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“V” Is For Virtuosity: Here’s What It Takes to Be a Great HVAC Technician

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Great HVAC TechnicianWith over 20 years in the HVAC industry and known for being a professional, reliable, and honest company, we know a thing or two about how to be a great HVAC technician—and we want to pass that knowledge on to you. The team at Clay’s Climate Control have come up with three things that will take you from being a good HVAC technician to a great one, so you can get the success you deserve

Stay Up-to-Date on the Hottest Trends

Knowledge is power, and when you’re up-to-date on the latest safety practices and techniques, then you’ll be one step closer to being a great HVAC technician. Whether you conduct your own research in your free time, participate in workshops or acquire new certifications, you’ll be taking the steps you need to in order to be the most successful technician you can be. Plus, when you know the latest practices and techniques, you can be sure that you’re staying safe at jobs, and your customers can be confident that they’re getting the best HVAC service.

Drill Down on Details

Just like in any career, how you deal with the details of a project is what makes a person good at their job or exceptional at their job. In order to do a high-quality job and provide exceptional service, it’s important to remember it’s all in the details, so be sure to do the following:

  • Go through each and every part of a procedure—no skipping a step!
  • Catch the smallest of details and address them
  • Record details from every visit and keep them on file for that client

By being detail-oriented, you’ll be able to do the best job possible and provide high-quality service to all of your customers.

Power Up Communication Skills and Customer Service

When it comes to being a great HVAC technician, your expertise and qualifications are one part of the equation, but how you talk to and treat your customers is the other—and to do this well, communication and customer service need to go hand in hand. Not only do you need to personable and polite, but you also need to be able to effectively communicate what needs to be done without using too much technical jargon. Additionally, each customer should feel like they’re your #1 priority (no matter how many client’s you’re working with) so it’s important to quickly address any questions or concerns they may have.

Whether you’re looking to join an HVAC team where you can take your skills to the next level, or you’re a homeowner looking for the best HVAC company in southern New Jersey, look no further than Clay’s Climate Control! From job inquiries to scheduling an HVAC appointment, contact us today.

Women, Ignite: Here’s Why Women Should Work in HVAC

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Girlbosses, SheEOs, Boss Ladies—there’s no denying that the future is bright for women, but it’s especially bright in the HVAC industry. With a serious demand for new technicians, a solid starting salary, and a wide variety of career tracks to choose from, the HVAC industry is looking more and more attractive every year. At Clay’s Climate Control, we know how rewarding and lucrative an HVAC career is, so here are three reasons why women should work in HVAC.

Like a Good Bra, This Industry is Secure

Back in 2015, the national labor force consisted of 57% women—of which only 1.7% were working in HVAC. But because of increasing retirement rates, the HVAC industry is in dire need of technicians—115,000 by 2022, to be exact—making women a hot commodity and presenting a situation that they should be ready to take advantage of. Plus, with a reported average salary of $47,610 a year, women can break the glass ceiling and start out making some serious dough.

With Countless Opportunities, Women Can Choose the Path They Want

Gone are the days of being stuck in one career path—with HVAC, women can start out on one path and transition into a new one. From becoming a service technician to taking ownership of a family-operated business, working as an installation mechanic to start their own business, the career opportunities in HVAC are endless.

There’s Movement Towards a Bright Future

Unlike many industries these days, the HVAC industry is actually growing at an extremely fast rate—and by “extremely fast,” we mean that it’s expected to reach $120 billion by 2022. Thankfully, the percentage of women working in HVAC is also growing, putting them in high-demand for hiring. So whether you’re a woman looking to work as an HVAC distributor, engineer, office manager, salesperson, or technician (or countless other areas), your future looks bright.

Are you interested in starting a career in HVAC? Here at Clay’s Climate Control, we’re always on the lookout for friendly and skilled technicians to join our team. And because we provide weekly trainings for our team, your already desirable skillset can continue to grow. Contact us to learn more or apply for a spot on our team today!

4 Natural Ways to Supplement Your Air Purifier System

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As a family-owned company, we want your home to have the best indoor air quality, so you and your loved ones can breathe healthy air. While our air cleaner, air purifier, humidifier and dehumidifier products will remove dust, particulates, and contaminants—and give you healthy air—these 4 natural products are a great way to complement our indoor air quality products!

