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5 Tips for Choosing a Dehumidifier

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Now that summer is here, it is important that you maintain a proper humidity level in your home. Too little humidity can cause some discomfort, such as chapped lips and cracks in your wooden furniture; the opposite brings too much moisture and can make your home a breeding ground for mold and mildew. That being said, a dehumidifier can help you to remedy any problems!

Before you can know the benefits of a dehumidifier, you need to know what they do. A dehumidifier reduces the level of humidity in the air to leave the environment feeling more comfortable and ultimately, healthier. They pull warm, moist air into the unit and chill it against coils containing a liquid coolant. The moisture that condenses out of the air is captured; then, the dry air is sent back out into the room.

Before selecting a dehumidifier, make sure you consider the following:

  1. Room Size – Dehumidifiers are usually rated according to how many pints of water they can remove from the air per day and how many square feet they can keep dry. Therefore, knowing the square footage of the room (length x width) can provide a close estimate of what dehumidifier you’ll need. Be careful though! If the square footage of your space is near the top end of a dehumidifier’s capacity, you will want to get the next size up.
  2. Humidity Levels – If you live in a humid climate, or if your space has a particularly high level of moisture, a standard dehumidifier may not be able to function adequately. Instead, look for a high-capacity unit built to operate more often than normal. This way, you can ensure that you don’t have to worry about moisture and mildew problems in the future.
  3. Room Temperature – Most dehumidifiers operate best at standard room temperatures. If your space is usually on the cold side, a standard dehumidifier may not function properly and could suffer damage early on. Instead, to avoid any problems, look for a dehumidifier that can handle colder temperatures.
  4. Energy Consumption – Dehumidifiers are great for keeping your energy costs to a minimum, but only if you do research and buy the proper unit. By purchasing a properly sized, energy-efficient unit and ensuring that it operates and is maintained as directed by the manufacturer, you’ll properly filter your space.
  5. Operation – A dehumidifier should be plugged into a grounded outlet and have at least a foot of space around it while in use. Be prepared to check the water level in the tank daily at first to determine how quickly it fills up. Then, clean the water tank at least once a month with a mild detergent. Just make sure to always unplug the unit before any inspections or servicing!

If you’d like more information about dehumidifiers, or other ways to improve your indoor air quality, please feel free to contact Clay’s Climate Control today!

Where Is the Air Filter Located? Do I Have More Than One?

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If you have recently moved, bought a new home, or decided it’s time to replace your air filter, you may be wondering where your filters are located. When you start to look for your air filter, what you thought was going to be an easy task can become quite time-consuming! That’s why it’s important to know the most common places to look for your HVAC system(s) so that you can more easily find your filter. There are several types of HVAC units and each one may require the filter to be installed differently. In addition, some homes have multiple HVAC units, so you may have to search in a few different locations!

When you go to look for your air filter, start by inspecting your ceiling or wall returns. Some HVAC units place the air filter behind a return air grille to allow for easy access when it comes time to change out the filter. Afterwards, be sure to check your basement, crawlspaces, attic or garage for your HVAC air handler. No matter the location, you’ll most likely have one of the following systems:

  1. Vertical HVAC units are typically found in basements or crawlspaces where room is limited. These units are broken up into two different systems: up-flow and down-flow.
    • Up-flow draws cool air from the bottom and forces heated air through the top. The filter in this system is most likely located at the bottom of the HVAC unit.
    • Down-flow draws cool air from the top and forces heated air out from the bottom. The filter is most likely located at the top of the HVAC unit.
  2. Horizontal HVAC units are found mostly in attics, garages, or large basements. They draw cool air from one side and force heated air out of the other side; plus, these systems are typically suspended from the ceiling or placed on a platform.

If you have more than one HVAC system, then you have more than one air filter. However, it’s also important to note that some HVAC systems, especially larger ones, may have more than one air filter and can even require different sizes.

If you’d like more information on HVAC system options or ways to improve your indoor air quality, please feel free to contact Clay’s Climate Control today!

