Monday, August 26, 2019

Top Myths About Air Conditioning

air conditioner servicesCentral air conditioning units have been commonplace in homes for the last half-century, but even so, many myths exist about what air conditioning can and cannot do. In fact, many commonly believed myths can actually end up costing you more money in electrical bills and HVAC repair costs.

Air Conditioner Service Allenwood NJ: Top Myths About Air Conditioning

In this article, we separate fact from fiction and debunk the myths so your central air can run more efficiently.

Explore Our Air Conditioner Services Schedule A Free, In-Home Estimate

Myth #1: Turning The Temperature Down Will Result In Quicker Cooling

This myth persists from the time when central air conditioners were first installed in homes, and homeowners really didn’t know how to operate them. Many owners of air conditioners at the time would turn down thermostats drastically, thinking it would make a difference in the amount of cooling produced. The simple fact is, however, that your air conditioning works just as hard to cool an area one degree as it does for five degrees. Therefore, it won’t cool your home any faster.

Myth #2: Bigger Units Cool Better

This myth is problematic on several levels. First off, the energy expenditure of a unit that is overly large would negate any possible savings and it won’t cool your home any faster. Secondly, you could end up spending more money on energy costs because an overly large unit won’t be properly sized for your home.

When purchasing a central air conditioning unit, it must be properly sized to match your home. HVAC contractors use factors such as orientation toward the sun, number of windows, etc. to determine the size. A unit that is too big will frequently cycle, meaning that it will turn on and off repeatedly.

Explore Our HVAC Installation Services

 

Myth #3: Run Your Old AC Unit Until It Can’t Operate Any Longer

outdated air conditionerSure, you may not want to lay out the money for a new air conditioning unit. After all, they run several thousand dollars. At the same time, however, you’re wasting energy and experiencing higher electricity bills. You may not notice the latter as you’ve probably been using a similar amount of energy for years. However, today’s units are much more energy-efficient than those manufactured even 10 or 12 years ago. If your air conditioning unit keeps breaking down, don’t repair it. By replacing it, the money you save in energy costs will pay for its purchase within several years.

Myth #4: An Air Conditioning Unit Only Cools Air

Your cooling system does much more than cool interior air. It also helps remove humidity, which plays a part in your overall comfort. Running your air conditioning does something else too: it helps clean the air inside your house. Many newer units also have a dehumidification switch that will remove more moisture from the air on days with high humidity. While your air conditioner won’t filter out as much as an air purifier, the filter inside your air conditioning unit will trap allergens and dirt particles. This, alone leads to healthier indoor air.

Make An Appointment

Myth #5: Your Thermostat Placement Doesn’t Matter

Yes, it does. The placement of your thermostat affects how often your unit will run. Thermostats should be placed on an interior wall away from direct sunlight. Your thermostat should also be kept away from furniture so that air can flow around it. Placing a thermostat in direct sunlight will give inaccurate readings.

Myth #6: Only Call An HVAC Professional When Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Working Properly

Think of your air conditioning technician as your unit’s doctor. Just like people, air conditioners need regular checkups to ensure that all parts are working properly. We recommend annual preventive maintenance where one of our HVAC technicians inspects and lubricates all working parts, as well as thoroughly cleans the unit. A dirty air conditioner works harder, resulting in higher energy bills and premature equipment failure.

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

 

Conclusion

For a trusted HVAC service provider, call Point Bay Fuel. We can provide you with exceptional and affordable HVAC services, including installations, repairs, and maintenance.

You can count on us to provide you with friendly and knowledgeable service at affordable prices. By delivering honest and exceptional service, we can ensure the satisfaction of our customers.

Contact Point Bay Fuel today to learn more about our HVAC services! We offer free, in-home consultations by one of our NATE certified HVAC professionals. Whatever your concerns, we can provide you with practical and affordable solutions. Call Point Bay Fuel now!

Some of the areas we service include Allenwood, Brielle, Manasquan, Sea Girt and these zip codes 08720, 08730, 08736, 08750 as well as all surrounding areas in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059

Click here to contact us now or call us at (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

 

The post Top Myths About Air Conditioning appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Should I Be Concerned About AC Short Cycling?

short-cycling air conditioning unitAir conditioners work in cycles. They kick on to cool down your space until the desired temperature is reached, then turn off automatically. After a while, your home will heat up and trigger another cycle. The period between cycles tends to be fairly long so you hardly notice them throughout the day.

If you observe the AC turning on and off frequently, then you should investigate further. Frequent cycling is not normal behavior.

Short-cycling could be a sign of multiple problems with the unit. Acting on them quickly is the best way to prevent things from getting worse.

