DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog

What’s Involved in Duct Cleaning?

August 4th, 2014

In the U.S., people spend on average 85% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, the quality of indoor air has dropped over the last half century as homes and buildings become more sealed against energy loss. The same stale air circulates through ventilation systems, and soon dust, dirt, and other unpleasant contamination builds up inside ductwork.

This is why regular duct cleaning is so important. It helps eliminate this major region of pollutants that gathers in a home and contributes to lowering the quality of the air its residents breathe. Duct cleaning provides other benefits as well, such as taking stress away from air conditioners and heaters by allowing air to flow easier through the ductwork.

Duct cleaning is a skilled job that requires professionals. Call DB Heating & Cooling to schedule duct cleaning in Bergen County from an experienced indoor air quality team.

How professional duct cleaning is done

The basic concept behind cleaning an extensive ventilation system in a home where most of the ducts are difficult to access is to use a power vacuum to change the pressure within the ducts. This dislodges contaminants from the duct walls, and then the vacuum uses suction to draw them out of the system. To do this job, professionals seal up all the vent registers in a house to close off the ductwork, then attach an enormous power vacuum onto the HVAC system where it leaves the air conditioner/heater.

Duct cleaning can also target specific places within the ducts that have more serious levels of dirt buildup using agitation equipment and smaller vacuums. The technicians remove vent registers and send in special rotary brushes to scrape away ground-in dust and dirt without damaging the duct walls. Special ductwork vacuums then suction away the loose particles.

During duct cleaning, technicians take note of any serious issues within the ducts, such as leaks or the development of potentially dangerous molds and biological growths. After they finish the cleaning, they can recommend repairs or the installation of UV germicidal lights to treat these situations and make sure the ducts are in the best condition possible.

How often should I schedule duct cleaning?

If more than two years have gone by since you had your last duct cleaning—or if you can’t remember ever having duct cleaning—you need to call professionals right away. In general, homes will benefit from a cleaning every two years, although it depends on the level of dust and dirt that enters the home. Some houses need it more often, some less. Your duct cleaners will help you find out how frequently your home should have the work done.

Call us to learn more about how we can provide your home with healthier air.

DB Heating & Cooling offers a number of services to help you achieve better indoor air quality in Bergen County, from duct cleaning to humidifier/dehumidifier installation.

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The Benefits of Energy Management Systems

July 28th, 2014

When you run a business, you keep a closer eye on your finances than you will almost anything else. Among the various costs to run your company, you may think that the energy required to operate the building is an inflexible one and unlikely to change unless your company undergoes some radical shift. But there are ways you can improve your business’ energy consumption through a centralized device: an energy management system (EMS).

Our staff at DB Heating & Cooling is familiar with energy management systems, since we’ve been installing them in New Jersey for many years. We have seen the enormous benefits an EMS can bring to a company, and the level of control it grants for reducing and stabilizing energy use. If you wish to know more details about energy management systems in Bergen County, NJ from people who have worked closely with them, contact our commercial staff today.

Advantages that energy management systems can provide

First, to answer the basic question, “What is an energy management system?” An EMS is a device that centralizes all the powered systems that run a building. An Internet-based system is installed over TCP/UP or EIA-485 with peer-to-peer communication. From one location, you can access security, lighting, and the HVAC systems and monitor their operation, and, most importantly, their energy use. You can also choose during installation if you want to be able to access the EMS from multiple locations.

The major benefit of a commercial energy management system is a reduction in energy costs. Through centralization, you can see the building’s full electrical load and how much each individual system contributes to it. This allows you to rapidly pinpoint places where energy is going to waste, such as needless lighting or a malfunctioning commercial HVAC system. You can discover where the placement of high efficiency lighting upgrades will benefit you the most. For older buildings, an EMS will point out where you need to update older equipment that is placing a significant drain on power.

