DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. Blog

How to Prepare Your Bergen County Heating System for Natural Disasters

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

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

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 Duct Sealing: Paramus, NJ HVAC Tip

February 11th, 2013

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

Common Duct Problems in Paramus, NJ

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

Benefits of Duct Sealing

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

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

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

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Benefits of Heating Replacement in Emerson, NJ

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

January 28th, 2013

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

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

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

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

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How Indoor Air Quality Can Suffer In the Winter: Bergen County Heating Guide

January 21st, 2013

During the winter here in New Jersey, it can get bitterly cold. Most of us close up our house as tightly as possible to keep as much heat in as possible. While this is a great way to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home, it can cause the air quality in your home to suffer. At DB Heating & Cooling, Inc, we offer comprehensive indoor air quality installation, repair and maintenance in Bergen County. We wanted to let our customers know some of the ways that air quality can suffer during the winter and an air filtering or air purification system can help.

Winter Air Quality Concerns

Shutting up your home during the winter can help keep more warmth inside. But it can also restrict the supply of fresh air into your home. This leaves your home’s heating system to just recirculate stale air in your home. This can cause contaminants to build up in your home’s air.

Common Household Contaminants in the Winter

The winter is typically a very dry season. Many people suffer from dry skin and nasal passages. But there are certain air contaminants that can start to increase in the dry winter air.

  • Dust – Dust is mostly comprised of dead skin cells. During winter your skin will dry out and so will that of any pets that you might have. This can increase dust levels throughout your home.
  • Pet dander – When your pet’s skin starts to dry out, it can release more dander into the air. This can increase allergic reactions during the winter.
  • Insect droppings – Cockroach and dust mite droppings are huge allergens for certain people. When the air dries out, their droppings can start to enter your air supply.
  • Gas and smoke – During the winter, there can also be a build-up of gas fumes, combustion gases, smoke particles and other fumes that can be harmful.

Benefits of Home Air Filtration

On average, people spend most of their time indoors. With so much time spent in our homes, it would make sense that the air quality in our homes should be a priority. In fact, the EPA estimates that indoor air quality is one of the top five leading threats to respiratory health in the United States. Some of the benefits of indoor air filtering are reduced reaction to allergies, reduced dust levels,  and much more.

If you’re interested in learning more about indoor air quality in Bergen County, contact DB Heating and Cooling.

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

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

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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Happy New Year’s Eve!

December 31st, 2012

Everyone at DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. wants to wish you a very happy New Years! We hope you have a fun (and safe!) time saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming in the new.

If you are a person who makes resolutions, why not try to make your home more environmentally-friendly next year? Upgrading your heating and air conditioning system can reduce the amount of energy you need to keep your home comfortable. You can also save energy by adding insulation and sealing any air leaks. A greener home is not only better for the environment, but it also saves you money by reducing your utility bills. Call DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your HVAC system.

Have a great New Year’s Eve!

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