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Why You Should Go Ductless This Summer

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Going Ductless Benefits

Sure, we all love posting our throwback posts, feeling nostalgic with record players and driving classic cars, but when it comes to your HVAC system, you don’t want to stick with the “old school” systems. Not only are they lacking in efficiency, but they’re also becoming money pits AND having negative impacts on the environment — this is why ductless systems are all the rage! The experts at Clay’s Climate Control are here with five reasons to go ductless this summer, so you can leave the nostalgia for other things and reap the benefits of this latest innovation today.

Get More Solutions with Less Work 

Unlike old school heat pumps and air conditioning systems — which cool and heat a home through air ducts — ductless heating and cooling systems send room-to-room cool or warm air straight out into specific zones. Because ductless heating and cooling systems consist of small outdoor units and one or more indoor units, all they require for installation are mounting areas and easy access to electricity. Thanks to their flexibility, one of the many benefits of ductless HVAC systems is that they can quickly, easily and affordably be installed, so you can finally replace that window unit, space heater or electric baseboard heater. Plus, because they cool and warm a specific zone, they can also be utilized by any home or business space, no matter the size.

Save Money Without Sacrificing Comfort 

Perhaps one of the best benefits of a ductless HVAC system is its money-saving benefit. Home’s that depend on a system that is not energy-efficient experience high utility bills — this is because their inefficient system has to work so much harder to achieve the temperature the homeowner or business owner is hoping to achieve. In contrast, ductless systems are the most affordable HVAC systems! Why? Well, not only are they smaller than old school systems, but they also deliver room-to-room temperature, which means no cooling or heating benefits are lost, and you’ll have the freedom to just warm or cool the rooms you’re currently occupying. In addition to their money-saving benefits, those who install them are eligible to receive a tax credit or utility rebate for the year of the installation. 

Enjoy Better Indoor Air Quality at Home

More often than not, indoor air quality (IAQ) is often worse than outdoor air quality, and due to the current climate of today’s world, air quality has never been more important than it is right now. If you have an old school HVAC system, the air ducts need to be routinely cleaned and maintained by an HVAC professional. If they haven’t been, all of the contaminants that fill up the air ducts are being blown into your home/business, leading to poor IAQ. When it comes to a ductless system, you’ll get to enjoy less maintenance AND a noticeable decrease in the dust, bacteria, pollen and other contaminants that circulate through your air at home or at work. 

Installation is Quick and Easy 

When you had your current system installed, do you remember how long it took? Chances are it took several weeks and the project probably interrupted your everyday life activities, making it a nuisance. Fortunately, another benefit of a ductless HVAC system is that it is significantly easier to install — in fact, most can be installed, operated and enjoyed within just one day! Plus, mini-split systems typically only require small holes to fit pipes into, so you won’t have to worry about having to rebuild a wall or area of your ceiling. 

Increase Comfort While Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Not only are ductless systems the most affordable HVAC systems, but they’re also the most eco-friendly! These systems adhere to ENERGY STAR guidelines —  a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promote energy efficiency — and utilize a refrigerant known as R410A. This particular refrigerant is best known for having zero depletion effects on the earth’s ozone layer. so when you have one installed, you won’t just be helping your home/business and bottomline — you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint and helping the environment.

Now that you know five reasons to go ductless this summer, contact the team at Clay’s Climate Control today! We proudly work with Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating — a leader in innovation and design — which means that you will get the highest quality of home heating and cooling solutions possible. Contact us today!

Repair or Replace? Stay Comfortable This Summer with These Tips on Which Option is Best for Your HVAC Unit

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Understanding whether to repair or replace you HVAC unit in South JerseySummer will be here before we know it and getting your HVAC ready to beat the heat can be complicated. If you are experiencing issues, your unit may need repairs, or it might be time to replace it. Lucky for you, the HVAC experts at Clay’s Climate Control are here with simple guidelines to help you figure out which option is best for your unit this year. 