An EMS is also an effective tool at creating a more smooth operation of the building. It’s easy to locate faults in systems and schedule repairs and maintenance. Most of the guesswork and additional effort it would require to monitor electrical systems, the heating and cooling, and security individually to find where repairs are necessary vanishes thanks to the centralization of an EMS.

For an EMS to effectively work, it must have professional and skilled installation that will set up both the central hardware and the monitoring for each of the systems you want integrated. The installers will tailor the EMS to your specific needs—no two commercial buildings and companies are alike, so no two energy management systems will be alike either.

Although an EMS is a complicated device, you can place all the hard work in the dependable hands of DB Heating & Cooling.

Call DB Heating & Cooling today to speak with our team and to get started with the benefits of energy management systems in Bergen County, NJ.

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How to Know You Need Commercial Control System Repair in Waldwick

July 21st, 2014

A central control system for a commercial building is designed to make life easier. A central control system can handle the operation of multiple air conditioners and heaters, humidity controls, air handlers, zone dampers, lighting, fire alarms, and security systems. In many ways, one of these centralized systems is like having an ideal universal remote control for your home: instead of requiring a small army of remote controls to take care of the television, the Blu-ray player, the amplifier, and the streaming device, you can have all the power integrated into a single, handy device.

Any control that oversees such an intricate, wide-ranging network of systems can malfunction. When you depend on a control system for your commercial building, you can’t afford to let faults lead to issues with security, comfort, lighting, and energy efficiency. At the first sign that you need skilled commercial control system repair in Waldwick, NJ, contact DB Heating & Cooling, where we have 24-hour emergency service from skilled technicians for commercial systems.

Watch for signs that you need control system repair

  • The system alerts you itself: One of the advantages of an automated, integrated system that controls multiple functions throughout the building is that it will alert you when something is wrong with one of the systems it controls… including itself. Make sure that you keep a close watch on diagnostic warnings from the system that will inform you that it is having problems correctly operating.
  • Energy waste: Of course, the control system will not always detect that it is malfunctioning. One of the ways you can tell that it is developing problems is from an increase in your energy bills. A control system monitors energy use in the HVAC system and the lighting, and if it begins to run these inefficiently, you will notice higher bills. Have technicians first check the individual systems to see if they are experiencing repair needs, and then look into the control system to see if the fault lies there.
  • Uneven temperatures: The most important part of a commercial building under central control is the HVAC system. Loss of effective control over this system will result in uneven temperatures throughout the building because of miscalibrated thermostats, dampers in the ductwork opening and shutting at the incorrect times, and the compressor activating and shutting down when it shouldn’t. If nothing seems wrong with the HVAC system itself, the issue may come from a faulty control system.

A building with integrated and automated controls allows for a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and work-efficient environment. We can also take care of the regular maintenance that will prevent repairs in the future.

Do not lose these advantages because you neglected commercial control system repair in Waldwick, NJ when you needed it. At the first sign of trouble, call DB Heating & Cooling.

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What Kinds of Tools Are Used in Duct Sealing?

July 14th, 2014

One of the great misunderstandings of home repairs is that “duct tape” is useful for repairing broken ducts. But duct tape is essentially worthless for this job, although it can help in hundreds of other ways for household chores. This misconception of the purpose of duct tape goes back to the 1950s, when what was until then called “duck tape” received a deceptive new name.

When it comes to sealing ducts, you need to rely on professionals who use a set of special tools for the job that are out of the reach of most consumers. Sealing ducts doesn’t only involve special tools, but also special training. If you require duct sealing in Waldick, NJ, call up only trained technicians to handle it. The indoor air quality experts at DB Heating & Cooling will bring the best tools and top-quality training to the job of sealing your leaky ventilation system.

