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

Tips to Save Money with This Summer’s Air Conditioning

Monday, April 20th, 2015

It may be hard to imagine needing an air conditioner after the cold, snowy winter we just had, but summer is coming and we all know how hot and humid it can get in Paramus, NJ. If you are concerned about going over budget with your cooling this year, our DB Heating & Cooling experts have a few tips to pass along that can help save you both energy and money:

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Tips to Save Money with This Summer’s Air Conditioning

What Types of Contaminants Do UV Germicidal Lights Eliminate?

Monday, October 27th, 2014

Achieving the best indoor air quality for a home sometimes requires more than using mechanical air filters to trap contaminating particles. The ductwork in a house can collect biological pollutants that will lead to serious threats to the health and comfort of the people indoors—and standard filters and even electronic air purifiers will not do much good against these intruders.

Almost any home can start to develop biological contamination inside its HVAC system, usually because of high humidity. A dehumidifier is helpful for prevention, but when it comes to fully protecting your indoor air quality from biological pollutants, you will need to have installation of ultraviolent germicidal lights, also known as UV air purifiers. The professionals at DB Heating & Cooling are available to help you with installing UV germicidal lights in Paramus, NJ. Give them a call today.

What UV germicidal lights remove from your home

The concept of ultraviolet radiation to kill biological contamination originated with a Noble Prize-winning doctor at the turn of the century; the doctor discovered that the high frequency UV lights helped with treating tuberculosis. UV radiation strips away the nuclei of cells, killing the cells and preventing them from reproducing. Aside from its medical uses (UV germicidal lights are a basic part of modern hospital sanitation), this power kills off the following pest in a home’s HVAC system

  • Mold and mold spores: This is one of the most common dangers that can infiltrate a home’s ductwork. Some molds are harmless (although you still want to get rid of them because they can cause ductwork damage) but other send out toxic spores that lead to a variety of health issues. UV germicidal lights kill off both the mold and the spores.
  • Viruses: The same way the UV lights inside a ventilation system of a hospital help to prevent the spread of infectious viruses through the ducts, they can also eliminate viruses from moving through your home.
  • Bacteria: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizes UV treatment as an effective way to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause a number of illnesses. Most types of harmful microorganisms will not survive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Let professionals evaluate your indoor air quality

Before you decide on installation of UV germicidal lights in Paramus, NJ, you should know exactly what is causing trouble for your indoor air. If you have trouble from molds, viruses, bacteria, or other harmful microorganisms, we will set you up with an effective UV air purifier to make your home safer. You can also rely on us for regular maintenance and any necessary repairs to keep the system running.

Call the experts at DB Heating & Cooling to find out what air quality issues you have, and then find the right system to eliminate them.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on What Types of Contaminants Do UV Germicidal Lights Eliminate?

Indoor Air Quality in Paramus: How Do Air Filters Work?

Friday, June 13th, 2014

As it gets hotter, air quality can decrease, particularly outside. While your air conditioner can greatly improve the air quality in your home, you may need some extra assistance with the help of an air filter.

Why use an air filter to improve your indoor air quality in Paramus? Allergy sufferers can have a terrible time from spring until fall, and others may be sensitive to dirt, dust and other airborne pollutants. A high-grade air filter can also help your air conditioner by greatly reducing the dirt, dust and debris that can accumulate therein.

What types of air filters are available for your air conditioning system? There are a few different ones on the market, so our experts at DB Heating & Cooling have put together a list for you:

Standard

Every air conditioner comes with a built-in, standard air filter. This filter is not intended to help with air quality, although it can help a little bit. The standard filter’s main job is to help keep dirt, dust and larger debris from entering and clogging your system. This filter is made from spun fiberglass, sits in a cardboard frame and should be changed every 1-3 months to avoid clogging.

Pleated Air Filters

Because of their pleated construction, pleated air filters can be a good way to start eliminating allergens and other air pollutants from your home. The way pleated air filters work is by having tightly-woven material folded into pleats, enabling the capture of small particles. Pleated air filters come in different thicknesses, ranging from 1-4 inches. Sometimes the thickness of a pleated air filter can restrict the air flow in your air conditioning system, so it’s best to consult with a professional before purchasing one.

Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic air filters charge the particles around them, then capture the particles using an opposite charge. Using this method allows for even very small particles to be captured, making this type of filter very effective.

HEPA Filters

HEPA filters have a capture rate of 99%, and are able to catch particles that are 1/300th the width of human hair. Because of their strength, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an expert before using a HEPA filter as it can constrict the air flow in your air conditioner’s system.

Looking for Better Air Quality? Call Us

Your indoor air quality in Paramus is important – don’t compromise your comfort by purchasing an air filter that doesn’t meet your needs.

Call the indoor air quality professionals at DB Heating & Cooling today and schedule a time to speak with one of our experts about improving your indoor air quality.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Indoor Air Quality in Paramus: How Do Air Filters Work?

