Appliance, AC & Furnace Repair Tips

An old thermostat

You’ve settled in for the evening, but something feels off. You’re outside the Goldilocks zone — too hot or cold.

You adjust the thermostat, but the temperature won’t budge. What gives?

Your thermostat might be trying to tell you something. In this blog, we’ll explore the common signs your thermostat needs TLC.

An air conditioner leaking refrigerant
Some water condensation is typical for air conditioners, especially on hot and humid days when they work overtime. This moisture usually collects in a drip pan or is expelled through a condensate drain line. But if you see an unusual amount of water, or if the water pools in places where it shouldn’t, you may have an air conditioner leak...
A technician checks an air conditioner

Bigger is better when it comes to air conditioning, right?

No, not at all.

Correct sizing is crucial for efficient operation — too large, and your AC will constantly cycle on and off, wasting energy. Too small and will run non-stop without ever effectively cooling your home.

A young woman suffering from allergies.

According to the EPA, “indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.”

So, what can you do about it? Probably more than you realize. Here are some easy ways to improve indoor air quality in your home — starting today.

Checking the air flow from a duct
Looking to save a little scratch this winter? Or this summer in toasty Los Angeles? Have you thought about the air ducts? Yes — the air ducts, those hidden heroes of your HVAC system. Sealing your air ducts can improve energy efficiency by as much as 20 percent, according to the US government’s Energy Star program. Leaky ducts contribute to...
Woman protecting her ears from noise

We’re used to noises in the kitchen.

The whoosh of the dishwasher. The whistle of the teapot. The buzz of the timer. The noshing of the midnight snacker.

A little noise from the refrigerator is normal and healthy, but when it starts to bang, bump, and grind, you’ve got a problem on your hands.

Couple reviewing a furnace manual

Have you ever found yourself in the maze of furnace efficiency ratings and wondered what those numbers mean? Should you even care?

Understanding furnace efficiency ratings helps you save hard-earned cash on energy bills. It also keeps Mama Earth happier!

Changing a filter for furnace efficiency
An efficient furnace does more than keep your toes toasty in winter. It helps you save on energy bills and is a big thumbs-up for the planet. So, by prioritizing furnace efficiency, you’re doing a solid for your wallet and Mother Earth. A well-tuned furnace can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. If you spend $200 monthly on heating,...
Installing a furnace
So you’ve decided to install a new furnace in your home. Good move! Now, let’s dive into what that means. A furnace installation entails careful considerations like the size of the unit, its energy efficiency, and strict adherence to safety measures. A properly installed furnace gives your home that lovely warm and fuzzy feeling (literally) and works efficiently and safely....
Changing a furnace filter

Are you paying high maintenance fees for your furnace?

With a bit of knowledge and elbow grease, you can do some of that maintenance on your own.

DIY furnace maintenance doesn’t replace professional inspections and repairs, but it can extend the life of your furnace, reduce the number of service calls to your home, and ultimately save you money.

Man plugging his ears

If you’re reading this, chances are, you’re dealing with a furnace that sounds like a truck about to drop its transmission.

The good news? The problem may not be as serious as it sounds. In fact, there may not be a problem at all.

Young woman shivering on the sofa

Cool air from the vents is a blessing in August. Not so much in January.

Do you have a serious problem on your hands? Maybe, and maybe not. We’ll offer the weasley answer of “it depends,” and review some of the reasons why your furnace might be blowing cold air. Rejoice — there could be a DIY fix!

Vacuuming an air vent
Hey there, DIY enthusiast! We’ve lined up a honey-do list for you, and vent cleaning is the numero uno chore this weekend. Are we excited, or what? We know you call in the pros now and then to scrub your ducts (if you don’t, you should), but between professional cleanings, you can keep areas near the vents spic and span...
Checking the furnace settings

Is your furnace acting like a moody teenager, flipping on and off on a whim?

This common issue is called short cycling, and there may be a simple fix for it. Then again, there may not be, in which case you’ll need to call in a professional.

Changing a furnace air filter

Maintaining your heating system may not seem glamorous, but neither is healthy eating. Everyone understands the benefits of a good diet and pays a price for ignoring the guidelines.

The price for ignoring furnace maintenance guidelines can be very steep, indeed. It goes well beyond decreased comfort and elevated energy bills. It can cost your home and possibly your life.

Furnace repair

Faulty heaters are more than a nuisance. They can pose a fire hazard, and gas furnaces can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Call a professional technician if you notice any of the following problems: A furnace that won’t heat to the set temperature. Unusual odors, especially burning smells. Leaking tubes. Shorts in electric heating […]

A front-loading washer

Is there anything worse than a washing machine that won’t work when your entire wardrobe is in the hamper?

Yes, but it’s still frustrating to someone forced to wear the same smelly socks three days in a row.

Don’t sit there and stew. Take action!

2021 Best of Awards

West Coast Chief Repair is proud to have earned two prestigious quality-of-service awards for 2021: 2021 Angi Super Service Best of Home Advisor These honors are given to service businesses offering consistent, high-quality work with few or no customer complaints. West Coast Chief specializes in appliance and HVAC installation and repair, and operates mostly in […]

A washer filling up

Like most people in 21st-century America, you probably take your washing machine for granted. You never really appreciate it until it goes kaputt. When a washing machine dies, your daily routine descends into chaos. The dirty laundry piles up fast, especially in a home with kids and pets, and soon, you run out of things […]

Ice buildup in the freezer
Your freezer holds the staples and goodies you’ve come to depend on, from quick meals to tasty treats to ice cubes for refreshing drinks. So when something goes wrong with your freezer, it can significantly impact your household’s ability to function. Not to mention your mood. Most people will experience at some point one or more of the common freezer...
Installing ductwork
A National Institute of Standards and Technology survey concluded that even if customers purchase the most energy-efficient heat pump, air conditioner, and furnace, they’ll go to waste with a subpar installation. The takeaway? Don’t purchase the very best HVAC equipment and have it installed on the cheap. The installer is as critical as the equipment you buy. Improper installation can...
Air conditioner clogged by leaves

Don’t Delay; Check Your AC Today The last thing you want is for your air conditioner to break down when you need it most. Unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence. Most people wait until their AC goes on the blink before they think about maintaining it. But by then, it’s too late, and they’re stuck in […]

A washer in a laundry room

There are three ways to buy your appliances: new, refurbished, or second-hand (used). Refurbished appliances have been returned to the manufacturer or retailer, repaired, and put back on the market. Buying a used appliance is self-explanatory; you’re buying a machine that has already been owned and used by someone else. Maybe the prior owner maintained […]

Filling a glass of water from a water dispenser

Regular cleaning is the key to keeping your water dispenser free of dirt and mineral deposits. With a few simple tools and a little effort, you can clear any build-up from your refrigerator’s water dispenser and the lines leading to it.