Category: blog

Spring isn’t the only thing that’s in the air in South Jersey. As the weather begins to heat up, seasonal allergens like tree and grass pollen are leaving residents with itching, sneezing, runny noses, and more. Luckily, there are some simple steps homeowners can take with their HVAC systems to prepare for allergy season and protect their overall health.

In this blog, the HVAC experts at Clay’s Climate Control offer tips and tricks for prepping your HVAC system for the spring weather, along with recommendations on air quality solutions that can dramatically improve your comfort.

HVAC Spring Prep That Can Help Combat Allergens

Your HVAC system is responsible for filtering and distributing your cooled air throughout your South Jersey home. If your system isn’t properly maintained, it may not be as effective at removing airborne pollutants from your space. To combat spring allergies and reduce your symptoms, we recommend:

• Changing filters: Clogged or dirty HVAC filters can make it harder for your AC to remove dust, pollen, and mold spores from your indoor air. Change them every one to three months to ensure efficient filtration.
• Cleaning AC coils: Cleaning your coils removes mold and dust buildup that can accumulate and make allergies worse.
• Open vents: Open vents to create even air distribution throughout your home and prevent dust and allergens from being pulled from areas like your attic or basement.

Air Quality Systems That Help With Allergies

As another line of defense against seasonal allergies, homeowners can also invest in air quality systems that aim to improve overall comfort and health. These include:

• Home air filtration systems: These systems trap airborne allergens with HEPA filters or high MERV-rated filters to remove even the smallest particles from the air.
• Air-decontaminating UV lamps: With the power of UV light, these lamps destroy mold, bacteria, and viruses to reduce allergy triggers.
• Air purifiers: Available in portable and whole-home options, air purifiers use multi-stage filtration to combat smoke, pet dander, pollen, and more.
• Dehumidifiers: If excess moisture in your home has led to mold and dust mites, a dehumidifier can improve your indoor air quality significantly.
• Humidifiers: Dry air can worsen allergy symptoms as it irritates nasal passages and makes it harder to expel allergens.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

Want to ensure your system is in top-notch condition for the spring season? Schedule professional AC maintenance with a trusted local HVAC company. During a tune-up, an experienced technician will do a full assessment of your system to ensure it is clean and properly filtering, providing you with unmatched indoor air quality and the ultimate peace of mind.

Schedule HVAC & Air Quality Services With Clay’s

Prioritize your comfort and health this allergy season with HVAC and indoor air quality services from Clay’s Climate Control. As South Jersey’s trusted HVAC company, we provide superior service from committed and courteous professionals. Plus, we offer maintenance plans to help you streamline your HVAC care and save money.

Call Clay’s Climate Control today to schedule service for your South Jersey home.

If your home just never seems to feel as fresh as it used to — or if you’re constantly dusting and still sneezing — your air ducts might be to blame. Over time, dust, pollen, pet dander, and even mold can collect in your ductwork, circulating throughout your home every time your HVAC system runs. Clean ducts will help you breathe easier and will keep your HVAC system running efficiently, saving you money and stress.

In this blog, our experts at Clay’s Climate Control cover what you need to know to maintain your ducts and improve your home’s air quality.

Signs Your Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned

Your ductwork might be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. When your air ducts are dirty, they can cause poor indoor air quality, uneven airflow, and higher energy bills. Here are a few telltale signs that it might be time to clean your ducts:

• Excess dust around vents
• Musty or stale odors coming from vents
• Increased allergy or respiratory symptoms indoors
• Visible mold inside ducts or on HVAC components
• Poor airflow in certain rooms
• Pest droppings or signs of infestation near vents
• Recent home renovation or remodeling work
• HVAC filters that clog faster than usual

DIY Tips for Keeping Your Ducts Clean

While some duct cleaning tasks require a professional touch, you can still take steps to minimize buildup and keep your system running smoothly. A little DIY maintenance can go a long way toward improving your home’s air quality and HVAC performance.

Try these tips for keeping your ducts cleaner between professional visits:

• Change your air filter regularly: A clean filter helps trap dust and debris before it reaches your ductwork.
• Dust and vacuum often: Keeping your home clean reduces the amount of dirt that can be pulled into your system.
• Keep vents and registers clean: Wipe vents and registers down monthly to prevent dust buildup.
• Seal gaps in ductwork: Use foil tape or mastic sealant to patch small leaks that let in dust and debris.
• Install a high-efficiency air filter: HEPA filters or filters with higher MERV ratings catch more particles than standard filters.
• Check your attic or crawl space for gaps: Unsealed areas can let in dust, pests, or moisture that affect your ducts.

