HVAC Service Experts

How to Have A/C Last Longer?

Cooling systems require regular check-ups and maintenance that ensure the lifetime performance of your units. All maintenance needs to be done before and after the summer, i.e. change filters, review external compression, and visual inspections. If you hear something unusual, you need to check it immediately before it gets worse. If the cooling temperature drops, you should take care of it before it becomes too expensive to fix. Ensuring that you perform your maintenance on time, and calling us when something is wrong with the unit will help your A/C unit last longer and will save you the cost of a high repair. Please do not hesitate to call us at 201-540-0977.



Which Heating and A/C System is Better to Have for my Home?

Assuming you already have a heating and cooling system in your home, it is not too hard to answer which system is better for you to replace the existing one. In general, on the market there are: heating systems, steam systems, water heated system, baseboard electric heaters, and HVAC. HVAC is considered hot air. The type of heating and cooling system depends on the age of your home and if you want to replace your existing system completely, there are certain points that must be considered within budget constraints, the size of the home, zoning areas, the number and size of windows, and the insulation used. The location of the home in terms of state and neighborhood are also factors. Look into the efficiency of the system and the impact it may have on your monthly bill.

We need to stop by and take a look in order to give you a complete answer.

Our HVAC professionals can help you choose the right system for your home and provide support and maintenance on your heating and cooling system for years to come. Please give us a call today at 201-540-0977.

My A/C Compressor is Not Working – What Can I Do?

The A/C compressor is the piece responsible for pushing frion through the system. Without a properly operating A/C compressor, your system will be down. If you find that your A/C is not starting or working correctly, there are a few root causes.

  • The compressor has an electrical problem
  • The compressor’s motor may not be functioning
  • Your compressor may have broken valves

The only thing you can do it to check whether there is power coming to the system and whether the A/C electric brakes are on. If everything seems ok, then you will need to call our A/C repair knowledgeable professionals for further investigation. Give us a call at 201-540-0977 so that we can advise you within a reasonable cost and budget.

Why should I replace my existing furnace, boiler, or air conditioner?

Usually, the main reason for air conditioner replacement or heater replacement is age. As your furnace or AC gets older, it loses much of its original efficiency. Even with proper HVAC maintenance every year, air conditioners and heaters lose efficiency over time. As they get older, wear and tear causes them to need more energy– in the form of electricity and/or natural gas– to complete the same amount of work. This leads to higher utility bills, which can creep up over several years to ridiculous levels. It can also lead to higher repair costs several times a year. Not only will a new AC or furnace cost less to run– being up to 60% more efficient than older models– but there will be less need for repairs, which saves even more money. 90% of the time, it’s much more cost-effective to replace a furnace that’s over fifteen years old.

How do I choose the right cooling or heating system for my home or business?

When it comes to air conditioners, furnaces, and boilers, you need to make sure your unit is the right size for the space you’re dealing with. The way to figure this out is called a “load calculation,” which can be performed by a certified HVAC contractor. This takes into account the size of your home or business building, which affects the size and capacity of the heating or cooling systems that you need. It can also depend on other comfort needs and preferences. For example, some units are more likely than others to cause cooling or heating that’s uneven throughout a building– that is, some rooms are warmer or cooler than others. Allergies and indoor air quality are other common concerns, which you should discuss with your local HVAC company while trying to choose the best HVAC systems for your unique heating and cooling needs.

How long will my heater or air conditioner last?

Most commercial furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners will last for anywhere from 12 to 15 years Gas furnaces have a surprisingly long lifespan, often ranging from 20-25 years.. To ensure that your HVAC units last for their optimal lifespan, you should make sure to have proper maintenance done on an annual basis.

How often do I need to change or clean my air filters?

HVAC professionals recommend checking your air filters on a monthly basis. There are two types of common air filters: cleanable, and disposable. Disposable filters, usually made from strong cardboard, can be thrown out when they’re clogged and dirty. At this point, they can be replaced with a new filter, which you can find at your local hardware store. Other filters can be cleaned, then put back into place.

What’s the right level of indoor humidity?


How can I keep my household energy costs down?

