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

Teaneck AC Contractor Tip: Green Your HVAC

Monday, May 21st, 2012

Regular Maintenance Avoids High Costs

No matter the energy rating of the appliance, a schedule of simple maintenance and replacement of filters can make a significant difference in its longevity. A furnace rated at 95% efficient will burn nowhere near that great a rating if the air is blocked and unable to pass through the filter without effort.

Fan belts on the blower motor can loosen over time and become ineffective, forcing the heater to burn longer and hotter to distribute air that should normally breeze through the ductwork. Working so hard, parts break and the furnace might need replacement.

New Thermostats

If left to our own habits, our Teaneck air conditioners and furnaces might run for hours under unnecessary circumstances because we are not thinking to turn our thermostats up or down. At the change of seasons, in particular, it may feel warm enough to open a window while the heat is still adjusted to come on at those fresher temperatures that now seem so inviting.

In older homes, the replacement of the old dial thermostats with the newer digital versions can save on energy costs. Smart phones allow adjustments to thermostats from anywhere in the world for the instance that a cold snap may threaten frozen pipes while we are away on vacation.

Changing World

Tax incentives, climate change and the economics of energy dictate that we look closely at our habits and find ways to conserve our resources. For more information about how HVAC improvements can reduce your energy bills, give DB Heating & Cooling a call today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Maintenance, Heating, Heating Maintenance, Teaneck, Waldwick
Posted in Air Conditioning, Energy Savings, Heating | Comments Off on Teaneck AC Contractor Tip: Green Your HVAC

Teaneck AC Tip: Keep Your Home Cool and Save Energy

Monday, May 7th, 2012

As the season of hot days and long evenings draws near, it is normal for questions to arise on how to keep your home cool and save energy. In normal trains of thought, using your Teaneck air conditioning unit frequently would mean higher utility bills. However, there are some things which are easy to do and can help keep any house cool without overuse of an air conditioner.

Easy Fixes Which Cool the House from the Heat of the Sun

Provide effective shade for east and west facing windows, including planting shade trees around the exterior of the house
Delay heat-generating activities until evening
Keep the house closed tight during the day so that unwanted heat and humidity do not enter the home
Ventilate at night with open windows and fans
Use ceiling fans or room fans to increase comfort levels with higher air conditioning thermostat settings
Seal and insulate all air conditioning ducts, and seal leaky windows with caulk or weather stripping
Install window shades, blinds, awnings, sunscreens, or apply low-e films to windows to block most solar rays which cause heat gain
Close south and west-facing curtains during the day on windows which get direct sunlight, and invest in reflective solar curtains
Upgrade the insulation in the attic
Service the air conditioning unit annually, and place it in the shade with proper air flow to ensure it runs efficiently
Install a house fan to cool the entire home at once as well as cool the attic above

Eliminate Internal Heat Sources

Lessen stove and oven use during hot days and enjoy a backyard barbeque or cookout, keeping the heat out of the kitchen and in the great outdoors. When cooking inside do so in the evening and employ use of the microwave, toaster-oven or counter-top grill which produces far less heat than the stove or oven.
Switch to newer, compact fluorescent lights which use less energy and produce far less heat than incandescent lights
Pass on the hot-drying cycle of the dishwasher and let dishes air dry, or dry them by hand
Line-dry clothes rather than using the dryer, or use the lowest heat setting on the dryer
Take shorter showers that are cooler, and turn on exhaust fans and open windows to properly ventilate the area, allowing excess heat to escape
Turn computers and other electronics off when not in use, and use electronic devices such as TV’s less often throughout the day

Combining the various home fixes while eliminating internal heat sources can turn out to be the best ways to keep your home cool and save energy during hot summer months. Just try some and see how that energy bill decreases! For more information about how to best utilize your Teaneck air conditioner, give DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. a call!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Maintenance, Energy Savings, Teaneck, Waldwick
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Teaneck AC Tip: Keep Your Home Cool and Save Energy

Waldwick AC Tip: Outdoor Air Conditioning Components

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

As long as all the parts are working well, your Waldwick air conditioning system is a modern convenience you can easily take for granted and overlook. Cool air makes our lives simply better, but is a complicated process based on an old theory and modern technology.

No matter the size, in every unit, the basic purpose is one of extracting heat from the conditioned space and moving it to the outside, leaving cool air in its place. This process easily divides into indoor and outdoor components.

