Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Heating System

If you are like most homeowners, you aren’t sure if it is best for you to repair or replace your existing heating system. Many homeowners are so concerned about heating system replacement cost that they don’t think about the financial benefits involved. Most heaters have a lifespan of up to 20 years, according to the DOE. If your heating system is 20 years old or close to it, you should seriously consider replacing it. Yes, it is going to be expensive, however, the benefits of replacing the system will certainly outweigh the cost.

The main benefits of replacing your outdated heating system include…

• Reduced heating bills
• A home that is warmer and more comfortable during the cold winter months
• The prevention of a costly and inconvenient breakdown in the middle of the winter.

Point Bay Fuel offers trusted and knowledgeable heating system replacements in Toms River NJ and surrounding areas. If you are like most homeowners, you may not even realize that your heating system needs to be replaced. Many people don’t realize it until their current heating system breaks down completely during the coldest time of the year. Fortunately, you can keep this from happening by being able to recognize the signs ahead of time. In this article, we will discuss the heater replacement signs that you should look for.

 

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Frequent Repairs

If your system is breaking down frequently…

it is a sure sign that you should consider replacing it. This is especially true if the repairs are going to cost half of what a new system would cost. It is worth the heater upgrade. If your current system needs to be repaired and you don’t think that you are ready for a replacement, you should make sure that you hire a reputable HVAC company to handle the repairs. If your system has reached the end of its lifespan, the HVAC tech would see that during the repair and discuss your options with you. Over time, frequent repairs can cost the same amount of money that a new system would cost. Replacing the heating system can save you money in the long run.

 

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High Heating Bills

If you have asked yourself “How efficient is a 20 year old furnace?”, then it is important for you to know that the older a heating system is, the less efficient it will be. According to the Department of Energy, when a heater is close to 20 years old, it works at 78 percent efficiency. This means that its AFUE rating drops to 78%. If the unit is not maintained regularly, it is even less efficient.

The Department of Energy uses a system called energy utilization efficiency (AFUE) to determine how much fuel you are wasting on an outdated heater. If a tech tests your system and they find that it has an 80 percent AFUE, it means that 80 percent of the fuel is being used and 20 percent is being wasted. Consequently, this 20 percent can add up to a great deal of money over time, causing your bills to rise. Therefore, if your system is not efficient, you should consider replacing it with a heating system with an AFUE of 93 to 97 percent.

Old Heating Systems

As mentioned above, the average lifespan for a heating system is between 15 and 20 years. If you have baseboards for hot water radiators, the baseboards will last between 13 and 21 years. When your system is reaching its maximum life expectancy, you should strongly consider a replacement. If you recently bought your home and you aren’t sure how old it is, there are two ways that you can tell.

• Check the unit. Many techs will write the date on the until when they install it. This will let you know how old the heating system is.
• Check the unit for its model number and serial number. Next, contact the manufacturer. You can ask them the manufacturer date. This will let you know how long the system has been in use.

Yellow  Burner Flame

An efficient, properly working gas furnace will create a burner flame that is blue with a bit of yellow in the center or at the base. If your burner flame is mostly yellow, it means that your system is emitting high levels of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, deadly gas. Therefore, if your furnace is releasing carbon monoxide, you and everyone in your home are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Because carbon monoxide is so dangerous, you should contact a professional HVAC technician as soon as you realize that the flame is burning yellow. Here are a few other signs that you should look for:

• Corrosion in the pipes
• Water leaking around the furnace
• More condensation on cold places
• Soot streaks on and around the unit

The best way to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning is to install a carbon monoxide detector in the home. Make sure that you install a detector within 10 feet of every bedroom in the house. Also, remember to change the batteries as needed.
When you schedule annual furnace maintenance with an HVAC tech, you can have peace of mind that your heating system is safe and efficient.

 

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Constantly Fluctuating Temperatures

If you need to turn your thermostat up often to keep your house warm, your heating system could be failing. This is especially true if your heating system is at its maximum life expectancy.

