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Categories
indoor air quality

5 Signs Your Home Has Poor Indoor Humidity

indoor humidityNo matter what type of climate you live in, both your home and your health can be affected by poor indoor humidity levels. The effects of having too much or too little humidity inside can be rather uncomfortable and even damage some parts of your home. That is why we’re here today to help you achieve the perfect level of humidity for ultimate indoor comfort and better health. 

What are Normal Indoor Humidity Levels?

To begin, indoor humidity levels should ideally be 30-50% humidity. Anything below 30% will cause issues, just as anything above 50% humidity will as well. So how can you tell if you have normal humidity in your house? Without the proper tools to measure your humidity levels, you must rely on some of the most common signs that signify poor levels are present. Let’s take a look at what signs you should look out for. 

  1. You See Signs of Mold and Mildew

Mold growth and mildew are two big signs that there is too much humidity in your home. The corners of spaces like your kitchen, closet, and bathroom are likely spots for mold growth. Another sign of high humidity levels is an unusual amount of mildew in your bathroom. 

  1. Dry, Itchy Skin

When the winter hits and humidity levels drop, some experience dry, itchy skin that puts a damper on indoor comfort. Irritated skin is a common sign that levels of humidity in your home are too low and that you are not getting enough moisture.

  1. You’re Having Trouble Breathing

Trouble breathing is one of the more serious signs of poor indoor humidity. For those who suffer from asthma, too high of humidity inside can cause chest tightness and wheezing. Humid air can be hard to breathe in and can trap pollutants from exiting your home, triggering asthma symptoms. 

  1. You’re Not Catching Those Zzz’s 

If you’ve spent one too many sleepless nights at home, poor indoor humidity levels might be to blame. Both low and high humidity can cause sleeping issues. When you’re sweating due to too much humidity, your body is forced to work harder to evaporate sweat and cool down. When humidity is too low, you may experience bouts of coughing and throat irritation, affecting your sleep. 

  1. Your Home is Being Damaged

Have you recently noticed that your wood flooring has begun warping? Maybe the paint on your walls is starting to peel? Damage to your home and furniture are telltale signs of poor humidity levels in your home. These effects can, unfortunately, lead to costly repairs and wasted time. 

How to Achieve Normal Humidity in Your House

If you’ve been experiencing any of these signs in your home, then it is important to fix the issue for both your health and your home. At Clay’s Climate Control, we have all of the indoor air quality solutions you need to regulate your humidity levels and stay comfortable all year long. If you want cleaner, healthier indoor air, we can help supply and install the latest air filtration systems, air decontaminating UV lamps, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Contact us today to get started on improving your indoor air!

Categories
HVAC

Everything You Need to Know About Ductless Systems

ductless systems

Ductless cooling and heating systems are changing the game in the world of HVAC systems. Also known as mini-split systems, ductless systems are an excellent way to provide continuous climate control to one specific area. They’re incredibly energy efficient, convenient, and best of all, practically silent! You may be wondering what exactly ductless systems are and how they work, so let’s take a look!

What are Ductless Systems?

As their name suggests, ductless systems are heating and cooling systems that do not involve ductwork. They include one outdoor and one indoor unit, connected by refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring. Ductless systems are mounted to a wall indoors, which allows you to bring constant heating and cooling to one space. In addition to their main function, ductless units can provide homeowners with an array of benefits.

What are the Benefits of Ductless Systems?

Ductless cooling and heating systems are astonishingly energy-efficient thanks to their duct-free design. With your average HVAC system, you can lose more than 25% of your heating and cooling to ductwork. When you take away the ducts, you also take away lost heating and cooling.

Ductless units have a surprisingly easy and minimal installation process. All that is required is a small hole to be drilled into your wall for the refrigerant line connecting it to your new system. Installation can be completed in just one day and won’t interrupt your daily activities. Plus, their unique design allows them to be less vulnerable to air leakage and security issues! 