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! 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Air Conditioning Repair in Paramus, NJ: My AC Won’t Reach Target Temperatures

Benefits of Duct Sealing: Paramus, NJ HVAC Tip

Monday, February 11th, 2013

If you have a forced air system in your home, all of the conditioned air in your home has to go through those ducts. Your ducts are critical to your home’s comfort and to the proper operation of your heating and air conditioning system. Having your ducts sealed in Paramus, NJ by a professional contractor can have a very positive impact on your home. At DB Heating & Cooling, we provide duct sealing services throughout the Paramus, NJ area. We thought it would be helpful to our customers if we put together some of the benefits of getting their ducts sealed.

Common Duct Problems in Paramus, NJ

  • Leaks – Over time, your ducts can wear out and get old. When that happens they can crack and start to leak. As air travels through the ducts it can leak out of those holes. This can decrease the efficiency of your system and cause you to waste money. It can also allow outside contaminants, insects or rodents to get into your ducts as well.
  • Blockages – The average house has about 20 pounds of debris inside of it. Not only can it decrease the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system, it can also cause big problems for the air quality of your system. As air moves through your ducts if can pick up the contaminants, allergens and other particles that are in them.

Benefits of Duct Sealing

Duct sealing is a great idea for homeowners throughout the Paramus, NJ area. Here are some of the potential benefits.

  • Greater efficiency – Having holes and leaks in your ducts reduces the efficiency of your heating and AC system because it allows the heated or cooled air out of your home. When you seal up your ducts more of that energy will stay in your home.
  • Air quality – With duct sealing, outdoor contaminants can enter your home and your air supply.

If you’re interested in duct sealing at your home in Paramus, NJ, call DB Heating & Cooling, Inc..

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Benefits of Duct Sealing: Paramus, NJ HVAC Tip

Woodcliff Lake, NJ Indoor Air Quality Tip: What are UV Germicidal Lights

Monday, January 28th, 2013

At DB Heating and Cooling, we get a lot of questions about UV (ultraviolet) germicidal lights and how they can improve indoor air quality in Woodcliff Lake, NJ area homes.  Basically, these lights destroy harmful microorganisms in the ductwork and other components of your heating and air conditioning system. This keeps any airborne pathogens from spreading throughout your home.  Here’s how they work:

UV germicidal lights are also called UVGI systems, and they use an ultraviolet light to destroy the DNA of harmful organisms, thereby killing them and rendering them incapable of reproducing at the same time. While UV germicidal lights are Ideal for medical facilities, office buildings, hotels, and schools, they can also be used in residential applications. UVGI systems are a cost-effective way to improve indoor air quality, and they can be installed with most existing heating and cooling systems.

UV germicidal lights can destroy pollutants that the air cleaners don’t target, but when used alongside air cleaners, UV lamps can provide even better protection against bacteria, viruses, and toxic mold spores. If you have known issues with moisture control or mold growth in your home, UV lights can improve indoor air quality by killing new mold growth; however, the moisture problem will need to be remedied to get the full effect.

If you think you might benefit from a UV germicidal light installation, call one of our Woodcliff Lake, NJ indoor air quality experts. We can answer all of your questions and address any concerns you may have about your indoor air quality. Call DB Heating and Cooling any time to set up a consultation!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Woodcliff Lake, NJ Indoor Air Quality Tip: What are UV Germicidal Lights

Popular Home Heating Options in Paramus, NJ

Monday, December 17th, 2012

If you are looking for a new home heating system and find that you are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options on the market, don’t despair. You are not alone. Having a number of different options available is a great luxury to have, but a new home heating system is a big investment and you need to be sure that you are getting the best possible system for your home and personal heating habits. That is why it is so important that you work with a home heating expert from DB Heating & Cooling when considering which option is best for your Paramus, NJ home. Here is some basic information about some popular home heating options.

Furnaces

Furnaces are probably the most common type of heating systems available. Furnaces generally use electricity or natural gas as a fuel source. The air that they heat is sent into a ductwork system by a blower mechanism. The ductwork then distributes the heated air throughout your home and also supplies more air to be heated via return vents.

Heat Pumps

Like a furnace, heat pumps use a ductwork system to circulate heated air throughout your home. Heat pumps are unique in the way in which they heat that air, though. They do not consume a fuel but rather transfer existing heat into or out of your home. This heat transfer method makes them extremely efficient at heating your home.

Boilers

Furnaces and heat pumps can be very effective home heating options, but ductwork is a leading cause of energy loss in a number of homes. Boilers do not use a forced air system to distribute heat. Rather, hot water or steam from the boiler is circulated throughout your home. The heat is dispersed by radiators or baseboards. This eliminates energy loss associated with air ducts.

There is no “best” home heating option, but there is one out there that is best for your home. The heating professionals at DB Heating & Cooling can help you determine which option is best for you. Contact us today when considering a new heating option for your Paramus, NJ home.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Popular Home Heating Options in Paramus, NJ

Why Your Business Needs HVAC Maintenance: A Paramus Commercial HVAC Tip

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Have you ever walked into a business in Paramus whose HVAC system wasn’t working? It’s either too hot or too cold inside and you’re uncomfortable while you’re there. That isn’t a good impression. If you own a business or building in Paramus, you want to make sure that the HVAC system in your building is working well every single day that the doors are open.  At DB Heating & Cooling, Inc., we thought it would be helpful for our commercial customers if we put together a few reasons why regular maintenance is a good idea for your business.

