DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog

“What Actually Happens During AC Maintenance?”

April 4th, 2022

two-technicians-working-on-outside-ac-unitIn our previous blog post, we addressed a question that many of our homeowners ask in late winter/early spring–is it too early for AC maintenance? If you read last month’s blog, then you already know that no, it’s not too early for this service. In fact, frequency matters here more than timing does!

Early spring is generally the best time for AC maintenance because it’s before you actually need the system the most. But as long as you’re having your air conditioner tuned up at least once a year, you’ll be more likely to keep it in good shape. Of course, this means if you have a heat pump then you’ll need system tune-ups twice a year, since this is a year-round HVAC system.

But what actually happens during AC maintenance that makes it so important? This is one of the other common questions we get, and we are here now to answer it. Read on!

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Is It Too Early for AC Maintenance?

March 7th, 2022

two-technicians-working-on-outside-air-conditionerWith daytime temperatures still in the high 50s for now, it may seem strange to be mentioning air conditioning maintenance. Perhaps you even think that it’s way too early for this service. But the truth is, now is a perfect time!

Let’s face it, you know as well as we do that our variable weather can surprise us. Sure, it’s cold and dreary one day, but the next can be the start of a weeklong heatwave… and don’t you want to know that your air conditioner is well prepared for the change of seasons?

With routine annual maintenance (biannual, if you have a heat pump system) you can help ensure that your air conditioner operates as efficiently and effectively as possible, for as long as possible. Read on to learn more about this important service!

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The Steps of a Professional Furnace Installation

February 7th, 2022

technician-working-on-furnaceThe last thing any New Jersey homeowner needs in the middle of winter is a heating system that’s malfunctioning, right?

If you’ve come upon this blog post, however, and you want to know how to install a furnace, chances are you need heat now. Unfortunately, though, this really isn’t a purchase or a job you want to rush into.

In fact, we’re not even sharing these steps with you so that you can do the furnace installation job yourself. This could actually do more harm than good, and can be unsafe–especially if it is a gas-powered furnace we’re talking about. We’re sharing these tips so that you can see just how important it is to only trust a trained, experienced, and licensed professional to complete your furnace installation.

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Does an Electric Furnace Need As Much Maintenance as a Gas Heater?

January 10th, 2022

technician-servicing-furnaceA number of homeowners in our area choose an electric furnace over a gas-powered system due to their convenience and flexibility. After all, practically all homes are wired for electricity, so electric furnaces are a reliable option for any homeowner. They’re also a bit safer than gas furnaces since there are no hazards from toxic or combustible gases. That’s not to say that gas furnaces are inherently dangerous–just that this is a reason that many homeowners choose an electric furnace!

Electric furnaces do tend to be less cost-efficient when it comes to month-to-month utility bills, but their current technology is far superior to what it once was, making electricity a competitive option for reduced energy use. The biggest benefit of an electric furnace as your home heating choice is its longevity and durability. Typically, an electric furnace can last up to 10 years longer than a gas furnace and need fewer repairs over the years.

However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need service! Just like a gas furnace, an electric furnace needs careful professional maintenance to prevent repair needs and keep the system running smoothly for the years to come. Read on to learn why!

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Noises You Don’t Want Coming from Your Heater

December 6th, 2021

woman-holding-hand-to-ear-to-listenThere’s no denying that when you live somewhere like the Emerson area, you need a quality heating system in place. Not only that, but you need to make sure it’s well-maintained. This means scheduling professional tune-ups for your heater each year–twice a year if you’re using a year-round heat pump system. Tune-ups help your heater work as effectively and efficiently as possible for as long as possible. Plus, tune-ups can help prevent up to 85% of the repairs a furnace or heating system may ever need in its lifetime! This is because, during your tune-up, we’ll alert you to small repair needs so you can take care of them before they turn into larger emergencies.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that repair needs will never crop up between maintenance appointments, and it’s important to know the signs of a heater in disrepair so you can get it fixed ASAP. One of these signs is strange noises coming from the system. But, what noises constitute “strange?” Read on to find out!

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Signs That Your Heater Needs Repair

November 22nd, 2021

checklist-with-red-markerThere’s no denying that wintertime can be pretty brutal here in New Jersey. The chill in the air means that we need effective and efficient heaters in our homes. So, how’s yours working? Hopefully, you’ve already had it tuned up this fall–this is a service that’s needed once a year at least for your heater (if you’re using a heat pump system that also cools, this should be increased to twice a year).

A professional maintenance tune-up ensures your heater is working as efficiently and effectively as possible. But it also lets our professionals check for signs of small repair needs and basic wear and tear. This way we can alert you to your heater’s needs so you can get those repairs on your schedule before they turn into an emergency heater breakdown.

Still though, even with maintenance (which it’s not too late to schedule, by the way), it’s a good idea for homeowners to know the signs that their heater is in disrepair. Read on as we uncover those signs:

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Furnace Installation: Gas or Electric?

November 8th, 2021

technician-working-on-furnaceSo it’s time for you to replace your current heating system. You’re considering a new furnace, but is gas the best choice for your fuel source, or should you go with an electric furnace? We can’t answer this definitively for you without hearing more about your specific needs and seeing your home, but we can certainly help you make an informed decision! Both furnace types have their pros and cons, and there are many factors to consider with both types.

There’s no such thing as one perfect furnace for every household–every furnace will need routine maintenance and occasional repairs. But we’ll explore below some of the benefits of furnaces, both gas and electric. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for further information about either.

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Why You Don’t Want a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger

October 25th, 2021

tech-working-on-furnaceAre you utilizing a gas-powered heating system in your home? Well, then there is at least one safety risk that you really need to know about. Now, this isn’t to say that gas furnaces are automatically dangerous by nature… they aren’t. However, there is a component within your gas-powered system that could be harmful if ignored for too long–and this is the heat exchanger.

Like any other big or powerful piece of equipment or appliance that produces combustion gas, your furnace could potentially create hazards if it is not routinely maintained or repaired as soon as troubling symptoms appear.

Now, if you have a newer furnace you likely won’t deal with a cracked heat exchanger. This is a problem that usually afflicts aging furnaces. And when we say aging, we’re talking about 10-15 years old. This is the average lifespan for a well-maintained furnace system. Read on to learn more!

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How to Set Your Heater Up for Success This Year

October 11th, 2021

woman-sitting-on-comfy-chair-sipping-out-of-mugFall is officially here, which means that soon enough, you’ll be using your heating system to keep you comfy for multiple hours a day. There are many things you can do to prepare your home for the heating season. One of the key things you can do, however, is to ensure that your heating system gets a proper tune-up! This is the best way to set your heater up for success this year.

Read on as we uncover why heating system maintenance is so vital to the health of your heater, and why it’s important that you do it sooner rather than later to get the most out of the service.

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How Can a Smart Thermostat Save My Household Money?

September 27th, 2021

“Smart homes” have become quite the catchphrase. “Smart” devices have grown increasingly popular in recent years, granting us everything from iPhones and smartwatches to even smart coffee makers. Modern technology has made operating our households much more convenient and efficient. And then there are smart thermostats, which are changing the way in which homeowners are able to interact with their HVAC systems, improving their efficiency and lowering their monthly utility costs.

Too often, folks hold onto their old, outdated thermostats for years before considering an upgrade. But we’re here to tell you that replacing your thermostat with a smart model can give your heating and cooling systems the boost they’ve long been needing. Read on as we outline a few of the reasons you should consider the installation of a smart thermostat.

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