Five Spring Maintenance Tips for Your HVAC System

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Spring is in the air, and with the hot weather on its way in, you’ll be cranking up your air conditioning system in no time! Don’t get caught unprepared – start on your spring maintenance early by following these tips:

Check Refrigerant Level
Your cooling system will not run efficiently if it does not have the correct amount of refrigerant. The additional strain on your air conditioner will cause it to wear out more quickly. This will cause it to break down more often, leading to expensive repairs! It will also increase your energy costs.

Replace Air Filters
Air filters become dirty and clogged if they aren’t changed on a regular basis. Dirty filters lower both the energy efficiency of your HVAC system and the air quality in your house. With allergy season approaching, it’s critical to change your air filters when you start using your air conditioner!

Clean Your Coils
Before you start your air conditioner, make sure the evaporator coils and condenser coils have been cleaned. This is especially important if your outdoor unit wasn’t covered during the winter. Dirt and dust buildup on the coils can inhibit your cooling system’s airflow and reduce its performance. Ensure that all leaves and other debris around your outdoor unit are cleared out.

Clean and Inspect Your Ductwork
Your HVAC system’s ductwork should be cleaned and inspected before spring. If you have leaks in your air ducts, your cooling system will be less energy efficient.

Schedule an Air Conditioning Tune-up
You can lower your cooling costs by up to 15% by scheduling routine maintenance on your HVAC system! A tune-up can save you money by catching problems early, before more expensive repairs are needed. It will also ensure that your air conditioner works when you need it most.

Schedule an appointment early with Clay’s Climate Control to prevent the inconvenience of an air conditioning breakdown during the summer heat!

IAQ Tips for Pet Owners

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We all love our furry family members dearly! However, if you live with pets, there are a few things to be aware of regarding how to maintain excellent indoor air quality within your home. Here are a few tips to help keep your home healthy and pet friendly. These tips will not only keep your home free of airborne pollutants, but will also keep your HVAC system running great all year long!

  • Have your HVAC system serviced: An easy way to ensure your family and pets are living in a healthy home is to get regular maintenance checks on your HVAC system from a professional HVAC company. With regular maintenance, your HVAC professional will be able to determine if your HVAC system is running optimally, and will be able to help you fix it if it’s not. Additionally, regular maintenance checks can catch small problems before they turn in to much larger ones.
  • Check your air filter once a month. You should inspect your systems air filter once a month and replace it if it appears dirty – like with pet hair, fur instance! If the filter is noticeably gray in color and you can see dirt and build up on the filter then you will need to replace it. This will not only improve the indoor air quality of your home, but also make your HVAC system more efficient. Quick Tip: Air filters such as HEPA filters are made especially for pet friendly homes, and will prevent hair and dander from blocking your filter!
  • Keep your home clean: As most pet owners know, a routine deep cleaning of your home becomes a necessity when our furry friends are running around, outside the house and inside, all day – or maybe just walking, for pets that are older! Be sure to vacuum regularly, and dust often in order to keep debris, dander, and pet hair to a minimum in your home.
  • Consider installing an air purifier or air scrubber: Pet dander often stays in the air for several hours before it settles down on your carpets, clothing, and furniture. This can negatively impact your indoor air quality and contribute to your allergy symptoms. Installing an air purifier or air scrubber will help remove these impurities from the air. Added Bonus: having an air purifier/air scrubber installed can also remove pet odors!

Don’t let pet dander cause you and your family to suffer from poor indoor air quality. If you’d like more information on ways to improve your air quality while keeping your pets at home, contact Clay’s Climate Control today.

Save Money On Your Utility Bills And Save Your Tax Return Money!

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It’s no secret that high-efficiency HVAC products use less energy and can save you money on utility bills. The South Jersey Gas Smart Energy Partners program is designed to help make energy efficiency more affordable for homeowners. Whether you’re converting to natural gas, or already heating with it, financial incentives are available.

There are both high efficiency rebates and high efficiency loans available; however, it’s important to distinguish between the two. If you install high efficiency natural gas equipment, such as a furnace, boiler, or water heater, you may qualify for rebates from SJG Smart Energy Partners program. Click here to fill out a rebate application!