Reducing energy usage around your home has several important benefits. Not only will it reduce your utility costs– including electricity and natual gas– but it’s also better for the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions on small, localized scale. Some of the steps that you can take to make your home more energy efficient include:


  • Upgrade to more efficient HVAC systems. The most efficient furnaces and air conditioners– quantified by measurements like AFUE percentage and Energy Star ratings– may have a slightly higher up-front cost, but they’ll last longer, and save you money on your monthly bills. If you have an older AC or furnace– more than ten years old– you should consider replacing it with newer, more energy efficient model.
  • Keep an eye on your thermostat settings. Adjusting your temperature settings by as little as 5-8 degrees can significantly reduce your energy bills.
  • Use ceiling fans to supplement your central air conditioning system. You can diminish the need for a higher, more costly AC temperature setting if you combine central cooling with ceiling fans.
  • Get your routine annual maintenance. Furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners need some general maintenance about once a year. For your annual AC and heating tune-ups, call your local HVAC company.
  • Get a programmable thermostats. A programmable thermostat lets you automate temperature settings for the times of day when you’re not at home, saving money on heating and cooling at times when you don’t really need it.


What should I expect from new heating or air conditioning installation? What does the process involve?

A certified HVAC contractor will remove your old equipment, installing your new air conditioner or furnace for you. They’ll also inspect other HVAC elements that might need to be replaced along with your actual unit. This can include your air ducts, insulation, refrigerant piping systems, electric wiring, flue piping, and other equipment. If necessary, they might recommend that you have these things replaced as well.

Should I worry about my indoor air quality?

Many New Jersey homeowners have read about potential problems with indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Association (EPA) has conducted formal research studies on both indoor and outdoor air quality. In some situations, indoor air quality in a home can be lower than the quality of the air outside. There are numerous indoor air quality products available that will help clean up the air in your home. You can also take other measures, including:


  • HVAC maintenance. This will allow you to spot problems like mold and bacterial growth, which can contaminate your indoor air.
  • Air duct cleaning. Along with cleaning or replacing your filters, you should occasionally have your ducts cleaned to remove built-up dust and dirt.


Avoid indoor smoking. Smoking indoors causes many air quality problems.

How often do I need to check my air filters?

You should check your air filters on a monthly basis. Many homeowners have disposable cardboard filters, which you can throw away and replace when it’s dirty. You should also learn where the air filters are located in your home. Replaceable air filters can be thoroughly cleaned off with a garden hose, then put back into their place after drying. Keeping your air filters clean will help your heating and cooling systems work correctly, improve your indoor air quality, and help keep your home at a desirable temperature throughout the year.

How can I re-light my pilot light?

Many gas furnaces, as well as gas water heaters, use a pilot light as their ignition source. If your pilot light goes out, your furnace can’t work to heat your home– this is a crucial safety measure to prevent dangers from natural gas fires and fumes. Your furnace probably has instructions on it, or in the owner’s manual, that will give correct instructions.

What is a “variable-speed furnace,” and what benefits does it confer?

The term “variable speed furnace” refers to an aspect of the furnace’s motor. These electrically commutated motors (ECMs) are more efficient, and lower maintenance, than other furnace motors. ECMs can run at different speeds, allowing for more precise control over the airflow in your home. This helps to achieve a better balance in your home’s humidity and temperature, creating a more comfortable indoor climate. This also compensates for common minor problems like blocked vents and dirty air filters. As an added bonus, they also tend to run more quietly than their single-speed counterparts. Although their initial cost is slightly higher, variable-speed furnace installation can be a worthwhile investment.

What is a two-stage furnace?

A two-stage furnace, unlike a single-stage furnace, divides its heating process into two main phases. In stage 1, the furnace runs at about 65% capacity, saving energy when full capacity isn’t needed to keep your home warm enough. When the outside temperature dips below a certain point, stage 2 kicks in to provide further heating. This process can actually heat your home more evenly than a single-stage furnace, as well as improving your home’s overall energy efficiency and saving money. For this reason, two-stage furnace installation is usually a great choice for homeowners.

How often will I need HVAC maintenance service?

Furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, and air conditioners– of all varieties– need routine maintenance at least once a year. Annual maintenance from an HVAC professional is one of the best ways to prevent problems, avoiding unexpected repairs and increasing the lifespan of your heater or AC. Many homeowners have their air conditioning tune-up in the spring, and their heating tune-up in the fall. Some of the services involved in HVAC maintenance tune-ups include:


  • Cleaning indoor air coils
  • Cleaning outdoor air coils
  • Cleaning the A/C condensate pump
  • Inspecting electrical elements
  • Checking for minor problems



What is R-410A, and what does it mean if my AC uses it?

Historically, air conditioners– like refrigerators and other appliances that perform cooling functions– have used R-22, also known as “freon,” as a coolant. Although the name “Freon” is actually trademarked by DuPont, a major chemical manufacturing company, it’s the most common name for R-22. Although using R-22/freon in air conditioners is quite safe for humans, it was discovered that freon acts as a major greenhouse gas, contributing to ozone depletion. This has led to alternatives like R-410A, which are more environmentally friendly. Because it’s better for the environment, R-410A is becoming the standard refrigerant for modern air conditioners. Although some models still use freon/R22, it will actually be phased out by 2020.

Will a larger air conditioner be more effective for cooling my home?

Actually, you don’t want an air conditioner that’s too large for the space that it needs to cool. Although technically, it will cool your home more quickly, this isn’t beneficial. It will cool your home too fast, so it will turn itself on and off too frequently. Because of the rapid cycling, it won’t circulate enough air over the indoor coils that allow moisture from the air to accumulate, preventing them from drying quickly enough. This extra moisture creates a haven for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Rapid cycling also uses more energy. Talk to your local HVAC company about how to calculate the right sized air conditioner for your home.

My ductwork is making noises when my furnace turns on or off. What’s happening?

This usually means that your ductwork is undersized, and can’t handle the amount of airflow that your furnace is generating. You may need to consult an HVAC contractor about adjusting the design of your duct system. Not only will this reduce the noise level, but it can help improve ventilation and indoor air quality.

I need to replace the outdoor unit of my AC or heat pump, but the indoor unit is fine. Should I replace the indoor part too?

Usually, this is a good idea during air conditioning replacement, unless financial circumstances make it impossible to do so. When it comes to air conditioners and heat pumps, the indoor and outdoor unit are designed to work perfectly together. Although a new outdoor unit can run with an indoor unit it wasn’t designed for, it won’t run as efficiently or work as effectively. If possible, you should probably replace both units at the same time.

I need a new HVAC system. Which brand is the best?

This question doesn’t really have a definite answer. There are quite a few HVAC brands on the market, many of which make high quality products. Brands like York, Carrier, Rheem, Mitsubishi, and others usually offer a range of models. These are designed for different budgets, heating and cooling needs, sizes, and other considerations. An HVAC professional can help you choose the best unit for your home, which could be from one of many top brands.

My HVAC system keeps freezing up. Why is this happening?

This can happen for several different reasons, which will need HVAC repairs from an experienced contractor. In some cases, your air conditioner’s refrigerant level might be low. This usually indicates a leak in the refrigerant lines, slowing draining the R-410A or freon out of the system. I could also mean that a large amount of dirt has built up on your evaporator coils, blocking normal airflow. It could also be a defect in your blower motor.

How is HVAC energy efficiency measured?

The most common measurement of an air conditioner’s  efficiency is called a “SEER”.

“SEER” stands for “seasonal energy efficiency rating.” This measures how much cooling the system will deliver, per dollar that you spend on electricity.

The higher the SEER, the more efficient the energy efficiency will be. Higher-end ACs tend to have a better SEER than economy models, but long-term energy savings can offset the initial expense.

Another common efficiency measurement, often used for furnaces, is the “AFUE”: “annual fuel utilization efficiency.” This is often used for furnaces and boilers, and measures average thermal efficiency.

AFUE ratings are represented as a percentage, with most good furnaces and boilers averaging anywhere from 80% to 96% AFUE.

What is a programmable thermostat?

A programmable thermostat lets you create different settings for different times of day. There are many of these available, equipped with a variety of features. Some will offer more settings and options than others, and modern programmable thermostats may be compatible with remote control from your tablet or smartphone.