Another wonderful benefit of ductless systems is their flexibility. Unlike your typical systems where temperatures are distributed throughout the entire home, ductless systems allow you to independently heat or cool one particular space. For example, if your new sunroom addition gets hotter than other rooms in your house, a ductless system can provide customized air conditioning to that specific room. Although ductless systems can be installed virtually anywhere in a home, certain homes and rooms can benefit more than any other.

Is a Ductless System Right For You?

Ductless systems are ideal for:

  • Those who live in a smaller space
  • Those who are adding a room to their home
  • Rooms with heating or cooling issues
  • Older homes with no pre-existing ductwork
  • Those who live with people with different temperature preferences

Mitsubishi Electric Ductless Systems

Interestingly, ductless systems were invented as a solution to sweltering summers in Japan. Because Japanese homes are famously small and cannot fit typical heating and cooling systems, mini-splits were created by Mitsubishi to bring homes much-needed air conditioning that fit. In the 1970s, Mitsubishi Electric Ductless systems made their way to the United States and have revolutionized heating and cooling ever since. 

Go Ductless in Your Home!

Are you ready to go ductless in your home? Clay’s Climate Control is here to help! At Clay’s Climate Control, we are proud to work with Mitsubishi’s trusted products to provide the highest quality home heating and cooling solutions possible. We are a trusted name in South Jersey because of our dedication to satisfaction and superb customer service. If you’re ready to install a new cooling and heating system in your home, go ductless with Clay’s Climate Control! Contact us today to get started!

Categories
hvac maintenance

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Generator

questions to ask about generatorsSo, you’re interested in buying a backup generator for your house? The convenience of having a generator to power our homes when the electricity goes out is something that has crossed all of our minds. After all, the average electricity customer in the United States experiences almost eight hours of power interruptions a year. However, before you start the hunt for a generator, allow our experts to tell you what questions to ask. 

What Generator is Best for Me?

There are two generators that most energy consumers choose from: a home standby generator and a portable power generator. Home standby generators are permanently installed in one spot and automatically start working when a power outage occurs. This particular generator is a bit more expensive than its counterpart, but users can enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that their automatic power brings. In comparison, a portable power generator is typically smaller in size and does not start automatically. While they do cost less and can be taken anywhere, this type of generator runs on gas or diesel fuel. This means that you will always need extra fuel on hand in case a power outage happens.

Which Fuel Should I Use?

It’s important to take fuel type into account before purchasing a generator. The most commonly used fuel types for generators are natural gas, diesel, and propane. Natural gas is a great option, as it is provided by local utility companies. However, this means that it is subject to high prices and reliance issues if you don’t live near a local utility company. Another option for fuel is diesel. While diesel is less flammable, the pricing often fluctuates and it has a short lifespan. That leaves us with the last fuel type, propane. Propane is the most popular fuel for generators, as it has great heating efficiency and zero greenhouse gas emissions. 

What Size Should I Get?

When choosing the size of your generator, you should consider how much energy you use in your home. If your energy usage is on the lighter side, then a portable generator will work for you. If you typically use more energy than the average homeowner, then go with a larger standby generator.

What About Warranties?

Buying a generator is a big investment. When you’re on the market for a backup generator for your house, a good warranty should always be a top priority. While most generators come with a standard warranty of one to five years, there are sometimes options available for extended warranties. 

Now What?

Now that you know all of the right questions to ask when purchasing a generator, you’re probably ready to start looking! If a standby generator is looking like the perfect fit for you and your home, then allow us to tell you about the Automatic Standby Generator from Clay’s Climate Control. Within seconds, the Honeywell Automatic Standby Generator will kick in when the power goes out and will keep running until power is restored. They can even be hooked up right to your gas line, no additional fuel is needed! Your generator will also come with a five-year parts warranty to give you peace of mind. If you’re interested in an Automatic Standby Generator for your home, then contact our team today to receive your free estimate!

