DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog : Posts Tagged ‘Bergen County’

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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Why Duct Cleaning Should be a Part of Spring Cleaning in Bergen County

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Spring cleaning is a popular activity across America. As soon as it’s warm enough to open our windows and doors to air out our home, we find new ways of getting more organized, of removing unnecessary belongings, and tidying up around the home. While most homeowners welcome spring cleaning duties, many overlook the hidden system of ductwork in the walls and ceilings. After all, it’s not as easy as vacuuming or cleaning the shower. Fortunately, the experts at DB Heating & Cooling have it all figured out. For duct cleaning in Bergen County, call us today!

Here are some reasons why you should make duct cleaning part of your annual spring cleaning routine:

  • Air quality. This is one of the best ways to improve your air quality. As heated and cooled air passes through your ductwork, it picks up dust, debris, and any microbial growth inside. Dirty ducts can make these substances airborne and circulate them throughout your home. For homeowners with sensitive allergies, this can be hazardous.
  • Energy-efficiency. Dirty ductwork can account for significant energy loss, without periodic cleaning. Even the smallest layer of dust can adversely affect the volume of conditioned air that reaches your living room or bedroom.
  • System lifespan. Another reason to clean your ducts is to extend the life of your heating and cooling system. Dust and debris buildup not only affect the passage of air and the quality of the indoor air, they also impact all of the system’s components. They can increase the wear and tear on motors and fans, for example.
  • Mold growth. While there are other ways to prevent mold throughout your home, duct cleaning is a great way to ensure that mold doesn’t become a problem in your house. As a potentially harmful health risk, mold also spreads quickly given the right humidity conditions.

Duct cleaning should be part of each household’s spring cleaning. It improves the air quality of your home, and it can help you save money on your energy costs. For duct cleaning in Bergen County, call the experts at DB Heating & Cooling today! 

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Don’t Put Off Late-Season Heating Repairs in Waldwick, NJ Until Next Winter

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Fairly soon, most homeowners will make the switch into the cooling season and use their heaters only on particularly chilly nights. If you have any late-season heating repairs, don’t put them off until next winter. Furnaces are complex machines that require routine maintenance and consistent repair to ensure that they last. Delaying repairs will only exacerbate the problem, in most cases. Whether it’s a faulty motor bearing, crack in the ductwork or thermostat malfunction, don’t set yourself up for an unexpected repair or breakdown next heating season. For heating repair in Waldwick, NJ, call DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. today.

Let’s take a look at some common furnace repairs that you don’t want to put off:

  • Faulty Thermostat. Keep in mind that if your heating and cooling systems are linked, then you have one thermostat that controls the whole system. If your thermostat isn’t operating properly while in heating mode, it may negatively impact your cooling system during the summer. Even if you have separate thermostats, it’s a good idea to make sure that your thermostat is up and running before you need it to heat your home. Be sure to tell a technician to check it during your AC tune-up.
  • Uneven Heating. If your heating system heats your home unevenly, then it is not operating efficiently. There may be a leak in your air ducts, a clogged air filter, or a fault in the heater’s mechanical system, but any such problems should be dealt with professionally as soon as possible. When you try to heat your home on that first cold fall day, you may be unpleasantly surprised.
  • Furnace Runs Constantly. If your furnace runs constantly, even when it seems comfortably warm inside, then there is probably a problem with its operation. It might be a thermostat problem, or it could be another issue. Whatever it is, get it checked it out sooner than later. Until the heating repair technician arrives to pinpoint the cause of the problem, there’s simply no telling what’s going on in your heating system.

Allowing heating problems to go unchecked not only increases the risk of costly repairs and system replacements, but it can also lead to decreased energy-efficiency in the future. If you don’t fix it now, you may forget to do it before next season. Make sure you’re prepared to heat and cool your home throughout the year. For heating repair in Waldwick, NJ, call DB Heating & Cooling, Inc.!

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How to Prepare Your Bergen County Heating System for Natural Disasters

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and blizzards can knock out power, cut off regular fuel supply routes, and damage your home. Homeowners throughout America are looking for ways to prepare their heating system for extreme weather conditions. DB Heating & Cooling cares about the security and welfare of our customers. That’s why we put together this quick list of some of the things that you can do to prepare your heating system for natural disasters.

  • Check your heater warranties and homeowner’s insurance policy. Find out exactly what’s covered and what’s not in the event that your home is flooded, or damaged by the storm. Knowing the details can help you make decisions about any potential adjustments.
  • Secure water heater to wall studs. If your water heater tips over, it can exacerbate the damage done to your house. It’s heavy and filled with water: make sure it’s secure.
  • Make an emergency family plan. Make sure that you have a plan in the event of a natural disaster. Have a first aid kit on hand, and make sure you have enough food and water stored for a week. Make sure everyone knows the phone numbers of nearby relatives and friends in the event that you need a place to stay.

Natural disasters can be frightening and unexpected. Make sure your home and family are prepared. To learn more ways you can prep your heating system for a natural disaster, call a Bergen County, NJ heating technicians at DB Heating & Cooling. If your heating system is damaged by a natural disaster, we offer exceptional and rapid heating repair in Bergen County, NJ. Call us today.