Take the Unit’s Age into Consideration 

When it comes to an HVAC system, its age is one of the most important factors for figuring out if it’s time for an HVAC repair or air conditioner replacement. Here’s a little equation to help you determine if it’s best to repair or replace your unit this year:

  • Take the age of your HVAC unit and multiply it with the cost of the repair

If the total comes out to more than $5,000, we recommend scheduling an air conditioner replacement; if the unit is 10 years old, but the repair cost is, $350 (equaling $3,500), you should schedule an HVAC repair appointment. 

Figure Out if Energy Efficiency is Up to Snuff

Just like any other piece of technology, HVAC technology has vastly improved over the years. Because of this, EnergyStar recommends replacing HVAC units that are ten years older to ensure that energy efficiency doesn’t impact monthly costs. If your unit is ten years or older or you’re noticing that your monthly bills are higher, it may be time for an air conditioner replacement. However, if you’re finding that your unit is taking longer to achieve your perfect level of comfort, contact us to assess if you need an HVAC repair or replacement. 

Be Conscious of Cost

The cost of an HVAC repair vs. an HVAC replacement is one of the biggest concerns for people.  For many people, the cost of their monthly energy bills is a key factor that helps them determine how cost-effective their HVAC unit is. Whatever the reason may be for constant HVAC repairs (old unit, not energy-efficient, lack of maintenance, etc.), the cost of repairs can quickly add up. If you’re seeing a spike in your monthly energy bills — or you’re tired of paying for constant HVAC repairs — it’s time to replace your unit. 

Now that you know if repairing or replacing is best for your HVAC unit, the team at Clay’s Climate Control can help with all of your repair and replacement needs. Plus, we can help you find an affordable air conditioner that will meet your budget while still being energy efficient. Contact us today!

Go Green or Go Home: Four Tips to Make Your HVAC System More Efficient

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Making your South Jersey HVAC system more efficient

This week marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and if this eco-friendly holiday got you thinking about ways YOU can improve the earth, making your HVAC system more efficient is a great place to start! The HVAC experts at Clay’s Climate Control are here with tips to help you accomplish this, so you can get a green — oops, we mean gold — star for having a home that’s more eco-friendly and energy efficient!

Schedule Consistent HVAC Tune-Ups to Enhance Efficiency 

Overtime, an HVAC system can get worn down, and when this happens, it becomes less efficient and has to work harder to produce energy. This means that your HVAC equipment is wasting energy, which can impact the environment AND your wallet. Fortunately, scheduling an HVAC tune-up is an easy way to improve this! It’s also important to note that if you haven’t been changing your system’s air filters on a routine basis, you should request an air filter replacement when you schedule your HVAC tune-up appointment.

Install a Programmable Thermostat to Be More Green 

Sometimes you need to spend a little green to be more green, and when it comes to investing in a programmable thermostat, you’ll quickly see — and feel — how worth it this is! When your home is equipped with a programmable thermostat, you can set it to your habits, meaning it will automatically change to the temperature you want when you’re home and when you’re not. Investing in this new technology will mean you’ll be wasting less heating and cooling energy, and the environment — and your monthly utility bill — will reap the benefits. 

Become More Eco-Friendly By Replacing Your HVAC System 

Just as HVAC systems lose their efficiency overtime due to lack of maintenance (IE HVAC tune-ups!), they often hit an age where an HVAC replacement is more beneficial (and eco-friendly!) than HVAC maintenance. If you’re finding that you’re constantly having to bring in an HVAC expert to service your HVAC system, this is the time when you may want to consider an HVAC replacement. By doing this, you’ll save money in the long run. Plus, the HVAC systems these days are typically more efficient than the ones from 15 years ago (which is most likely when yours is from!), so you’ll get a newer, more efficient system, which will be easier on the environment and your bank account. 

Inspect Ductwork to Help Make Your Home More Efficient  

Whether your ductwork hasn’t been inspected in awhile or it’s getting up there in age, if it’s cracked or damaged in areas, the air that’s being produced will leak through, which will waste energy, increase utility bills and decrease comfort levels in your home. To avoid this, you should have your ductwork inspected as soon as possible. By doing so, you will ensure that your home is not wasting any energy and it is able to achieve a comfortable temperature in every room. If you want to get the most bank for your buck, you may want to opt for a ductless system by Mitsubishi Electric. Not only will this system help you achieve an optimal comfort level in your home, but it will do without breaking the bank. 