Categories
indoor air quality

What Happens When You Forget to Change Your Air Filter?

forget to change air filter

For many of us, procrastination and forgetfulness are just part of our daily lives. From forgetting to buy milk at the grocery store to putting off scheduling that dentist appointment, forgetting things is what makes us human. However, when it comes to some tasks, like changing your air filter, forgetfulness can lead to some negative consequences. Once you find out what happens when you forget to change your air filter, you’ll never put it off again. Let’s take a look.

Indoor Air Pollution Accumulation

After just 10 days of not changing your air filter after the recommended time, your indoor air pollution will begin to increase. You will start to notice an accumulation of dust in your home, as it is now recirculating through your air filter. After 20 days, your air filter will usually be clogged. Allergy and asthma sufferers will begin to notice an increase in their symptoms, like sneezing and coughing. At this point, your heating and cooling system will begin to suffer as well.

Double the Work

When you fail to change your air filter, your HVAC system will have to work twice as hard to keep your home at an ideal temperature. Because clean air is not able to pass through your filter, some areas in your home may become covered in dust. After a month or so, expect your indoor air quality to be at an all-time low. 

HVAC System Breakdown

Once you pass the two-month mark of not changing your air filter at the recommended time, your HVAC system has a high probability of overheating or breaking completely. By a miracle, if your system is still running at this point, you will start to notice a huge jump in your electricity bill. If you didn’t notice that your air filter needed to be replaced before, the amount you owe your energy company will surely help you figure it out. Along with dealing with high costs, you will also have to deal with an extremely cold or hot home, depending on the season. 

Never Forget Your Air Filter Again

Now that you know what could happen if you forget to change your air filter, this simple task should be a top priority for you every month. Your reminder to “change air filter” will not only improve the air quality of your home, but will also keep your HVAC system running smoothly, and decrease the chance of an expensive repair bill. If you’re wondering how to improve indoor air quality even further, then Clay’s Climate Control has the solutions for you! 

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

At Clay’s Climate Control, we specialize in innovative indoor air quality solutions to keep you and your family healthy. If you want cleaner, healthier indoor air, we can help supply and install the latest air filtration systems, air decontaminating UV lamps, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Take a step in the right direction for your family’s health and contact Clay’s Climate Control today!

Categories
indoor air quality

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During the Winter

improve air quality during winterAs the weather gets colder, most of us will retreat into our warm homes and spend the winter under layers of clothes and blankets. Although it may seem like we are keeping ourselves safe by avoiding the inclement weather outside, the air inside our homes can actually be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. If your indoor air quality is riddled with pollutants, it can cause irritation, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and more. If you are looking to protect your health this winter, keep reading for our expert tips on how to improve indoor air quality

Replace Your Air Filter

Air filters are quite literally a magnet for dust, dirt, and other harmful pollutants. When you fail to replace them as recommended, clean air cannot pass through properly and the air becomes contaminated. To ensure you are not breathing in all of the debris that is collected, replace your air filters every one to three months. 

Bring Nature Inside

If you or someone at home enjoys interior decorating, then this tip is for you. Decorating your home with plants not only looks great, but some indoor plants can naturally purify your air too. Plants such as the Areca Palm, Snake Plant, Money Plant, Gerbera Daisy, Chinese Evergreens, Spider Plant, and Aloe Vera are all great options for natural air purification.

Choose Cleaners and Fresheners Wisely

Although giving your house a deep cleaning can do wonders for your air quality, it is important to choose cleaners that are non-toxic for humans and pets. We recommend checking the ingredient list of your usual cleaners or even making your own! Additionally, pay attention to the candles and fragrances you use in your home. Opt for candles that are made with essential oils for a great scent and increased air quality.

Install Indoor Air Quality Products

Nothing does the job quite like a whole-house humidifier, whole-house air purifier, or indoor air scrubber. A whole-house humidifier can bring moisture back into your home when the air is especially dry during the winter months. Investing in a whole-house air purifier can help capture and remove harmful bacteria, pollen, viruses, and more. An indoor air scrubber is attached to the ductwork of your HVAC system and works to eliminate air pollution, VOCs, surface contaminants, odors, pet dander, and pesky dust. Any of these air quality products will play a significant role in improving your indoor air quality and require little to no maintenance. 