The tools used in professional air duct sealing

  • Leak detectors: A key part of the process of sealing ducts is to locate where the leaks are. The technicians turn on the HVAC system to send air through the ductwork and use detectors that contain a fan and a pressure sensor to track down where the ducts are losing pressure and how large the leaks are. This will give the technicians a good idea of how much work needs to be done and what sort of methods will work. (For example, in cases of extreme leaks, they may suggest replacing sections of the ducts.)
  • Mastic sealant: Mastic is a resin-based sealant which technicians apply to gaps and leaks using a caulking gun. Mastic will stick to most surfaces and remain flexible even after it dries, making it resistant to breaking when the gaps expand and contract during temperature changes. It also keeps a smooth surface to offer little resistance to airflow.
  • Metallic tape: This is true “duct tape,” metal foil used to create actual mechanical seals along damaged ducts. Some technicians prefer these tapes to mastic sealant because they have an even higher durability to temperature changes and do not age as rapidly. However, whether a duct sealer uses metallic tape of sealant to fix a leak will usually depend on the size and location of the gap. Skilled technicians will know the right method for each situation.

Let the professionals take care of your leaky ducts

We will send out a team to handle the duct sealing in Waldick, NJ that you need to restore your ventilation system to like-new condition.

When you have damaged ductwork, place the duct tape aside to seal up boxes for storage in the attic. Call DB Heating & Cooling and speak to our professional air quality technicians.

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How Does a Whole-Home Dehumidifier Work?

July 11th, 2014

As we head into the most humid time of the year in New Jersey, you may be wondering what you can do to reduce excess humidity in your home. Even though your air conditioner removes humidity as part of the cooling process, your AC will need to work harder in order to sustain the temperature at which you set your thermostat when humidity is high. But there is a way to help your air conditioner through periods of excessive humidity that can help you be more comfortable, too: consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier to your air conditioner in Waldwick.

What Happens When You Dehumidify?

The comfortable range for humidity is anywhere from 30-60%. During June, July, August and September, the humidity averages for New Jersey are anywhere from 58-87%. To dehumidify the air, a dehumidifier collects the air around it, runs the air over cool coils, pulls the excess moisture from it, and sends the air back dry. The water from the humidity is removed from the house via the condensate pipe that drains into your sewer. Typically, a dehumidifier is set to a specific humidity level so that the space doesn’t become too dry. When you consider how much extra humidity we can have during the summer months, it is easy to see where a dehumidifier can benefit your home and air conditioning system.

Other Benefits of a Whole-Home Dehumidifier

There are other benefits to installing a whole-home dehumidifier other than making your space more comfortable:

  • Help with allergies – allergies can be exasperated by excessive moisture in your home. Not only does moisture promote mold and mildew growth, dust mites flourish with it. By removing the excess moisture in your indoor air, you can help prevent mold, mildew and dust mites from proliferating.
  • Better energy efficiency – your air conditioner can remove only so much humidity. In times of excess humidity, it will have to work harder to achieve the same level of comfort in your home. By giving it a boost in the form of a dehumidifier, you’ll help your AC to run more effectively and efficiently.
  • Less strain on your system – when it’s hot and humid, it is inevitable that your air conditioner will be working more. Having a tool that helps remove the excess humidity means your system doesn’t have to overwork to make everyone comfortable.

Don’t Like That Sticky Feeling? Call Us

Humidity makes everything feel heavy, icky and sticky, and it feels the same to your air conditioner. Help your AC work more effectively and efficiently by considering the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier.

DB Heating & Cooling experts are here to help answer any questions you may have about installing a whole-home dehumidifier in Waldwick, so give us a call.

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The Famous Painting of the Declaration of Independence Isn’t What You Think It Is

July 4th, 2014

If you grew up in the United States, you probably first saw John Trumbull’s painting of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence in an elementary schoolbook. This oil-on-canvas 12’ x 18’ painting hangs in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. It is one of the most famous symbols of freedom in the country and almost every citizen can conjure it from memory.

Except… the painting isn’t of the singing of the Declaration of Independence. The actual title of the work is Declaration of Independence, and although it does portray an important moment in the history of the document that announced the Thirteen Colonies’ decision to break away from British rule, the event in the painting occurred on June 28, 1776, not July 4, 1776.