Earth Day may have come and gone, but now that you have these four tips to make your HVAC system efficient, you’ll be sure to be even more eco-friendly for the next one! If you need help with an air filter replacement, would like to schedule an HVAC tune-up or are interested in setting up an HVAC replacement appointment, the Clay’s Climate Control team is here to help. Contact us today!

Air Quality Q & A: You Have Questions About Air Quality, We Have Answers

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Air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, cigarette smoke, fossil fuels etc., have long been a concern to many people, but the COVID-19 pandemic has opened even more eyes to the impact that air can have on people’s lives. Although many of us are actively protecting ourselves right now from the air while we’re outside — and cleaning our hands excessively — not everyone is thinking about cleaning the air in their home after they’ve come back inside. While we’re not saying this is making you more susceptible to developing COVID-19, the air quality in your home can make you more susceptible to other health issues, such as asthma, congestion, nosebleeds, headaches and more. If the coronavirus pandemic has sparked questions about air quality in your home — and how to improve it — the experts at Clay’s Climate Control are here with answers to the common questions about air quality and how air cleaners can help. 

Q: How does an air cleaner work?

A: Everyday, irritants such pollen, dust and other allergy-causing contaminants circulate through the air in your home, but air cleaners have the ability to filter these particles out. With that being said, an air cleaner can only capture the particles that are floating through the air and pass through the air cleaner, meaning that, for example, it will not eliminate dust that is covering furniture. However, a high-quality air cleaner will:

  • Get rid of allergy-causing particles that go through the air cleaner
  • Operate efficiently and consistently
  • Operate affordably 
  • Handle large volumes of air easily 

It’s important to note that air quality — specifically bacteria, mold and viruses — thrive in humid environments. With the humid weather of summer around the corner, an air cleaner will drastically decrease the risk of these contaminants thriving in your home. 

 

Q: How do air cleaners help with allergies?

A: If you or someone you know suffers from allergies, more often than not, a doctor will state that one of the best treatments is to get rid of the allergen. When you incorporate an air cleaner into your home, you will be able to successfully reduce the amount of allergy-causing contaminants in the air, if not remove them altogether. Whether you choose a portable air cleaner for a small bedroom or a whole-house air cleaner for a larger space, you will see — and feel! — a noticeable improvement in your allergy symptoms. 

 

Q: What are the different types of air cleaners?

A: When it comes to residential air cleaners, there are two different types:

  1. Whole-house units that are furnace-mounted
  2. Portable units for single room use

Within these two types, there are a variety of models with different air cleaning methods, which is why it’s best to first consider your living situation. For instance, if you live in an apartment, a portable air cleaner may be adequate; if you live in a home, you may want to opt for a whole-house unit. 

We hope that our air quality Q & A was helpful, but if you have any additional questions — or would like to schedule an air cleaner installation appointment with us — please don’t hesitate to contact Clay’s Climate Control!

How to Choose the Right Water Heater Replacement For You

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In the wise words of Mugatu: “Water heaters…so hot right now.” Okay, maybe that’s not the exact line from Zoolander, but the truth is your water heater is what makes your home comfortable to live and function in — it keeps your water hot for doing dishes, washing your face, taking showers, relaxing in the bathtub and so much more. So, the water heater experts at Clay’s Climate Control are here with tips on how to choose the right water heater replacement for you — this way you can keep your comfort level up and your monthly costs down!

 

First Figure Out Fuel Availability, Then Figure Out Fuel Type

These days, there are many different types of fuel source options. However, different fuel sources are available in different parts of the country, so here’s a quick breakdown of the fuel options and which areas can utilize them: 

 

  • Electricity: Available in all parts of the U.S., this fuel source is a great option for electric tankless water heaters. 

