

Denise H.

1714001375

Steven was great!

Kathy N.

1714000925

Juan Romo checked my heater in great detail today and gave me a full report on its welfare. He has suggested the repair of the heat exchanger due to wear and tear . He also pointed out a problem with the circuit board and one small section. He was very thorough, and I understood exactly what he was saying. I commend him highly! Kathy Naylor

Josh E.

1713989240

Juan Molina: thorough, neat, informative & pleasant.

david C.

1713988327

anthony manzo and armando n . great job efficient

Margarita C.

1713984415

Excellent job by Rene Morales 10 stars.

Ana A.

1713981385

Amazing service, very nice attitude, Leo H, Ruben M and Ivan D have extraordinary customer service

David S.

1713979878

Had Jason come by to add surge protector and he did a great job, was professional and efficient.

phuong N.

1713978362

Jose Rivera did a super job. He even added tape to protect the insulation from the elements

Gigi M.

1713920881

Extremely helpful and knowledgeable!David and Juan were very helpful!

Pamela J.

1713918044

Anthony Manzo and Brett Turner gave me great service and excellent recommendations. They made sure I understood everything. Thanks!

Joe L.

1713901725

James H. and David E. Serviced our unit on a bi annual maintenance and did excellent job. I highly recommend this program and James and David to do the work.

Brett H.

1713901322

Kevin and Steven were great

Joshua G.

1713897697

4/23/24 - Daniel B. and Juan De Jesus came out to do maintenance on my system! They were great - on time, professional and knowledgeable!

Marie A.

1713897310

Spencer and Kyle were my technicians and they did a great job. They were thorough and friendly and explained what they were doing as they went along. Overall great experience, wish all service techs operated this way!Update: Ivan and Angel came to do our follow-up service call. Same experience. Friendly, fast, and efficient. I really appreciate the consistency of service with this company

Joseph H.

1713897054

Marco and Ashton are very courteous, friendly, and professional. They are very knowledgeable, and expertly performed their inspection on my heating and air conditioning system. Marco even went above and beyond, and installed a fix for my thermostat on the spot at no charge. I highly recommend Marco, Ashton and the Brody Pennell team!

Jennifer M.

1713896132

The "comfort club" is well worth the annual fee. Our system is checked and cleaned twice annually, and the staff have been superb.

Abeigel B.

1713834446

Outstanding in every way , technically, courtesecy, helpful. Perfect.

Diane S.

1713827710

Great service and Rene was helpful and professional!

Dr. Jack W.

1713824178

Daniel B is an exemplary employee of BP..Truly an excellent Tech whom we appreciated performing our system’s maintenance!!Thank you, Daniel !!

Preston M.

1713821826

After wasting money and time with another company, David M. And Brett T. came out and help me fully understand the issues with my AC unit and provide no nonsense pricing. Highly recommended.

Connie S.

1713815315

Leo H and Tristen were great and thorough

Roy B.

1713811085

Anthony ManzoDaniel Avila

Sandi M.

1713810372

A representative of Broudy Pernell came to my home to assess a new HVAC system & adding AC. It was very informative. He explained the benefits of switching from a furnace based system & to a heat pump system. With all this new information I am deliberating making the change.

Stephen C.

1713807095

Service was good. Responsive. Rene was able to demonstrate where the problem was at. Good listener.

Kelly F.

1713735345

Cesar was excellent and went the extra mile to complete our service as well as talk about future maintenance.

Brian J.

1713724611

Great Company Great service. Nathan C and Jose A were amazing installers and Spencer took great care of us as well. 5 Star Service!

William D.

1713644033

04/19/24 Rene and Brett once again came through and was fast and knowledgeable. Never using anyone else!Bret and Rene were great. Service was amazing and very helpful! Got a heater installed the next day.

Joy C.

1713579080

Great service

Tiffany G.

1713570083

Absolutely wonderful work! Highly recommend requesting: Jose Rivera, Pablo Pluma, and Omar Molina!!! Their expertise really came through the work they did on our AC and heating unit. They fixed issues with a prior installation and talked us through all the changes they were making. They were also polite and super clean. Cannot sing their praises enough!

Steve M.

1713569663

Jose, Pablo and Omar did a fantastic job on the reinstallation of our new HVAC system.

Lars S.

1713568412

James H of Brody Pennell provided professional servicing of my A/C and humidifier. I would recommend him highly.