DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

Bergen County, NJ Air Conditioning: Boosting Efficiency at the Thermostat

Monday, April 29th, 2013

Your thermostat is critical to the operation of your Bergen County, NJ air conditioning system. While small and compact, the thermostat can nevertheless make or break your system. Using a thermostat wisely may be able to boost your energy efficiency, which may be on your mind as the summer heat and humidity approaches. For more information about thermostats or our Bergen County, NJ air conditioning services, call DB Heating & Cooling today!

Here are some tips about your thermostat:

  • Make sure your thermostat is professionally installed: It should be installed in a place out of the sunlight, and away from doors, windows, and duct registers, so that it does not falsely read the temperature. It also needs to be properly calibrated for your home, so that it can send accurate information to the AC about what temperature it is, and therefore how much work the AC should do to meet that temperature.
  • Upgrade: There are numerous thermostat options on the market today. If you still have a manual thermostat, you may be missing out on substantial energy savings every cooling season. Digital, programmable thermostats allow you to customize your home’s temperature according to your schedule. For example, you can set it to raise the temperature just after you leave the home, and then to begin cooling again about an hour before you get home. That way, you don’t have to come home to a hot home, and you don’t have to pay to keep your home cool all day long. That type of thermostatic control is a great combination of comfort and energy efficiency.
  • Use it wisely: Even if you only have a manual conventional thermostat, remember that it’s not only the temperature that counts, but also the way your AC reaches that temperature. Rapid and drastic temperature shifts can often require boosts of electrical energy that may increase your bills. Turning the thermostat way down will not actually cool your home faster, and it will waste energy as your AC works harder than it needs to.

If you think you need a new thermostat, call the Bergen County, NJ air conditioning experts at DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Air Conditioning Repair in Paramus, NJ: My AC Won’t Reach Target Temperatures

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

As we slowly approach the cooling season in Paramus, NJ, homeowners throughout the area are beginning to turn on their ACs, in order to test their performance. It’s a great idea, especially considering how much we have to depend on our cooling systems to keep us comfortable during the summer heat and humidity. One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners is, “My AC won’t reach target temperatures.” In this post, we’d like to address this problem, and explain some of its potential causes. However, in order to receive a professional diagnosis, you need a professional AC technician. For excellent air conditioning repair services in Paramus, NJ, call the experts at DB Heating & Cooling today!

  • Clogged air filter: You should check your air filter at least once a month during the cooling season, to make sure that it is clean. The air filter prevents the accumulation of dust and debris on your system components, in addition to providing auxiliary support as an indoor air quality device. When it becomes dirty or clogged, it will simply not do its job. It will reduce airflow, and may cause the evaporator coil to freeze over.
  • Thermostat malfunction: Proper thermostat operation is critical to adequate temperature control. Make sure that your thermostat is calling for the right temperature. If that doesn’t work, then you may have an electrical or wireless connectivity problem with your air handler. Alternatively, the thermostat may not be sensing the temperature correctly.
  • Condenser coils dirty: Make sure your condenser coils are clean and clear of debris at all times. Because they reside in your outdoor unit, they can easily become caked with organic matter and overgrown with vegetation. Keep the surrounding area clear of grass and other vegetation. Enroll in routine maintenance to have your coils routinely inspected and cleaned.

There are numerous reasons why your AC is not reaching your target temperatures. Now is a great time to ensure that your home is ready for summer. For air conditioning repair in Paramus, NJ, call the experts at DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Why Emerson, NJ Air Conditioning Repair is Not a DIY Project

Monday, April 15th, 2013

We rely on our  air conditioners to provide effective and efficient service throughout the cooling season. While we are not yet feeling the heat and humidity here, spring is a great time to ensure that we’re ready to go before summer, so that we don’t waste time being concerned about our air conditioners when we could be enjoying the pleasant weather. If you find that your AC is in need of repair, then it’s important that repairs be performed by a certified professional. AC repair should not be a DIY project. In this post, we’d like to point out why the experts at DB Heating & Cooling should take care of any Emerson, NJ air conditioning repair service that you may need. Call us today for more information!