 

    • Fuel oil: If you’re replacing your current system with a conventional one, this fuel type will work and is available in some parts of the U.S. 

 

  • Geothermal energy: Although it’s a more environmentally friendly option, this is only applicable to home’s that have — or will have — a geothermal system installed.  
  • Natural gas: This is a great option in most parts of the U.S. and can fuel conventional water heaters and tankless water heaters. 
  • Propane: Available in most parts of the U.S., this fuel source will work for tankless water heaters, conventional systems and combination water and space heating systems
  • Solar energy: If you’re looking for the greenest fuel source, this one’s for you! However, it’s availability throughout the U.S. is limited — it’s most popular in the southwest — and can only be used for solar water heaters. 

 

 

In This Case…Size Matters 

Jokes aside, when you’re ready for a water heater replacement, you have to figure out which size will best serve you and your household. Too small and you won’t get enough hot water; too big and you’ll be wasting your money. To ensure your water heater replacement is a success for your comfort AND your wallet, it’s best to rely on the knowledge of water heater experts. 

 

Remember: Energy Efficiency Makes Everything That Much Better 

Whatever your reason may be for your water heater replacement, you’re going to want to replace your current unit with one that’s energy-efficient, so you can enjoy a system that saves you green (both environmentally and financially!). While there are a lot of energy-efficient water systems these days, we personally love electric tankless water heaters because they only heat water when you turn on the hot water tap. 

 

Calculate Costs Now, Save Money Later 

Before you commit to buying a new water heater, it’s important to figure out what the annual operating costs will be of the different systems you are considering. We know, we know, calculating costs can be time consuming, but determining the costs now will be worth it in the long run! 

 

If you’re still not confident that you’ll choose the right water heater replacement for you, don’t worry — the team at Clay’s is always here to help! Contact us today to schedule your water heater replacement appointment. 

 

In with the Bad, Out with the Good: Here’s How Not Changing Your Air Filter is Damaging Your Health and Bank Account

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HVACWhen we think about air quality, we often think about the air outside. For example, we tend to notice how cars, garbage and cigarette smoke (just to name a few) pollute the air and affect our health. However, pollution in our homes seems to be less of a thought for many people, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor concentrations. This means that indoor air quality should be a priority for all homeowners! If you don’t know when your last air filter replacement was, then keep reading, because the indoor air quality professionals at Clay’s Climate Control are here with the reasons why not changing your air filter is damaging your health AND your bank account.

Bad Indoor Air Quality Can Lead to Bad Health Issues

Air filters are made up of spun fiberglass which enables them to prevent pollutants from circulating into the air. Overtime, this material becomes full of everything they’re keeping out of your air (animal hair, bacteria, dust, hair, lint, pollen, etc.). When an air filter isn’t replaced often enough, they’re no longer effective, which means your indoor air quality is impacted. If this happens, you or people in your home may start to experience the following:

  • Asthma
  • Breathing issues
  • Congestion
  • Eye issues
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Nosebleeds
  • Sore throat

To avoid this, follow this quick and easy guide for how often an air filter replacement should occur:

  • Every 20 to 45 days: If your home has multiple pets or someone in your home has asthma
  • Every 60 days: If your home has one pet
  • Every 90 days: If your home has no pets
  • Ever 6 to 12 months: If your home is a single-occupant home and you have no pets (common for vacation homes)

For an additional layer of protection against harmful air pollutants, you may want to consider purchasing an air scrubber.

More Indoor Air Pollution Means Less HVAC Efficiency

Air filters that haven’t been replaced frequently enough don’t just wreak havoc on your health — they can also wreak havoc on your wallet! Dirty air filters clog your HVAC system, preventing warm and cool air from coming out consistently. Unfortunately, the go-to move is usually to crank up the heating or air conditioning — not replace the air filters — which means you won’t see these effects until you get your (abnormally high) utility bill! To keep your HVAC system (and your bank account) from having to work harder, replace your air filters rather thank changing that dial on your thermostat.