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Westwood, NJ Heating Tip: What To Do If You Lose Heat

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Losing the ability to heat your home can cause serious discomfort. Spring comes on slowly in the Northeast and some homeowners need to rely on their heating systems longer than others. Whatever type of heating system you have—boiler, furnace, heat pump—you’ll need the professional diagnosis and repair service of a heating expert. DB Heating & Cooling offers professional services to homeowners in the Westwood, NJ area. For heating repair, call us today.

If you find yourself without heat, contact a professional heating technician right away to request emergency repair service. Heaters are complex systems, with many different components. Here are some common problems:

  • No Power. Your furnace requires electricity. It may have blown a fuse or tripped the circuit.
  • Switched off. Make sure your thermostat is turned up high enough to make the heating system turn on.
  • Motor problem. Occasionally motors need repair and sometimes need to be reset.
  • Pilot light out. The pilot light is the small flame that allows the heater to ignite, and is sometimes attached to an electronic device called the thermocouple. This device stops the fuel supply in a gas furnace or boiler when the pilot is not lit, so as to reduce the danger of excessive fuel build-up.

Attempting to fix your own furnace or boiler without the proper knowledge and skill can lead to further damages. Besides calling a local heating repair technician, there are several measures to take if you suddenly find yourself without heat.

  • Do you have enough fuel? No fuel, no fire, as they say. Make sure you keep an eye on your fuel levels, and replenish it before you run out.
  • Dress warmly. It may be necessary to wear hats, gloves, scarves and multiple layers indoors.
  • Trap existing warm air. Hanging blankets over windows and doorways can help to boost the insulation of your home.
  • Keep the water moving. If it’s very cold outside, you can turn your faucets on ever so slightly to ensure your pipes don’t freeze..
  • Stay with friends and family. Check with them to see if they have power, and if they’re not too far away, call in the favor and stay in a warm place until your heater gets fixed.

Loss of heat can be dangerous, especially for the elderly and the very young. Call a Westwood, NJ heating repair specialist if your home loses heat. Call DB Heating & Cooling today. 

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Why Consider a Boiler in Bergen County, NJ

Monday, February 18th, 2013

If you are currently replacing your heating system in your Bergen County, NJ home, you may be interested in switching out an old system with a new, high-efficiency boiler. While a furnace heats air and distributes heated air throughout your home by the use of ducts, a boiler heats water, and provides either hot water or steam for your heating needs. A boiler can heat both your water and your air—this 2-in-1 functionality makes it an attractive option for new homeowners. If you’re thinking about replacing your current system with a boiler or installing a new system, then you will need the professional advice of a boiler technician. Call DB Heating & Cooling today for a consultation.

Like a furnace, a boiler’s efficiency is measured by its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which determines its average energy-efficiency. Most models nowadays are at least 80%, some over 90%. The higher the percentage, the more efficient, although you have to measure the annual benefits against the upfront costs of purchasing a more expensive system.

There are further considerations: the size of the boiler, whether you would like it to be a steam or hot water boiler, whether you want them to have the capacity for high temperatures, and so on. You may also want to consider the advantages to a boiler. Although initial installation can be more expensive, hydronic boilers are known for being more efficient and economical than forced-air systems. Moreover, baseboard pipes and aluminum fins take up less space than ducts, and they offer a more even temperature throughout your home. The boiler also offers a simplicity impossible with two separate systems to upkeep and repair. These are just some ways in which you may find a new boiler system to be an attractive option in your Bergen County, NJ home.

Call us today if you are interested in boiler installation in Bergen County, NJ!

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How Indoor Air Quality Can Suffer In the Winter: Bergen County Heating Guide

Monday, January 21st, 2013

During the winter here in New Jersey, it can get bitterly cold. Most of us close up our house as tightly as possible to keep as much heat in as possible. While this is a great way to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home, it can cause the air quality in your home to suffer. At DB Heating & Cooling, Inc, we offer comprehensive indoor air quality installation, repair and maintenance in Bergen County. We wanted to let our customers know some of the ways that air quality can suffer during the winter and an air filtering or air purification system can help.

Winter Air Quality Concerns

Shutting up your home during the winter can help keep more warmth inside. But it can also restrict the supply of fresh air into your home. This leaves your home’s heating system to just recirculate stale air in your home. This can cause contaminants to build up in your home’s air.

Common Household Contaminants in the Winter

The winter is typically a very dry season. Many people suffer from dry skin and nasal passages. But there are certain air contaminants that can start to increase in the dry winter air.

  • Dust – Dust is mostly comprised of dead skin cells. During winter your skin will dry out and so will that of any pets that you might have. This can increase dust levels throughout your home.
  • Pet dander – When your pet’s skin starts to dry out, it can release more dander into the air. This can increase allergic reactions during the winter.
  • Insect droppings – Cockroach and dust mite droppings are huge allergens for certain people. When the air dries out, their droppings can start to enter your air supply.
  • Gas and smoke – During the winter, there can also be a build-up of gas fumes, combustion gases, smoke particles and other fumes that can be harmful.