  • Reliability: Quite simply, repairs performed by a professional are less likely to fail than those done by a homeowner. The reason depends upon the particular application, but without the professional knowledge and expertise, you may only manage to eliminate one of the symptoms of the problem, and not the problem itself, which can lead to a lack of reliability.
  • Quality:  The quality of the repair is important. Do you know what materials you should use? Do you have the correct tool for the job? Do you know enough about how your system works to make a certain diagnosis? The quality of the AC repair depends upon the skills and know-how of the AC tech.
  • Risk of damage: This is one of the major detriments of attempting DIY repairs. You can seriously damage your system if you do not have the professional training to handle the complexity of air conditioners. It is much less expensive to pay a professional to repair your system than to replace it because of a botched repair you tried to do yourself.

Don’t put your cooling system at risk this summer. Make sure that all repairs are carried out by a professional. For Emerson, NJ air conditioning repair, call DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Air Conditioning in Bergen County: Why Your Thermostat Matters

Monday, April 8th, 2013

While spring has only just begun, many homeowners are already thinking of the approaching heat this summer. Spring is the time of cleaning, organizing, and ensuring that your air conditioning system is ready to perform on even the hottest days of the summer. While we think about the compressor motor, the various coils, refrigerant, and ductwork, the thermostat is just as important as other aspects of the AC system. Without it, your AC cannot properly adjust to your desired temperature. For more information about the role your thermostat plays in cooling your home, call DB Heating & Cooling for air conditioning in Bergen County, NJ today.

The conventional non-digital thermostat uses a mercury switch to assess the temperature. Because mercury is a liquid metal, it conducts electricity and flows in a way not dissimilar to water. Inside this switch shaped like a vial are three different wires. The circular rotation of thermostat displaces the balance of the mercury switch, itself connected to a bimetallic strip that expands and contracts according to the temperature, which communicates to the heater or AC to turn on. Digital thermostats use something called a thermistor to sense the temperature and a microcontroller to convert that information into a LCD display. Programmable and wifi-enabled thermostats allow for greater customization.

Your thermostat controls your entire heating and cooling system. That’s a lot of responsibility for such a compact device. If there is something wrong with it, it can throw off the performance and efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. It’s imperative that your thermostat is properly calibrated so that it can accurately sense the temperature in the home and send that information to the heater or AC. Installing a programmable thermostat can dramatically increase the energy-efficiency of your home, without sacrificing any comfort.

Thermostats can have a significant impact on your cooling system. Make sure you’re ready for the summer heat with a programmable thermostat. For air conditioning service in Bergen County, NJ, call the experts at DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Why You Need to Schedule Professional Commercial HVAC Repair in Bergen County

Monday, April 1st, 2013

Because many commercial HVAC problems are not immediately recognizable, they are often allowed to progress for some period of time. Due to the fact that problems with commercial HVAC equipment tend to get worse with the passage of time, this can be a real issue. Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can spot that may indicate a need for professional commercial HVAC repair in Bergen County. Do not wait for a total breakdown. Take these tips into consideration and call DB Heating & Cooling the moment you suspect a problem with your commercial air conditioning and heating equipment.

One telltale sign that it may be time to schedule professional air commercial HVAC maintenance is a decrease in the efficiency with which the equipment operates. Pay attention to the costs associated with running your commercial heating and air conditioning equipment. If it seems like there is a spike in the cost of operating this equipment then there is a good chance that there is an underlying problem causing this inefficiency. Not only does this mean your system is costing more to operate; it also means that your commercial air conditioning and heating system is at an increased risk of damage. Schedule service right away.

Even minor inconsistencies with the quality of your commercial HVAC system’s performance can be indicative of a more serious problem in development. If your system is heating and cooling your property unevenly, call a professional commercial HVAC technician right away. There may be a problem with your air ducts or the air conditioning and heating equipment itself causing this problem. No irregularity should be ignored, no matter how inconsequential you think it may be. The development of odd sounds or the presence of strange odors during operation may not seem like that big a deal. However, they may indicate a more serious issue that you are unaware of.

The sooner you can have any commercial HVAC repair in Bergen County completed, the better. Do not put the comfort in your commercial property at risk. Let DB Heating & Cooling help you keep your commercial property comfortable reliably all year long.

