Detox The Air In Your Home With APCO

The APCO (Advanced Photocatalytic Oxidation) system is an air purifier that utilizes both germicidal UV light and activated carbon cells to clean the air in your home. At Bill Howe, we are the San Diego air conditioning experts. Our technicians are highly skilled at installing APCO systems, which are placed directly in the ductwork of your central air system. APCO is a new approach that has significant advantages over the older, ozone-based systems.

If you have been let down in the past with air purifier systems in your home or business, we invite you to learn more about APCO. Many air purifiers installed in San Diego air conditioning systems previously utilized ozone for purification. Ozone, in most cases, is not recommended as a long-term air cleaner and it more frequently used as a temporary solution. The APCO system is a safe approach to reduce odors in the air – whether from chemical or organic sources – including mold, mildew and common germs. The titanium infused activated carbon cells inside APCO attract and hold the Volatile Organic Compounds while the UV light then transform them into harmless water vapor protecting your home and family from airborne biological contaminants such as bacteria, mold spores, viruses  as well as unpleasant odors and VOC’s. The HVAC industry has recently recognized the ultra-violet and carbon cell approach to air quality utilized in APCO products; APCO won the 2011 AHR Innovation Award for Indoor Air Quality.

Our team at Bill Howe Heating & Air recommends APCO systems because they are a safe, effective and cost-efficient approach to better breathing with purer air. Besides their safety and efficiency, APCO systems function with very little maintenance required. They utilize an HV lamp, which keeps the activated carbon cells clean. This means that with an APCO system installed as part of the air conditioning, San Diego residents can save money on the costs of having a professional regularly clean their air-purifying unit.

At Bill Howe, we regularly assist our customers with any and all San Diego air conditioning and air purification issues. After all, there are many benefits to indoor air purifiers. Whether your problem is large or small, we know air conditioning. San Diego residents have trusted our expertise for years, and you can too!

To schedule an appointment or receive an estimate regarding air purification or air conditioning, San Diego residents please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469).

Benefits To Indoor Air Cleaners

When it comes to air conditioning, San Diego residents can count on Bill Howe Heating & Air. We have the skills, knowledge and expertise to provide excellent service quickly and efficiently. It might not be well-known, but all air conditioning units use filtration systems to create a flow of clean air throughout the home. However, even if a homeowner keeps the air conditioning unit working efficiently and effectively through routine maintenance, there is still another way increase the purity of the air and enjoy its benefits.

Indoor air cleaners are the new system of choice for many homeowners in San Diego. Air conditioning units are meant to keep us cool, but they can also protect our health. Due to pollutants and contaminants in the atmosphere, it is important to have proper air filtration that complements the system already in use by the conventional air conditioning unit. By installing an electronic air cleaner, residents can expect approximately 98 percent of harmful contaminants such as pollutants and allergens to be removed from the air. One beneficial air purifying system, Advanced Photocatalytic Oxidation (APCO), utilizes germicidal UV light and activated carbon cells to purify the air inside of the home; it can be installed directly into the ductwork keeping your family protected. It comes as no surprise that in 2011, the APCO won the AHR Innovation Award for indoor air quality.

At Bill Howe, our San Diego air conditioning experts can also help in selecting the best electronic air filter to install in the home. A good air filter can keep drapes, carpets, and walls clean by removing pollen, lint, pet dander, and dirt from the air. The result is better air quality. Once our San Diego air conditioning experts help carefully select the perfect electronic air filter for the home, they will professionally install it quickly, allowing our customers to rest easy and begin breathing easy too! Bill Howe Heating & Air will also show customers how to use their new filter detailing all the ways in which it work to benefit them.

If you are looking to improve your current air conditioning, San Diego residents need to look no further than us. Our team of exceptional technicians can help in no time.

To schedule an appointment for services related to air conditioning, San Diego residents please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469) or visit our website at www.billhowe.com.

Top Air Conditioning FAQs

Why Does My San Diego Air Conditioning Run All Day in Hot Weather?

San Diego County residents, especially those that live in the inland areas such as Santee, La Mesa, El Cajon and Lakeside, know that the summer months can get really hot. Since air conditioning systems are designed for maximum efficiency, many will continuously run in order to keep a home cool. Most systems are set to meet air conditioning needs of about 90 degrees, at which point the system should turn on and off to cool the home. When temperatures go above 90, which they tend to do in many San Diego areas, the system continuously runs. We can help by replacing the coil and outside unit for optimal efficiency.

Does the Indoor Coil Need to be Replaced with a New San Diego Air Conditioning Unit?

In some cases, this is not mandatory. However, in order to obtain the rated efficiency according to Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings, it is best to have a matching set: the indoor evaporator coil and the outdoor air conditioning condensing unit or an indoor fan coil unit if you have a heat pump. By matching the two components, homeowners can ensure maximum efficiency allowing for more effective temperature regulation.