Air Conditioning 101

Utilizing the basic principal of thermal energy that heat gravitates toward cooler temperatures, compounds known as refrigerants travel through a closed looped system, repeatedly transforming between liquid and gas forms. Chosen for their ability to rapidly change at low temperatures, they alternately absorb and release heat along the way.

Having expanded to a vacuous state with plenty of room between molecules to absorb heat, the refrigerant is compressed tightly, condenses back into liquid form and releases the heat to the outdoors.

In the Box Outside

Placed on a small slab on the ground alongside many homes or on the roof of large buildings, air conditioning units contain the compressor and condensing coils that enable the main (and noisiest) function of the process.

The refrigerant is contained within a closed loop, entering the compressor as an expanded gas full of heat. Under pressure, that heat is released when the molecules are squeezed so tightly together the refrigerant returns to its liquid state.

The Passing into the condensing coils, a series of delicate fins, the released heat is allowed to dissipate through the fins into the air where a small fan blows it away. Water is also a by-product of the condensation and drains into a pan and eventually into the ground.

The condensing coil ends at the exchange valve where it is held to create just the right pressure for the evaporating coil indoors to operate at its maximum efficiency.

Refreshing Maintenance

When maintained on a regular basis, your Waldwick air conditioning system requires little attention and over sight beyond scheduled appointments with a company like DB Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Repair, Waldwick
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Waldwick AC Tip: Outdoor Air Conditioning Components

Paramus Air Conditioning Installation Tip: Air Conditioners and Humidity

Monday, April 9th, 2012

Ever wonder why all of those Paramus air conditioners hanging out of people’s windows are constantly dripping water? All they’re actually doing is disposing of the moisture they’ve removed from the indoor air. That’s right – air conditioners are dehumidifiers too.

When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. After all, you know how much more uncomfortable 90° is when the humidity’s up around 90% than when it’s closer to 60%. Of course, some air conditioners are better at removing moisture from the air than others, so you should definitely consider how well an air conditioner dehumidifies when evaluating your air conditioning options.

Why Humidity Matters

High humidity, even at lower temperatures is uncomfortable. But there are more reasons than simple comfort to want an air conditioner that reduces indoor humidity levels. For instance, high levels of humidity promote the growth and spread of several allergens like dust mites and mold spores. High indoor humidity can also cause problems for the wood fixtures and furnishings in your home.

The Importance of Proper Sizing

Most air conditioners do a decent job of controlling humidity indoors. But depending on the severity of your problem and the typical levels of humidity in your area during the summer months, you may want to pay special attention to each unit’s capabilities when evaluating your options.

An air conditioner’s ability to maintain proper humidity levels indoors has a lot to do with how well it’s matched to the size of your room as well. An air conditioner that’s too small likely won’t get the humidity or the temperature down to a comfortable level. On the other hand, that doesn’t necessarily mean that bigger is better.

In fact, an air conditioner that’s too large for the space you’re using it to cool will have a hard time bringing down the humidity level. Sure, you’ll wind up with a cold room, but that room will remain damp, making it no more comfortable than it was before the air conditioner was turned on.

For all of these reasons, it’s important to carefully evaluate your options when buying a Paramus air conditioner and make sure that the unit you buy is the right kind and size for the area you’re cooling. A little extra time spent researching your options will make your home infinitely more comfortable this season. If you have any questions about which air conditioning system is right for your home, give DB Heating & Cooling a call!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Indoor Air Quality, Paramus, Waldwick
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Paramus Air Conditioning Installation Tip: Air Conditioners and Humidity

Waldwick Indoor Air Quality Tips: Improving Indoor Air Quality with UV Germicidal Lights?

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Ultraviolet germicidal lights improve indoor air quality in your Waldwick home by killing the harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxic mold that can cause respiratory problems and other health concerns. These microorganisms spread by releasing airborne spores containing the genetic material used to create a new organism. UV lights use a wavelength of ultraviolet light to destroy the organism’s DNA, which takes away their reproductive capabilities and also kills them.

UV germicidal lights are fairly inexpensive and can be installed to work with your existing forced air HVAC system. They are typically used in tandem with either an electronic or mechanical air cleaner. While air cleaners can filter pollen and other irritants, UV germicidal lights destroy the viruses and mold spores once these pollutants have been trapped by the air cleaner. After the air has been filtered through your HVAC, it will circulate more easily through system and increase the efficiency of the unit. In addition, UV lights are useful in killing hidden mold growth, which can only be detected by special thermal imaging equipment.

