Elite Climate Control

If you’re searching for an affordable, reliable way to heat your home in Apple Valley, it helps to understand how different fuel types compare. Below is a breakdown of the most common heating options and how they differ in cost, efficiency, and practicality. Natural Gas Furnace Natural gas remains one of the most widely used heating fuels in modern HVAC systems. It is abundant, typically inexpensive, and often the lowest-cost option on the market. Although pricing can fluctuate depending on supply and distance from distribution points, natural gas generally provides better value than most alternatives. However, natural gas does have limitations. Your property must have access to natural gas infrastructure, which covers most of San Bernardino County but may not extend to remote areas. The gas itself is unpurified, meaning it can produce minor soot and fumes inside the system. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep the furnace operating efficiently. Furnace efficiency pla...

As temperatures drop in Apple Valley and Victorville, it’s important to watch for early signs that your HVAC system isn’t heating properly. Identifying problems early can prevent costly breakdowns and safety hazards. Below are the most common warning signs to look for. 1. Flame Color Problems Homeowners with gas furnaces should periodically check the burner flame. The flame should always appear bright, steady, and blue. This indicates clean, efficient combustion. If the flame shows yellow or orange edges, contaminants are entering the combustion chamber and the furnace may need cleaning or service. If the flame is mostly yellow, this can indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide issue. Contact Elite Climate Control immediately if you notice this. 2. Furnace Starts, Then Quickly Stops If your furnace turns on but shuts off almost immediately, several issues may be responsible: Faulty or dirty sensors that mistakenly detect unsafe conditions Ignition or pilot light problems Clogged or unmaint...

Winter temperatures in the High Desert can create the perfect conditions for a heat pump to ice over. When outdoor humidity rises above 70% and temperatures drop below 40°F, frost can begin forming on the heat pump. Because heat pumps sit outside and are constantly exposed to the elements, a thin layer of frost is normal—but heavy ice buildup is not. Once a thick sheet of ice covers the outdoor coils, heat transfer is disrupted. This prevents the refrigerant from absorbing heat from the air, leading to poor performance, reduced airflow, and eventually a complete system failure if not corrected. Why Heat Pumps Normally Defrost Modern HVAC systems are designed to remove frost through an automatic defrost cycle. When sensors detect excess ice on the coils, the heat pump temporarily reverses operation—switching from heating to cooling mode. This allows hot refrigerant to flow through the outdoor coils, melting the ice and restoring normal heating. A typical defrost cycle lasts anywhere fro...

While central air conditioning has been widely available for decades, many High Desert homes still rely on outdated cooling solutions such as window units or portable air conditioners. At Elite Climate Control, we encourage homeowners to consider upgrading to a modern central air system. Although the upfront investment may seem significant, the long-term benefits make the upgrade well worth it. Below are the key reasons why central air is a superior choice for homes in Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, and the surrounding High Desert communities. 1. Whole-Home Cooling Window units cool only the immediate space around them. During summer heatwaves, this often leaves large portions of your home uncomfortably warm. Central air conditioning distributes cool air evenly throughout the entire house via a duct system, providing: Consistent temperatures across all rooms Improved airflow and circulation Better comfort for homes larger than 900 square feet For any medium-to-large hom...