DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog : Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

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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Benefits of Heating Replacement in Emerson, NJ

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Making the decision to invest in a home heating replacement system is a big commitment. In many situations, though, it is the best available option.  If you are considering the installation of a replacement heating system in your home, call the home heating experts at DB Heating & Cooling. Our skilled technicians can help you evaluate your options and make the right decision for your home and heating needs.

There are a lot of benefits that accompany the replacement of your home heating system, if that is the route you decide to take. One of the biggest benefits is that you have the luxury of choosing an entirely different heating system if you so desire. Do not feel that you must stick with what you know. Discuss your options with a professional and get the right heating system for your heating habits.

New heating systems are generally more efficient than older models as well. This means that, despite the installation costs, your new heater may be able to save you money during operation. Just because your old heating system can be repaired, remember, does not mean that it is worth repairing. If it is working inefficiently then the cost of operating that system may not justify the cost of the repair service.

Your new heating system will also reduce the likelihood of a breakdown or other repair needs, further saving you money while providing you with the comfortable home you deserve. A new system means that all of the components are new, not just the parts that have been replaced in an older system. A new heating system will work in harmony for better operation, better comfort and better efficiency.

If your heating system is getting on in years it may not be totally necessary to replace it. However, it may be beneficial to do so. You can only repair and service a heating system so many times before the cost of doing so is no longer justifiable. Call DB Heating & Cooling today to discuss the installation of a heating replacement system in your Emerson, NJ home.

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Do I Really Need Custom Ductwork? A Westwood, NJ Heating Question

Monday, January 14th, 2013

You may think that the most important part of your home heating and cooling system is the air conditioner or your furnace. The fact of the matter is, though, that without a high quality air duct system you will not be able to distribute that conditioned air throughout your home in an efficient, effective manner. Many homeowners may not fully understand just how important the design and condition of their air ducts are to the successful operation of the heating and cooling system in their Westwood, NJ home. At DB Heating & Cooling we do understand this, which is why we offer exceptional custom ductwork services throughout the area.

If you are constructing a new home or your home does not have the ductwork necessary for a forced air heating and cooling system, our custom ductwork experts can help. Your new ductwork system must be meticulously designed and installed only be qualified experts. Every factor of your air duct system, including the amount of bends and turns in the design, can affect the performance of your heating and cooling system.

Homes are as unique as the people that own them. You cannot expect to just walk into a shop and find every piece of ductwork necessary to complete your system. By customizing ductwork to suit a particular home with particular needs you can allow your heating and cooling system to work less while still providing a great output of heating and air conditioning power. The less energy your home comfort system needs to use in order to achieve and maintain your target temperatures the less money it will cost for you to operate those systems.

Eventually your ductwork will need to be replaced. If you notice a decrease in the efficiency or effectiveness with which your home heating and cooling system works, it may be time for a new ductwork installation. This is the perfect opportunity to improve on the previous ductwork’s short comings. Contact a professional and get the ductwork you need customized to your unique home.

For more information about custom ductwork and its benefits, call DB Heating & Cooling today. Our custom ductwork experts can make your Westwood, NJ home a more efficient, comfortable place. Schedule the services you need to improve living conditions in your home.

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2 Upgrades to Consider for Your Waldwick, NJ Heating System

Monday, January 7th, 2013

One of the great things about most home heating systems is that they are so customizable. When you work with a professional heating technician with years of experience and training you may be surprised at the performance you can get from your heater, even if it is getting on in years. At DB Heating and Cooling, we love getting our loyal customers the best performance possible from their home heating systems. That is why we would like to share some information about two great upgrades you may want to consider incorporating into your Waldwick, NJ home’s heating system. Consider these options and feel free to call us with any questions you may still have.

Upgrading your old manual or basic digital thermostat is one great way that you can start using the heat you pay for more efficiently in your home. There is nothing wrong with a basic thermostat, and even very basic digital models can give you better control over temperatures in your home. However, a new programmable thermostat can really open up some opportunities for you when it comes to heating your home more efficiently and effectively.

By programming a thermostat to fit your individual lifestyle, schedule and personal heating preferences you can really cut down on the amount of energy that you use. If you are out of the house regularly between certain times each day, for instance, you can lower the temperatures that you heat your home to. You can then program the heater to bring the temperature up gradually before you return home. This improves efficiency while also leaving you with a warm home to come back to after work or even vacations and weekends away from home.

Zone control systems are another great way to boost energy efficiency in your home. No two people are guaranteed to be comfortable at the exact same temperature, let alone an entire family. With a zone control system no one needs be expected to. You can control different temperatures throughout your home individually to boost efficiency while keeping everyone happy. This is a real win-win situation.

For more information about new thermostat options or zone control systems available for your home, contact DB Heating and Cooling. Our team of home heating experts can help you heat your Waldwick, NJ home more efficiently. Call today for more upgrade suggestions from the local pros.

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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.

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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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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! 

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