Benefits of Home Air Filtration

On average, people spend most of their time indoors. With so much time spent in our homes, it would make sense that the air quality in our homes should be a priority. In fact, the EPA estimates that indoor air quality is one of the top five leading threats to respiratory health in the United States. Some of the benefits of indoor air filtering are reduced reaction to allergies, reduced dust levels,  and much more.

If you’re interested in learning more about indoor air quality in Bergen County, contact DB Heating and Cooling.

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Emerson, NJ Heating Tip: 3 Important Things to Consider Before a Heating Installation

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Are you ready for a heating installation in your Emerson, NJ home? Let the HVAC experts at DB Heating & Cooling prepare you for a new heating system installation.

Here are a few things to consider before you have a new heater installed in your home.

Insulation

Many homeowners think that upgrading to a high-efficiency system is enough to save them on their heating bills. But if your home is not adequately insulated, you won’t get the most out of this new system. You should have your home assessed with a professional home energy audit. The results will show you areas that could use some improvement, such as better insulation and other weatherization upgrades.

Choosing the Right Heating System

Have you ever considered a different type of heating system? While any new high-efficiency system will provide better energy savings than an older heating system, you could get more savings with a different type of system. You may want to upgrade an old furnace or boiler to a ductless mini split heat pump to provide heating and cooling. We can help you choose among our wide selection of furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, zone control, and many other system upgrades!

Ductwork

If you are installing a forced air system, you’ll need to know the condition of your ductwork, unless your home doesn’t have a duct system in place. The condition of your ductwork will determine whether or not it would be more cost-effective to switch to another type of system. We can retrofit your current forced air system for zone control for more efficient heating.

Contact the Emerson, NJ heating experts at DB Heating & Cooling to go over your options.

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4 Ways Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Heating Repairs in Bergen County

Monday, November 26th, 2012

During the winter, you most likely use your heating system every day, so its important to keep it functioning effectively. Yet some people put off getting regular maintenance for their heating systems. At DB Heating and Cooling, we respond to countless calls for heating repairs in Bergen County. We thought it would be helpful for our community if we put together a list of the benefits to having regular maintenance performed on your heating system.

Reduced Repairs

One great benefit to regular heating maintenance is the potential to reduce costly repairs. When you have a heating technician looking over your system every day, they can catch small issues before they turn into larger, more expensive problems.

Extended Life

With more repairs and better care, comes a potentially longer life. When your heating technician is able to spot small problems early, you can avoid the catastrophic problems that some repairs can cause if they are ignored.

Greater Efficiency

Over time, everything starts to break down. As your heating system begins to age, moving parts will start to wear out and start to make the system work harder. After a while this can negatively impact the performance of your heating system. With regular maintenance, your heating technician can replace and tend to parts of your system that would otherwise begin to break down. This increases the overall efficiency of the system.

More Reliability

In addition to all of these other benefits, you will also most likely experience an increase in reliability from your heating system. Just like a car that doesn’t receive regular maintenance, your heating system will turn on and run more reliably when you have someone inspecting it and tuning it up regularly.

If you’re interested in scheduling heating maintenance for the heating system in your Bergen County home, contact the experts at DB Heating and Cooling. We have years of experience offering comprehensive heating services throughout the Bergen County area. Give us a call today! 

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Bergen County Furnace Guide: Different Types of Furnace Filters

Monday, November 5th, 2012

A good filter for your Bergen County home’s furnace is a must. Because that device heats and blows air throughout your home, you want to be sure that it doesn’t recycle contaminants and bacteria that could easily be captured at the air handler. That’s why it’s vital to choose the right furnace filter on the first try. Here are some furnace filters to consider and their various benefits to your home and family:

  • Electrostatic – Most electrostatic filters are permanent and must be washed on a regular basis. They are electronically charged to capture particles as they pass through, much like a magnet. These filters are effective because they are both physical and electronic. However, keep in mind that they are only as efficient as the cleaning they receive.
  • HEPA – HEPA is the highest rating available for a filtration system, removing up to 99.9% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns. However, they are also inefficient when used in furnaces as they severely reduce air flow. They are not often recommended for this reason.
  • Pleated – Pleated filters come in both reusable and permanent forms and can be either purely mechanical or electrostatic. There is a very wide range of efficiency ratings for pleated filters so make sure you analyze your home’s specific needs before selecting any one pleated filter.
  • Activated Carbon – Activated carbon is unique from the other three filter types because it effectively removes fumes, odors and chemicals from indoor air along with other larger particles. It is recommended that if you choose an activated carbon filter, you supplement it with a pleated or electrostatic filter (or choose a combination filter) to remove all unwanted components from your home.

There are a lot of options when it comes to furnace filters. To make sure you get only the best air quality, talk to a Bergen County furnace professional such as DB Heating & Cooling who can help you determine which pollutants are the biggest problem in your home.

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