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FAQ


All of your heating and air questions answered by the experts.

Indoor Air Quality

How important is humidity to my home?

Keeping your home at ideal humidity levels is critical to the health and comfort of your family. Whether from heating your home in the winter or it’s just a normal day here in SoCal, dry air can feel like a way of life. But extremely dry air can damage the woodwork and furniture you have in your home, zap the moisture from your skin, and contribute to health problems. Guidance from industry research has shown that humidity levels in homes should be between 35-50%. Adding this much-needed moisture will make your home a healthier and more comfortable place to spend your time. Contact us and we would be happy to discuss your solutions for dry air, such as a humidifier.


Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, can pose a serious threat in some instances. Too much, and it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Because gas furnaces produce CO, it is yet another reason to have your furnace inspected annually by Brody Pennell. And if you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, we highly recommend it. It is a wise safety investment. Brody Pennell offers a high-quality carbon monoxide detector that comes with a 5-year warranty.


I have friends and relatives that have installed ultraviolet (UV) lights on their furnace. What are they for and why do I need one?

UV is the abbreviation for ultraviolet. In heating and cooling systems, UV lights can be installed in the return air ductwork and by the indoor cooling coil. The ultraviolet air treatment system continuously emits high–intensity ultraviolet (UV) energy. The energy eliminates (kills) a very high percentage of airborne bacteria and germs passing over the UV light field inside the ductwork. The UV light mounted next to the indoor cooling coil will help eliminate the growth of mold, mildew and other contaminants from the drain pan and coil surface. If you are interested in UV lights, Brody Pennell can recommend an environmentally friendly, high-quality UV light system for your ductwork.


What’s that black stuff on my ceilings and vents?

Burning candles can be the culprit for the black on your walls and ceilings and polluting the air your family breathes. Keep wicks trimmed to no longer than 1/4th of an inch to help reduce soot from the candles. But if you have concerns, call us anytime and our team will come and take a look.

HVAC Troubleshooting and Service

After my air conditioner runs for a while, ice forms on the coil outside and it stops cooling. What could be the problem?

More than likely, it’s either low on refrigerant or low on airflow. As a homeowner, replace your filter and allow the unit to thaw out. If the problem reoccurs, call Brody Pennell to schedule AC repair. We recommend annual air conditioner maintenance to keep your systems in peak operating conditions. Ask your Brody Pennell representative about our energy saving maintenance agreement program.

Why is the upstairs of my house always hotter in summer and cooler in the winter when I only have one unit? What should I do?

Assuming the system is the correct size, one option is a zoning system. As another option, sometimes the addition of return air ductwork will help improve air movement and help make upper levels more comfortable. Our team can evaluate your system and provide our professional recommendation on the best solution for uneven temperatures.

During the winter the fan occasionally shuts off on my heat pump outside unit, then restarts with a big puff of smoke. What is wrong with it?

Nothing is wrong with your unit. What appears to be smoke is steam from the outdoor coil after it completes a defrost cycle. After extended run times, the outdoor unit will start to build frost or ice on the coil. A heat pump will go into a defrost mode when needed to clear the ice away and keep the efficiency level up.

My furnace and air conditioner are both new, do I really need to have it cleaned?

Yes!! Even though your system is new, it still needs to have annual maintenance performed. This will help keep the warranty in effect. Most all equipment manufacturers state in the terms of their warranty that annual maintenance must be performed by a qualified technician. Keeping your system maintained will give you the assurance that it is operating at peak efficiency and safety.

During the winter the fan occasionally shuts off on my heat pump outside unit, then restarts with a big puff of smoke. What is wrong with it?

Nothing is wrong with your unit. What appears to be smoke is steam from the outdoor coil after it completes a defrost cycle. After extended run times, the outdoor unit will start to build frost or ice on the coil. The system is designed to go in a defrost mode when needed to clear the ice away and keep the efficiency level up.

HVAC Equipment and Installation

How big of a furnace or air conditioner do I need for my home?

The only way to size a furnace or air conditioner for your home is to do a heat load calculation. The size (also known as capacity) required is based upon how quickly your home gains or loses heat, not by square footage alone. ACCA’s Manual J is an industry-approved method that Brody Pennell uses to ensure the proper system is selected for you.

What is SEER?

SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. Basically, it tells you how efficiently an air conditioner converts electricity to cooling comfort. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. By federal law, all new units must be a 14 SEER or higher. Brody Pennell recommends having a Comfort Consultant to come to your home and perform a heat load calculation to ensure the proper size unit is installed. This is a free service to our customers that may help you save money and increase your indoor comfort.

What is AFUE?