When To Schedule Professional Duct Cleaning

If your ducts haven’t been cleaned in a few years — or ever — it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection. Homeowners should reach out after renovations, if mold or pests are present, or if allergy symptoms seem worse indoors than outdoors. Professional duct cleaning goes far beyond what DIY methods can accomplish, using specialized tools to safely remove debris deep within the ductwork without damaging your system. A thorough cleaning from an experienced HVAC technician will help keep your entire system clean, efficient, and reliable, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons.

Choose Clay’s for Expert Duct Cleaning Services

Delaying duct cleaning can lead to higher energy bills, unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC system, and poor indoor air quality for your family. If you suspect that the ductwork in your South Jersey home is dirty, reach out to Clay’s Climate Control for professional duct cleaning services. Our licensed technicians offer same-day service, upfront pricing, and expert care for every job. Count on us for the help you need to restore your indoor air quality and keep your HVAC system running strong!

Contact Clay’s Climate Control to schedule duct cleaning in South Jersey today.

Refrigerant is the substance that HVAC systems such as air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits use to do their job. Basically, if your HVAC system is keeping your home cool and comfortable, refrigerant is doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

In 2025, new federal regulations have changed the type of refrigerant used in air conditioning systems, leaving many South Jersey homeowners wondering: What does this mean for me? Whether you’re due for an AC upgrade or just want to be prepared, our team at Clay’s Climate Control has put together this blog to help you better understand these changes.

Why Did HVAC Refrigerants Change in 2025?

The shift in refrigerants comes from updated Environmental Protection Agency regulations aimed at reducing environmental impact. Older refrigerants, like R-410A, create greenhouse gas emissions, which can harm the environment and contribute to climate change. To address this, the EPA has mandated a change to more eco-friendly refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP).

These changes aren’t new; refrigerants have been evolving for decades. You may remember when R-22 (Freon) was phased out in favor of R-410A. Now, as part of ongoing efforts to create more sustainable cooling solutions, R-454B and R-32 have become the new standard for residential air conditioning systems.

New Refrigerants: R-454B & R-32

The two new refrigerants, R-454B and R-32, are designed to be more efficient and environmentally friendly:

• R-454B: This refrigerant has a lower GWP than R-410A and is already being adopted by major HVAC manufacturers. It improves system efficiency while reducing emissions.
• R-32: Another alternative with even lower GWP, R-32 requires less refrigerant per system and operates at a similar efficiency level.

Both options offer better energy performance, which is a benefit for homeowners upgrading to a new system as it will keep utility costs down.

How Will the Change Impact Me?

If you already have a working AC system that uses R-410A, you don’t have to rush to replace it — at least not right away. Here’s what South Jersey homeowners should know about how this change can impact their HVAC system:

• AC repairs and maintenance: If your system needs a refrigerant recharge, R-410A will still be available, but costs may rise as supply decreases.
• Replacing your AC: If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan, upgrading to a new unit with R-454B or R-32 is a smart move to stay ahead of the changes and improve efficiency.
• How to check your refrigerant: If you’re unsure what type of refrigerant your system uses, check the manufacturer’s label on your outdoor unit or call a professional HVAC technician for guidance.

Choose Our Team for Expert HVAC Services

If you’re thinking about upgrading your AC system or have questions about how these refrigerant changes affect your home, reach out to the team at Clay’s Climate Control. As a trusted South Jersey HVAC provider, we offer:

• Licensed and certified technicians with expert knowledge of the latest refrigerant regulations
• Same-day service for fast, reliable HVAC solutions
• Upfront pricing so you know what to expect — no surprises
• Financing options to make upgrading your system easier

Our team is committed to keeping your home cool and comfortable while helping you navigate industry changes with confidence.

Contact us to schedule HVAC services in South Jersey today!

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, choosing the right system is critical for comfort, efficiency, and cost savings. One option that has been gaining popularity among homeowners is ductless heating and cooling. Also known as a ductless mini split system, this solution offers a range of benefits that make it an ideal choice for many homes.

Energy Efficiency

One of the standout features of a ductless system is its energy efficiency. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that can lose energy through ductwork, ductless mini splits deliver conditioned air directly into the living space. This eliminates the energy loss typically associated with ducts, which can account for up to 30% of energy consumption in conventional systems.