Homeowners with particularly chronic allergy problems or extremely poor indoor air quality choose to install both types of air cleaners, in addition to a UV light, for the ultimate protection from indoor air pollutants—from bacteria to pet dander. If your home lacks adequate ventilation, or if you are unable to control the source of common pollutants, you might benefit greatly by installing UV germicidal lights. Poor indoor air circulation can exacerbate the spread of harmful microorganisms, so make sure you have proper ventilation if you don’t have UV lights in your home.

UV germicidal lights have also been used to filter tap water because they are more reliable and easier to install than other water treatment systems. However, they are typically used to provide cleaner indoor air.

Call the indoor air quality experts at DB Heating & Cooling if you have questions or concerns about the quality of the air inside your Waldwick home.

Tags: Indoor Air Quality, UV Germicidal Lights, Waldwick
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Waldwick Indoor Air Quality Tips: Improving Indoor Air Quality with UV Germicidal Lights?

Paramus Heating Question: What Is Involved in Replacing an Old System?

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

When your Paramus home’s HVAC system starts to fail — or if it already has — your options essentially come down to two: replace or repair. There are a lot of factors that go into making such a decision, but in general, if it is a newer system with a small problem and you haven’t had much trouble with it, then a simple repair clearly makes sense.

For older systems, or ones that have been repaired all to often lately, or ones that seem to be on their last legs, repair may be the only reasonable course of action.

Surely you know that a total system replacement would be a big job, but have you ever thought about just how big? Sure, you know you will have to swap out the failing furnace, and you may as well replace the air conditioning unit while you’re in there, but that’s it, right?

Actually, there is a lot more to an HVAC system than just those two machines. Think about all the behind-the-scenes components and the little components that are often overlooked, such as:

Ducts – Keep in mind that your ducts are probably as old as that furnace you are replacing, and that a new, efficient unit cannot operate at nearly its full potential with faulty duct work.
Thermostats – Your old ones may not even be compatible with a new furnace or air conditioner.
Wiring – For the thermostat, among other things.
Insulation – Many homeowners forget that insulation is part of an HVAC system, too. Just like we said about duct work, old insulation does not help a new system achieve maximum performance.
Piping – Such as refrigerant piping on a geothermal system or a ductless air conditioning system.

You can see that the job starts to get pretty complex pretty fast. This doesn’t mean you should shy away from a necessary replacement, just make sure that you fully consider the scope of what you need done, as well as the budget and time frame you have to work with. If you are thinking about having your old system replaced, give DB Heating & Cooling a call!

Tags: Heating, Heating Replacement, Paramus, Waldwick
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Paramus Heating Question: What Is Involved in Replacing an Old System?

Waldwick Heating Repair Question: Why Is My Air Handler Squealing?

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Unusual noises coming from your Waldwick home’s HVAC system never a good thing; they make you worry that something is wrong.

It’s true that an unusual noise does often mean that something needs to be fixed; however, a noise emanating from your HVAC system does not necessarily mean a major repair. You should always have a technician check out if you suspect a problem with your system, but not all problems are going to be expensive to fix.

One common noise that homeowners notice and complain about is a squealing noise originating in the air handler. Usually, this noise is coming from the fan belt that connects the blower fan and the motor. Over time, the belt can stretch out and become worn or misaligned, which makes it slip and generate that aggravating squealing noise.

So, while the squealing can be annoying and unpleasant, a slipping belt is by no means major. A belt is an inexpensive part and a technician can install it in just a matter of minutes.

As long as the noise is a squealing and not a grinding, this simple fix wil often take care of the problem. If you hear a grinding noise, however, immediately shut the unit down and call a technician. This may mean that your motor bearings are worn out and need to be replaced ASAP before further damage is inflicted on the motor itself. If you suspect a problem with your air handler, give DB Heating & Cooling, Inc a call today!

Tags: Air Handler, Heating Repair, Waldwick
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Waldwick Heating Repair Question: Why Is My Air Handler Squealing?

Waldwick Heating Installation Checklist: What You Should Consider Before Upgrading

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Many Waldwick homeowners who heat their homes with an older heating system—whether it’s a furnace, boiler, or heat pump—may want to consider upgrading to a more efficient system. Older furnaces with an AFUE rating of less than 80%, for instance, could be costing you a lot more than you realize in heating bills.

While it is a significant initial investment, upgrading to a more efficient furnace or heat pump will pay for itself in energy savings. Before you decide on whether or not an upgrade is right for your home, here are some things to keep in mind.