Enlist the Help of Indoor Air Quality Experts

Whether you install a whole-house humidifier or turn your home into a houseplant jungle, any of these tips are sure to improve your indoor air quality this winter. If you are interested in installing top-of-the-line indoor air quality products in your home, then Clay’s Climate Control is here to help. If you want cleaner, healthier indoor air, we can supply and install the latest air filtration systems, air decontaminating UV lamps, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and sleep well knowing that the air you’re breathing is as clean as possible.

Categories
heating

Getting Your Heater Ready for Winter

Getting Your Heater Ready for Winter
Photo credit: Shutterstock

Winters in New Jersey are not for the faint of heart. To the rest of the world, some parts of our state may seem like a warm beach getaway, but that is only true until temperatures drop and you’re knee-deep in snow. One of the best defenses against the harsh New Jersey winter is a well-prepared heater. To ensure you never have to go a day without heat, follow our winter heating tips below to get your furnace ready for the inclement weather ahead. 

 

Replace Your Air Filters

Replacing your air filters is important during every season, but it is especially important in the winter. Over the fall months, your air filter has amassed a large amount of dust and particles. When you fail to change your filter, you and your family will begin breathing in everything that has been collected since the last time you changed it. As the weather gets colder and we spend more time inside our homes, it is important to make sure your indoor air quality is in tip-top shape. 

 

Check Your Vents

Vents are yet another area that is known to collect dust and dander over time. For proper airflow, this winter, give your air vents and registers a much-needed cleaning. This includes wiping the area with a cloth, making sure nothing is blocking the openings, and fully opening your vents. With these two tips, your ventilation will be best prepared for a healthy winter indoors!

 

Inspect Your Ductwork

Winter heating maintenance does not stop with your filters and vents. If you’re noticing that your energy bills are increasing and your home doesn’t seem as warm as usual, then a duct leak could be to blame. Be sure to inspect your ductwork or hire a professional to look for any gaps or holes. Catching any discrepancies before the freezing temps arrive will give you ample time to schedule any residential heating repairs needed.

 

Bring on the Heat!

There’s nothing worse than suffering through a day of no heat during the winter, right? Last and certainly not least, turn your furnace on before the cold weather comes to check if your heating system is working properly. When you switch your system to heating, pay attention to any unusual signs like cold areas, uncommon noises, and thermostat issues. When any problems arise, call for residential heating repairs to get things handled before your heating is needed 24/7. 

 

Professional Winter Preparation

For the warmest winter of your life, implement these four heater preparation tips for your HVAC system. If you notice anything unusual or would rather have the professionals help, make a heater/heating maintenance appointment with Clay’s Climate Control! As the service experts of South Jersey, we can successfully diagnose and perform any repairs needed for your furnace to run efficiently all winter long. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the HVAC services we offer!

 

 

Categories
water heater

Pros vs. Cons for Tankless Water Heaters

tankless water heaterHave you ever been the last one in your house to take a shower in the morning? Do you remember the water quickly turning from nice and warm to freezing cold? If so, then you’ll be happy to hear that a tankless water heater exists. Just like the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t use a storage tank to heat your water. They work by heating the water as you need it instead of working off capacity like a traditional water heater. This way, you’ll never run out of hot water again! If you’re wondering if a tankless water heater is right for you and your home, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Benefits to Tankless Water Heater

For many, the benefits of tankless water heaters outweigh the advantages that come with a traditional water heater. To begin, instant water heaters bring you hot water on demand, quickly and as needed. You’ll never have to suffer through another freezing cold shower again. Tankless water heaters can also be extremely energy efficient, as they only heat your water when you need them to. Many people prefer tankless water heaters because of their small size. Most of them are no bigger than the size of a large backpack which is mounted on a wall, giving you more storage options and room for other things in your home. This makes tankless water heaters perfect for people in smaller households or who have less closet space to hide a large water heater with a tank. 

Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters

As convenient and beneficial tankless water heaters seem, they do come with a few cons and may not be the best option for every household. Many choose not to opt for a tankless water heater because of its upfront cost. However, it is worth noting that while the initial cost may be high, the amount of money you will save due to instant water heaters’ energy efficiency can pay off in the long run. A tankless water heater may not be the best option for larger households or families who use an above-average amount of water every day. Like we mentioned earlier, tankless water heaters are small, which makes it difficult for them to keep up with the high demands of some households. However, installing more than one tankless water heater is always an option for bigger families and larger households. 

Go Tankless Today!

If going tankless is of interest to you, then Clay’s Climate Control is your go-to company for the most expert tankless water heater installation. Our team is professionally trained in installing high-efficiency water heaters from the industry’s leading manufacturers. If you’re worried about the upfront costs of tankless water heaters, then you’ll be happy to hear we offer several financing options for those with approved credit! Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment with us!

Categories
HVAC

How to Save Money for Your Next HVAC Repair or Installation

save money on hvacFor many, it’s hard to prioritize an HVAC repair or installation when things like taxes, mortgages, and putting food on the table exist. However, having a safe and reliable HVAC system in your home doesn’t have to break the bank! These days, there are so many options available to help you save money on your next HVAC system repair or installation. If you’re looking for the next best deal on HVAC services or are simply curious, keep reading to hear about our money-saving tips! 

Sign Up for HVAC Financing

One of the easiest ways to make sure your next HVAC service is budget-friendly is by signing up for HVAC financing. Financing options allow you to pay off your HVAC installation or large service bill over the course of several months, giving you flexibility and convenience. These financing programs are usually offered by energy companies and banks. Whether you are a homeowner or commercial business owner, there are HVAC financing programs available for you. 

Look Out for HVAC Rebates and Deals

When you’re faced with a brand new HVAC system installation, the price can seem daunting for some. However, rebates and deals can make affording your new installation a whole lot easier. These rebates and deals can come from several different places. For example, state and local utility companies sometimes offer homeowners and businesses certain deals when they are installing a new HVAC system. These companies know that a new HVAC system installation will save energy, so that provides them an incentive to help you with the cost of installation.

When Spending More Can Save You More

This money-saving option might seem a bit confusing at first but stick with us. In some cases, choosing the more expensive option of an HVAC system replacement instead of an HVAC system repair can actually save you money in the long run. If the HVAC system you own is coming to the end of its lifetime, opting for a replacement can help you save money on energy bills and repair costs, as running an old system is not cost-effective. 

Save Money With Regular Maintenance

The small costs that come with regular maintenance throughout the year can help you avoid the hefty price tag that follows an HVAC system installation or repair. When your unit receives the love and care it needs, the chances that something will go wrong or break decreases exponentially. 

Your Trusted HVAC Company

As you’ve just read, maintaining your HVAC system doesn’t have to break the bank thanks to financing, rebates, deals, and proper maintenance. If you live in South Jersey and are looking for a trusted and affordable HVAC company for your regular maintenance, then Clay’s Climate Control is here to help. Clay’s Climate Control is a family-owned and operated HVAC company that has been providing South Jersey with excellent HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations for the past 20 years. We proudly offer several financing programs for customers with approved credit. Contact us to learn more about our financing options or to schedule your appointment!

Categories
community news

CLAY’S CLIMATE CONTROL AWARDS LOCAL FIRST RESPONDER WITH FREE FURNACE AND INSTALLATION TO RECOGNIZE THE WINNER’S IMPACT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

local first responder giveawayLINWOOD, NEW JERSEY – November 5, 2021 – Clay’s Climate Control has announced the winner of this year’s Third Annual Furnace Installation Giveaway to a deserving First Responder within their community. This year’s winner is Ray Wagner of Somers Point, NJ. 

