Month: January 2023

Something no homeowner wants to deal with is a furnace breakdown, especially in the middle of winter. Furnaces generally operate without incident when correctly installed and maintained by a professional heating contractor. But when a problem occurs, you need to know the difference between a simple furnace repair and an emergency. Continue reading to learn more about real issues you can encounter to help you know when to reach out for help from the experienced team at Clay’s Climate Control! 

Electrical Issues

Do you notice flickering lights when your furnace turns on? It’s one of the most apparent indications something is wrong with your wiring. Electrical failures and malfunctions are incredibly dangerous and responsible for over 40,000 homes fires a year, resulting in thousands of injuries and billions of dollars in property damage. Avoid being another statistic and contact a professional immediately to diagnose the problem. 

Strange or Loud Noises

Different types of noises can point to various problems with your furnace: 

• Pops – Pinging or popping noises aren’t typically a cause for concern and happen when the ducts are expanding and contracting as the system heats and cools, known as thermal expansion. 

• Rattling – Rattling sounds are a sign of loose panels that could use a tightening. Routine furnace maintenance can eliminate this problem. 

• Squealing – Squealing noises are caused by belt problems. If the belt connecting your motor to the fan slips or becomes damaged and needs to be replaced, you will hear this telltale noise. 

• Grinding – Typically, grinding sounds warrant a call from a professional. It’s a sign your motor bearings need to be repaired or replaced. 

HVAC Is Turning On and Off Constantly 

Rapid cycling is caused by a few factors, usually old or dirty air filters. If you replace your air filters and still notice your furnace turning on and off again too quickly, you’ll want to reach out to a reliable HVAC company to eliminate any concerning issues with your blower motor or belts. 

Unpleasant Odors

Foul smells coming from your home should never be ignored, especially if you smell sulfur (a rotten egg smell). These unpleasant odors often indicate a gas leak which can be life-threatening. If you suspect a gas leak, leave home immediately. Don’t touch anything in your home that uses electricity. Get outside and somewhere safe and call for emergency service. You shouldn’t return to your home until the problem is fixed. 

Blowing Cold Air

Obviously, your furnace’s primary job is to heat your home, so when your heat suddenly turns off for no reason, it implies a problem. First, you should check your thermostat to see what the temperature is set at or if the batteries are dead. If that doesn’t fix the problem, check the air filters to see if they are clogged. You can also reset your circuit breaker. Ensure your furnace blower is unobstructed, and look for a visible flashing green light. If the light is red, or there isn’t one, the problem could be with the blower motor, the run capacitor, the furnace control board, or the transformer. Many of these instances can be avoided with regular furnace maintenance. 

The Best Heating Contractors in South Jersey

As southern Jersey braces for the coldest part of the winter, the last thing you want to worry about is a broken or malfunctioning furnace. At Clay’s, we understand a heating emergency can be stressful, and we’re here to help! If you suspect any of the above issues are happening with your heater, stop what you’re doing and contact our team today. We can help with furnace repairs, boiler repairs, heat pump repairs, and more to ensure you and your family are comfortable this season.

Furry friends bring many people across the country a significant amount of joy, but the pet hair and dander they produce are a different story. Constant shedding, rubbing, and petting creates an unlimited source of pet hair that can impact your home’s air quality and affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. When their fur and natural dander gets into the air, no amount of vacuuming can fully get it out. Regular HVAC maintenance is essential in keeping your system and air quality in good condition while your pet sheds hair and dander. Below our team shares practical tips to take care of your HVAC system, air quality, and furry friend all at once! 

Clean air conditioning filters often.

Your pet’s hair attaches to more items than your favorite sweater or pants. It floats through the air and into the nearest air vent. Inside the vent, it collects together with dust, dirt, and other debris to form one big hairy mess. When this happens, your HVAC system works harder to provide proper heating and cooling, increasing your monthly energy bill. Frequently changing your air filter at least once a month can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. 

Groom your pets frequently.

You can save yourself from frequent air conditioning filter changes by grooming and brushing your pet regularly. Brushing your furry companion picks up the hair instead of allowing it to float and circulate through the air. Your pets are more likely to shed during the summer than winter, so take your pup or cat outside, where you can easily clean and dispose of the pet hair. You should also bathe your pet often, which not only keeps them comfortable, but it also helps cut back on the dander and hair that your HVAC system sucks in.

Vacuum and clean your home regularly. 

Pet dander is a major irritant that can severely affect those who suffer from asthma or allergies. Regularly vacuuming and cleaning can help eliminate hair and dander, which will otherwise end up clogging your air filters. Cleaning and vacuuming twice a week can reduce the amount of fur and dander your filter has to handle each month. You can also contact an HVAC contractor who can perform an air duct cleaning service for a more professional cleaning. 

Invest in a programmable thermostat. 

Save money and keep your pets comfortable while you’re away with a programmable thermostat. When you aren’t home, a programmable thermostat allows you to lower, raise, or turn off the temperature settings in your home. Ideal temperatures when you’re away in the summer should be between 75 to 78 degrees and 69 to 72 in the winter to keep costs down and pets comfortable. 

Receive routine HVAC maintenance.

Finally, keep up with routine HVAC maintenance. Your maintenance schedule should include an inspection or tune-up at least once or twice a year. It’s wise to mention you have pets so your technician can make suggestions on how to best take care of your system and protect it from excessive pet hair. 

Get Help From HVAC Contractors You Can Trust

Don’t let pet hair stress out your HVAC system! With these valuable tips, you can keep the fur and dander at bay and enjoy cleaner, healthier air in your home. If you need help improving the air quality at your property, you can trust the indoor air quality experts at Clay’s Climate Control. Contact us at 609-916-1106 to schedule an appointment.