Ductless systems are also equipped with inverter technology, allowing the unit to adjust its output to match the exact needs of the room. This means you’ll use only the energy you need, resulting in lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Zoning Capabilities

Another significant advantage of ductless heating and cooling is its zoning capabilities. Each indoor unit is controlled independently, allowing you to set different temperatures for different areas of your home. Whether you want your living room warmer during the day or your bedroom cooler at night, a ductless mini split gives you complete control.

Zoning not only enhances comfort but also helps save energy by allowing you to heat or cool only the spaces you’re using. For families with diverse temperature preferences, this feature can be a game-changer.

Easy Installation

Installing a traditional HVAC system often requires extensive ductwork, which can be invasive, time-consuming, and costly. In contrast, a ductless system is far less intrusive. The indoor units are mounted on walls or ceilings, and the outdoor unit is connected via a small conduit that requires only a three-inch hole in the wall.

This streamlined installation process makes ductless systems an excellent choice for older homes without existing ductwork, home additions, or even garages and basements.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is a growing concern for many homeowners, and ductless systems are designed to address this issue. Traditional ducted systems can accumulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants over time, which then circulate throughout your home. A ductless mini split avoids this problem altogether, as it doesn’t rely on ductwork.

Additionally, many ductless systems come with advanced filtration capabilities, helping to remove contaminants and allergens from the air. This creates a healthier environment, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.

Flexibility in Design

Ductless systems are incredibly versatile, blending seamlessly into your home’s design. Indoor units are available in various styles, including wall-mounted, floor-mounted, and ceiling-recessed models. This flexibility allows you to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces while enjoying the benefits of modern climate control.

Cost Savings Over Time

While the upfront cost of a ductless mini split may be higher than some traditional systems, the long-term savings are significant. Reduced energy consumption, lower maintenance costs, and the ability to heat or cool specific zones all contribute to substantial cost savings over the life of the system.

Why Choose Ductless?

Whether you’re upgrading your current HVAC system or looking for a solution for a specific area of your home, ductless heating and cooling offers a range of benefits. From energy efficiency and improved air quality to ease of installation and design flexibility, it’s clear why ductless is the way to go.

Ready to make the switch? Contact Clay’s Climate Control today to learn more about how a ductless mini split can transform your home’s comfort and efficiency. Let us help you take the first step toward a smarter, more sustainable heating and cooling solution!

Ace Hardware has been serving communities throughout America for 100 years. We have over 5000 stores across the country that are locally owned and operated by individuals deeply rooted in their communities. At Ace these local entrepreneurs and passionate, red-vested heroes take pride in helping their neighbors to care for and maintain their homes.

Through conversations with customers and questions asked of our owners we identified a need for a better solution for homeowners to get help with home projects. With changing demographics and shifting priorities, good quality home services providers have become more in demand and increasingly in short supply. It became clear that there is a need that we can help fill; a need for more reliable plumbers, painters, electricians, heating and air conditioning experts and other home services offerings –

We took this challenge as a call to extend our mission as the most helpful hardware stores on the planet and to also become the most helpful provider of home preservation services. Based on the unique role Ace plays in the local community and our obsession with providing helpful, best-in-class customer service – Ace Hardware Home Services was launched.

“We believe we have a real shot at being and becoming the best, most helpful hardware stores on the planet – and – the best, most trusted provider of home preservation services for customers who are longing to fill a gaping hole in their neighborhood; namely, a brand who will stand behind the products they sell and the services they offer,” said John Venhuizen, CEO of Ace Hardware. “And, with respect to prospective job creation, the opportunity may be even larger  In fact, we consider it our duty to offer people the opportunity – even without a college degree – for a meaningful and fulfilling life, skillfully working with their hands – and their head – to repair and replace, to preserve and protect, and to fortify and beautify the largest asset most people own; their home.”

Our journey into Home Services kicked off with the launch of Ace Handyman services in 2019 – we now have handyman services in 47 states throughout the US. In 2023, we continued our journey to Bring Helpful to the Homes of our neighbors with the launch of plumbing, heating & cooling, and electrical businesses employing 800+ trusted experts in hundreds of zip codes across the country. With the partnership of Ace Hardware Home Services these multi-generation family run services businesses can continue to operate locally with the same great team and service their customers have come to know and love, but with expanded opportunity for their customers and employees.

As we continue to grow one thing is clear – our team is what sets us apart. We want to solve problems in the home and we invest in training and development for our team members so that we can continue to provide best in class service and grow relationships with homeowners that last a lifetime. Customers can experience the difference with the Red Bow Promise – we deliver the highest quality service in a friendly, professional manner. We treat your home with care and our job isn’t complete until you’re satisfied.