DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog

What to Consider Prior to Your Furnace Installation in Bergen County

September 30th, 2013

If you’re thinking of having a furnace installed in your home, either to replace an older system or because you have a new house, then you want to get moving before the cold weather arrives. It’s smart to take advantage of the early fall to install your home’s new furnace, but you need to take a moment to consider a few factors that will help make the installation successful. A new furnace requires a large investment in time and resources; make certain you’ve thought through what you’re planning to do.

If you need help preparing for a new furnace, consult with the experts at DB Heating & Cooling. We can address all your questions, as well as perform the installation when it’s time.

Is a furnace the best choice?

If you decided to get a furnace because you’ve had one before, take some time to consider the other heating options that may work better for you. There are more types of heaters available today than ever before, and one of them might do a more efficient job heating your home. Heat pumps and boilers offer both advantages and disadvantages. An HVAC expert can help you determine if a furnace is the right way to go, or if another choice might give you improved heating and energy savings.

What size furnace will I need?

It’s crucial that you get a furnace that can evenly heat up your home. Too small, and the furnace won’t give you adequate heat. Too large, and it will short cycle and age rapidly. Have a professional perform a heat load calculation that will evaluate numerous facts about your home, from square footage to the amount of windows, to give you an exact idea of how large a furnace you need to keep you warm and your heating system healthy.

Who should install the furnace?

If you thought you might handle the installation yourself, or have a friend with some experience take on the job, think again. Furnace installation is a huge, complex task, and any errors can lead to poor operation and malfunctions. It will cost you far more in the future, offsetting any savings you get from an amateur job. Find a heating company with a proven track record and trained technicians who will get the installation done right the first time.

DB Heating & Cooling is one of the top Bergen County furnace installation companies. We offer all kinds of services to help you with any heating needs. Call us if you want to get started on installation, or if you just have questions.

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Heating in Emerson: Why Change Air Filters Regularly

September 23rd, 2013

Most furnaces and air conditioning units are equipped with air filters, working to keep dust and debris out of the system. Heating in Emerson and other New Jersey towns is no laughing matter; our cold winters demand a reliable means of making your house warm and comfortable. Regular maintenance and upkeep are as much a part of that equation as buying a furnace in the first place, and you can’t perform maintenance without addressing your air filters. Why change air filters regularly?

The air filter’s primary job is to keep dirt and dust out of your furnace. That extends the life of the furnace immeasurably, preventing wear and tear in the system and keeping the various components functioning at peak efficiency. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with all that dust and debris, which reduces its effectiveness. More dust starts to build up in the furnace, more components are affected, wear and tear increases, and the furnace has to work harder to do its job. That results in higher monthly energy bills, as well as increasing the chance of a component malfunction that will cost a great deal to repair. Furthermore, when an air filter becomes clogged, it can restrict the flow of air though the system, reducing your heater’s ability to warm your house and again raising your monthly heating bill.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Changing your air filter’s regularly ensures that your system stays free of dirt and dust, prolonging its life and keeping it working as it should. Most filters are comparatively inexpensive and can be purchased at any home supply store. Look for filters with a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which indicates their effectiveness. (MERV ratings usually range between 1 and 11.)

Changing the filter should come as part of a professional maintenance program, with scheduled visits from a trained specialist. He or she can examine your furnace for faulty parts, clean any dust or dirt which has gotten through the filter, and identify potential problem spots for repairs before they become too large. That ensures your unit will provide the most effective heating. In Emerson, NJ, contact the experts at DB Heating & Cooling. They can set up a schedule for you to augment your efforts to change your air filters regularly.

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Oradell, NJ Heating Tip: How to Tell if Your Heater Is Too Large

September 16th, 2013

It may seem that no heater is too big for the job of keeping your home warm during a New Jersey winter. After all, isn’t it better to err on the side of a more powerful heater rather than one that’s too small and won’t keep your house comfortable? Not necessarily. A heating system that’s too large for your home can create numerous problems and cause a drain on your energy bill due to inefficient operation.

Look over this list of warning signals that you may have an oversized heater. If you experience issues with heating in Oradell, NJ, call DB Heating & Cooling for help determining the cause.