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Benefits of a Ductless Mini Split System in Oradell

Monday, November 12th, 2012

With all of the home heating and air conditioning systems on the market today it can be difficult to determine which heating and cooling option is best for your Oradell home. Discussing your heating and air conditioning options with a local professional service provider is the most fail-proof way to ensure that you are investing in the best heating and cooling system for your home and personal heating and cooling habits. If you are not familiar with ductless mini splits and the potential benefits that they hold for your home and comfort take a few minutes to review this helpful information from the home comfort professionals at DB Heating & Cooling. You may decide that a ductless mini split system is the best choice for your home, and DB Heating & Cooling can help you verify that decision.

First of all, the most obvious benefit of a ductless mini split system is right in the name. This heating and air conditioning option completely eliminates the need for ductwork in your home. While a properly installed, well-maintained duct system can efficiently and effectively circulate conditioned air throughout your home, ductwork is often one of the biggest reasons for inefficient energy use. By removing ductwork from the equation, ductless mini splits also remove this risk. A simple conduit containing refrigerant and power lines is all that is needed to connect the outdoor condenser unit to the indoor, wall-mounted air handlers that this type of heating and air conditioning system uses. These air handlers, up to four per outdoor unit, heat and cool the rooms of your home individually and directly.

The use of these multiple air handlers also makes it easy to create temperature control zones in your home and to maintain individual temperatures within each zone. This is a great way to boost energy efficiency in your home, helping to reduce energy costs. You no longer have to heat empty bedrooms because you want to keep the dining or living rooms comfortable. Likewise you choose to lower the temperature in the kitchen if you are doing a lot of cooking and begin to overheat while still keeping the rest of the house perfectly warm.

Whether you want to cut down on the amount of energy that you use in your home or simply avoid the cost of a duct system installation, ductless mini splits may be the solution that you’re looking for. If you think that a ductless mini split system installation is right for your Oradell home, call the heating and air conditioning professionals at DB Heating & Cooling. We’ll help you make the best decision for your comfort.

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Waldwick AC Repair Guide: Icing Problems on Air Conditioner Cooling Coils

Monday, August 20th, 2012

Air conditioning cooling coil icing problems can arise for a couple of reasons: either the air filter has not been properly replaced, or there is a condensing coil leak.  It is best to check and test the easiest problem first and then move on from there.

It is important to replace your Waldwick air conditioner’s filters as often as is recommended by the manufacturer.  A common result of not replacing filters frequently enough is a buildup of dust and dirt on the filter, which causes reduced air flow throughout the air conditioning unit.  With reduced air flow, the evaporator coil or cooling coil within the air handler can become blocked by ice or frost build-up.  Having cooling coil icing can significantly reduce or completely stop the amount of cool air being produced by an air conditioning unit.

Easy steps to diagnose and resolve air conditioning cooling coil icing problems:

  • Visually inspect the air conditioning cooling coils to check whether reduced air flow has been caused by cooling coil icing.  If ice or frost is found on the coils, thus blocking air-flow, proceed with the next step.
  • Turn off the air conditioning system completely to allow ice to evaporate, the unit will have to remain off until all ice is completely melted and drained away from the unit
  • Replace all dirty filters on the air conditioning unit
  • Once the a/c unit is de-iced and has fresh filters, it is safe to turn the system back on, to test whether the icy build-up happens again

If after completing these steps, when the air conditioning unit is turned back on cooling coil icing happens again, this could mean one of two things.  Either too little of the refrigerant is being released into the cooling coil due to a clogged capillary tube or a stuck thermostatic expansion valve.  Or the refrigerant charge is too low due to a refrigerant leak.  A refrigerant leak can happen at any point in the refrigerant piping system which would then need to be soldered and resealed, or it can happen in the cooling coil or condensing coil which could mean the entire coil needs to be replaced.  Fixing of refrigerant leaks should be handled by a Waldwick air conditioning professional.  Contact an experienced HVAC technician at DB Heating & Cooling that can identify the air conditioner cooling coil icing problem and execute the proper solution.

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Programmable Thermostats and Your Paramus AC

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Air conditioning makes our Paramus homes comfortable during a hot summer day. However, air conditioners need electricity to run, and most of us are trying to reduce our home’s energy consumption. There are a number of ways you can make your air conditioning system more efficient, including upgrading to an ENERGY STAR rated unit and scheduling regular maintenance, but one of the easiest steps to implement is installing a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature in your home depending on the time of day. You can save up to 10 percent a year by turning down your thermostat back ten degrees for eight hours a day! Most models allow you to store multiple daily settings, so you can turn you air conditioner down during the day when you are at work and while you are sleeping, and still have the temperature cooler when you need it. You can also still manually adjust the temperature without affecting the normal settings, giving you complete control and helping you save energy.

