Is Ductless Air Conditioning The Right Choice For You?

There is nothing like air conditioning for beating the heat and humidity. A wise consumer will carefully consider his options before he chooses what kind of A/C unit is suitable. Central air may seem like the perfect answer, but it can have its drawbacks:

• high energy bills
• expensive duct maintenance
• inconsistent cooling in different areas of the house

There are other options that can target specific areas and provide precise climate control.

 

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What Else Is There?

The inconsistency, expense, and hassle of central air conditioning units can nudge a shopper out of what may have been considered the norm. Naturally, they look for new and better options. In recent years, ductless air conditioning systems have been growing in popularity, and for good reason. They provide efficient and exacting control, maximizing comfort in large and small rooms. True, a window air conditioning unit can provide comfort, but operating costs tend to run high, and a window unit carries a lot of other disadvantages with it.

 

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Window AC Units

There are several reasons why a window air conditioning unit is not the best choice.

Safety

As the name states, a window AC unit is installed in an actual window. Stop and consider how easily the security of a home is breached with a small AC unit in a window. Thieves know that they are a weak point in an otherwise secure home. A professionally installed ductless AC system is not placed in an opening in your home. This prevents the potential access of thieves. Furthermore, the workings of the system, both inside and out, are located in an out-of-the-way spot. Its location has nothing to do with home access points.

Reduced Light And Visibility

When a cool summer night comes along, it is nice to open the window. This allows some fresh outdoor air inside of your home. A window air conditioner literally eliminates that possibility. Despite the fact that these units are meant to be taken in and out of the window, it is not a simple matter. They are extremely heavy and awkwardly bulky. Also, they are meant to be moved in or out only once or twice a year. Furthermore, you should ask yourself some questions. Do you want to take pleasure in the fresh light of the morning sun? Are you the kind of person who enjoys the glow of a full moon? Do you want the chance to simply relax and watch the world go by? These are some of the pleasures you forfeit with a cumbersome air conditioner in your window.

The Limited Reach Of A Window Unit

A window unit provides comfort. However, its reach is limited. Sometimes, by strategically placing a fan, it partially cools an adjoining area. However, its range is still limited. The cooling zones of a ductless system are predetermined by you. In the perfect world of ductless AC, you choose the areas you want cooled. Also, you determine just how cool you want those areas to be.

Window Units Are Loud

No one wants an air conditioner that competes with the activities that you enjoy. This includes watching TV, conversations, or even the quiet of a room while you read a book or sleep. A window unit is a complete system, with a motor and compressor, both noise makers right there in the room with you. A ductless system, however, keeps the noise outside where the compressor is installed. Also, the only noise you may hear coming from your ductless unit is the slight noise of the air handler. This helps you enjoy your home at a reduced noise level.

 

How Ductless Works

 

 

Ductless Air Conditioner Installation Barnegat NJ

Whether looking to cool a room, a larger area, or a whole house, a ductless system gives you everything you need. This will allow you to make your home a comfortable and peaceful haven. A professional contractor can help you determine what your best option is. If you decide a ductless AC system is what you want, look for a highly regarded professional. They need the experience and skills necessary to install your system properly. This will allow you to enjoy it for years to come.

It is always best to consult with a professional before making a decision on what kind of AC system works best for your home. Point Bay Fuel offers expert HVAC services and free consultations. We will provide you with all of the options available so that you can make an informed decision. Our NATE certified technicians have the skills and experience to understand your cooling needs and they can find the best options to increase the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.

 

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We service Barnegat NJ 08005, Barnegat Light NJ 08006, Bayville NJ 08721, Beachwood NJ 08722, Forked River NJ 08731, Lanoka Harbor NJ 08734, Manahawkin NJ 08050, Tuckerton NJ 08087, Waretown NJ 08758, West Creek NJ 08092, and surrounding areas.

Point Bay Fuel is proud to be an authorized dealer for Fujitsu ductless systems. These systems are extremely energy efficient and provide an enhanced level of comfort for homes and businesses. To learn more about Fujitsu ductless systems, click here.

 

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

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Keeping Pests Out Of Your HVAC System

Many homeowners are aware that they need to guard against pests from invading their home. Rodents, bedbugs, cockroaches and other pests can severely damage a home. They can enter in many different ways. However, it is important to remember that your HVAC system is a major area where pests enter into your home.

Pests can crawl into your air conditioner or heater, causing damage that will need to be repaired. This also impacts your air quality and leads to health problems. Therefore, it is very important that your home’s HVAC system is properly guarded from pest infestations. Below are some tips that will help homeowners.

 

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Control Moisture

Pest are attracted to water. Therefore, make sure that your heating and cooling system does not have excess moisture or water around it. This includes puddles and collections of condensation.

