Top Tips From Diamond Certified HVAC Experts

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/HVAC%20experts.jpeg" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> From maintaining system efficiency and improving indoor air quality to understanding heat pump options and knowing when it’s time for repairs, these insights from Diamond Certified Expert Contributors will help you better understand your home’s HVAC system. Kevin Comerford of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/service-champions/" target="_self">Service Champions</a> Attic insulation plays a major role in keeping California homes energy efficient, especially in the Bay Area where temperatures swing between warm afternoons and cool nights. A properly insulated attic helps reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, which can significantly lower heating and cooling costs. But the amount of insulation matters just as much as having it at all. If the depth falls below recommended levels, your home will never reach its full energy efficiency potential. One of the simplest ways to check is with a tape measure. Simply measure the insulation depth across a few areas of the attic. If it reaches 13 to 14 inches, you’re in good shape. If not, adding more insulation can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and utility bills. Brian Waskow of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/hometown-heating-air-conditioning/" target="_self">Hometown Heating & Air Conditioning</a> Air filtration plays a critical role in HVAC performance and indoor air quality, especially in homes where systems run throughout the year. Many homeowners don’t realize how much filters affect energy use, dust levels and system longevity. The MERV rating helps simplify the decision, but it still requires some judgment. Lower-rated filters may allow too many particles through, which can reduce system efficiency and circulate more dust and allergens through the home. On the other hand, higher-rated filters (typically in the MERV 8 to MERV 16 range) capture more airborne contaminants and help protect HVAC components from buildup. Some homeowners use carbon filters, which use activated charcoal to reduce odors and trap finer particles. Tim Hassler of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/hassler-heating-air-conditioning-llc/" target="_self">Hassler Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.</a> Not all air filters perform the same, even when they look similar. Many homes still rely on basic fiberglass filters, which only capture the largest particles and do little for overall air quality. Upgrading to a higher-efficiency pleated filter, such as MERV 13, can dramatically improve what your HVAC system removes from the air you breathe. These filters capture much smaller particles, including fine dust, pollen, and other irritants that can affect comfort and health. However, filter performance also depends on maintenance. Even the best filter becomes ineffective if it’s not replaced on a regular schedule. Some homes may need changes every couple of months, while others can go longer depending on system usage and indoor conditions. Chris Donzelli of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/perfect-star-heating-cooling-electrical/" target="_self">Perfect Star Heating and Air Conditioning</a> Most homeowners don’t think about their HVAC systems until something goes wrong, but preventive maintenance plays a major role in avoiding expensive breakdowns. Like any mechanical system, heating and cooling equipment needs routine service to stay efficient and reliable. When a system goes too long without inspection, small issues like worn components or reduced airflow can turn into major repairs. Regular tune-ups help technicians catch problems early, improve system performance and extend equipment life. Even newer systems benefit from ongoing maintenance, since factory efficiency ratings assume ideal operating conditions that rarely exist in real homes. Al Morando of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/innovative-mechanical-inc/" target="_self">Innovative Mechanical, Inc.</a> Homeowners often assume all furnace filters function the same way, but filter efficiency varies widely and impacts indoor air quality. Lower-cost filters may only capture a small fraction of airborne particles, while higher-efficiency options can remove a much larger percentage of dust, pollen and other contaminants. This becomes especially important for people with allergies or respiratory sensitivities, where cleaner air makes a noticeable difference in comfort. However, you have to be careful when choosing higher-efficiency filters, since not every furnace can handle more airflow resistance. In some cases, using the wrong filter can strain the system and reduce performance. Rick Lazzarini of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/degree-hvac-inc/" target="_self">Degree HVAC, Inc.</a> Many homeowners overlook how important air circulation is to indoor comfort. When an HVAC system sits idle during mild weather, indoor air can become stale and stagnant, especially in tightly sealed homes. One simple solution is to use your system’s “fan only” setting to keep air moving without heating or cooling. Running the fan for short intervals helps distribute air and reduces pockets of stale air. Some homeowners automate this function using programmable thermostats, which make it easy to schedule regular circulation without manual adjustments. Cindy Faulkner of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/valley-heating-cooling-electrical-and-solar/" target="_self">Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar</a> Upgrading a thermostat is one of the simplest ways to improve home energy efficiency, and many homeowners can handle the process themselves. The key is understanding compatibility before starting, since different HVAC systems require different thermostats. Once you have a compatible thermostat, the process involves shutting off power, documenting existing wiring and reconnecting wires to the new unit according to manufacturer instructions. After installation, test your heating and cooling to ensure everything works correctly before you program thermostat schedules. Daniel Sojkic of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/ais-heating-air-conditioning/" target="_self">AIS Heating & Air Conditioning</a> Air filter selection feels simple, but the MERV rating system reveals just how much performance varies. Lower MERV ratings allow more particles to pass through, while higher ratings capture smaller contaminants such as pollen, smoke and even bacteria. For most residential systems, filters in the MERV 9 to MERV 13 range offer a strong balance of filtration and airflow. Higher ratings may improve