John Trumbull, a Connecticut native who fought in the Revolutionary War and whose father was the state governor, was commissioned to create the painting in 1817. He did painstaking research on the figures in the picture and also visited Independence Hall to see the actual chamber where the Second Continental Congress met. Trumbull only included 42 of the original 56 signers, because he could not find adequate likenesses for 14 or them, and added a few figures who were not present (most of whom declined to sign the actual document). In fact, the men depicted in the painting had never been present in the same room at one time.

So if the painting does not portray the singing of the Declaration of Independence, what is happening in the image? The Trumbull’s scene depicts the presentation of the draft of the declaration to the Continental Congress for editing and approval. The five-man drafting committee (John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin) is handing over their finished work, which congress would then edit carefully over the next few days before voting on it and signing it on the day that we now celebrate as the start of the United States of America.

One last, odd, fact: two of the five-man drafting committee, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both died on the July 4—although many years later.

Our family at [company name] hopes that your Fourth of July (or Twenty-Eighth of June if you decided to start celebrating early) is a memorable and happy one.

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Why You Need Specialists for Your Commercial Air Conditioning Repair

June 27th, 2014

An effective air conditioning system to keep your business cool during the summer isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a necessity. The best way to make sure that your business’ AC keeps running is to have professional, qualified technicians take care of all maintenance and repairs the system needs.

We need to emphasize qualified. Not every repair technician familiar with residential air conditioning is qualified to work on your commercial AC. It requires specialized training to handle commercial systems, and you can’t find that everywhere. Your best option is to call DB Heating & Cooling and our commercial HVAC staff to handle your needs for commercial air conditioning repair in Bergen County, NJ.

We not only have the qualifications for the repair work you need, but we are available 24 hours a day for your convenience. Call us today to set up an appointment.

The reasons you need commercial-qualified specialists

There are some significant differences between commercial and residential air conditioning. Although an air conditioner works through the same process no matter where it is installed—heat exchange using refrigerant—commercial systems are different in size and configuration, and that means they have some specific needs that take specialized training.

The extent of commercial systems is the difference that will be most obvious to someone unfamiliar with the HVAC world. The average cooling load of even light commercial work is 25-tons, twice what most homes require. Standard size for the majority of businesses is 50-tons or greater. This level of cooling needs training to take into account the power of the motors and the refrigerant needs.

Commercial systems have different configurations from those used in homes. The standard residential AC is a “split” system with separate indoor and outdoor cabinets. But commercial air conditioning uses a packaged unit, with a single cabinet that houses all the components in a single place: evaporator coil, condensing coil, compressor, fan, blower, motors, etc. This makes it easier for a technician to service the system without disrupting workflow, and it also removes the noisy indoor unit to the outside.

Commercial systems are also modular, allowing for an increase in cooling capacity without needing to replace the entire system. This adds a new layer a complexity to the individual modules that is not found in residential air conditioners.

Finally, commercial air conditioners have a much more intricate system of zone control and multiple thermostats designed to serve many people with differing comfort needs. The complexity of the thermostat network is far beyond that found in most homes.

Make sure that you have the number of a qualified company for commercial air conditioning repair in Bergen County, NJ handy should you encounter any trouble with your AC. DB Heating & Cooling is ready any time of the day or night to assist you.

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How a Maintenance Session Differs from a Repair Session

June 20th, 2014

Most of the time when people call a heating and cooling company it’s for one of two reasons: to schedule repairs (sometimes in emergencies) or to arrange for a maintenance visit. Any quality HVAC service will offer 24-hour emergency repairs and regular maintenance programs so that it’s easy for a customer to call for either, and the technicians will know how to handle both types of calls in a timely manner and with all the work done accurately.