Ensure That You Use Tight Seals

Reduce the number of entry points into your home by ensuring that your air ducts are well sealed. Make sure they do not contain cracks or gaps that pests can enter through.

Use Screens And Covers

HVAC systems require vents to allow proper airflow. However, you need to ensure that these vents are not vulnerable to pests. Use mesh screens or specialty covers on the vents to block any rodents or insects from getting in while still allowing the air to flow freely.

Protect The HVAC Unit

Outdoor HVAC units are particularly vulnerable to rodents or insects that try to scratch or chew on them. This leads to damage and costly repairs. Prevent this by creating a blockade around your outdoor unit. This ensures that it is clear of any items that may attract pests. However, make sure that your system has at least two feet of space around it. This makes sure that the airflow is not obstructed.

Handle Any Infestations

Regularly spray the area around your HVAC unit to eliminate any pests. However, be careful that you do not use poisonous substances in or near the venting system or air ducts. The toxins could filter in and cause serious health problems for you and your family. Look for non-toxic sprays and treatments instead.

Perform Check Ups

The most important part of maintaining a pest-free system is to perform regular inspections and HVAC maintenance when needed. Your heater or air conditioner needs to receive an annual tune-up by a competent technician. This keeps the unit working well. Also, it ensures that there are no infestations. The technician can also spot any cracks or defects in the unit where pests can get in. They will remedy the situation.

 

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HVAC Maintenance Cost Jackson NJ

When you properly maintain your air conditioner or heater, you will prevent unwanted pests from entering your home through the HVAC system. Rodents or insects will try to enter your home to search for food and shelter. So it is your job to maintain your units to prevent them from getting in. Many pest infestations can occur due to a lack of maintenance on the HVAC system. Be diligent to save you money in the future. Ensure that you call a professional technician to take care of your heater or conditioner on a regular basis.

For heating and AC maintenance, be sure to contact Point Bay Fuel. Our technicians are NATE certified contractors which is the highest training in the HVAC industry. They have the skills and experience to thoroughly inspect and clean your system so that it runs optimally and pests cannot use it as an entry point into your home. Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.

 

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We service Adelphia NJ 07710, Clarksburg NJ 08510, Cream Ridge NJ 08514, Howell NJ 07731, Imlaystown NJ 08526, Jackson NJ 08527, Lakehurst NJ 08733, Lakewood NJ 08701, Manchester Township NJ 08759, New Egypt NJ 08533, Perrineville NJ 08535, Roosevelt NJ 08555, and surrounding areas.

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

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Does Your Air Conditioning System Really Need An Annual Check-up?

Virtually all homeowners know the various benefits one can reap by investing in a quality HVAC system. Still, a significant percentage of these individuals don’t regularly schedule air conditioner maintenance. This is despite paying the huge cost of acquiring and installing one.

Air conditioners are largely similar to motor vehicles. They have a handful of delicate parts that need regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning. This is why governmental agencies, equipment dealers, AC installers, and power companies all recommend annual HVAC tune-ups by qualified air conditioner contractors.

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Efficiency And Performance

The condenser coil on your A/C will collect lots of dust and debris as time goes by. This is especially the case for houses located in dusty environments. Outdoor units also collect debris when they are in an area that has foliage. As the foreign material accumulates, the energy efficiency of the whole air conditioning system plummets. Other issues, such as refrigerant leaks and foul odors, could crop up as a result.

The presence of dirt on your equipment also raises the risk of triggering other mechanical and electrical A/C issues. When the situation isn’t corrected early enough, the unit could start producing sparks. It doesn’t stop there. An unclean unit is more likely to spread contaminants (such as mold spores) all over the house. This degrades your indoor air quality.

When Does Your Air Conditioner Need Servicing?

Most A/C equipment suppliers advise their clients to schedule annual inspections and tune-ups by qualified technicians. You might want to schedule the service visit during spring. Although summer may seem far away, a spring check-up is crucial in preparing the equipment for the hot season. Spring is also the perfect time, since AC contractors tend to be less busy.

This means you’ll not only find it easy to book an appointment, but the technicians will also have plenty of time to inspect the entire system. They will spot any issues that developed during winter. This provides the opportunity to correct them in time. But if, for any reason, you’re unable to schedule a spring tune-up, do so as soon as you can. The point here is to keep up with routine air conditioning maintenance to ensure your system won’t break down when you need it most.

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What’s Involved In An AC Tune-up?

Although there’s no industry standard for a cooling system tune-up, some of the crucial tasks your technician will perform include:

• Inspecting and cleaning the condenser coils, as well as other elements of the equipment.
• Checking if the system is running smoothly, and at full efficiency.
• Replacing all components that whose expiration dates are listed on the manual. Replacements are usually fixed at no cost, save for the labor charges.