Himalayan Salt Lamps—The Only Time It’s Good to Be Salty

Loaded up with 84 different minerals, pink Himalayan salt is believed to have powerful health benefits, all of which are released into the air when this lamp is turned on. Once heated, this lamp will release ions into the air, neutralizing pollutants and leaving you with cleaner air. Plus, the mellow glow that this lamp gives off will make for a perfect night light, for you or your kids!

Beeswax Candles Are Something to Buzz About

Candles have a way of creating a mellow environment, but because paraffin candles are made from petroleum, these types of candles aren’t benefiting the air you breathe. If you want to improve your home’s air quality, it’s best to opt for beeswax candles. Similar to pink Himalayan salt lamps, these candles emit negative ions into the air and remove allergens such as dust and dander, making them a great natural option for those suffering from asthma or allergies.

Don’t Say “Boo” to Bamboo Charcoal—Say “Yay!”

If you use a water purifier, then you know the power of charcoal! Just like your water filters—which are filled with charcoal—remove toxins from the water you drink, bamboo charcoal will do the same thing for your home’s air. Thanks to Moso air purifying bags, you can easily incorporate the powerful effects of charcoal into your home. Simply set up the bag, turn on your air purifier, and this dynamic duo will remove bacteria, absorb moisture, and prevent mold—and that’s something to breathe easy about.

Help Healthy Air Quality Flourish With Houseplants

Remember in science class when you learned how plants capture carbon dioxide and release clean oxygen? Well, certain plants also have the power to capture other toxic substances, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. However, all plants aren’t created equally, so to improve your air quality the most, it’s best to incorporate Bamboo Palm, Boston Fern, Golden Pothos, Lady Palm, and Peace Lily plants into your home’s decor.

Are you ready to stop breathing in dust, contaminants, and pollutants and start breathing in clean and healthy air? From relieving congestion to alleviating asthma symptoms, our indoor air quality products can help improve your home’s air quality AND your health. Contact us today to schedule an indoor air quality product installation!

Summer Rental: Here’s an HVAC Checklist for Rental Properties

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HVACIf you’re one of the smart people who invested in a shore house and rent it out every summer then 1) congrats, and 2) keeping it in tip-top shape will ensure that you continue to get the rental price that you want. The HVAC pro’s at Clay’s Climate Control have come up with a helpful HVAC checklist that will keep your HVAC system operating efficiently, so your renters—and your wallet—will be happy.

Improve Air Quality With New Air Filters

Overtime, dust, pollen, allergens and other contaminants accumulate on air filters, and when the air conditioning kicks on, these all blow out into the air you—and your future tenants—will breath. To keep the air quality safe and healthy in your rental property, replace your HVAC’s air filters. Not only is this an easy and affordable task to check off, but it can make a huge improvement in the air people breathe.

Give Your HVAC System an Upgrade

Depending on the age of your HVAC system, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient system. Most HVAC systems can last approximately 15-20 years, so if yours is getting close to that age, it’s time to give it an upgrade. With that being said, if an HVAC system hasn’t been well-maintained or it’s been exposed to harsh weather conditions—such as saltwater and snowstorms—these factors can age the system quicker. If your rental is close to the beach, and you think your HVAC system looks older than it actually is, contact an HVAC expert to diagnose your system’s condition.

Avoid Wear and Tear By Checking Belts and Bearings

Between the heat and humidity of summer, tenants in a beach house are going to want a beach rental that’s equipped with a powerful air conditioning system. To keep the AC in your rental property working properly—and to get longevity out of your system—it’s important to perform routine maintenance on its belts and bearings. If these components aren’t properly aligned or greased, they can grind down areas of your unit and wear down your system. You can easily prevent this by making sure the belts have straight edges and the bearings are well-greased.

Clean the Air Ducts for Cleaner Air

Similar to air filters, air ducts can also fill up with dust, pollen, allergens and other contaminants, impacting the air quality in your rental property. To ensure your tenants are breathing in clean air, it’s crucial that you routinely clean your air ducts. If you want to supplement your clean air filters and air ducts, installing an air purifier can drastically improve air quality.

Reduce Bacteria By Removing Standing Water

HVAC systems have drain pans that prevent condensation water from leaking into the walls and ceilings, but when these pans fill with standing water, it can attract bacteria and contaminants. In order to keep bacteria and contaminants at bay, it’s important to regularly clean out the water from these pans.

HVAC checklists are great, but their tasks are even easier to check off when you have a highly-qualified HVAC technician on your side! Whether you are looking to replace your HVAC system or want to have your system maintained, the experts at Clay’s Climate Control are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your HVAC appointment!

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!

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