Short cycles: A heater that is producing too much warmth for a small space will cycle on and off too rapidly. Regardless of what kind of system you use to heat your home, if it is constantly shutting on and off it will be inefficient and risk wearing down faster, requiring repairs or even replacement in the future. If you think your heater is short cycling, get an expert to take a look at it.

Short cycling can also lead to poor heat distribution. Your heater will heat up the available space too fast. If you discover that certain parts of your home are not getting warm enough even though the heater seems to be working normally, the problem could be a system so large that it isn’t spending sufficient time producing warmth that will reach all parts of your home.

Increased energy bills: Whether gas or electricity powers your heating system, if you notice bills that are far above what you think you should be paying, the fault may lie with an inefficient, oversized heater.

There is no easy way to gauge what the correct heater size for your home is. More factors come into play aside from square footage: insulation and the space available for installation are also important considerations. Get an expert to determine what heating system is the best fit for your living space.

When it comes to heating in Oradell, NJ, trust to the highly-trained staff at DB Heating & Cooling to find the best solution for you.

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How to Choose the Right Oradell, NJ Heating System

September 9th, 2013

In towns like Oradell, NJ, heating systems remain more than just a luxury. They make our homes cozy and comfortable in the dead of winter. That’s why choosing the right system for you is such an important decision. Every household is different, both in terms of the building itself and in the needs of the family that occupies it. Here are some tips for making the right decision for your family.

  • Furnace size. Furnaces need to be properly sized to match the dimensions of your home, including specific factors such as the amount of insulation and the presence of a basement. If the furnace is too small, it won’t heat your home properly. If it’s too large, it will cycle on and off rapidly throughout the day, costing you money on your monthly bills. A qualified professional can inspect your home and give you parameters on the right sized furnace to heat it.
  • Type of fuel. In Oradell and other parts of New Jersey, you have a lot of options when it comes to the type of furnace you buy. Gas, oil and electrical furnaces are all available in New Jersey. Electric furnaces tend to be more efficient than gas furnaces, which tend to be more efficient than oil furnaces, but specifics vary by type. Choose your furnace based on the ease and availability of fuel, and the initial cost of installation.
  • Efficiency. Furnace efficiency is measured in terms of AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. The federal government dictates that all furnaces possess an AFUES rating of at least 75%. In New Jersey, new non-weatherized gas furnaces need an AUFE rating of at least 90% and boilers need an AFUE of at least 80% (possibly higher depending on the type of fuel used). When selecting a new heating system, look for one with an AFUE as high as possible.

When it comes to proper heating, Oradell, NJ needs the guidance of an expert. DB Heating & Cooling knows the ins and outs of home furnaces, and can help you make the best decision for your home. Call us today to make an appointment.

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Happy Labor Day!

September 2nd, 2013

On the first Monday of every September, we celebrate Labor Day in honor of workers everywhere who strive to make our local community and country great. We enjoy the holiday like any other business as a time for BBQ, hanging out with friends and family, and celebrating the end of summer. It also means the start of the NFL and college football seasons.

The origins of Labor Day are disputed, as is the case with many other holidays. Some cite Matthew Maguire, the machinist and secretary of the Central Labor Union of New York, while others cite Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor. Whomever the original founder, by 1894, the holiday had become widely recognized and was designated a federal holiday by Congress and President Grover Cleveland immediately following the Pullman Strike. This strike pitted US Marshals and US Military against employees of Pullman Palace Car Company outside Chicago, as workers sought to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. At the time, the holiday was a way of repairing ties with workers and recognizing the importance of their contributions.

Today, we see Labor Day as an opportunity to recognize all the people who work hard to contribute to our county. Thank you, and Happy Labor Day from all of us! 

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When is Duct Cleaning Necessary for My Westwood, NJ Home?

August 29th, 2013

The ductwork in your home distributes cool air from your central air conditioning system. Without it, your system wouldn’t be able to adequately cool your home. In towns like Westwood, NJ, with high summer temperatures and equally high humidity, your ducts are a vital component to keeping your home comfortable.  Duct cleaning is hardly the most exciting way to spend your money, but it may be a necessary one: especially if you used your air conditioning system regularly.