Do I Need to Purchase and Install a Large, Conventional AC Unit?

Not necessarily. At Bill Howe, we offer a package system that takes up very little space. These systems are all-encompassing and can be placed in small areas while still offering heating and cooling. They are compact and make a perfect fit for any San Diego air conditioning needs. These systems can often be installed on roofs or on the ground in convenient locations outside of the home because air conditioning San Diego homes does not require a lot of space. They are highly energy efficient and can offer up to 15 SEER of cooling and heating performance. The higher the SEER performance ratings, the more energy efficient the unit is. And, they are available with gas heating as well as heat pumps.

When it comes to air conditioning, San Diego residents can count on us. We have the knowledge, skill and expertise to help will all of your cooling needs.

To schedule an appointment with one of our experts in air conditioning, San Diego residents please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469) or visit our website at www.billhowe.com.

More Tips TO Save Water This Summer

At Bill Howe, we have been the number one plumber San Diego residents have selected for decades. As an expert San Diego plumber, we want our customers to know we hold their very best interests as our top priority. That is why we want to pass on our expert tips to help you save water in your home so you can rake in the savings.

1. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Use a water-efficient showerhead!

If you live in an older home in San Diego, plumber experts like us suggest replacing your existing shower heads with quality low-flow shower heads. The newer models of water-efficient shower heads can save you around 750 gallons of water each month if you take a daily 10-minute shower, doing the environment and your pocket book a world of good.

2. Check for toilet bowl leaks

To check for a leak in your toilet, you can put food coloring in the back tank of your toilet and don’t flush the toilet. If the color seeps into your toilet bowl, you might have a leak. Detecting a leak early and getting it stopped could save you up to 1,000 gallons of water each month.

3. Take care of leaks immediately

If you have a dripping showerhead or faucet, or if you detect a toilet bowl leak with the food coloring test, be sure to have the leak taken care of right away. Even a mild constant drip can waste gallons of water every week.

Because Bill Howe is a local plumber, San Diego customers can be sure we will do everything we can to help them keep their homes in peak condition. With more than 30 years of experience, no problem is too large or too small for us to handle.

To schedule an appointment or receive a free estimate from an exceptional plumber, San Diego residents please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469) or visit our website at www.billhowe.com.

The Importance of Earthquake Shutoff Valves

At Bill Howe, our plumbers in San Diego are often asked if all businesses and homes need an earthquake shutoff valve. The simple answer is yes.

Our skilled plumbers in San Diego know that a shutoff valve offers critical protection for your home or business. Even minor earthquake activity could potentially cause damage to gas lines and create an undeniable risk of explosions and fires. Even if the earthquake were minor, it’s always best to be on the safe side and have the proper safety features installed. For this reason, there are mandates to install a government-recommended, tremor-automated gas shutoff valve. So, the next time you call for a Bill Howe plumber in San Diego ask us about earthquake shut off valves, and we’ll have you speak with an plumbing expert and come out to your home for a free estimate.

Since the earthquake shutoff valve is automated by seismic tremors, it can cut off gas flow before homeowners even have time to react to the terror of an earthquake. And, since the shutoff effects are immediate, there is far less danger that the gas could continue to flow and reach damaged lines which could be dangerous and worst case scenario could set off an explosion. Our plumbers in San Diego know that seconds count in an earthquake and that is why they know the importance of a properly functioning earthquake shutoff valve.

Bill Howe maintains a large staff of technicians and plumbers in San Diego. You can be sure that our plumbers are certified to fit the valve according to plumbing code. Once we finish, you will know that your home or business is protected. As a major service and repair company, we are proud to be able to offer these protective valves to homeowners and business managers. We also offer installation of the water heater restraint system (aka earthquake straps) to make them less likely to topple during an earthquake. Earthquake straps are also required by law and our technician can inspect the existing straps to ensure they are also up to plumbing code.

To schedule an appointment or receive an estimate with an expert plumber in San Diego, please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469) or visit www.billhowe.com. Whether you need a plumbing estimate or more information regarding earthquake safety measures, we can help!

How Pressure Reducing Valves Can Save You Money

As most of us already know, reducing water consumption can save money and have a positive impact on the environment. If you’ve read our earlier blog, How Pressure Reducing Valves Can Save Water, you already know that one easy way to start saving money and reducing water consumption is by using a pressure reducing valve. However, water saving tipswe understand that learning about options for plumbing in San Diego can be challenging. Home owners may be interested in reducing their water consumption with a pressure reducing valve, but they don’t know how that valve works. Luckily, at Bill Howe we are dedicated to helping our customers understand how different types of plumbing works and how fixtures can result in major home improvements. After all, we are the leaders in plumbing in San Diego.

