RKM Heating and Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

What Factors Go into Air Conditioning Installation?

Monday, July 15th, 2019

air-conditioning-springThe first rule of air conditioning is that you need great air conditioning installation services. Air conditioning installation is the foundation of your system. If you don’t have a great air conditioning system in your home, you’re never going to get the caliber of cooling power that you need. If you want a perfect air conditioning system in your home, you need to focus on your sizing.

There’s a lot more that goes into your installation than figuring out the square footage of your home and finding an air conditioner that’s relatively compatible. You need a load calculation from a professional. Contact our team for air conditioning installation in Riverside, CA. We’ll make sure your experience is flawless.

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Does My Air Conditioner Need Maintenance?

Monday, July 1st, 2019
Technician performing air conditioning repair on an outdoor AC unit using diagnostic tools.

Does my air conditioner really need maintenance?

  • Yes. Professional AC maintenance should be done once a year, ideally before the cooling season starts.
  • It helps detect early signs of wear, improves energy efficiency, and prevents costly breakdowns.
  • Maintenance keeps your system running smoothly, reduces energy bills, and extends the lifespan of your unit.
  • Even if your AC seems fine, skipping tune-ups can lead to long-term issues, decreased performance, and potential warranty voids.

The calendar says its summer, but we’re still in that awkward stage of our weather here in Riverside. It’s common for us to have a couple scorching hot days punctuate our rather gloomy early summer weather, but we’re still not quite in that period where we need our AC unit every day. We know that you’ve probably turned on your air conditioner at least once so far in this season. If you’ve noticed literally any issues with your air conditioner in your home, it’s time for you to contact our technicians. Our team has extensive expertise in diagnosing and repairing a wide range of air conditioning units and AC systems, ensuring reliable cooling for all makes and models. Common issues can include a leak in the system, which can impact performance and efficiency, and timely repairs are crucial to keep your air conditioners running smoothly. Emergency ac repair services are available for urgent situations when immediate attention is needed. A refrigerant leak is a frequent problem that can cause pressure issues and reduce cooling efficiency; professional diagnosis and repair of refrigerant leaks are essential to prevent further damage and restore proper operation. If your system’s not cooling effectively, it’s a good idea to schedule spring AC maintenance early before peak demand. A refrigerant leak means there is less refrigerant for the compressor to compress, compromising cooling performance and making timely repairs even more critical.

We specialize in AC maintenance in Riverside, CA and we can help you fine tune your home. Our service technicians are trained to accurately diagnose issues and provide effective solutions. Professional air conditioner repair is essential for maintaining indoor comfort and preventing further problems. For long-term performance and peace of mind, consider the benefits of a year-round maintenance plan tailored to your system’s needs.

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The Purpose of Refrigerant in Your AC System

Monday, June 17th, 2019

air-conditioner-in-need-of-serviceIf you have an air conditioner in your home that you’ve ever had serviced, you’ve probably heard the word “refrigerant”, but do you know what it is? You might know what refrigerant is on a literal level, but it’s important to understand how refrigerant functions in your air conditioning system. If you understand the basics of your air conditioning system you’ll be able to avoid a lot of problems down the road.

The specific requirements of your refrigerant depend on the needs of your particular unit. If you want to make sure that your AC system is always treated with care make sure you contact our team for our air conditioning repair in Riverside, CA. Done Right, Priced Right.

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Why Do AC’s Break Down at the Worst Time?

Monday, June 3rd, 2019

ac-repairIt seems as though air conditioners are always breaking down at the worst possible times…what’s up with that?

Well, there’s a very logical explanation for it: Your air conditioner can take on a lot of damage and dirt over the months. Then, during the hottest time of the year—when the AC is being pushed to its limits—all that cumulative wear and tear will finally cause a serious problem to develop.

If you don’t want to become one of our air conditioning repair customers in Corona, CA this summer, we suggest having your AC checked before the season starts. All it takes is a quick maintenance check to prevent problems from things like:

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Easily Prevent These AC Issues With Maintenance

Monday, May 20th, 2019
Two technicians performing air conditioning repair on an outdoor AC unit, with tools and clipboard in use

Even though we’re an air conditioning repair company in Riverside, CA, it wouldn’t be in our conscience to simply let your air conditioner develop repair issues. That’s why, every year, we urge homeowners to have your systems tuned-up just after winter and before summer.

That’s the perfect time to have it inspected and prevent some of the worst AC issues. Some of them will be expensive to fix, while others can be hard to detect and might raise your cooling bill substantially until it’s fixed.

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Is It Possible to Cool the Home at Different Temperatures?

Monday, April 22nd, 2019

ac-too-coldThose with central air conditioning systems will inevitably ask themselves this question: How can I cool the rooms of my home at different temperatures?

