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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
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!

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
HVAC

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

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

Improve Air Quality With New Air Filters

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

Give Your HVAC System an Upgrade

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

Avoid Wear and Tear By Checking Belts and Bearings

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

Clean the Air Ducts for Cleaner Air

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

Reduce Bacteria By Removing Standing Water

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

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

Categories
indoor air quality

IAQ Tips for Pet Owners

We all love our furry family members dearly! However, if you live with pets, there are a few things to be aware of regarding how to maintain excellent indoor air quality within your home. Here are a few tips to help keep your home healthy and pet friendly. These tips will not only keep your home free of airborne pollutants, but will also keep your HVAC system running great all year long!

  • Have your HVAC system serviced: An easy way to ensure your family and pets are living in a healthy home is to get regular maintenance checks on your HVAC system from a professional HVAC company. With regular maintenance, your HVAC professional will be able to determine if your HVAC system is running optimally, and will be able to help you fix it if it’s not. Additionally, regular maintenance checks can catch small problems before they turn in to much larger ones.
  • Check your air filter once a month. You should inspect your systems air filter once a month and replace it if it appears dirty – like with pet hair, fur instance! If the filter is noticeably gray in color and you can see dirt and build up on the filter then you will need to replace it. This will not only improve the indoor air quality of your home, but also make your HVAC system more efficient. Quick Tip: Air filters such as HEPA filters are made especially for pet friendly homes, and will prevent hair and dander from blocking your filter!
  • Keep your home clean: As most pet owners know, a routine deep cleaning of your home becomes a necessity when our furry friends are running around, outside the house and inside, all day – or maybe just walking, for pets that are older! Be sure to vacuum regularly, and dust often in order to keep debris, dander, and pet hair to a minimum in your home.
  • Consider installing an air purifier or air scrubber: Pet dander often stays in the air for several hours before it settles down on your carpets, clothing, and furniture. This can negatively impact your indoor air quality and contribute to your allergy symptoms. Installing an air purifier or air scrubber will help remove these impurities from the air. Added Bonus: having an air purifier/air scrubber installed can also remove pet odors!

Don’t let pet dander cause you and your family to suffer from poor indoor air quality. If you’d like more information on ways to improve your air quality while keeping your pets at home, contact Clay’s Climate Control today.

Categories
HVAC

Why You Should Try Our Mobile App!

Making an HVAC appointment has never been easier! With our mobile app, you’re able to book and track your service and connect with us on the go. And it gets even better; our app also allows you to…

  • Select the specific service needed for HVAC: Service, Maintenance, or Estimate
  • Upload images and videos to help describe the area of concern
  • Schedule a convenient date and time
  • See the technician assigned to your job
  • Receive real-time notifications on your technicians arrival time

We understand having an HVAC issue can be stressful, so it’s our priority to deliver the most professional and stress-free heating and cooling (HVAC) service available by way of an unmatched client experience.  Whether you need HVAC repair, installation, or advice on how to keep your home comfortable all year long, you can book an appointment without having to make a phone call.

You can download our app on the App Store or Google Play. You can also book your request via our website if you’d prefer not to download the app. If you have any concerns about your HVAC system or have yet to schedule your system’s annual maintenance, give us a call at (609) 653-2295 or click here to visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you!

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

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!

Categories
hvac maintenance

HVAC Check-List for Spring

Spring is finally here, which means the weather is starting to get warmer! While that doesn’t mean it’s time to crank up your air conditioning full blast just yet, it does mean that you should take some time to make sure your unit is in good working condition and is prepared for the warmer weather ahead.  A properly maintained HVAC system is one that’s going to last for a long time, so make sure you’re prepping your unit for the upcoming seasons.

Spring is the time of year when you don’t necessarily need to use your air conditioning or heating, which makes it the perfect time to do a little maintenance to make sure it’s running properly. Here at Clay’s Climate Control, one of our professional HVAC technicians will inspect and clean the wiring of your unit and much more. We’ve outlined a full spring HVAC checklist for homeowners in our area of New Jersey:

  • Check the functionality of all HVAC units. Test out all of your HVAC system’s units by turning them on to make sure they’re working properly. If your system isn’t cooling your home to the temperature you set, then this could be an issue with your thermostat or your HVAC system in general. If you need help, you can always give us a call!
  • Remove any debris surrounding the unit. Your HVAC technician will inspect your outdoor unit, removing any debris such as pollen, twigs, and leaves. Too much debris surrounding the unit could prevent your system from operating properly, so it’s important to keep it clean for maximum efficiency. One of our technicians will also confirm that the outdoor unit starts, runs and shuts off correctly.
  • Replace your air filters. When your air filters are dirty, it slows down the process of cooling your home and can also negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality. You should typically change your air filters once a month if they look dirty or brown.
  • Make an appointment with Clay’s Climate Control! We will work to tighten your electrical wiring, replace your filters, and check safety controls. We will also check your refrigerant levels to make sure that your HVAC system can properly cool your home.

We are proud to serve the local residents of New Jersey as the trusted experts in all things HVAC! Contact us today to learn more about our services, or to schedule a spring HVAC maintenance checkup.

Categories
heating

Why Go Tankless?

Hot water is an essential component of comfortable living in your home, especially during the cold winter months. This is why it is so important to have a reliable and effective hot water heater at your disposal. You know you have a hot water heater in your home, but unless you’ve run into issues it’s unlikely you’ve put much thought into replacing it. Replacing your hot water heater is inevitable, however, and when the time comes it’s a good idea to consider a tankless water heater. Here are just a few of the benefits of going tankless.

 

  • Energy efficient: Tankless water heaters work by heating water on an as needed basis, which means that it isn’t constantly working to keep sitting water warm. As a result of this, tankless heaters use 30 to 50% less energy than units with tanks. These kinds of energy savings ensure that you’ll see roughly $100 off your water bill each year.

 

  • Space saving: Unlike a traditional bulky water heater that takes up space in a closet or basement, a tankless heater is compact and is usually mounted on a wall. This is key for those living in a smaller space, looking to maximize their square footage. A mounted heater frees up floor space for additional storage.

 

  • Cleaner water: Because water isn’t sitting in a tank waiting to be used, the warm water used in your home is actually cleaner and safer. With a tankless water heater, you avoid using water that has had the opportunity to accumulate rust and scale.

 

  • Longer life expectancy: Tankless water heaters, when properly maintained, can easily last up to 20 years. This is 5 to 10 years longer than you can expect to have a more traditional water heater. While it may be more expensive to install a tankless heater initially, you will see your return on investment over time.

 

  • Never run out of hot water: Nothing is worse than getting into a shower to find the water running cold within a few seconds. With a tankless water heater, you’ll never have to worry about running out of hot water. This is ideal for families with multiple bathrooms, those with hot tubs or whirlpools, and is truly one of the biggest benefits of having a tankless water heater.

 

For more information on tankless hot water heaters or to schedule your water heater replacement, please give us a call at Clay’s Climate Control. Feel free to click here to visit our website.