When air circulates throughout the ductwork system, it also carries with it dust, debris and airborne particles. Good filters on your air conditioning system can mitigate that a great deal, but when those filters become clogged, or when the ducts spring leaks along the way, then dust can creep in. As the amount builds up, it circulates through your home. Sensitive family members or those with allergies may find their symptoms worsening. On a less severe note, excessive dust build-up can decrease air flow through your ducts, forcing you air conditioning unit to work harder and resulting in higher energy bills accordingly.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests a duct cleaning if you can spot mold growing on your vents or other components in the duct system, or if the ducts become excessively clogged (i.e., the air flow from your air conditioning unit is reduced). Either way, they strongly suggest retaining a trained expert to conduct the operation. A qualified technician will utilize tools and techniques that do the job cleanly and accurately, improving the quality of your air in the process. A less professional service may not create adequate seals, resulting in larger amounts of dust release into your home. In the worst cases, they might damage your duct system, creating leaks and further contributing to the problem.

If you believe that your ducts need cleaning, either because the signs of excessive dust are obvious or you believe that it’s contributing to allergic reactions, then it pays to call in a professional. DB Heating & Cooling has duct cleaning experts on staff and handles calls for house servicing all over Westwood, NJ. We are devoted to absolute customer satisfaction, so give us a call today!

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Steps to Take as the Emerson, NJ Air Conditioning Season Winds Down

August 21st, 2013

Summers in Emerson, NJ usually mean heavy air conditioning use, as the warm days and high humidity keep us indoors where the air is cool and comfortable. When the season ends and the temperatures drop, however, you won’t be using your air conditioning system very often. You can help maintain the unit, as well as getting an early start to next summer. Here are some steps to take as the air conditioning system winds down.

  • Schedule maintenance: A trained professional can go over your air conditioning system and check for any potential problems. He will clean dust off the coils, tighten any loose bolts or fittings, recharge refrigerant and identify any potential problems in need of addressing. By doing this in the early fall, you give yourself the maximum amount of time to effect any significant repairs before you need to use the air conditioner again.
  • Adjust your thermostat: When the air cools off, you don’t need to keep your thermostat set so low in order to enjoy the lower temperatures. Make sure you’re not wasting energy by setting your thermostat too low and adjust any pre-programmed settings to reflect the shorter daylight hours. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, this makes a good time of the year to consider an upgrade.
  • Perform DIY maintenance: While you should rely on a professional for regular maintenance, you can take a few modest steps yourself to keep your AC unit up and running. Change the air filters (or clean them if your filters are re-usable) and clear the vents of any leaves or twigs that may have built up.

You can perform similar operations in the spring before the warm days start, but doing so in the fall gives you the maximum amount of time to schedule and plan any serious repairs. For air conditioning services in Emerson, NJ and throughout the surrounding Bergen County area, call on DB Heating & Cooling to help. We can get your air conditioning systems ready for the winter and make sure it’s good to go when warm temperatures return.

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Air Conditioning Repair in Emerson, NJ: Damaged Ductwork

August 14th, 2013

In a central air conditioning system, the ductwork exists to move cool air into every corner of your house. Ducts usually run through the crawlspaces in your home or in unobtrusive areas like the attic. Since they’re out of sight most of the time, it may take some time to notice damaged ductwork and call a service professional to correct the problem. That can result in higher energy bills in the interim, and air conditioning repair in Emerson can take on an added urgency thanks to our hot, muggy New Jersey summers. The quicker you can spot the problem, the quicker you can get it restored.

Ductwork can become damaged in a number of ways:

  • It can crumple or become distended  if your home is damaged in a storm or starts to settle.
  • Fiberglass or similar material can clog ducts
  • Rust and similar damage are not uncommon, and the fittings between lengths of ductwork and wear out over time.
  • Without regular cleaning, your ductwork can become dusty, and dust can seep in through cracks and similar leaky spots as well.

