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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

5 Tips for Choosing a Dehumidifier

Now that summer is here, it is important that you maintain a proper humidity level in your home. Too little humidity can cause some discomfort, such as chapped lips and cracks in your wooden furniture; the opposite brings too much moisture and can make your home a breeding ground for mold and mildew. That being said, a dehumidifier can help you to remedy any problems!

Before you can know the benefits of a dehumidifier, you need to know what they do. A dehumidifier reduces the level of humidity in the air to leave the environment feeling more comfortable and ultimately, healthier. They pull warm, moist air into the unit and chill it against coils containing a liquid coolant. The moisture that condenses out of the air is captured; then, the dry air is sent back out into the room.

Before selecting a dehumidifier, make sure you consider the following:

  1. Room Size – Dehumidifiers are usually rated according to how many pints of water they can remove from the air per day and how many square feet they can keep dry. Therefore, knowing the square footage of the room (length x width) can provide a close estimate of what dehumidifier you’ll need. Be careful though! If the square footage of your space is near the top end of a dehumidifier’s capacity, you will want to get the next size up.
  2. Humidity Levels – If you live in a humid climate, or if your space has a particularly high level of moisture, a standard dehumidifier may not be able to function adequately. Instead, look for a high-capacity unit built to operate more often than normal. This way, you can ensure that you don’t have to worry about moisture and mildew problems in the future.
  3. Room Temperature – Most dehumidifiers operate best at standard room temperatures. If your space is usually on the cold side, a standard dehumidifier may not function properly and could suffer damage early on. Instead, to avoid any problems, look for a dehumidifier that can handle colder temperatures.
  4. Energy Consumption – Dehumidifiers are great for keeping your energy costs to a minimum, but only if you do research and buy the proper unit. By purchasing a properly sized, energy-efficient unit and ensuring that it operates and is maintained as directed by the manufacturer, you’ll properly filter your space.
  5. Operation – A dehumidifier should be plugged into a grounded outlet and have at least a foot of space around it while in use. Be prepared to check the water level in the tank daily at first to determine how quickly it fills up. Then, clean the water tank at least once a month with a mild detergent. Just make sure to always unplug the unit before any inspections or servicing!

If you’d like more information about dehumidifiers, or other ways to improve your indoor air quality, please feel free to contact Clay’s Climate Control 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
HVAC

Benefits of Air-Sealed Ductwork

Heating and cooling your home in our area of New Jersey can already be expensive even if your home is relatively efficient; however, if your air ducts are not sealed and insulated properly, you could be wasting your heating and cooling energy, increasing utility bills, and adding wear and tear to your HVAC system by forcing it to work harder than it needs to! There are several benefits of air-sealed ductwork, including:

  • Saves energy and money: Anything that puts more stress on your HVAC system will inescapably raise your energy bills. When you have duct leaks, your furnace and air conditioner must work harder to sufficiently heat and cool your home. By sealing those leaks, your HVAC system will run more efficiently and your energy bills will be kept in check.
  • Improves indoor air quality: Beyond saving energy and money, sealing your air ducts can prevent dust, pollen, and other potential allergens from entering the system through leaking ducts. This will help prevent corrupting your indoor air quality and potentially causing breathing difficulties for those with asthma or allergies.
  • Improved comfort: When conditioned air or heat is leaking out of your ducts, it doesn’t get completely transported to all of the rooms that need it. This makes it very difficult to evenly heat and cool your home. By sealing up your ductwork, your home will have more consistent temperature levels and you’ll decrease the amount of stuffy rooms and hot and cold spots around your house.
  • Improves safety: If you have a leaking duct near a gas-powered appliance, the gasses that are normally vented out of your home, such as carbon monoxide, get sucked back into your home’s indoor air. This can be very dangerous, which is why it’s so important to seal any duct leaks.

Even though it may not be considered standard procedure to all, we are very proud to say that we seal all of our ductwork, all of the time.  If you have any questions about duct sealing, or if you’d like your heating and cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Clay’s Climate Control today!

Categories
HVAC

The Benefits of Ductless Systems

When it comes time to update your heating and cooling system, the amount of options on the market can make it difficult to know what choice is best for your home. More and more, customers are leaning towards ductless heating and cooling systems and reaping the many benefits over time. If your heating and cooling system is in need of a replacement in 2018, consider a ductless system installation in your home. We’re sharing with you a few of the reasons why we love ductless systems.

  • Energy efficient: The small size of ductless systems allow for greater energy efficiency inside your home. An energy efficient system operates more effectively and keeps your home at a comfortable temperature without exerting any extra effort, meaning that it will stay in better shape over time. A ductless system is also better for the environment than many other systems out there.
  • Money savings: Since your ductless system will be far more energy efficient than many other options on the market, you’ll notice a decrease in your energy bills following installation. Because your system won’t have to work as hard to heat and cool your home, you’ll be saving in energy costs and repair and maintenance costs over time.
  • Easy to install: While a traditional heating and cooling system can take weeks to install in a home and will require contractors to have access to the entirety of your house, a ductless system is comparatively very easy to install. Your new system can typically be up and running in as soon as one day, which also means that keeping up with maintenance will be a breeze moving forward!
  • Improves indoor air quality: Traditional systems require duct cleaning on a regular basis. Since many homeowners are unable to keep up with a cleaning schedule, ducts easily become cluttered with dirt, debris, and allergens, which can negatively affect the indoor air quality of your home. Ductless systems, alternatively, offer multi-stage filtration that can help to reduce common allergens and keep your home a healthy and happy environment.

For more information on ductless systems, visit our website.

Categories
heating

How to Determine the Right Size Heating System for You

Nothing beats returning to your warm home on a cold, winter day in Southern New Jersey. A comfortable home all begins with an efficient and effective heating system, but not all heating systems are created the same. There are many variations to your common heating system, one of the biggest differences being equipment size. The size of your heating system can determine how well it works to heat your home at a reasonable cost. At Clay’s, it is our goal to help keep residents of Ocean City, Somers Point NJ and surrounding areas comfortable. Continue reading for more information on how to select the right size heating system for you and your home.

Having the appropriate sized heating system for your home is important for a variety of reasons. When it comes to size, people are inclined to think that bigger is better, but this is not always the case. A larger heating system can lead to your home being heated too quickly, constantly using energy, as well as inappropriate humidity levels in your home which can contribute to your home feeling dry during the winter months. All of this will lead to discomfort, higher energy bills, and more repairs and fast replacement down the line.

The right sized heating system for your home will heat it at a steady rate, keeping your home comfortable without costing you a fortune in energy bills. It will adequately account for the size of your home and your lifestyle.

When choosing a system that is right for your home, it’s important to consider your home’s heating and cooling “load.” There are many things that factor into your load, including square footage of your home, construction, orientation towards the sun, number, size, and placement of doors and windows. With these calculations in mind, you still need to consider your family’s personal heating and cooling needs. For example, are occupants home throughout the day or primarily in the mornings and evenings? Are there pets that will require the home to remain at a fairly moderate temperature?

Needless to say, figuring out the right size unit for your home can be a complicated process. That is why if you’re purchasing a new system or replacing an existing one it is important to consult a professional to determine the best system for you and your home.

If you are in need a new heating system or have questions on choosing the right system for your home, please visit our website.