In addition, most contractors will also perform static air pressure tests and temperature rise tests. They also check the connections and refrigerant levels.

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You Reap What You Sow

Although homeowners have to pay for annual AC tune-ups, the investment pays off in the long run. A unit that runs at optimal efficiency will save you money on your utility bills. A properly-maintained system is also likely to last longer. In fact, yours could serve your household for up to a 15 or more years. This is more than twice the duration one could really expect theirs to last without frequent tune-ups.

On the flip side, the damage resulting from uncorrected minor cooling issues will usually cost at least $100. When an issue spreads to crucial elements of the system, one might find themselves having to replace the entire unit. The costs of an AC replacement run deep into 4 figures. That said, a decent contractor will have the ability to spot such issues before they become more complicated. Overall, it will cost you less to pay for regular maintenance than it would to address the damage resulting from other less-serious issues, such as clogged drains.

AC Tune-up Brick NJ

In a nutshell, there are some good reasons why all homeowners should schedule annual HVAC maintenance. A properly-maintained system is less likely to have serious problems, which reduces the need for emergency repairs. More importantly, spotting minor issues early enough will ensure you enjoy the comfort your equipment provides at all times. So take the effort to find a licensed, qualified HVAC technician now. This way, you’ll ensure your equipment stays up and running throughout the year.

When you need to schedule an AC tune-up, contact Point Bay Fuel. Our NATE certified contractors will thoroughly inspect and clean your system so that it runs optimally. This will help reduce your cooling costs and it will make your home feel much more comfortable. Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.

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We service Allenwood NJ 08720, Brick NJ 08723, Brielle NJ 08730, Island Heights NJ 08732, Lakewood NJ 08701, Lavallette NJ 08735, Manasquan NJ 08736, Mantoloking NJ 08738, Normandy Beach NJ 08739, Pine Beach NJ 08741, Point Pleasant Beach NJ 08742, Sea Girt NJ 08750, Seaside Heights NJ 08751, Toms River NJ 08753, and surrounding areas.

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

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Top 8 AC Tips For Homeowners

When air conditioner maintenance is completed on a regular basis, it improves the performance, safety and efficiency of your system. In addition, it helps you avoid large A/C repair bills and discomfort by preventing the unit from breaking down when the weather is hot. The following are eight beneficial maintenance tasks you can complete during spring and summer:

 

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1. Replace The Filter

Once a month, examine your HVAC air filters and if it appears to be dirty, it should be replaced. As a minimum standard, each filter requires a replacement every 90 days. If the air quality  in your home contains a substantial amount of dust, the filters may need to be changed more often. Replacing the filters enhances the air quality, reduces energy consumption by as much as 2/5, and helps the air-conditioning unit last longer.

2. Use Only High Quality Filters

Always use well-made, high-quality filters. Choose from reputable brands. Always obtain pleated or baffled filters. Those who choose electrostatic filters experience better results. These filters intercept particularly small pieces of dirt and dust. You should also consider purchasing a HEPA filter which offers a significant number of benefits to those with asthma or respiratory allergies. Purchase multiple air filters simultaneously in order to save money.

 

3. Cleaning Air Conditioning Vents

To maximize efficiency and improve indoor air quality, clean the air-conditioning air vents inside your home on a regular basis. Make sure to remove debris or dust that has accumulated on the surface of these vents. For best results, perform this task at least once every 30 days.

4. Open the Unit’s Registers

Make sure at least four out of five indoor air conditioning vents are opened on a regular basis. Many individuals close registers in unoccupied areas of the home in order to reduce maintenance needs and conserve energy. However, closing off too many registers creates many issues. For example, it may cause the unit to labor excessively during warm weather. This can have a counterproductive effect on the entire system.

5. Cleaning Outdoor Air Conditioning Equipment

At least once a week, you should complete an outdoor A/C equipment check. Carefully inspect both the top and sides of the unit. Remove all dead insects, pollen, grass, leaves and sticks from these surfaces. Routinely completing this task prevents obstructions from lessening the efficiency of your unit, and subsequently wasting energy.

6. Maintain Clearance Levels

Do not plant, park or store any objects within two feet of your outdoor air-conditioning equipment. For instance, do not park a wheelbarrow in this area, and refrain from planting bushes or other botanical items near the system. Trim all shrubs and trees before they reach the unit or any of its components. This ensures adequate airflow and promotes safety.

7. Regular Maintenance

Each spring, you should schedule an air-conditioning tune-up. Service of this type is essential, as it makes your system more energy-efficient and in certain cases can reduce your electricity consumption by up to 20 percent. Additionally, it will increase the longevity of your air conditioning system.

With regular annual maintenance and tune-ups by a reputable HVAC company, your system may run at top efficiency for up to eight or more years.