However, if your heating system is relatively new, the problem could lie with the thermostat. You would need to contact an HVAC specialist to find out if the heater or the thermostat is the problem. Unless you are a trained HVAC contractor, sometimes, it is hard to decipher whether or not your thermostat is malfunctioning. However, this is certainly one of the many signs that indicates when you need a heater replacement.

Heating System Replacement Toms River NJ

Point Bay Fuel offers professional HVAC services throughout the Jersey Shore area. Our NATE certified contractors will be able to let you know if it is time to replace your unit.

We will always provide you with all of your options…

so that you can make an informed decision on how you want to proceed. Be sure to call us today to schedule an appointment.

 

Call Now: (732) 349-5059

 

Some of the areas we service include: Beachwood, Brick, Ocean Gate, Toms River and these zip codes: 08722, 08723, 08740, 08753 as well as all surrounding areas in Jersey Shore.

 

Point Bay Fuel is an authorized dealer for American Standard HVAC systems. Although we service and have extensive experience with all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment, American Standard has provided us with this designation due to our high standard of customer service and the skilled services that we provide our customers with. By working with us, you will receive professional, friendly, and affordable services. American Standard systems are known throughout the industry as being reliable and energy efficient. To learn more about American Standard systems, click the buttons below.

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

The post Signs That It Is Time To Replace Your Heating System appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Heating Oil & Natural Gas: A Comparison For Homeowners

As you make comparisons of the various types of heating systems that are available today, you should take into consideration the type of fuel they use. This makes a big difference in regards to your comfort, safety, and heating costs. With this in mind, here is a detailed look at how the heating oil and natural gas compare.

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Service Plans and Their Various Pricing Options

Natural gas comes from one major utility, which is different from how you get heating oil. This is why there aren’t as many fuel supply control and management options available with natural gas. With fewer gas suppliers to choose from, you’ll also have fewer options in regards to service plans and pricing.

When using heating oil you won’t have any of these issues. This is because there are so many heating oil suppliers available. Reputable heating oil delivery companies offer a variety of financing options and delivery plans. In this way, they can meet each consumer’s individual needs. As always, it is best to choose one that is known for offering high quality services and affordable fuel oil prices, such as Point Bay Fuel.

Impact On The Environment

Natural gas honestly doesn’t damage the environment any less than heating oil does. In fact, natural gas harms the environment more. This is due to the fact it’s almost fully composed of methane gas, which is what causes global warming.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency claims the impact of methane gas on climate change is 25 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. What this means is heating oil is environmentally friendlier than natural gas.

Heating oil is available in bio diesel blends including waste soy bean oil. This converts into a fuel that’s cleaner because it’s sulfur free.

Various studies demonstrate that around 0.40% of America’s particulate emissions comes from heating oil burners. On the other hand, natural gas emissions and leaks pose a great risk to our climate. For this reason, heating oil blends have grown much more popular among consumers in the recent past.

Efficiency

Research proves modern oil furnaces and boilers offer the best monetary value. One of the reasons for this is they’re easy to maintain and repair because many of their parts are interchangeable. These furnaces are dependable and they last a long time. However, what’s most important here is their AFUE ratings are 95% or higher. This means that these heating systems offer a very energy efficient heating source. According to one recent study, if your home is well insulated, a state-of-the art modern oil furnace will actually lower your heating bill by as much as 40%. Of course, this means it requires annual maintenance to make sure it performs efficiently.

 

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Safety

Home heating fuel won’t explode like natural gas will. In fact, your home heating oil won’t burn until it vaporizes. Natural gas is actually quite flammable. It will explode if an ignition source is present. For this reason, you must inspect natural gas heating sources and gas lines on a regular basis. You’ll also need to install gas detectors to ensure your safety. This is why home heating fuel is a safe energy source. The price point is especially true in comparison to natural gas and its additional needs.

Price

According to Energy Answers Today, oil heat prices have cost less than natural gas over the past two decades in the United States. Of course, the price of both of these commodities does depend on the laws of supply and demand.

Fortunately, there are more oil than natural gas deposits in the world today. This scarcity is bound to raise the cost of natural gas in the near future. When this happens you’ll find yourself paying a lot less for heating oil than you’ll pay for natural gas.