For example, someone who spends a lot of time in their bedroom might complain they’re too cold. Meanwhile, everyone else in the home feels fine.

A natural response to this might be to close the air register in that room. Although it seems counter-intuitive, this is actually a bad practice—closing the air register increases pressure in the air ducts and can cause damage.

Instead, what you’re looking for is called “zone control.” This is an HVAC practice of sectioning the home into separate parts, thereby giving you the ability to control the temperature differently. There are a couple of ways that you can go about achieving zone control.

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Busting Myths About HVAC Maintenance

Monday, April 8th, 2019
tools

What common myths about AC maintenance should homeowners stop believing?

  • Myth: You only need to change air filters once a year.
    Truth: Change filters every 1–3 months, more often if you have pets, dust, or allergies, to maintain airflow, efficiency, and indoor air quality.
  • Myth: Annual maintenance isn’t necessary.
    Truth: Skipping regular tune‑ups can lead to inefficiency, costly breakdowns, shorter system life, and voided warranties. Annual/pre‑season service catches problems early.
  • Myth: Closing vents in unused rooms saves energy.
    Truth: Blocking airflow disrupts system balance, increases duct pressure, and can cause leaks or coil issues.
  • Myth: Cranking the thermostat heats or cools faster.
    Truth: HVAC systems run at a fixed rate, setting extreme temps only wastes energy and strains the equipment.
  • Myth: Duct tape is fine for sealing HVAC ducts.
    Truth: Use mastic or foil-backed HVAC tape instead. Duct tape degrades over time and allows leaks.

HVAC maintenance is one of the most controversial topics out there in the HVAC industry. Why? Mostly because those who own HVAC systems understand the idea of striving for efficiency: paying the least amount of money for the most amount of output from your system. Likewise, these same people might see maintenance as an unnecessary expense.

Of course, we have to disagree. If your goal is efficiency, maintenance is exactly the kind of thing that you need! We’ll explain why that is by breaking some of the common myths around maintenance.

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How to Find a Good HVAC Contractor

Monday, November 19th, 2018
Three AC service technicians in uniform standing in front of a vehicle lift at a garage.

The internet was supposed to make our lives easier, but it certainly doesn’t make it any easier to find a good HVAC contractor. Reviews, websites, social media, and other online resources just give you too many options.

RKM Heating and Air Conditioning is a family owned hvac company proudly serving the Riverside area. As your trusted partner for HVAC solutions, we offer a comprehensive range of AC services, including repair, maintenance, and installation. With a dedicated team of certified technicians, our experienced technicians are committed to ensuring customer satisfaction on every job.

Despite all of that, we think you can easily spot a good HVAC contractor by looking at some of their services. If they’re able to fulfill any of the following, then you should give them a try:

We provide prompt, professional service and also offer emergency repairs for urgent HVAC issues. Our free estimates include a free estimate as a no-cost, in-person quote for your HVAC needs. As a trusted provider of hvac service in riverside, we are dedicated to serving the Riverside area with reliable solutions for all your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. RKM Heating and Air Conditioning guarantees prompt emergency service for urgent HVAC issues, ensuring that your needs are met without delay.

How do I find a good HVAC contractor for AC service?

  • Look for proper licensing and insurance: ensure they’re accredited and covered to work in your area.
  • Check experience and HVAC reviews: opt for contractors with strong customer feedback and relevant service history.
  • Verify AC-specific certifications: such as EPA refrigerant handling or manufacturer‑level certifications.
  • Ask about services offered and pricing clarity: they should provide a written estimate, outline included tasks, and explain diagnostic fees.
  • Ensure strong customer service and warranties: confirm satisfaction guarantees, maintenance plan options, and clear communication.

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Should I Install My AC with Temperature Zoning?

Monday, October 22nd, 2018

zone-control-houseTemperature zoning can offer you unmatched flexibility and efficiency with your air conditioning and heating. We definitely think that installing it is a good idea. We won’t say “yes,” because it might not be the right decision for you. However, if this is the first air conditioner you’re installing, we believe that you should strongly consider whether you want temperature zoning installed. Regardless of if that’s a “yes” or “no” from you, knowing your options will prevent you from feeling any regret later on down the line.

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Why Does My Air Conditioner Need Refrigerant?

Monday, October 8th, 2018
hvac-technician-recharging-refrigerant

Now, don’t misinterpret that headline. We don’t mean to suggest that your air conditioner needs refrigerant like a car needs gasoline. However, that’s exactly how most homeowners assume it works! But this leaves them vulnerable to some shady practices from less than reputable HVAC contractors.

Don’t worry, though. We’ll clear up all the misconceptions and tell you everything you need to know about refrigerant. And if you’ve ever considered handling these issues yourself, it’s worth reviewing whether DIY AC repairs are actually safe or best left to the pros.

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