On the other hand, if you’re interested in an affordable monthly payment loan, SJG Smart Energy Partners program offers a 0% loan for 7 years with no money down! Fill out an application to apply!

Upgrading your HVAC equipment to be more energy efficient can save you tons of money in the long run! Contact Clay’s Climate Control if you have any questions.

Benefits of Air-Sealed Ductwork

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Heating and cooling your home in our area of New Jersey can already be expensive even if your home is relatively efficient; however, if your air ducts are not sealed and insulated properly, you could be wasting your heating and cooling energy, increasing utility bills, and adding wear and tear to your HVAC system by forcing it to work harder than it needs to! There are several benefits of air-sealed ductwork, including:

  • Saves energy and money: Anything that puts more stress on your HVAC system will inescapably raise your energy bills. When you have duct leaks, your furnace and air conditioner must work harder to sufficiently heat and cool your home. By sealing those leaks, your HVAC system will run more efficiently and your energy bills will be kept in check.
  • Improves indoor air quality: Beyond saving energy and money, sealing your air ducts can prevent dust, pollen, and other potential allergens from entering the system through leaking ducts. This will help prevent corrupting your indoor air quality and potentially causing breathing difficulties for those with asthma or allergies.
  • Improved comfort: When conditioned air or heat is leaking out of your ducts, it doesn’t get completely transported to all of the rooms that need it. This makes it very difficult to evenly heat and cool your home. By sealing up your ductwork, your home will have more consistent temperature levels and you’ll decrease the amount of stuffy rooms and hot and cold spots around your house.
  • Improves safety: If you have a leaking duct near a gas-powered appliance, the gasses that are normally vented out of your home, such as carbon monoxide, get sucked back into your home’s indoor air. This can be very dangerous, which is why it’s so important to seal any duct leaks.

Even though it may not be considered standard procedure to all, we are very proud to say that we seal all of our ductwork, all of the time.  If you have any questions about duct sealing, or if you’d like your heating and cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Clay’s Climate Control today!

Why You Should Try Our Mobile App!

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Making an HVAC appointment has never been easier! With our mobile app, you’re able to book and track your service and connect with us on the go. And it gets even better; our app also allows you to…

  • Select the specific service needed for HVAC: Service, Maintenance, or Estimate
  • Upload images and videos to help describe the area of concern
  • Schedule a convenient date and time
  • See the technician assigned to your job
  • Receive real-time notifications on your technicians arrival time

We understand having an HVAC issue can be stressful, so it’s our priority to deliver the most professional and stress-free heating and cooling (HVAC) service available by way of an unmatched client experience.  Whether you need HVAC repair, installation, or advice on how to keep your home comfortable all year long, you can book an appointment without having to make a phone call.

You can download our app on the App Store or Google Play. You can also book your request via our website if you’d prefer not to download the app. If you have any concerns about your HVAC system or have yet to schedule your system’s annual maintenance, give us a call at (609) 653-2295 or click here to visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you!

Steam Humidifier FAQs

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Clay’s Climate Control is dedicated to providing superior indoor air quality solutions and serving our customers to the highest degree. With that goal in mind, we have compiled a list of FAQs to provide you with quick answers to common questions about steam humidifiers.

  • What is a steam humidifier?

Steam humidifiers help make dry air more comfortable by releasing moisture into the air and can be installed to humidify your whole home. It adds humidity to the air by heating water electrically until it boils to create humidity in the form of steam even if the furnace isn’t on. Adding humidity to your indoor air in the winter has many benefits including health benefits and energy savings. Steam humidifiers offer the fastest and most efficient way of increasing and maintaining the appropriate and comfortable level of humidity in your home.

  • What is the ideal humidity level I should maintain?

A comfortable humidity level in your home typically measures between 30% and 50%. Humidity levels that measure above 50% create a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, dust mites, and other bacteria. Humidity levels that measure below 30% can lead to uncomfortable respiratory symptoms and increases the likelihood that cold and flu viruses will spread. Air that is too dry can also cause damage to your home’s foundation. To avoid the problems of too little or too high of humidity, it is recommended that you maintain a humidity level of between 45% and 50%.