air cleanliness, but they can also restrict airflow if the HVAC system isn’t designed to handle them. On the other end of the spectrum, filters below MERV 5 generally don’t provide enough protection for modern homes. Ernie Ongaro of<a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/ongaro-sons/" target="_self"> Ongaro & Sons</a> Improving home efficiency doesn’t always require major system upgrades—small, consistent actions can make a big difference over time. Some homeowners focus on big-ticket improvements, but simple maintenance often delivers great results at a lower cost. Regular HVAC services and filter changes help systems run efficiently and reduce unnecessary energy use. Even basic water-saving upgrades like installing faucet aerators or low-flow showerheads can reduce daily consumption without sacrificing comfort. In many areas, local utilities or municipalities offer free water-saving devices, making it easier to start small. Ron Frediani of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/awc/" target="_self">AWC</a> Proper home ventilation depends on a few simple but often overlooked maintenance habits. One of the most important is consistent furnace filter changes, since a clogged filter restricts airflow and reduces HVAC efficiency. Homeowners should always follow the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule and check the filter regularly. Dryer vent maintenance is another critical but often ignored task. Poor airflow in a dryer vent reduces drying efficiency and can create a fire hazard, so it’s important to test airflow and clear blockages. Gil Medrano Jr. of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/all-weather-heating-air-conditioning-inc/" target="_self">All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.</a> HVAC systems require maintenance to perform efficiently, yet many homeowners treat them as if they can run indefinitely without service. But something as simple as a dirty air filter can create a chain reaction of problems, including reduced airflow, longer run times, higher energy bills and added strain on components. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of the system and lead to costly repairs. Homeowners should replace air filters at least every few months. Dust, pets or seasonal smoke may require more frequent changes, Raul Galvez of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/california-heating-and-cooling/" target="_self">California Heating and Cooling</a> Many homeowners take better care of their vehicles than their HVAC systems, even though both require regular maintenance. Just like a car needs oil changes and tune-ups, a heating and cooling system depends on routine care to maintain performance and control operating costs. A neglected HVAC system can become significantly more expensive to run, especially during peak heating or cooling seasons when energy demand is high. Even small issues like restricted airflow or dirty filters can increase utility bills and reduce home comfort. Chris Street of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/enviro-heating-air-conditioning-inc/" target="_self">Enviro Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.</a> Preventive HVAC maintenance plays a key role in keeping heating and cooling systems reliable, especially before seasonal demand increases. During a professional service visit, technicians evaluate several critical components to ensure safe and efficient operation. They check gas pressure to confirm proper combustion, inspect blower motors for signs of over-amping that may indicate wear and evaluate ductwork for leaks that can waste significant energy. Each of these steps helps identify small issues before they turn into larger system failures or expensive repairs. Richard Hiteshew of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/a-1-guaranteed-heating-air-inc/" target="_self">A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air, Inc.</a> As California moves toward long-term clean energy goals, homeowners should think carefully about the future cost of gas-powered appliances. While gas furnaces and water heaters may seem more affordable upfront, rising energy costs and regulatory changes are likely to increase long-term operating expenses. Electric heat pump systems offer a highly efficient alternative that continues to improve in performance and affordability. When paired with solar energy, these systems can significantly reduce or even eliminate heating and cooling costs over time. Ricardo Valderrama of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/bayhill-heat-air-inc/" target="_self">Bayhill Heat & Air, Inc.</a> Preparing an air conditioning system for summer starts with a few straightforward maintenance steps that can significantly improve performance and efficiency. Replacing a dirty air filter helps ensure proper airflow and supports healthier indoor air quality before the system is heavily used. Cleaning the outdoor condenser unit by removing leaves, dirt, and debris also helps the system operate more efficiently and prevents unnecessary strain. It’s also important to check internal components like the blower motor to confirm the system is running at full capacity. Mike Rebholtz of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/alternative-heating-air-conditioning-solutions-inc/" target="_self">Alternative Heating & Air Conditioning Solutions, Inc.</a> When replacing a furnace in an older home, you may also need to consider ductwork upgrades due to current energy efficiency requirements. Under Title 24 standards, duct systems must often undergo a HERS test to measure leakage, and many older systems exceed acceptable limits. When that happens, duct replacement becomes part of the overall project. Although this increases upfront costs, new ductwork can significantly improve indoor air quality, reduce energy loss and increase overall HVAC efficiency. Joey Mangano of <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/air-care-heating-cooling-inc/" target="_self">Air Care Heating & Cooling, Inc.</a> Annual maintenance remains one of the most important but underutilized steps in HVAC system care. A professional inspection typically includes a detailed evaluation of key components such as the furnace heat exchanger, air conditioning coils, refrigerant levels and ductwork airflow. Each of these areas plays a critical role in system performance and safety, and small issues can develop into larger problems if left unaddressed. For example, a compromised heat exchanger can create carbon monoxide risks that may not immediately trigger alarms, making routine inspection especially important. Regular maintenance also improves efficiency, extends equipment lifespan and helps prevent unexpected system failures during extreme weather conditions.