Customer, Employee and Tenant Comfort

When you have people working, living or entering your building you want to make sure that they are comfortable. Whether they live, work or shop there, the climate in your building is critical to your success as a business.  Having a professional technician visit your building to regularly inspect and repair your HVAC equipment is a great way to make sure that it keeps running reliably and consistently.

Greater Efficiency

Over time, the HVAC equipment at your building in Paramus will start to break down. It’s a sad fact of life but eventually, this happens to everything. One of the best ways to slow down the ravages of time is to have your equipment regularly maintained. During the inspection of your building’s HVAC equipment, your heating technician will be able to spot small issues that could be hindering your systems’ performance. They can lubricate valves and fan bearings, change fan belts and blades and clean out debris that has accumulated on moving parts. Things like this go a long way to the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.

Reduced Repairs

Another great reason to get your HVAC system regularly maintained is the potential to reduce costly repairs. If you own a car, you most likely get the oil changed regularly and have it tuned-up. We do this to keep the car running as best as possible. The same principle is true with your HVAC system. When your heating technician is able to catch small issues early, you can keep them from developing into catastrophic and expensive failures later on down the road.

If you have own a building or office complex in Paramus, make sure that your customers, tenants and employees are comfortable as soon as they walk in the door. Having your HVAC system regularly inspected and maintained is a great way to make that happen. DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. offers comprehensive commercial HVAC services throughout the Paramus area. Give us a call today! 

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Why Your Business Needs HVAC Maintenance: A Paramus Commercial HVAC Tip

Hohokus Heating Question: What Is an Electronic Ignition?

Monday, October 1st, 2012

Gas furnaces are very complex pieces of equipment. Modern ones in particular are designed to use as little gas as possible, and to recapture as much of the heat generated from burning that gas as can be done safely. One of the many safety and energy-efficient advances in furnace technology in the least twenty years is the electronic ignition.

The Purpose of Electronic Ignition

In older furnaces in Hohokus, a pilot light would stay lit continuously whenever the heating system needed to be available. That meant continuously burning gas throughout the fall, winter and spring months for those times when heat was needed. It was inefficient and unsafe, especially in older devices that didn’t have safety valves.

Today, furnaces are built with electronic ignitions – small devices that only ignite the gas supply when the thermostat is on. there are two types of electronic ignition used in boilers and furnaces today.

  • Intermittent Pilot – An intermittent pilot is unique in that it releases a spark through an electronic component to the gas pilot, lighting the gas burners.
  • Hot Surface Ignition – Hot surface ignition uses an electronic filament (like a lightbulb) to heat up and ignite the burners when the thermostat calls for heat.

Both devices are designed to use a very small amount of electricity and reduce the amount of gas needed for continuous operation of your furnace.

Safety Benefits of an Electronic Ignition

While gas efficiency was a big part of the transition from pilot lights to electronic ignition, safety was an equally big component. Whereas before, the pilot light was continuously lit, meaning gas was continuously flowing into the furnace, today’s furnaces are essentially off when not in use. This means less of a chance that gas will flow unburned or that the pilot will get dirty or burn too soft, releasing carbon monoxide.

If your Hohokus furnace still uses a traditional pilot light, consider having it upgraded to electronic ignition, not just to save gas but to keep your home and family safer. For more information about features in new heating systems, give DB Heating & Cooling a call!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Hohokus Heating Question: What Is an Electronic Ignition?

Things to Check on Your Broken AC Before Calling a Paramus AC Professional

Monday, June 18th, 2012

A broken air conditioner is a stressful situation, especially since you’re considering whether you need a Paramus AC professional to come out. No one likes spending money to have a professional take a look at their system, so before you call anyone, make sure to check these problems. You may be able to fix the problem on your own without spending a dime.

Thermostat

The thermostat is one of the most common problems you’ll have with an air conditioner.  Make sure the thermostat wasn’t knocked out of position and the sensors near your coils are in the right place. Often times, a bumped sensor or a slightly off thermostat can cause this kind of problem and as a result, you’ll be left without steady cooling.

Check Your Filters

Another common problem that can cause issues with your air conditioner is filter clogging. While the system will continue to run with a clogged filter, there are a few issues that might pop up – it could smell funny or you might notice icing on the outside line (a major problem). If you allow the filter to get so clogged as to block the air flow from your system, you can expect a number of problems to crop up.

Blower Belts

Check the system’s blower belt for damage like cracking, excess slack or general wear. A blower belt that isn’t properly installed or that needs to be replaced will reduce air flow which can result in ice buildup or poor air flow – it will make it harder for your system to maintain a steady temperature.

Check the Outdoor Unit

Check to make sure nothing is blocking the outdoor unit. Clean the condenser coils and remove any debris that might have built up around the outdoor unit. Often, slowed air flow is caused by nothing more than leaves piled in front of your condenser.

If none of these problems is the culprit or if you fix them all and your system continues to struggle, it is time to call a Paramus AC professional like DB Heating & Cooling!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Things to Check on Your Broken AC Before Calling a Paramus AC Professional