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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
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
efficiency HVAC

Save Money On Your Utility Bills And Save Your Tax Return Money!

It’s no secret that high-efficiency HVAC products use less energy and can save you money on utility bills. The South Jersey Gas Smart Energy Partners program is designed to help make energy efficiency more affordable for homeowners. Whether you’re converting to natural gas, or already heating with it, financial incentives are available.

There are both high efficiency rebates and high efficiency loans available; however, it’s important to distinguish between the two. If you install high efficiency natural gas equipment, such as a furnace, boiler, or water heater, you may qualify for rebates from SJG Smart Energy Partners program. Click here to fill out a rebate application!

On the other hand, if you’re interested in an affordable monthly payment loan, SJG Smart Energy Partners program offers a 0% loan for 7 years with no money down! Fill out an application to apply!

Upgrading your HVAC equipment to be more energy efficient can save you tons of money in the long run! Contact Clay’s Climate Control if you have any questions.

Categories
hvac maintenance

The Importance of Planned HVAC Maintenance

With the fall and winter chill quickly approaching we strongly advise having professional maintenance done to your HVAC system, if you haven’t already done so this year.

It’s important to safeguard that your air conditioner is prepared for long hibernation as well as waking up your heating system without any problems. The last thing you want is to have your heating system break down in the middle of winter; and although breakdowns can’t always be prevented, it’s still important that you don’t give up on doing all that can be done to take the precautionary steps to try and avoid it.

Having that said, you should have your heater checked at least once a year. Continual HVAC maintenance is similar to getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist, as it doesn’t need to be done before or after you eat, just every six months to a year.

Another way to think about it is getting your car’s oil changed. This task must be done to keep the engine running at peak performance but it doesn’t need to be done before a long road trip, for example; every 3,000-5,000 miles is suggested.

Okay, back to HVAC! With the benefits of planned maintenance noted below, we hope to hear from you with any questions and/or planned maintenance requests that you might have. It’s always our pleasure to keep you well informed on all things HVAC related.

  • Increased efficiency: Having a routine HVAC checkup will help to better ensure that your energy bills are low and that your system is working as efficiently as possible.
  • Improved indoor comfort: There’s another important advantage of maintaining your furnace… Your comfort! A well-maintained furnace will deliver optimal performance throughout the colder months, which means you can expect to stay warm all winter long with far less of a chance of encountering any furnace problems. Additionally, a well-maintained furnace may also help to improve indoor air quality and humidity levels for added comfort.
  • Consider the age of your unit: No HVAC system is meant to last forever; and the older the system, the less efficient it is. If it’s time to purchase a new system, give us a call and we can help you make an informed decision and purchase a system that’s designed to be long-lasting.
  • Get a professional inspection: The team here at Clay’s Climate Control will help to make sure that your system is working as it should. Also, we will perform a full inspection to check all elements of your system and fix any issues that arise.

Contact us to get your HVAC system tuned up today!