 

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8. Using Proper Safety Devices

Even though A/C units are safer than many other types of appliances, it is possible for a faulty system to release harmful carbon monoxide or occasionally spark a fire. For this reason, you should regularly replace batteries in CO and smoke alarms and test devices of this kind before summer arrives. If a test fails, contact a professional and have the faulty equipment immediately replaced.

AC Tune-Up Toms River NJ

The aforementioned tasks require some time and effort, as well as a small monetary investment. However, in the long run, completing them will help you save money. Appropriate maintenance also ensures your comfort and protects your health during summer. Whenever your system begins to perform in an abnormal manner, contact an HVAC professional without delay to remedy the problem.

For professional air conditioning services, contact Point Bay Fuel. Our NATE certified contractors will be able to get your air conditioner running efficiently and effectively. This means that your home will feel much more comfortable and your energy bills will be reduced. Call us today to speak to one of our home comfort specialists.

 

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We service Bayville NJ 08721, Beachwood NJ 08722, Brick NJ 08723, Island Heights NJ 08732, Lanoka Harbor NJ 08734, Lavallette NJ 08735, Mantoloking NJ 08738, Normandy Beach NJ 08739, Ocean Gate NJ 08740, Pine Beach NJ 08741, Seaside Heights NJ 08751, Seaside Park NJ 08752, Toms River NJ 08753, and surrounding areas.

 

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

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Have You Maintained Your Air Conditioner?

There is no question in any homeowner's mind that owning a home requires a lot of effort and dedication. The condition of a home is dependent on the maintenance that a homeowner puts into it. Although many homeowners stay on top of basic tasks such as yard work or cleaning, the HVAC system needs to be maintained in order to do its job. When the weather starts warming up, it is time to schedule an A/C tune-up by a professional cooling expert.

Your air conditioner serves a primary function for your home. Anyone who has dealt with a malfunction understands this. Going without air conditioning when it is blazing hot outside can make for an uncomfortable situation. However, did you know that you can maintain your system and prevent a breakdown? In fact, there are many advantages that come out of professional AC maintenance. In this article, we will discuss the importance of scheduling an annual air conditioner tune-up.

Why Maintenance Is So Important

Prevent Breakdowns

One of the most important aspects of scheduling an air conditioner tune-up is to prevent a surprise breakdown. Although many AC systems will give indicators that there is a problem on the rise, sometimes this is not the case. A trained professional will be able to spot any issues before your air conditioner is incapable of functioning and the possibility of requiring an emergency cooling service. This saves on a hefty repair bill that usually comes with unexpected situations like this.


Reduced Energy Expenses

A tune-up allows your system to run a peak efficiency. This helps reduce your cooling costs which can account for about half of your energy bill. Who doesn’t like to save money on energy costs? During a tune-up, the HVAC contractor will clean and lube your machine so that it runs optimally and with the least amount of effort. This, in turn, translates into your air conditioner requiring less energy to operate which you will happily notice on your energy bills.

Increased Comfort

Just like the condition of your home is reflected by the maintenance that goes into it, your air conditioner’s effectiveness is reflected by the maintenance that is put into it. Your home will feel much more comfortable when it has been tuned up. Not only will your bills decrease but you will physically feel better for it.

Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan

Let’s face it. An air conditioner is not a cheap investment. New air conditioners cost thousands of dollars. The better the unit, the more expensive that it is. This is just for the unit alone. The installation process is another expense that makes a replacement that much more costly. Therefore, you want it to last as long as possible. This is certainly one of the biggest advantages of professionally maintaining your unit on a regular basis.

What Homeowners Can Do To Maintain Their Air Conditioner

Not only should all homeowners schedule an annual tune-up for their AC systems, but they need to conduct a few tasks on their own. The biggest and most neglected task is the replacement of dirty air filters. An air filter affects your air conditioner's performance and its efficiency. Be sure to check your filter on a monthly basis and change your filter when it is dirty. In the following article by Energy.Gov, they discuss the importance of changing out dirty HVAC filters:

The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly. With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

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As this article states, this is one of the most important tasks that a homeowner is responsible for. It affects how well your air conditioner performs and it impacts your energy expenses. If you want to protect your investment, then this a great way to do so.

Other tasks that homeowners should conduct:

• Keep air vents unobstructed by objects such as furniture or curtains.
• Always keep your air vents open. This includes rooms that are infrequently used.
• Keep your air vents clean.
• Use household fans to help circulate the air in your home. This prevents your AC from having to work as hard. It also helps reduce energy costs. An air conditioner that has to work more than it should leads to repairs and breakdowns.

Conclusion

It is important to maintain your air conditioner. Proper maintenance leads to a more comfortable home and reduced energy costs. Furthermore, it prevents expensive and preventable repair costs. It also prolongs the lifespan of your air conditioner. Be sure to schedule an air conditioner tune-up annually.