Ray has worked in the Atlantic City Police Department for 20 years and was the recipient of the 2018 Somers Point Volunteer of the Year award. In addition to his dedication to public safety, Ray has volunteered in his community’s youth sports programs for over 10 years, including coaching football and street hockey as well as serving on several sports team boards. 

“I am very humbled to receive this award,” said Ray. “My family and I are very grateful for the generosity from Clay’s Climate Control for their recognition and appreciation for first responders.”

Ray was nominated by his sister-in-law, Shannon Funk, who spoke of Ray’s giving personality as the reason for her nomination.

“I nominated Ray because he’s always giving and helping others, even when it takes time away from his family,” said Shannon. “I couldn’t be happier that he won the free furnace from Clay’s, rewarding him for his selfless acts of kindness.”

“Ray is a true hero in our community and we are thrilled to gift him and his family with a free furnace,” said co-owner of Clay’s Climate Control Jen Pierce. “As lifelong members of South Jersey, we appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community that has also supported us all of these years.”

Co-Owners of Clay’s Climate Control Jen and Clay Pierce make their commitment to the South Jersey community a priority. In addition to their annual First Responder Furnace Giveaway, the couple also sponsors local community events and supports CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). 

For more information about Clay’s Climate Control, visit https://claysclimatecontrol.com 

About Clay’s Climate Control:

Clay’s Climate Control LLC is a family-owned and operated company located in Linwood, NJ. Founded by Clay and Jen Pierce in 2001, the company provides a professional, stress-free experience for their customers’ HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation.

Categories
HVAC

Benefits of Installing a WiFi Thermostat

wifi thermostatThe future of smart home devices has officially made its way into the HVAC industry and the benefits are too good to pass up. One device, in particular, has been showing up in homes across the country. The WiFi thermostat, a new programmable thermostat of the future, works by connecting to your internet connection, allowing you to access it remotely. Although this type of thermostat has all of the usual features that come with your standard thermostat, it boasts many more benefits that are hard to come by.

Save Money on Energy

One of the most useful energy-saving tips is to install a programmable thermostat in your home. WiFi thermostats have the ability to analyze your heating and cooling patterns and suggest opportunities for you to save energy. You can also create temperature-controlled zones in your home for personalization and energy efficiency. These smart features will end up saving you money on your energy bills and provide you with increased comfort at home. 

Remote Control

Thanks to their innovative technology, WiFi thermostats allow you to change the temperature of your home no matter where you are in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. This can be helpful in a number of different circumstances. Maybe you will be away from home for a bit and have renters, roommates, or children staying at your house. With a handy password control feature, WiFi thermostats allow you to prevent guests from changing the temperature. Being able to control your temperature remotely also is helpful if you are away on vacation and would like to increase or decrease your temperature at home. 

Upgraded Interface

WiFi thermostats aren’t considered ‘smart’ just because of their temperature management features. These programmable thermostats also sport a highly advanced and futuristic interface, which makes it simple to read temperature controls and adjust settings. The days of squinting at the dark, tiny text on your old thermostat are over!

Track Your Energy Use

Not only do WiFi thermostats help save energy and lower your bill, but they can also produce a report that shows you exactly how much energy you’re saving. With this report, you also will see how your energy usage has changed over time, how much your energy bill is expected to cost, as well as additional suggestions for increasing your energy efficiency. 

Get Your Own WiFi Thermostat Today!

It’s time to ditch your old-fashioned thermostat and switch to a highly advanced WiFi thermostat. The upgraded interface and energy-saving benefits are too good to pass up. If you’re interested in getting a WiFi thermostat of your own, then it’s time to call Clay’s Climate Control. Our team of HVAC technicians is here to help you install your brand new WiFi thermostat and get you on the road to saving money. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate or to learn more about the benefits of our WiFi thermostat!