Pressure reducing valves help home and business owners save money, water and energy by reducing the amount of water being used and ultimately, wasted. According to the Watts Regulator Company, a faucet left running for ten minutes with a water pressure of 50 psi wastes 30 gallons of water; at 150 psi, it wastes 56 gallons of water. A pressure reducing valve decreases that incoming pressure from the water supply and sets a low, regulated water pressure for the entire home or building. The pressure reducing valve can help decrease water usage by one third. Factor in the cost to heat water at $0.04 a gallon, and you can expect a substantial saving each year, just on heated water. Imagine the amount you can save when you factor in additional energy reduction and waste-water bills. Did you also know that high, unregulated pressure is also a leading cause for leaks and fixture problems? By installing this money-saving device, you can have peace of mind that you won’t need to call us to repair your plumbing in San Diego as often!

So, when it comes to plumbing, San Diego residents look no further than Bill Howe. We have more than 30 years of experience and we know that for plumbing, San Diego residents want to turn to a trusted company who can offer quality service. At Bill Howe, we are the San Diego plumbing experts, and we can help.

To schedule an appointment or receive a free estimate regarding your plumbing, San Diego please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469) or visit us at www.billhowe.com.

Thermostat Roundup: The Nest, Ecobee & Honeywell

As we all know, in order to stay completely comfortable in your home or office during the summer, the indoor temperature must be set just right. Your thermostat serves as an indicator to adjust your indoor air temperature to your preferred setting and to ensure it remains there. Additionally, it is intended to act as a safeguard when it comes to your heating and cooling bills. If you are having difficulties cooling your indoor space or keeping it cool, there may be a problem with your thermostat. Especially if there is a spike in your energy bill, but the temperature of the room does not reflect a higher electric usage.

So, if you suspect there is a problem with your thermostat, one of our expert San Diego air conditioner technicians can come and inspect your system. We have the knowledge, skill and expertise to handle any thermostat issue. And, if it is determined that you are in need of a new thermostat, our San Diego air conditioner experts can help you choose the right one. From Nest to Ecobee to Honeywell, we have the perfect thermostat for you.

The Nest thermostat is perfect for just about any air conditioner. San Diego residents want to be able to not only heat and cool their homes properly, but save energy as well, which translates to lower heating and cooling bills. Here are some reasons why we love the Nest:

• The Nest thermostat is an intelligent system that works by getting to know its user. It will automatically program itself in just one week and create a personalized schedule just for you continuing to monitor patterns and make changes accordingly
• The system can sense when you’ve left and will adjust temperatures accordingly to not waste energy
• It’s sleek and simple design will fit into any home interior
• The system educates you on your usage so that you can make better energy decisions and know what impacts your energy bill the most. Also the “Nest Leaf” appears to let you know when you’ve set the thermostat to an energy efficient temperature
• Whether you want to heat things up or cool things down, adjusting the temperature won’t give you an immediate result. The Nest will tell you how long it will take to reach the temperature you want
• Using your home’s WiFi, the Nest can be controlled form your computer or smart phone

Learn more about the Nest on their website: http://www.nest.com/

Any San Diego air conditioner can benefit from an Ecobee thermostat. This thermostat has an easy-to-use touchscreen and homeowners can save an average of 26 percent on their energy consumption through its unique features. Here are some more reasons why we love Ecobee:

• Ecobee includes a remote feature that allows homeowners and business owners to control their thermostats via their smart phone through easy-to-use apps for iPhones, iPod Touches and Androids
• Ecobee Smart Thermostat changed the industry with the first Wi-Fi enabled thermostat in 2009, they’ve made it so easy to do this that more than 80 percent of their customers are remotely programming their thermostats
• Ecobee continues to improve their products and upgrade their software, all at no cost to their customers
• Great for residential or commercial properties, as well as vacation homes

Learn more about Ecobee at http://www.ecobee.com/

Honeywell is one of the most recognized names in the industry. There are several thermostats that can fit just about any home and preference for an air conditioner. San Diego residents can count on our experts to help them choose the right one. Check out the list of reasons why Honeywell is one of our recommended thermostats:

• Whether you want a programmable or a non-programmable, Honeywell has more options than any other company
• If a programmable thermostat sounds like it would fit your busy life (who wants to try to remember to adjust the temperature every time they leave the house?) your options don’t stop there. You have your choice of a 7-day, 5-2 day, 5-1-1 day or 1 week programmable thermostats.
• With Honeywell’s selection of WiFi compatible thermostats, the Total Connect Comfort Mobile App allows customers to monitor and control their HVAC system remotely (free apps and no monthly monitoring fees)
• Their touchscreen is not only in high-definition, but also has tri-lingual options (English, Spanish or French)

Find Honeywell’s wide selection of thermostats at http://yourhome.honeywell.com/home/products/thermostats/

If you have any questions about which thermostat is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.

To schedule an appointment with one of our qualified San Diego air conditioner technicians, please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469) or visit our website at www.billhowe.com.