  • How much energy does a steam humidifier use?

It’s difficult to predict how much an impact that a humidifier will have on your monthly energy bill, and it depends on a variety of factors including the type of humidifier you’re using, speed settings, and the number of hours that it is on each day. Be sure to compare the efficiency of different models, and please be sure to give us a call if you have any questions!

Our team of professional HVAC technicians here at Clay’s Climate Control is always happy to help when it comes to keeping you and your family comfortable. All you have to do is make the call, and we’ll handle it all!

The Importance of Planned HVAC Maintenance

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With the fall and winter chill quickly approaching we strongly advise having professional maintenance done to your HVAC system, if you haven’t already done so this year.

It’s important to safeguard that your air conditioner is prepared for long hibernation as well as waking up your heating system without any problems. The last thing you want is to have your heating system break down in the middle of winter; and although breakdowns can’t always be prevented, it’s still important that you don’t give up on doing all that can be done to take the precautionary steps to try and avoid it.

Having that said, you should have your heater checked at least once a year. Continual HVAC maintenance is similar to getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist, as it doesn’t need to be done before or after you eat, just every six months to a year.

Another way to think about it is getting your car’s oil changed. This task must be done to keep the engine running at peak performance but it doesn’t need to be done before a long road trip, for example; every 3,000-5,000 miles is suggested.

Okay, back to HVAC! With the benefits of planned maintenance noted below, we hope to hear from you with any questions and/or planned maintenance requests that you might have. It’s always our pleasure to keep you well informed on all things HVAC related.

  • Increased efficiency: Having a routine HVAC checkup will help to better ensure that your energy bills are low and that your system is working as efficiently as possible.
  • Improved indoor comfort: There’s another important advantage of maintaining your furnace… Your comfort! A well-maintained furnace will deliver optimal performance throughout the colder months, which means you can expect to stay warm all winter long with far less of a chance of encountering any furnace problems. Additionally, a well-maintained furnace may also help to improve indoor air quality and humidity levels for added comfort.
  • Consider the age of your unit: No HVAC system is meant to last forever; and the older the system, the less efficient it is. If it’s time to purchase a new system, give us a call and we can help you make an informed decision and purchase a system that’s designed to be long-lasting.
  • Get a professional inspection: The team here at Clay’s Climate Control will help to make sure that your system is working as it should. Also, we will perform a full inspection to check all elements of your system and fix any issues that arise.

Contact us to get your HVAC system tuned up today!

Why Ductless Climate Control is a Groundbreaking Development

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Most people have heard of ductless heating and cooling systems, and they have probably seen them, on walls in homes, restaurants or office buildings, but most people don’t really understand how beneficial ductless systems can be. A ductless system mounts on interior walls and is connected to an outside condensing unit through a refrigerant line. These ductless systems stay cool and clean all year round, and will save you a lot of money on energy bills. Unlike room air conditioning units, they are permanent fixtures and they don’t let in humid air within the areas surrounding the unit, as room units usually do.

Ductless AC systems will save you on overall heating and cooling costs because they are designed to cool one room or one area of your home, not the entire house like central air conditioning. Ductless systems function on less power as they are smaller than traditional window units; also, you’ll save on efficiency because it allows you to control temperatures room-by-room so there won’t be wasted energy on rooms that aren’t occupied.

In addition to saving energy and money, a ductless AC system helps to improve your indoor air quality with its efficient filtering system. Traditional HVAC systems’ air ducts have to be cleaned by a professional on a regular basis; and even after a cleaning, dust and particles can be left behind. A ductless system’s multi-stage filtration significantly reduces the amount of particles and allergens that end up in the air of your home.

Ductless systems are quick and easy to install, and the team here at Clay’s Climate Control can help you achieve maximum indoor comfort. Contact us today to learn more about our services, or to schedule an installation.

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