We’ll explain some of the differences in how technicians perform maintenance sessions and repair sessions for ACs. If you need either, entrust the work to DB Heating & Cooling: we are fully EPA-certified and insured to protect you, and our technicians are among the best-trained and customer-friendly you can find. We offer 24-hour emergency service and effective and affordable programs for air conditioning maintenance in Emerson, NJ.

Maintenance vs. Repair

Maintenance sessions go essentially the same each time a technician comes to your home. When you sign up for a maintenance program, you’ll arrange for a time during the year when the technician will come for the check-up and tune-ups; for air conditioners, this is usually in the spring. The technician will show up with a detailed checklist that covers every aspect of your cooling system. The job will go through the points one at a time, making sure that each component of the air conditioning receives attention. The only place where a maintenance session will differ from year to year is when the technician discovers issues that need correcting or possibly repairs. If the air conditioner requires a repair that goes beyond what is covered during maintenance, the technician will arrange for the necessary work.

Repairs are targeted, and therefore much different from maintenance, which must survey the entire system. When a specialist arrives for repairs, he or she will asked for a detailed description of the problem that you are experiencing with your AC. The technician will first look for simple possibilities for the malfunction, such as checking thermostat operation. (The thermostat is almost always the first component checked during repairs.) Then the technician will focus on root causes that could require extensive work. A professional technician will not start any repair job until he or she has checked with you regarding time, price, and any parts that may need to be ordered.

You can expect a maintenance session to last about an hour. For repairs, you will find out usually within a half hour how long the job will require: it could be from anywhere under an hour to a few days if the technician must order special parts. You can trust that professionals will do all they can to reduce that amount of time necessary to complete repairs.

DB Heating & Cooling has technicians ready to do either job for you, and do it to match your expectations. Call us for 24-hour emergency repairs or for air conditioning maintenance in Emerson, NJ.

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

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.

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Why Ductless Air Conditioning Systems May Be Right for You

June 6th, 2014

What is ductless air conditioning? It is an innovation that has already existed for decades, but was originally restricted to business use. Now ductless mini splits (as they are often called) have entered homes in a big way because of their huge advantages in comfort, savings, and convenience.

The basic way that a ductless system works is this: Instead of having a single indoor and outdoor unit (an evaporator and a condenser) like standard air conditioners and heat pumps, a ductless mini split uses multiple blower units on the indoors that hook up independently to the outdoor condenser. Each blower contains a fan and coil and blows conditioned air directly into a room—no ducts necessary!

Ductless systems will not match every home or family. Contact DB Heating & Cooling when you are interested in finding out if a ductless air conditioning in Emerson, NJ is right for you. We will help you make the choice and then install whatever system will best do the job.

Reasons you should consider ductless air conditioning:

  • They also provide heat: Ductless mini splits are heat pumps—which means they can switch over to heating mode whenever you no longer need to run the AC during the end of the year. You have a two-in-one comfort solution.
  • More building and design freedom: If you are planning to remodel your house or build a new one, ductless systems give you more freedom for design without worrying about ducts getting in the way or gobbling up valuable space. Ductless mini splits are also excellent for add-on rooms, since you won’t have to resize and reinstall a new air conditioner/heat pump to accommodate the large space.
  • Improved indoor air quality: Without ductwork, you won’t have a reservoir for dust and dirt to collect in the ventilation system and get blown out into the air. No more regular duct cleaning jobs to keep them clean; you have no ductwork to worry about at all, and that means cleaner air and an increase in overall indoor air quality.
  • Energy savings: Because you no longer need to cool (or heat) every room when you turn on your comfort system, you’ll save money. You can shut off the air to empty guest rooms or dining rooms that no one is using. This will save large amounts of money off your utility bills, and the people who live in your home will have individual control over the temperatures wherever they are… and that means a happier household all around.

Ducted or Ductless? We’re ready to help you choose!

Whether a ductless system will do the optimum job for you depends on your home.

Call DB Heating & Cooling for a consultation to decide if installing ductless air conditioning in Emerson, NJ is your best path to many years of comfort and increased savings.

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