Programmable thermostats are not all made the same, and there are many different makes and models. An Paramus HVAC contractor will go over the different features available to you so you can decide which best fits your needs. Different thermostats work better with different systems, for instance some heat pumps need thermostats that have multi-stage functions, so it is best to consult with a professional before deciding what to purchase.

Programmable thermostats allow you to save energy without sacrificing comfort, which is something that all of us are looking for. If you are looking for a simple, affordable way to improve your Paramus HVAC system, a programmable thermostat is a great choice. Most are easy to read and easy to use, call DB Heating & Cooling Inc today to learn more about having a programmable thermostat installed in your home!

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Teaneck AC Tip: Cooling Coil or Evaporator Coil Diagnosis & Repair for Air Conditioners

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Inside the air handler of your Teaneck air conditioning system is a cooling coil or evaporator coil. From a home cooling perspective, this is where the magic happens: where the actual cooling occurs. So, if there is a problem with the cooling or evaporator coil, you will notice a decrease in the performance of your AC system.

You may notice that the air flow has slowed significantly or even stopped, even though you can hear the air handler running. You may also notice that the air isn’t as cool as it used to be or should be. Aside from having a house that is not cool enough, this can also cause problems like high electricity bills or damage to other parts of the air conditioner. You technician will do the following to check your coil. Remember, all AC repairs are best performed by a licensed professional.

 Diagnosis

First, your tech will look at the cooling coil. Some problems are obvious enough upon visual inspection that no further diagnostics or major repair is necessary. To inspect the cooling coil on your air conditioner, they will first turn off the electricity at your fuse panel or breaker box. Then the  access panel on the air handler that can be removed to at least partially expose the coil.

They will look for things like:

  • Dirt and debris
  • Mold
  • Staining that indicates a refrigerant leak
  • Ice or frost
  • Damaged fins on the coil

 Repair

Any of these could be the culprit that is degrading the performance of your AC system. For most repairs you will want to call in a licensed technician. Especially if the problem is something potentially hazardous like mold growth or a refrigerant leak, you don’t want to take the risk. Let a Teaneck air conditioning professional like DB Heating & Cooling who is trained in safely and effectively repairing the problem take care of it, so that your home can be comfortable again.

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Waldwick Air Conditioning Tip: What is the COP and Why Is It Important?

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

If you’ve been researching air conditioners in Waldwick, you’ve probably seen all sorts of numbers associated with each model. One of these numbers is the Coefficient of Performance (COP). While it’s good to gather as much data as you can before you make a purchasing decision, you also need to know what that data means if it’s going to help you make the best selection possible.

Measuring COP

Calculating the COP for any air conditioning model is relatively simple. The number you see displayed on the box is the ratio of energy input to cooling output. For the most part, the air conditioners you’re probably been looking at have a COP of between 2.5 and 4.0, although newer models are beginning to appear with COPs of up to 5.0.

The higher the COP, of course, the more efficient the air conditioner, so it makes sense to take this number into account when you’re making your purchase. You should also keep in mind, though, that the COP is not a constant measurement. The warmer it is outside, the lower your unit’s COP will be. However, this is standard across all units, so a relative COP comparison is still a viable evaluation method.

If you’re not sure what COP you should look for or whether a lower number will be effective for your home (especially if you only need to cool a small space), you should talk to a Waldwick air conditioning professional who can help you match the right COP level to your particular living space.

Improving Efficiency

While it’s always a good idea to get an air conditioner with the best energy efficiency ratings possible, that’s not the only thing you can do to reduce your energy usage and keep your cooling costs down. For instance, there are plenty of ways to keep your home naturally cooler without even turning on the air conditioner.

Even when you do need to flip it on, anything else you can do to reduce the indoor temperature will make it easier for your Waldwick air conditioner to keep your house comfortable. So put up some awnings, run the ceiling fan and close the blinds to block out that harsh afternoon sun. The more you can do to reduce your indoor temperature naturally, the less your air conditioner will have to do, and the lower your cooling costs will be. For more information about how to improve your air conditioning system’s efficiency, give DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. a call!

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