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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!

The Gift That Keeps on Giving: Here’s Why HVAC Membership is a Gift to You and Your Wallet

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HVAC Membership gift

It may be the season to buy gifts for others, but giving yourself, your home and your wallet the gift of an HVAC membership is a gift that’s always in season! From saving money to getting priority service, the benefits of an HVAC membership are truly magical. The HVAC experts at Clay’s Climate Control are here with four reasons of why an HVAC Membership is the gift that will continue to give and give.

Enjoy Peace and Joy All Year Long

HVAC services and purchases, whether they’re expected or emergencies, can typically be stressful. When you purchase an HVAC membership, you’ll be purchasing peace of mind thanks to all of its benefits. Not only will an HVAC membership save you money on a variety of HVAC-related products and services, but it will also help melt away the scheduling, maintaining and purchasing stresses that can typically come with HVAC issues.

Shovel In the Savings on Bills, Services and Parts

Everyone loves saving money, and when you invest in an HVAC membership, you’ll save money in many different ways. For example, it can help you save money on your utility bills because your HVAC equipment will be well-maintained, and therefore, more efficient. Although not all membership plans offer the same benefits, the best ones will also provide you with reduced service charges during normal hours, overtime hours and holidays—they’ll also offer a price reduction on all parts and labor!

Jump the Line and Receive Priority Service

Food shopping lines, holiday shopping lines, HVAC service waitlist lines—no one likes waiting in line, especially when an HVAC system needs assistance ASAP! With an HVAC membership, you’ll get priority service on all of your HVAC needs. Whether it’s summer and you need your air conditioning fixed ASAP, or it’s winter and you need your heating system replaced before a big snowstorm, an HVAC membership will eliminate the waitlist line.

Feel Merry and Bright By Filling Your Wallet With Clay’s Cash

When you purchase an HVAC membership, it should always come with a perk that lets you know your HVAC company appreciates your membership. At Clay’s Climate Control, our 3C Maintenance Plan features a perk that pays you back—literally! Every time you renew your membership with us, you’ll get $50 in Clay’s Cash—this means we give you money (which can accumulate over the years) to put towards equipment replacement or indoor quality products. It’s just one way we like to say “thank you” to our amazing 3C members.

Whether your current HVAC membership isn’t everything you want it to be or you’re ready to commit to a membership for the first time, the 3C Club is the one you’ll want to join! To learn more or to enroll, contact us today!

Sweater Weather May Be In, But So Are Tankless Water Heaters — Here’s Why

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The colder temps are officially nipping at our noses, and with this switch in weather comes the cranking up of your heat at home. If you’re tired of dealing with an old heating system that takes forever to work, requires a lot of maintenance and drives up your utility bills, then this is the time to install a new tankless water heater. Read on to learn more!

Lower Utility Bills That’ll Warm You Right Up

Tankless water heaters are known for being more energy efficient than other heating systems, which means your utility bills will decrease in price. In fact, this type of heating system is often referred to as “on-demand” water heaters because they only heat the water in your home when you turn the hot water tap on. Thanks to these “on-demand” high-efficiency features, your system can quickly heat up when you need it to—rather than wasting gas or electricity—which will be reflected in your monthly bills.

An Extended Lifespan You’ll Want to Get Wrapped Up In

Unlike a tank water heater—which typically lasts between 5 and 10 years—tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years if they are provided with proper and consistent maintenance. Constantly having to replace a tank water heater is a headache—it also drains your wallet. So rather than replacing your current system with a new tank water heater, replace it with a tankless water heater and enjoy it for up to 20 years!

Endless Hot Water That Makes It Easy to Get Cozy

Gone are the days of running out of hot water and taking cold showers. With a tankless water heater, as soon as the hot water tap is switched on, powerful gas or electricity will kick in and instantly heat the water that runs through the coils in the unit. Thanks to this quick and efficient system, you’re quickly provided with hot water that will last as long as you want it to.

Bundle Yourself Up With the Joy of Less Maintenance

Although all HVAC equipment is best when it is properly maintained, a tankless water system requires much less maintenance than a water heater tank. Typically, water heater tanks should undergo routine maintenance every 6 months; in contrast, a tankless water heater can go approximately 4 or 5 years without maintenance. However, if you live in an area with hard water, cleaning your tankless water heater annually to remove mineral buildup is highly recommended.

