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air conditioning HVAC

Spend Less, Save More: Four Expert Tips For Cutting Costs on Your Electricity Bills This Summer


Save money on your electricity bill this summer in South JerseySummer in the northeast is always hot and humid, and an air conditioning system is crucial for helping all of us survive this season. However, pumping that cool air into your home is also known for pumping up your electricity bills — that’s where our HVAC experts come in! As the service experts of south Jersey, we know all of the tips and tricks you need to stay cool AND keep utility bills low. Our experts have come up with four tips for cutting costs on your electricity bills this summer, so keep calm and read on!

Out with the Old, In with the New 

Just as technology gets better and better every year, so do air conditioning units, and if yours is ten years older or more, then it’s time for air conditioner replacement. You see, as air conditioning units age, they have to work harder to produce the cool air you want, hiking up your energy bills. Although you will need to spend money on an air conditioner replacement, it WILL save you money in the long run, because the new unit will be more efficient. To ensure you get the most savings possible, opt for the most highly efficient units from the industry’s leaders, such as Trane, Mitsubishi Electric or Ruud. 

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat Now, Reap the Benefits Later 

Not only do programmable thermostats improve your comfort while you’re in your home, but they also improve your savings when you’re NOT in your home! Because programmable thermostats adapt to your schedule, it will turn off when you’re not home and turn on when you get home, preventing you from wasting energy AND money. All you need to do is program your thermostat to your schedule, and you can start saving money. 

Stop Neglecting Your Unit’s Air Filters 

Air filters are the component that prevents dirt, dust and other contaminants from circulating throughout your home by absorbing them instead. However, air filters quickly become clogged with all of these particles, which is why monthly air filter cleaning is recommended. Air filters that haven’t been cleaned or replaced in a while will prevent a unit from being able to easily disperse cool air, making your unit work harder, and therefore, wasting energy. Additionally, dirty air filters impact your home’s indoor air quality, which can lead to a variety of health concerns. To avoid this, you should schedule an air filter installation appointment with a professional HVAC team ASAP. 

Check Air Vents and Make Sure They’re in Good Condition 

In regards to your unit’s air vents, when we say “good condition,” we mean two things: 

  1. Make sure that they are clean
  2. Make sure that they are open

Far too often, homeowners don’t realize that their air vents have been shut, and whether it happens accidentally or for cleaning purposes, closed air vents can impact your home’s comfort level. When this happens — and the air vents aren’t checked — homeowners may crank the air conditioning, which won’t do much except increase your utility bill that month. Fortunately, this is an easy fix: just don’t forget to make sure your air vents are open! Plus, clean air vents increase the chances that clean air will flow out of them, so be sure to keep cleaning them and make sure you open them back up when you’re finished. 

Now that you have these helpful tips for cutting your electricity bills this summer, it’s time to call the experts at Clay’s Climate Control! From air conditioner replacements to air filter installations, air conditioning repairs to programmable thermostats installation, our team will make sure your home is comfortable AND energy-efficient. Contact us today!

Categories
air conditioning efficiency HVAC indoor air quality

Why You Should Go Ductless This Summer

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. ductless mini split system

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!

Categories
air conditioning HVAC hvac maintenance

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

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!

Categories
air conditioning heating HVAC hvac maintenance

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

 

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!

Categories
air conditioning

Take Cover This Season: Here’s How a Condenser Cover Will Benefit Your AC Unit

Condenser Cover

As the temperature drops outside, so does the amount that you need to use your air conditioner, and before you know it, your outdoor AC unit will be retired for the season. But because the east coast can get slammed by strong winds, storms and hurricanes, it can damage your unit. To ensure your outdoor AC unit can spring back to life when you need it to, the AC experts at Clay’s Climate Control have come up with 4 ways that an air conditioner condenser cover will benefit your air conditioning equipment.

Avoid Salt Water Wreaking Havoc

If your home is located near a beach, a condenser cover is crucial for protecting the condition of your air conditioning unit. Because saltwater can corrode metal, your HVAC equipment may age faster if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Luckily, a condenser cover will keep the highly corrosive salty air out of your unit, which will help keep its condition healthy, increase its life expectancy and its overall efficiency.

Prevent Damage From Debris

From leaves to twigs to roofing shingles, debris can fall at any moment. By having your air conditioning unit protected by an HVAC condenser cover, you will be keeping it safe from the unpredictable elements and help prolong its life.

Keep It Safe When Ice Falls Off Your Roof

Icicles that form on your roof may look beautiful, but if they fall onto an uncovered AC unit, they can cause serious harm. Not only can falling ice affect the exterior of your AC equipment, but it may even damage its coil fins, fan motor, and fan blades, making for an expensive repair when the warmer weather is back in season. Consider protecting your system with an air conditioner condenser cover.

But Before You Cover, Clean It

Over time, your outdoor air conditioning gets covered by salt, sand, debris, and a variety of other elements. Because of this, it is extremely important to thoroughly clean your unit before covering it. By washing your unit off with water—and letting it air dry for approximately one day—before covering it with an AC unit cover, you can be sure that your AC unit will be in a quality condition when you uncover it in the future.

Ready to protect your air conditioning unit? Contact Clay’s Climate Control today! Not only do we provide high-quality and reliable HVAC services, but we’re also offering a limited-time special for our condenser cover services, so you can save your unit’s well-being AND your wallet. Contact us today!

Categories
air conditioning heating HVAC hvac maintenance

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

With 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.