AFUE stands for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency”. This rating tells you how much of your heating dollars are converted to heat energy put into your home and how much is lost up the flue pipe. Older furnaces are 50% to 60% efficient. That means that for every dollar you spend for gas from your utility company, $.40 to $.50 cents is being sent up the flue pipe to the outdoors. Federal law mandates that all furnaces being produced today be at least 80% efficient. Brody Pennell offers several sizes of furnaces up to 96% efficient. That means that for every dollar you spend on gas from the utility company, $.96 is converted to heat your home and only $.04 is sent out the flue pipe. A Brody Pennell Comfort Consultant can visit your home, perform a heat load calculation and recommend the proper system to keep you comfortable and save you money. In many cases, homeowners have saved enough on their utility bills to more than cover the investment of a new comfort system.

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Why Choose Brody Pennell?


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By clicking “Send Message”, I am providing express written consent to receive autodialed and pre-recorded calls, texts, and SMS/MMS with marketing communications from Brody Pennell regarding home services at the phone number provided above, even if the number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition to purchase services or products.

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Anthony was a Pro!
Definitely recommend him!
Showed up on time and was very friendly!
Great costumer service!
10 stars!!!
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Kevin was fantastic! We have an old system and Kevin took the time to explain every piece of equipment in the HVAC. Appreciate the attention to detail and will be definitely using them in the future. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Both Justin’s that came to repair our unit were on time, very polite and explained what needed to be done in order for our unit to function. They took their time and were very thorough. Greatly appreciated. We are still deciding on the project .
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Hamachi’s Acosta and Allen Urquidez did a great job and now I have great air flow on “fan” function. I could not do it on my own.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Had a great experience with today with the team from Brody Pennel. Punctual, professional, and effective. Would definitely use them again!
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Ruben Medina was very professional and pleasant and did a great job analyzing the issue with my AC, and came back to finish the job although it was later in the day.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words about Juan! We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that he provided you with excellent service.
I was referred to Brody Pennell from a friend who has utilized them for decades. There is something so comforting about working with True experts that know how to install a machine and how to ensure that it runs properly for years to come. Had a great experience with installation and with Jason, who came to service our units.
Update:
We just had Justin and Allen service since inexplicably our power was out to the unit. They resolved it so quickly and are wonderful gentlemen! Grateful for a company with integrity and happy staff.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Very good service call. Very thorough!
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Leaving a quick perfect review because of the super kind man that talked to me on the phone at this place - he was leagues away more professional in his brief conversation with me than someone else from a different local AC company was that I spoke to yesterday. If that other place falls through this afternoon, I will immediately be contacting these guys back, because they clearly value mutual respect and human decency over that of at least one competitor out here in LA
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Daniel B. and David E. Both did such an amazing and mindful job diagnosing my AC unit. They took their time, and kept me informed each step of the way.I highly recommend both of these gentlemen.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We're thrilled to know you had a fantastic experience with us.
Fantastic service. Technicians Jose Castillo and Misael Ramirez were consummate professionals. Wouldn’t trust any other company to service my HVAC system.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Kevin was extremely polite and professional and explained everything he worked on and inspected and was very thorough in his work. We are very happy with his service and promptness.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Hands down the best HVAC service I’ve used. My home’s never felt more comfortable. Reason are very reasonable amazing service 😀
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Giovanny came on the same-day to look at our HVAC system. Very professional and solid experience !
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Jonathan came and not was able to quickly fix my HVAC but spent the time to teach me what went wrong. Very friendly and helpful!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Excellent and knowledgeable service
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Ivan Diaz was fantastic! Professional courteous and knowledgeable. He advised me of everything he would check for both of our house systems. After reviewing, cleaning condensers and changing filters. He also tactfully suggested a few recommendations which would be useful for our home. Mr. Diaz is a credit asset to your organization.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the fantastic review! We're happy to have served you well.
Great inspection/maintenance service today from Alex and Alberto. They were very thorough in both thier inspection and wonderful in explaining what they found and had a picture for everything. Very personable too. I believe you can't go wrong with Brody Pernnell
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
He explained so politely we were satisfied his maintenance and we hope he will come back for next maintenance.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Great experience. I was notified of an estimated arrival time so I could plan. When the tech came,he listened to my concerns and didnt try to diminish my concerns or upsell because im a woman. He took his time and triple checked everything. He didnt rush or try and sell me anything I didnt need which is everything. So I would recommend and will use again if need be.
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Great service.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Matthew was great! Subscribed so I"ll be seeing him again:)
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Great work from Juan and David, both were very professional. They explained things thoroughly showed me pictures of a rooftop unit, and we’re very detailed oriented. Will definitely use this company again.
