Monday, December 17, 2018

How To Keep Warm During Furnace Outages

broken heating systemUnfortunately, winter means that temperatures outside can drop to freezing with no warning. Fortunately, an efficient home heating system can keep your home warm no matter how cold it is out.

To make sure that your home is always comfortable, it is necessary to make sure that your furnace has been serviced on a regular basis by an expert. That maintenance helps minimize breakdowns as well maximize the system’s performance and efficiency.

When you service your furnace correctly, it will have a longer lifespan. However, a well-maintained system is no guarantee against breakdowns, making it imperative that you know how to keep warm until an HVAC contractor can come out to your home to fix it.

Keep in mind that it is a good idea to make sure that the furnace has been serviced well before the cold weather starts. You should replace a furnace that is well past its expected lifetime to make sure that it does not break down when you need it the most.

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How To Stay Warm While Waiting For Furnace Repair Brick NJ

Interestingly enough, most furnace breakdowns occur during a cold snap when you expect your heating system to keep you warm and comfortable. Since all machinery breaks down from time to time, it is essential for you to know how to retain the heat in your home while you wait for the arrival of your HVAC company. This article will discuss some useful ways to stay warm during a furnace malfunction.

Keep The Heat In: Close And Lock Doors And Windows

During a heating failure, you cannot afford to let the warm air escape outdoors. As such, this means that the first step is the most obvious one: close and lock all the doors and windows. At the very least, this will ensure that the house retains some heat. It also ensures that cold, outside air will be unable to get inside. Doing so will help you to stay warm, or at least help you maintain the current temperature.

Use Your Body Heat & Put On Warm Layers

bundle upIf you haven’t already, put on something warm. At the very least, put on wool socks and sweaters, especially if they happen to be thick. The idea is to not only insulate you from the cooler temperatures but to allow your clothing to trap your body heat. Adding layers will help you feel warm and comfortable. However, keep in mind that this is strictly a short-term solution and you call your heating contractor to fix the furnace immediately.

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Drink Something Warm & Heat Up Your Insides

If the temperature is falling in your home, then you need to raise the temperature of your body. One of the more effective ways of doing so is to make yourself something warm, such as coffee or tea, or even hot chocolate. Make sure that you have something to sip until your contractor arrives; it may be time to put a pot on if he is going to be a while.

Turn On An Electric Heater During A Furnace Breakdown

There are a wide variety of electric heaters that are ideal when the furnace goes down. However, keep in mind that you can also use heating pads and blankets. It is important to note that space heaters need to be continuously monitored. You should never go to sleep with one of these systems in operation due to potential safety issues.

Get More Physical To Heat Up

exerciseAn easy and natural way to boost your body temperature is to engage in some physical activity. You can make this into a group activity with some modern twists, such as party video games. Keep in mind that as the body burns up calories to produce heat, you will need something to replace the calories; make sure that you have some snacks ready to go. However, keep in mind that this may also lead to sweating which needs to be avoided to avoid cooling down. Therefore, make sure you take some breaks every so often to cool down.

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Shut The Doors To Rooms That Are Unoccupied

Closing down unused rooms is a great way to keep them from being heated, and it retains the heat in occupied rooms. People should concentrate into the same places to better share body warmth.

It is important to note that the untrained should not attempt to repair furnaces and HVAC systems. It is thus vital to have the number of a furnace service that can help you in emergencies. Always check out such contractors ahead of time so that you know that the person or company will be able to handle your needs should an emergency happen.

 

Conclusion

Point Bay Fuel has NATE-certified technicians on staff to help you with all of your heating solutions.

We specialize in new HVAC installations, repairs, replacements, and system maintenance. Point Bay Fuel’s technicians have the training and experience to handle all makes and models of HVAC equipment. We can ensure that your system is performing at its best to increase your comfort, energy efficiency, and reduce your heating costs. With our competitively priced heater repair services (backed by guaranteed work), be sure to schedule a free estimate today. If you are in a “no-heat”, situation, take advantage of our fast and affordable emergency heating services. Call Point Bay Fuel today to make an appointment.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059

Some of the areas we service include Allenwood, Brick, Lakewood, Toms River, and these zip codes: 08720,08723,08701,08753, as well as all surrounding areas in Ocean County, New Jersey.

Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

The post How To Keep Warm During Furnace Outages appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Monday, December 10, 2018

What To Expect For Your Heating Oil Prices This Winter

home fuel oil delivery serviceWhile the winter season has not officially started, many regions of the country have begun to feel the chill. Snowfall has already occurred in some areas, and this has resulted in a substantial revision in outlooks for the upcoming season.

It was believed by many that this winter would be mild. However, it will be worse than predicted. Furnaces will undoubtedly have lots of work to do, and therefore, households using heating oil should check their levels and fill up as quickly as possible.

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What To Expect For Your Home Heating Oil Prices Brick NJ

Where possible fuel expenses are concerned, looking at the current market state is essential. In this article, we will discuss what to expect for your heating oil prices this year so you can properly plan your budget.

Decreasing Crude Oil Prices & Your Energy Costs

crude oilSince it looks like this winter will be colder in comparison to last year, it is likely that households will use more fuel for heating. This case works for both natural gas and heating oil, which are the fuels most commonly used for residential heating. This increase in demand will place pressure on the costs, which will escalate during the season. However, this is not the sole factor involved in forecasting market movements. The production levels and other contributing factors that could influence overall demand must also be examined.

This year, an increase in the consumption of oil has been weaker than anticipated due to sluggish economic growth in Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe. Additionally, there has been a continued push towards more environmentally-friendly technologies. The combination of all these factors has caused a softer demand for oil. Furthermore, production is on the rise as organizations become more efficient at obtaining and refining oil. OPEC is regulating the output as a response to the market forces. The abundance of supply and the underwhelming demand has resulted in a series of lowered costs in the latter part of this year.

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Risks And Forecast Of Crude Oil

There is no clear indication when regional economic growth will again improve in the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Over the short-term, financial analysts are not too hopeful. Therefore, demands are not likely to increase as a whole. When you examine the supply, global output keeps growing to a degree of 2 million barrels per day. Much of this is derived from the United States, which is set to overtake Russia in a few years as the top producer of oil. Geopolitical conflict in other oil-producing regions will continue to have an indirect impact on local costs but will not be as high as before.

Heating Oil Prices: How Will Consumers Be Affected?

HVAC serviceThe average consumer will find that he or she can continue depending on heating oil for fuelling their furnace. Supply shortages should not be a concern as the country has plenty of stock. While prices could go up because of the cold weather, this change should not impact the household expenses significantly. Now is NOT the right time to be swapping fuels as natural gas has its own set of issues that primarily stem from an inability to meet demands and a record low supply.

If homeowners want to lower heating costs, the best method is to fill up their tanks as early as possible. As the weather’s temperatures drop, prices will keep rising and will peak in a few months. Individuals who choose to have their oil delivered in advance will still be able to enjoy moderate prices at this time. Additionally, oil deliveries are easier to make in weather that is not excessively harsh. It might also be wise to arrange a maintenance checkup for enhanced furnace efficiency. Doing so will help you to escape costly repairs in the future. This small investment could pay huge dividends.

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Conclusion

Regulatory changes, alternative heating options, crude oil prices, and weather are some of the factors responsible for fluctuations in heating oil prices. If you use heating oil to heat your home, it is better to fill your tank now, before the peak of the season.

For all of your heating needs, you should contact Point Bay Fuel. We specialize in fuel oil deliveries and HVAC maintenance services. All our NATE certified HVAC contractors are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to correctly and efficiently get the job done. You can be confident your heating oil deliveries will be safe, fast and affordable. Point Bay Fuel provides a variety of home comfort services. Call us today for further details.

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

Some of the areas we service include Allenwood, Brick, Lakewood, Toms River, and these zip codes: 08720,08723,08701,08753, as well as all surrounding areas in Ocean County, New Jersey.

Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

The post What To Expect For Your Heating Oil Prices This Winter appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Do’s And Don’ts Regarding Your HVAC System And Lawn Maintenance

hvac landscaping tipsAn HVAC system is essential in any home. Your HVAC system will keep your home comfortable even when the weather is extreme out. However, what a difference when your furnace or AC stops working!

Like all machines, your HVAC system is subject to normal wear and tear that will cause it to break down. However, one of the ways that can cause it to stop working is if you are negligent when it comes to your landscaping.

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HVAC Companies Brick NJ: Heating & AC System Landscaping Do’s & Don’ts

Improper landscaping can cause severe issues with your HVAC system.

Therefore, it is essential that you pay attention to your HVAC system while you are working in the yard. Below are a few do’s and don’t’s when it comes to landscaping with an HVAC system.

Landscaping your yard is very straightforward in some areas and more difficult in others. There is more to landscaping around the HVAC system than just riding a lawnmower. It is essential that you pay attention to these details when working in the yard.

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Landscaping Tips That Keep Your HVAC System In Good Condition

air conditioner

  • Surround your HVAC system with a barrier made of either gravel or concrete. Some homeowners put their HVAC system on a platform. However, for some people, this is not a realistic option. As long as there is some barrier around the system, it is protected.
  • Grow vegetation away from the HVAC system. If a plant starts to grow near the system, you should cut it back. There should be nothing growing within three feet of the unit. This will keep the system from getting clogged or blocked by the vegetation. Maintaining an adequate distance between your unit and your plants will also keep your bushes and shrubs safe from damage.
  • If possible, you should keep your unit out of the direct sunlight. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, depending on the layout of your house. If you are building a new home, you should make sure that the builders make room for the unit out of the sun. Sunlight can reduce the efficiency of the unit, even if you live in a cold climate. If there is nothing that you can do to keep your unit out of the direct sunlight, you should consider planting a tree in the area to provide some shade.
  • If you are expecting a storm, you need to prepare your unit. Before the storm hits, be sure to secure anything that can be blown around and hit the unit. When the storm is over, you should inspect the unit. If there are any branches or debris near the vents, be sure to clear them completely. Anything that is caught in the vents can cause a great deal of damage.

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Landscaping Methods That Damage Your HVAC System

hvac repair

  • You should never mow your lawn when the fan is on. The mower can kick up loose clippings. If the fan is running, your HVAC system can suck it up. Since your fan is less likely to run in the morning or late in the day, this is the best time to mow the lawn.
  • You should use mulch to create a barrier for the HVAC system. The small pieces of wood can get into the system, which can cause a great deal of damage. When creating your barrier, gravel or concrete are best.
  • You should never try to dress up your HVAC system. While it may not be aesthetically pleasing to look at, you shouldn’t try to make it look tolerable by covering it up. Many homeowners plant vegetation around their unit to create a cover. As mentioned above, plants and shrubs need to be a certain distance from the unit to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. Improperly covering it up will only result in an HVAC system breakdown.
  • You should never jump right into caring for your lawn. Before you start mowing, you should inspect your HVAC system and the area around it. If you find rocks, twigs, or other debris, remove it from the area before you begin mowing.

Conclusion

For HVAC services that you can trust, call Point Bay Fuel. We hire NATE certified techs who have the knowledge and the skills to correctly service your HVAC system.

Some of the services that we offer include HVAC installations, replacements, tune-ups, and repairs. Our experience enables us to work with all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment. We can ensure that your system performs efficiently and that it can provide the comfort that you deserve. Best of all, we offer the most competitive prices in the area. To schedule an appointment or a free in-home estimate, give Point Bay Fuel a call today.

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Some of the areas we service include Allenwood, Brick, Lakewood, Toms River, and these zip codes: 08720,08723,08701,08753, as well as all surrounding areas in Ocean County, New Jersey.

Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

The post Do’s And Don’ts Regarding Your HVAC System And Lawn Maintenance appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.