 

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Home Heating Oil Toms River NJ

America depends on heat from either natural gas or heating oil. However, heating oil is a much more attractive option. This is thanks to its price, safety, environmental impact, service plans and efficiency. So, when you’re looking for the best price for heating your home, look no further than heating oil itself. Even when this requires you install a need heating source in your home, you’ll still come out ahead by choosing heating oil.

For heating oil companies near me, be sure to contact Point Bay Fuel. We offer affordable fuel oil along with skilled and fast deliveries. Our fuel deliveries are reliable and you can always count on us to provide you with high quality fuel. We also offer a full line of HVAC services by experienced and certified contractors. For fuel delivery or a heater tune-up, call our office today to schedule an appointment.

 

Call Now: (732) 349-5059

 

Some of the areas we service include: Beachwood, Brick, Ocean Gate, Toms River and these zip codes: 08722, 08723, 08740, 08753 as well as all surrounding areas in Jersey Shore.

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

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The Importance Of Correct Air Conditioner And Heating Filters

You can save on energy bills in a number of ways that you might not have thought of before. One of the simplest ways of doing this is to place the appropriate HVAC filter in the unit. This is included in the manufacturer’s owners manual as part of the HVAC preventative maintenance checklist.

Many homeowners attempt to cut HVAC maintenance cost by purchasing off-brand filters or by using other methods. However, not all filters are not the same and using the wrong one carries the potential for increasing energy bills. Additionally, this money saving measure can harm your respiratory system because it allows high levels of allergens and pollutants to enter your home. In this article, we will discuss how important it is to use the correct HVAC filter.

 

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Incorrect Air Filter Hazards

Manufacturers recommend specific heater and air conditioner filters. Fiberglass filters, HEPA filters, or hybrids of both are the most common filters used. Regardless the type of filter that is on your unit now, it’s important to choose the right one for replacement. The internet makes it simple to determine the appropriate filter. You can find out what type of filter that you need by searching using your unit’s serial number or by the manufacturer name.

You should know that the denser the filter, the more dust and other pollutants it will remove. These, generally, do not require replacement as often. It is important to note that the suction power of your unit is important. Your unit may not allow for proper aeration when using these filters. This will eventually block air flow or cause electric shortage.

If, on the other hand, you would like an upgrade on your next air filter replacement, you may want to think about installing an electrostatic one. A static electric charge attracts the buildup of dust to the pre-filter. It then collects the accumulated particles in the unit’s accumulator chamber. This type of air filter does not need constant replacing.

 

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Indoor Air Quality Facts

Without the appropriate filter installed, dust and pollen can increase to high levels. This is problematic for your health. Those who are sensitive to allergens experience flare ups of allergic reactions. There are other facts about indoor air quality that you should know.

• Incorrect air filters can cause an increase of pediatric asthma. Recent studies show that this condition has increased by about 73% percent in recent years due to poor indoor air quality. One of the direct causes of this development is the improper use of air filters.
• In many homes and buildings, indoor air quality is 100 times worse than outdoor air and is often 2 to 5 times more polluted. Some reports say that older homes that have inadequate HVAC systems sometimes contribute to this.

 

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It is not unusual for homeowners to change their air filters too infrequently. This is why contaminants and pollutants often permeate the air and the HVAC system. Wrong filters can also block proper air flow and cause dust to build up on the surface. This makes it harder for the system to displace similar amounts of air. The system performs inefficiently and respiratory health deteriorates. Be sure to visit the manufacturer’s website for your brand for air filter recommendations and HVAC maintenance tips. Having a professional HVAC technician look it over will help assure you that you are using the right filter. They can help recommend upgrades when necessary. Also, for improved indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and increased comfort levels, make sure that an annual tune-up of your heater or air conditioner as part of your HVAC maintenance checklist.

 

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Whenever you are looking for HVAC maintenance near me, be sure to call a reputable HVAC contractor. For all of your heating and cooling needs, be sure to call Point Bay Fuel. We offer HVAC repair, maintenance, and installations. You can trust our NATE certified HVAC contractors to do the job well. Be sure to give our office a call today to schedule an appointment.