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Jonathan from Brody Pennel was very professional and skilled. He kept me informed throughout the servicing of my AC unit and discussed what was needed to keep it running in optimal condition.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Giovanny was extremely professional and thorough. I felt like I received exceptional service from him and am continuing to work with Brody Pennell to replace my AC unit.
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Replacing my HVAC through Brody Pennel, I am very satisfied with my experience. From making an appointment to finishing the work, the process was systemized and thorough. Actual work was clean and timely. Thank you very much!
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
I've finally found an AC maintenance company I can trust! Octavio and Armando serviced my two ACs today, checked and rechecked everything, cleaned the system, identified problems and solutions, and were incredibly professional, thorough and clear in all their explanations! They also wore booties and were nice to my dog :)
I've tried three other companies and have never had the great level of inspection and service that I had today.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience with us, adrienne bell! We're grateful for your kind words and we're glad Octavio and Armando provided you with such exceptional service. We appreciate your trust in us!
Ivan was fantastic. He arrived on time, was very friendly and respectful of my home. He explained everything he was doing and answered all my questions. Everything was left in clean condition and my unit is running perfectly. I am 100% satisfied.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you're happy with our service.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Response from the owner:Your satisfaction is our reward. Thank you for the 5-star review!
Outstanding service! Juan R. Worked on 2 HVAC Units in our building. Professional, knowledgeable, thorough, respectful and explained everything. He is outstanding and provided exceptional service!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Jane! It was a pleasure assisting you and I'm glad I could help resolve the issue for you.
Jaime was very polite and informative. He did a thorough job. But I was not impressed with the heavy handed up sell. I just wanted my system tuned I didn’t want to buy new components. Also their marketing is gorilla style. 4 days after having service done they hit me up to service my system. I’m not a fan of Brody Pernell.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the high praise! We're glad you enjoyed our service.
Super impressed with their fast service and honest pricing . Got my AC running in no time . Great company 😃
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Second time that I get them. Christian Flores was the technician. He did a maintenance check and fix some issues I had. I bought the maintenance plan from them. I highly recommend
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with your HVAC needs, Alessandra! We appreciate your recommendation and are glad to hear that Shawn provided you with efficient service for both your A/C and heater.
Justin was very kind and helpful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you're happy with our service.
I was so impressed with the professionalism and workmanship done by Rosendo and his team from Brody Pennell. They got our entire HVAC replaced within 3 days. Ashton, the supervisor, was available by phone or in person every step of the way. I would whole-heartedly recommend Brody Pennell to anyone, and would use them again for any needs that might come up.
Response from the owner:Your 5-star review made our day! Thanks for choosing us.
Matthew was the best! 11/10 stars. Super helpful, knowledgeable and just a cool dude!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, Conner! It was a pleasure assisting you.
Anthony (service tech) was timely and efficient. He clearly explained the service for both units (including pictures), checked the ductwork and made recommendations to keep the system at peak level.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience, DeAnna! We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that Daniel provided you with efficient service and clear explanations. We are here to help with any future needs you may have.
The service rep was very thorough and explained what he was going to do. We were very pleased with his thoroughness to clear out some clogged areas to help with our breathing problems.
Rene Morales was the best. He slipped covers on his shoes as he stepped into the house.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.
Brody Pennell serviced my AC unit today and Rene was great as always. Always in great spirits and professional.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Airika! We appreciate your continued support.
HVAC installation was done quickly and professionally!! They were on time and a pleasure to have around my home!
Response from the owner:We appreciate your 5-star rating! It's wonderful to know we met your expectations.
Pascual, Frank and Nico were very professional and hard working! They completed my HVAC on time and did a really nice job! I highly recommend them!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Brody Pennell serviced our AC unit in our condo today and they were excellent. Their technician was prompt, considerate and well qualified. I definitely recommend their service.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your 5-star rating! It's wonderful to know we met your expectations.
Jose Rivera was helpful, polite and clearly explained what he was doing.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience with Jose! We're glad to hear that he was able to assist you with fixing the issue promptly and ensuring everything was working well for you.
Juan was very detailed oriented and took the time to explain things to me in a technical way that was easy to understand.
Response from the owner:We appreciate your feedback and the 5-star rating! It means a lot to us.
Today, Alberto M. from Brody Pennell came to provide annual maintenance to our HVAC system. His service was outstanding, he provided a super thorough explanation of all the work he did, and any potential recommendations for additional maintenance.

He took extensive photos that helped show the details of what was done and what might be needed down the line. I will definitely be calling Brody Pennell again for any HVAC maintenance or repair needs in the future.

Thanks again Alberto!
Response from the owner:We're delighted you had a great experience with us. Thanks for the 5-star review!
Very thorough and honest
Response from the owner:Thank you for the perfect rating! We're pleased to know you had a great experience.

Schedule Service

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By clicking “Send Message”, I am providing express written consent to receive autodialed and pre-recorded calls, texts, and SMS/MMS with marketing communications from Brody Pennell regarding home services at the phone number provided above, even if the number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition to purchase services or products.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.