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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!

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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!

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blog efficiency HVAC

Go Green or Go Home: 4 Tips to Make Your HVAC System More Efficient


“datePublished”: “2020-05-12”
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hvac system more efficient
Making your South Jersey HVAC system more efficient

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

Schedule Consistent HVAC Tune-Ups to Enhance Efficiency 

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

Install a Programmable Thermostat to Be More Green 

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

Become More Eco-Friendly By Replacing Your HVAC System 

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

Inspect Ductwork to Help Make Your Home More Efficient  

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

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

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HVAC

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

not changing air filter damages you and bank accountWhen 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!

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HVAC

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

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.

Categories
efficiency HVAC

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

energy efficiency tax creditThe 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.

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HVAC

4 Signs You Need to Hire a New HVAC Contractor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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!

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efficiency heating HVAC

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

tankless water heatersThe 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!

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heating HVAC hvac maintenance

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

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!