 

Call Now: (732) 349-5059

 

Some of the areas we service include: Bayville, Brick, Ocean Gate, Toms River, and
these zip codes: 08721, 08723, 08740, 08753 as well as all surrounding areas in the Jersey Shore area.

 

Learn More About Our Home Comfort Services

 

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

The post The Importance Of Correct Air Conditioner And Heating Filters appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Tips On Furnace Repair And Causes Of Short Cycling

As cooler weather approaches, it is not uncommon for the heating system of your home to run more often. However, you may be experiencing something called “short cycling,” if your heater repeatedly clicks on and off. Point Bay Fuel is here to offer fast, affordable furnace repair to Ocean Gate NJ and the surrounding area residents.

By repairing a short cycling furnace…

you will receive many advantages. These include making sure your furnace does not require a replacement and it also prevents the need to pay higher than necessary energy bills. In this article, we will discuss some common reasons for short cycling.

Wrong Size HVAC System

If the problem occurs shortly after installation, it may simply mean that the unit is too big to heat your home. This problem is quite significant, as it will cause the indoor air to rapidly fluctuate between cold and hot. Subsequently, this causes the heating equipment to become trapped in a fast cycle of cooling and heating. This not only shortens the lifespan of your system, it also drives up your energy costs.

All homeowners want a furnace that quickly heats their dwelling during winter. The best way to do this is to ensure that your system is working efficiently. The technicians may have erred when measuring your home’s interior if your unit has been short cycling from its installation. This means that you must seek the advice of a heating contractor who can conduct a proper load evaluation exercise. They will verify whether or not your unit is the correct size.

 

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Overheating

All heating systems in residential dwellings have safety mechanisms that monitor the surrounding temperature. The equipment turns off when there is a substantial risk of overheating.

Short cycling frequently takes place when a part called the heat exchanger overheats.

Once this part becomes too hot, an automatic switch will shut off the burner. Overheating is sometimes the result of the exchanger simply wearing out. It can also be a sign that it has developed cracks. This will also cause short cycling.

This is serious issue, as cracks in a heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to seep into your dwelling. This is hazardous or deadly. When you suspect the exchanger is damaged or that it is overheating, immediately call a professional HVAC technician. They will evaluate the entire system. They are qualified to determine what is wrong with the exchanger as well as provide the best solution.

 

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Additional Causes

In some cases, issues with short cycling are the result of a faulty thermostat as opposed to the actual HVAC unit. The best way to find out if this is the case is to have the heater tested. The placement of the thermostat also affects the way the furnace works. For example, when it is too close to another heat source, incorrect readings are registered. Consequently, this turns off the unit off .

A dirty unit with clogged filters can also result in short cycling, due to the accumulation of hot air inside the unit. The latter would eventually tell the furnace to turn off. Therefore, you should always make sure filters are clean and have your system tuned up on an annual basis by a qualified HVAC service company.

 

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Corroded flame sensors are also a cause for concern. This simply means that rust has developed on the flame sensors in a gas furnace, which ultimately prevents it from functioning properly. Never attempt to clean the sensors yourself, as furnace repairs involve dealing with high voltages and flammable substances, which are issues for professionals.

 

Furnace Repair Ocean Gate NJ

It may be tempting to try to convince yourself that short cycling is not a serious issue, particularly if your heating system is still working and you are not uncomfortable in your home. However, when your furnace cycles on and off frequently, a tremendous amount of stress is placed on various components of your HVAC unit. This includes the belts, the motor, and other parts. For this reason, it is best to have your system evaluated as soon as you notice there is an issue with short cycling. Reaching out to a reputable HVAC company in your neighborhood will ensure that problems are caught and fixed before minor issues become major.

For all of your heating needs, be sure to call Point Bay Fuel. We offer heating system repair, maintenance, and installations. Our NATE certified HVAC contractors can properly diagnose why your furnace is short cycling and find the most effective solution to repair it. Be sure to give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

 

Call Now: (732) 349-5059
 
We service Bayville NJ 08721, Beachwood NJ 08722, Island Heights NJ 08732, Lanoka Harbor NJ 08734, Lavallette NJ 08735, 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 towns.
 
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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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