The result of all of that is impeded air flow and – in the case of holes or leaks – cool air lost through the damaged component. Not only does it force your air conditioning system to work harder, but it may result in a complete loss of cooling to the affected part of your home. In the case of dust and similar build-up, the quality of your indoor air may be affected, as particles and contaminants are carried through the air into the home. You may notice that your airflow is severely reduced, or that your monthly bills are higher due to the AC unit having to work harder to cool your home.

Repairing damaged ductwork is the purveyance of professionals. A trained service tech can isolate the source of the problem, and determine what precisely is needed to correct it. In some cases, that might mean nothing more than a cleaning. In others, the damaged ductwork will need to be removed and a replacement length sealed in its place.

For damaged ductwork and similar issues, you can trust the experts at DB Heating & Cooling. We’re dedicated to customer satisfaction, and conduct our operations with thoroughness and professionalism at all times. Call us today to schedule an Emerson, NJ air conditioning repair service.

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When is a Good Time to Schedule an Air Conditioning Installation in Oradell, NJ?

August 6th, 2013

We all want our air conditioning systems to last forever, and a regular maintenance schedule can extend the life of your AC a great deal. There comes a time, however, when even the most durable air conditioning system needs to be replaced. Installing a new AC system can help lower your bills by improving efficiency, as well as offering potential features that your current system doesn’t. The question becomes when to schedule an air conditioning installation?

Obviously, the sooner you schedule an air conditioning installation, the more quickly you’ll benefit from the improved efficiency. And if your old AC unit conks out in the middle of a heat wave, you need to get the new system up and running as quickly as possible. But assuming you have the luxury of time and can plan for an installation at your leisure, you probably don’t want to schedule the procedure in the summer time. You want a new AC system installed and ready to go by the time the first heat wave arises, not in the middle of July when it’s already here.

By that logic, one might assume that the fall is the best time of the year to schedule an installation. The heat of summer is over and there’s plenty of time left until the temperature starts rising again. However, early spring becomes is also an opportune time to schedule an air conditioning installation. The snows of winter have melted but the temperatures are not yet high enough to necessitate daily use. If problems arise, you will likely notice them before an excessive amount of time has passed. If you want to schedule a new air conditioning installation in Oradell, NJ, call DB Heating & Cooling to do the job right. Our trained experts will handle all the details and set an installation schedule that works with yours.

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Air Quality Issues and Your Air Conditioning in Emerson, NJ

July 29th, 2013

All of the cool air that comes into your home has to travel through your air conditioning system. This means that your air conditioning system is an ideal device to make an impact on your home’s air quality. However, the impact is not always a good one. Here at DB Heating & Cooling, we wanted to put together a few of the ways that your AC can affect your air quality and what you can do to make sure that it helps improve the quality of the air the you breathe.

Modern homes are built very air tight so that they can keep as much of the heated or cooled air inside of them. While this is great for efficiency, it can allow many different types of contaminants to build up in your home because of the lack of fresh, clean air from outside. Many different kinds of pollutants can get trapped in your home’s air including dust, pet dander, bacteria, pollen, insect droppings and many others. These can cause respiratory issues for your family—especially if any of them suffer from allergies or asthma.

So what can you do to improve your Emerson, NJ home’s air quality? There are a number of different products on the market that are designed to help you remove pollutants from your air and also prevent them from even getting into your home.

  • Air filters – One of the best ways to remove pollutants from your air is to use an air filter. These types of products sit in your ducts or your air handler and trap particles as they pass through the filter. There are many different kinds of air filters and there are also air purifiers that you electrostatic electricity to remove particulates from your home’s air.
  • Duct sealing – One major source of air pollutants is holes in your ducts. If your ducts are old or if they weren’t installed properly, they could be allowing many types of outdoor contaminants to get inside your home. Getting your ducts sealed will keep them from getting in and it will also greatly improve the efficiency of your home.
  • Duct cleaning – Something that every homeowner should have done on a regular basis is regular duct cleaning. As your AC operates it will pick up any contaminants that happen to be in your ducts and circulate them through your air. Getting your ducts regularly vacuumed and sanitized is a great way to improve your air quality.

For all your installation, repair or maintenance services for your air conditioning in Emerson, NJ,  just call DB Heating and Cooling.

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