Fuel Costs

Some types of fuel, such as electricity, are more expensive in certain areas. Depending on where you live, you may want to compare the cost of fuel before choosing a heating upgrade. In fact, natural gas may or may not be available to your home. Check with your utility company to find out what types of fuel are available and which ones would be more cost-efficient for heating your home. You can always call a qualified HVAC technician at COMPANY NAME if you have any questions about a heating system upgrade or the products we offer.

Insulation

Whenever you are thinking about upgrading your heating system, you’ll want to make sure your home is properly insulated and sealed. If you purchase and install a highly efficient furnace, it won’t save as much in energy bills if your house is poorly insulated. Get a home energy audit with a local energy resource organization if you aren’t sure. You might want to also consider upgrading your old windows and doors, or installing storm doors and windows to improve air tightness.

Property Value

A lot of Waldwick homeowners forget that any upgrade or remodeling project will increase the value of their home. Not only will a heating system upgrade lower your heating bills; it will also add value to your home and property. Always make sure you choose the right system for your home so that it lasts as long as possible.

If you are considering upgrading the heating system in your Waldwick home, call DB Heating & Cooling, Inc.to speak with one of our HVAC experts to ask about our quality products and installation services.

Tags: Heating Upgrade, NJ, Waldwick
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Waldwick Heating Installation Checklist: What You Should Consider Before Upgrading

Waldwick Heating Guide: Comparing High-Efficiency and Mid-Efficiency Furnaces

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

Whenever you are in the market for a new furnace for your Waldwick home, there are many models to choose from. Many of the furnaces manufactured within the last few years are high-efficiency furnaces with a high AFUE rating (AFUE measures the amount of fuel the furnace converts into heat). When people refer to a mid-efficiency furnace, they are usually talking about older furnaces.

Single-stage furnaces were considered to be an efficient heating system when they were manufactured, but compared to newer furnaces, they use up a lot more energy than they need to. Single-speed furnaces are designed to run at full capacity until the temperature inside the home reaches the thermostat setting. After they shut off, the home not only loses heat, but the furnace will also take longer and burn more fuel when it cycles on again.

Newer, two-speed and multispeed models run consistently at lower speeds, and the ones with variable-speed blowers are even more efficient because they can operate at various levels. These models will also automatically adjust to the thermostat to maintain a constant temperature, which saves energy by keeping the home at a consistent temperature so that there’s little heat loss.

When shopping for a new furnace, keep in mind that the AFUE ratings for multispeed and variable-speed furnaces only determine the efficiency of the actual furnace. If you are upgrading your old, mid-efficiency furnace to a high-efficiency furnace, you should make sure that your Waldwick home is properly insulated and sealed. You could also consider upgrading any older doors and windows to more efficient double-paned ones, or you can also install storm doors and windows.

Tags: Furnace Installation, Heating, Waldwick
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Waldwick Heating Guide: Comparing High-Efficiency and Mid-Efficiency Furnaces

Waldwick Heating Service Tip: Furnace Air Temperature

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

When your furnace turns on every day and warms your Waldwick home, just how hot is the air being blown through your vents? It’s a common question and while it varies depending on the type of furnace you have and the length of your ductwork, normally, the air is about the same temperature in most homes.

The Heating Process

When you turn on your furnace, it ignites fuel (gas or oil) or heats elements (electricity). A blower fan blows air through the heat exchanger and then into ductwork that distributes the heated air to vents around your home. When the combustion occurs and air is first heated, the temperature is between 140 degrees F and 170 degrees F.

This is extremely warm and could be dangerous to anyone if they got too close to it or it was blown directly into your home. However, as the heated air is distributed into your home it starts to cool. In some cases, it loses a significant amount of its energy in the ductwork.

This is intended, of course, because the temperature would be much too high if it was distributed directly to your rooms. That’s why high velocity ductwork often requires regulation to avoid overheating of the air. Cooling like this is normal and results in a better, more evenly distributed airflow.

When Something’s Wrong

To know something is wrong with your heating system, you must first understand what temperature air normally is when distributed through the vents. This will vary depending on which room you are in and how big your home (and furnace) are. However, if you notice a sharp drop off in comfort level in your home, it takes longer to heat rooms when cold or if that heating is suddenly uneven, it may be time for someone to inspect your furnace and check for potential problems.

A technician will then check to see if the air is being heated to the target 140-170 degrees F or if heat is being lost in the air handler or ductwork. There are a number of issues that can contribute to lost heat in your heating system – the easiest way to be sure the problem is solved properly is to call a professional when you notice the problem.

Tags: Furnace, Heating, Waldwick
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Waldwick Heating Service Tip: Furnace Air Temperature