Saving Space Is an Added Layer of a Benefit

Tired of your huge water heater tank taking up precious space in your home? We don’t blame you—they may be able to hold up to between 40 and 60 gallons of water, but they’re also about 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide! By installing a tankless water heater, you can still store the same amount of water, but you can do so with a system that’s a little over 2 feet tall and only 20 inches wide, giving you more space in your home to enjoy.

Ready to reap the many benefits of a tankless water heater? The team at Clay’s Climate Control is here to help! From replacement to installation to repairs, we’re here for all of your heating needs. Contact us today!

Ask the Expert: How can I be sure my furnace isn’t leaking out carbon monoxide?

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Carbon Monoxide LeakThis is a great question, and one that requires the attention of homeowners as soon as the temperature outside drops low enough that the furnace needs to be turned on. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a furnace can pose a threat every winter. When furnaces are not properly maintained by an HVAC professional every year, there may be issues with the unit that can lead to the leaking of carbon monoxide—an invisible, odorless gas that is emitted from a damaged furnace and kills hundreds of people every year, while also making thousands sick.

Schedule Furnace Maintenance

To be sure that your furnace is working properly and is not emitting carbon monoxide, the first step is to schedule a furnace maintenance appointment with a heating expert. Once your furnace has been maintained, the next step it to make sure that you 1) have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, and 2) regularly maintain these to make sure that they are functioning properly.

Save Up to 10% a Year on Your Heating Bill

Not only will annually maintaining your furnace help you prevent a dangerous carbon monoxide leakage, but you will also enjoy the added bonus of saving up to 10% a year in your heating bill! This is because a well-maintained furnace will run more efficiently and effectively, so it won’t waste energy heating your home.

Being Proactive

Now, just because you are staying on top of your furnace’s maintenance every year does not mean that there are not other proactive steps you can take in between the yearly checkups! In addition to scheduling annual maintenance, you can also do the following:

  • Regularly replace your furnace’s filter.
  • Keep the fan compartment door tightly closed; this will prevent it from having to work overtime.
  • Look for burned or damaged wiring; using a flashlight will make this easier to see!
  • Check to see if the flue of your furnace is well-connected to the masonry or metal flue; this will keep carbon monoxide from escaping if there is a leak present.

Your furnace is there to make your home warm and cozy in the winter, not dangerous, and here at Clay’s Climate Control, we do everything we can to make sure your HVAC equipment can be easily and properly maintained—that is why we offer our 3C Maintenance Plan! If you live in Linwood, Atlantic County, or Northern Cape May County, NJ, contact the experts at Clay’s today to schedule your furnace appointment!

Clay’s Climate Control Donates $10,000 to CASA of Atlantic City

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Clay’s Climate Control — the HVAC service experts of south Jersey — is excited and honored to be able to announce that they recently donated $10,000 to the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association.

Although they have been donating to this organization for 5 years, this is the most sizable amount they have donated to date.

“As a business owner, there are many organizations that ask us to donate. For us, giving back to the community where we live, do business, and raise our family was always of utmost importance,” stated Jen Pierce, co-owner of Clay’s Climate Control.

After attending an event in 2015, Clay’s Climate Control learned about CASA — what they did for the children in their community and how they did not have enough funds to help every child. It was after this event that Clay’s decided to make CASA the organization they would donate to, and they began donating immediately.

As a family-owned and operated HVAC company that serves southern New Jersey, Clay’s Climate Control prides itself in making giving back to its community a top priority. Jen, along with her husband and co-owner, Clay, have 3 kids of their own, so CASA — which provides court appointed advocates to children who have been abused or neglected — has been the perfect fit for this family of five.

“Over the years, we have attended multiple events where we have listened to children who grew up in the foster system, listened to foster parents, and listened to CASA Staff and Board Members share the current priorities of CASA and their vision for the future,” Jen said. “All events caused us to feel like we needed to do more, [so] each year we increased our monetary donations.”

And increase, they have. Thanks to this year’s donation, Clay’s Climate Control was able to provide a CASA to every child in Atlantic County and Cape May County, a fact that Jen Pierce said has “warmed our hearts.”

“Our work is not done though — we want to continue to be able to provide a CASA for every child in the community for years to come,” Jen said, adding that Clay’s has committed to donating to CASA for at least another 5 years.

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