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

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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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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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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