Now that you know how not changing your air filter is damaging your health and bank account, let the experts at Clay’s Climate Control help! Whether you’re interested in a new HVAC system or purchasing an air scrubber, we’re here to assist you in any way we can. Contact us today!

Waving Winter Blues Away: 3 Items to Check Off Your HVAC To-Do List For the End of Winter

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Winter HVAC MaintenanceBefore the winter weather winds down, it’s time to think about which items you need to check off your HVAC to-do list. If your heating system kept you and your home comfortable all winter, that’s great, but that doesn’t mean that it will be able to work properly and efficiently throughout the warmer months. To help you avoid an increase in utility bills and decrease in comfort during the warmer months, the HVAC experts at Clay’s Climate Control are here with the top 3 HVAC things you should be inspecting right now!

Swap Out Your HVAC Filter

Spring will be here soon, and this change of season makes it the perfect time to change out your HVAC filter. When an air filter gets dirty, it can negatively impact the way that your system is able to perform, causing it to consume more energy and increase your utility bill. In addition to helping your HVAC equipment perform better, doing an air filter replacement will also improve the air quality inside of your home.

Give the Ductwork Some Attention

Just as a clean air filter helps your HVAC system perform better, so does having air ducts that are clean. By having your ductwork cleaned out, you will be ensuring that the air that flows through it more efficiently. So before the warm weather arrives, be sure to check your ductwork for signs of clogging (IE with debris and dust) or damage.

Give Your Thermostat a Once-Over

Over time, the batteries in your thermostat can lose power, and when they do, it makes your thermostat not able to operate the way it needs to. While this may not lead to safety or health issues, this will lead to discomfort issues, because it will reduce the comfort level inside your home. To avoid this, simply change out the batteries with new ones!

Whether you need help inspecting your ductwork, updating your air conditioner condenser or addressing any other HVAC concerns, the team at Clay’s Climate Control will help you check off your HVAC to-do list! Contact us today to schedule an HVAC appointment.

The Final Countdown: Clay’s Climate Control is a National Contractor of the Year Finalist

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The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACAA) has chosen Clay’s Climate Control as a national contractor of the year finalist. Clay’s received this honor thanks to its healthy and safe work environment that it has established, as well as its ability to showcase the HVACR industry as a positive and thriving industry.

According to the ACAA president and CEO, Barton James, the “ACCA received many great applications in both categories this year.” He went on to state that this year’s finalists all stand out as leaders in not only [the] industry, but also their communities. The competition for the top spot is going to be tight and we wish all six companies’ good luck.”

The ACAA award is given out annually to one commercial contractor and one residential contractor. In addition to establishing a superb work environment, the companies chosen as finalists must also show that they have grown in the HVACR industry due to their innovative techniques.

It is no surprise that Clay’s Climate Control has found itself as a national contractor of the year finalist. For over 20 years, Clay Pierce, the co-owner of Clay’s Climate Control, has been providing people in south Jersey with professional, stress-free, high-quality HVAC services. Clay also prides himself in only hiring the most qualified, highly trained and certified HVAC technicians to ensure that his entire team is providing exceptional HVAC service. Additionally, he and his wife, Jen — who is also a co-owner of Clay’s Climate Control — pride themselves in doing what they can to improve and benefit their community. They do this by making sizable donations to the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association.

The 2020 Contractor of the Year award will be announced at the ACCA’s 2020 Conference & Expo, March 16 – 18, 2020 in St. Louis, MO. Experience the top-notch HVAC service Clay’s Climate Control provides for yourself today! When you do, you’ll understand why they are a national contractor of the year finalist. Contact us today!

TMYK: Here’s What You Need to Know About This Year’s Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit

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The tax filing deadline will be here before we know it, but before you file yours, it’s important to know that you may be eligible for a tax credit based on a recent HVAC system purchase! Because of the recent reinstatement of H.R.1865 and H.R.1158, if you had your system replaced in 2018 and 2019 with a product that is on the eligibility list, you may be able to take a tax credit (not a refund) on that purchase. The HVAC experts at Clay’s Climate Control have broken down some important tax credit information that will help you determine if your new system may be eligible.