Categories
air conditioning indoor air quality

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

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 a different filter to be installed. In addition, some homes have multiple HVAC units, so you may have to search in a few different locations! If you’ve been wondering, “Where is my air filter,” continue reading below.

When you go to look for your air filter, start by inspecting your ceiling or wall returns. An HVAC air filter location can sometimes be found behind a return air grille to allow for easy access when it comes time to change out the filter. Afterward, 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 space 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.
    • Downflow 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. The attic furnace filter unit can be installed virtually anywhere because of the horizontal flow directionality.

Breathe Easier with Clay’s Climate Control HVAC Services

Our services include:

  • Air Conditioning: From installation and repair to seasonal maintenance, we handle all your AC needs. 
  • Heating: Stay warm and cozy throughout the winter with our expert heating services. 
  • Indoor Air Quality Solutions: We offer a variety of solutions to improve indoor air quality, such as air purifiers, humidifiers, and ventilation systems. 
  • Preventative Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to preventing costly breakdowns and extending the life of your HVAC system. 

If you have bought a new house recently and are left wondering, “Where is my air filter,” then you’ll typically have more than one air filter in your ceiling. 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 in different locations. 

If you have any questions about your HVAC system or are interested in learning more about our HVAC services, please feel free to contact Clay’s Climate Control today! We’re here to help you breathe easier and enjoy a comfortable home environment.

Categories
air conditioning

What is an Energy Savings Calculator and How Does it Work?

We’re all looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency of our homes and small businesses in order to save ourselves some money in our back pockets. As many of us may already know, a calculator has always been a trusty gadget at hand; we’ve used calculators since elementary school up until good old taxes season.  But what is an energy savings calculator exactly? How is it different than your trusted hand held calculator?

Well, for starters, an energy savings calculator estimates how much money you can save by using your thermostat’s energy efficient features. Heating and cooling can account for about half of a home’s total utility bill… did you know this? Given that, it’s certainly something you’ll want to keep your eye on as it can add up. By upgrading to a high-efficiency system, you can cut your energy costs while keeping your family comfortable all year long.

Reducing energy use in your home is important because it saves you money, increases energy security, and reduces the pollution that is emitted from non-renewable sources of energy. Here’s a quick tip:

To improve the performance of your AC unit, make sure to clear any debris, leaves or obstructions around your unit, so that you get better and more efficient air flow.

The efficiency of air conditioners is measured by their SEER ratings: the higher the SEER rating, the better the energy performance, and the more your save! We encourage you to check out our energy savings calculator to see how you can increase your efficiency to increase your savings.

If you have any questions about a high efficiency air conditioner, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact us at Clay’s Climate Control today!

Categories
air conditioning

What Causes my Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freeze up can be frustrating, but it is not an uncommon problem. Your air conditioner can freeze up for a variety of reasons that we will discuss within this blog post. This is a problem that can turn a beautiful summer day into a scorching hot one in minutes so it’s important that you know what exactly can be the cause of it. Here are some common causes for your air conditioner to freeze up: Blocked air flow If your air filters are really dirty, then air flow is restricted throughout your house as a result. When air flow is restricted throughout your house, there’s no air moving through your AC system to keep the condensate from freezing. Refrigerant leaks If your AC unit is leaking coolant, it’s best to get it fixed immediately or invest in a new unit. This depends on the age of your current system, which a professional HVAC technician can assess. A leak causes a drop in pressure, allowing the coolant to expand too much and become too cold. Cooler nights Air conditioners are designed to function in a very specific temperature range. When summer nights are colder than the optimum temperature threshold in your AC unit, the pressures inside of your system will drop. This can cause a freeze up of your air conditioner. At Clay’s Climate Control, we fix all types of HVAC problems for businesses and residents, including AC freeze-ups. We know that the summers in southern New Jersey can be quite warm and will respond quickly for any HVAC repair – contact us today!
Categories
air conditioning

Signs that Your AC is Broken

When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to deal with is having your air conditioner repaired or replaced. This can make it miserable to live in your home during the warmer months and can actually be dangerous in some situations. In order to avoid this situation, it is best to watch for the early signs of needing your air conditioner repaired.

Like most things in your home, an air conditioner will probably require a couple of repairs here and there. When minor repairs are not addressed, it can lead to bigger, more expensive repairs. If you are wondering how to know when your air conditioner is broken and needs a repair or a replacement, check out these telling signs:

  • You are hearing odd sounds. When your AC unit isn’t making the typical humming noise it usually makes, and instead you hear things like clanging or grating noises, it’s a good sign that your unit needs to be looked at. Hearing these noises often means that a part inside of the unit has become loose or is breaking down. It’s best to call a repair professional right away to catch this problem before other things in your unit begin to break.
  • Your house isn’t feeling as cool as you think it should. This is one of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your AC unit. When you can tell that the unit isn’t blowing air out powerfully enough or the air doesn’t feel very cool, something is not operating as it should. To fix this problem easily and enjoy colder temperatures again, have a repair professional inspect the AC unit and ensure that what needs to be repaired or replaced has gotten the attention that it deserves.
  • Increased humidity in your home. One job of your air conditioner is to reduce the amount of humidity in your house. If your house is more humid than usual, even with the air conditioning on, the unit may need repair.
  • The thermostat does not work properly. You might notice that your air conditioner runs for a short time before turning off—or it doesn’t turn on at all. Your thermostat might be malfunctioning. You should have a technician check this as well.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, your AC may be broken. Call Clay’s Climate Control today to make an appointment for an AC repair!