Enjoy a Tax Credit If You’ve Improved Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Thanks to a provision in Section 25C of the Federal Tax Code, homeowners who invested in HVAC work that improves their home’s energy efficiency may be entitled to a tax credit! According to this provision, homeowners in this category would be able to claim 25C tax credits that equal 10% of the installation costs, and a maximum tax credit of $500. Plus, a higher efficiency system also means that you will enjoy long term savings on your family’s energy usage. It is important to note that this will expire on December 31, 2020.

Receive a Tax Deduction If You’ve Enhanced Your Commercial Building’s Energy Efficiency

The reinstatement of Section 179D states that commercial buildings that have enhanced their facility with energy efficient systems will be eligible for tax deductions. If you are a commercial building owner who has improved it with energy efficient savings, you won’t just be able to file for a tax deduction in this category, but you will also enjoy significant savings on your building’s operating costs!

These Provisions Will Also Benefit the Home Services Industry

While homeowners and business owners will undoubtedly be excited about these benefits, the benefits of these provisions do not stop there — they will also help create and protect the jobs of American workers! Additionally, these provisions will help lead the US to more energy independence.

While we recommend talking to your tax accountant to help determine your status of eligibility in regards to the aforementioned provisions. If you learn you are eligible — and need any purchasing paperwork from Clay’s Climate Control — please feel free to contact us! Don’t have an energy efficient system yet? Don’t worry! 2020 is an awesome time to consider purchasing new, eligible HVAC equipment, so you can take advantage of this tax credit and get a more energy efficient system installed. Call us today to get a complimentary estimate and proposal.

4 Signs You Need to Hire a New HVAC Contractor

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When repairs need to be made to an HVAC system, oftentimes homeowners are looking for a quick, inexpensive resolution to their problem.

Unfortunately, it can lead to hiring inexperienced, unlicensed or disreputable companies that take advantage of their customers. Knowing the warning signs of an untrustworthy HVAC technician can save you time and money and greatly reduce your chances of being scammed. If you’re tired of being duped, the professionals at Clay’s Climate Control can help! We’re sharing 4 signs to look for to know if you’re working with an untrustworthy HVAC contractor.

Labor Warranties
Oftentimes, a company who is trying to scam a customer offers no labor warranties or exceptionally long warranties or guarantees. This deal is fantastic and hard to pass up because it is not real. At Clay’s Climate Control, we offer fair and honest warranties that are clearly spelled out. We offer a one-year warranty for service parts replaced and a two-year warranty for installations.   

Unlicensed Technicians
Some companies may choose to hire inexperienced or unlicensed technicians to cut costs and save some money. The contractor who comes to your home should have two types of insurance with them—liability and worker’s compensation. Not only do these protect the worker, they protect you as the homeowner. Clay’s Climate Control is fully licensed and insured, listing all credentials—like our Master HVACR Contractor license and Home Improvement Contractor license—proudly on our website. 

Failure to Perform a Manual J Load Calculation
You expect your home’s HVAC system to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Unfortunately, many units can fail to perform these very basic functions. While there can be many things that hinder your HVAC from working properly, system size can be one that is often overlooked, but extremely detrimental. Having a professional perform a Manual J load calculation is the only way to determine the correct size unit to keep your home comfortable. We offer the manual J calculation for free during an estimate. Most contractors simply do not do them. Causing them to potentially install units that are improperly sized for the home. Ask what load calculation software they use and make sure it is ACCA-accredited.  

No References or Referrals
When looking to hire an HVAC company, ask around for references and referrals. A well-known company will often have great online reviews with positive experiences and even pictures of the company’s work. Make sure the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This accreditation is awarded to companies who are honest, trustworthy and fair with their business practices. Clay’s has been a member of the BBB since 2006!  

Unfortunately, there are several untrustworthy HVAC contractors and companies out there that try to scam their customers. Ditch the bad guys and let Clay’s handle it all! From heating repairs to duct work, we can help you with any of your HVAC needs. Contact us today!

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