First, let us define short-cycling so that you know exactly what you’re dealing with. It’s when the AC compressor turns on and off several times within an hour. Each one of the cycles is less than 15 minutes in duration. This is quite a fast turn-around time that should not happen if the cooling system was working normally.

It is not desirable because short-cycling takes a toll on the internal components. They are going to wear down quickly if it continues. It may even lead to a system breakdown that requires outright replacement. Furthermore, it unnecessarily spikes up your energy costs. When your cooling system is short cycling, get help from an HVAC technician as soon as possible.

Learn More About Our AC Repair Services Schedule A Free Consultation

Causes For Air Conditioner Short Cycling Allentown NJ

There are four leading causes of a short-cycling air conditioner. HVAC technicians will look into each possibility and determine the right course of action.

1. Dirty HVAC Air Filter

This problem is common for neglected units. Many homeowners do not bother with any HVAC maintenance work. They simply leave the AC as it was when first installed. They may neglect replacing the air filters when necessary.

When an air conditioner operates with a dirty air filter, thick layers of dirt and dust can build up. Consequently, this circumstance limits airflow, making it harder for the system to cool down the house. You can quickly fix this by cleaning or replacing the filters. Most manufacturers recommend doing so every 3 months, but you might need to do this monthly. Homes with pets or that are located in dusty areas will require more frequent filter replacements.

2. Low Refrigerant Level In Your AC Unit

air conditioner refrigerantThe refrigerant is the blood that circulates throughout the system. It absorbs heat from inside the house and expels heat outside in a continuous fashion through the coils. If the refrigerant level is low, then the absorption and release of heat may not proceed as needed. The compressor can shut down prematurely and turn on again right away. This will cause the component to burn out and require replacement. This is a costly repair that you want to avoid. Have a technician check if there is a refrigerant leak so that it can be sealed and recharged.

3. Broken Or Malfunctioning Thermostat

The thermostat is responsible for regulating the house temperature. It has sensors that detect environmental conditions, allowing it to trigger the correct response from the AC. If it’s too hot, then it will push the unit to cool things down. If the home is already cold, then it will turn the system off and wait until another intervention is necessary. A faulty thermostat will not get reliable readings. It could make the air conditioner behave in unpredictable ways, including short-cycling. This might be a good sign to upgrade to a new thermostat.

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

4. Mismatched Sizing Of Air Conditioning Equipment

Short-cycling usually happens later on in a system’s service life. However, it can start right at the very beginning in some cases. If you notice this behavior right after an air conditioner installation, then you might be dealing with an oversized air conditioner. There is a mismatch between the needs of the home and the cooling capacity of the equipment. Always consult with HVAC professionals when choosing and installing a new unit to avoid this hassle.

Explore Our AC Repair Services Call Today: (732) 349-5059

 

Call Point Bay Fuel For Expert HVAC Services

For a trusted HVAC service provider, call Point Bay Fuel. We can provide you with exceptional and affordable HVAC services. Some of our services include installations, repairs, and maintenance.

You can count on us to provide you with friendly and knowledgeable service at affordable prices. By delivering honest and exceptional service, we can ensure the satisfaction of our customers.

Contact Point Bay Fuel today to learn more about what we can do for you! You can schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our NATE certified HVAC professionals. Whatever your concerns, you can count on us to provide you with practical and affordable solutions. Call Point Bay Fuel now!

Some of the areas we service include Allentown, Cream Ridge, Imlaystown, Windsor and these zip codes 08501, 08514, 08526, 08561 as well as all surrounding areas in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059

Click here to contact us now or call us at (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

The post Should I Be Concerned About AC Short Cycling? appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Going Away This Summer? Give Your AC System A Vacation Too

What Temperature To Leave A Vacant House In SummerSummer is a great season to travel and spend quality time with loved ones and friends. In fact, summer is the prime time for family vacations, corporate junkets, and long road trips.

With this in mind, getting out of the house involves a lot of planning. One aspect that many homeowners wonder is “Should I turn my AC system off while on vacation?”. The answer is simply no. Doing so can increase humidity and mold spores in your home.
Learn More About Our HVAC Services Call Today: (732) 349-5059

AC Tips: What Temperature To Leave A Vacant House In Summer

In this article, we discuss why you should leave your air conditioner on when you are out of town during the summer. Also, we share some tips that you can use to lower your energy costs while vacationing.

Why Turning Off Your AC Is A Bad Idea

AC systems not only cool homes but remove humidity levels as well. This is essential in keeping your homes cool without excessive moisture. For optimal comfort, the humidity level in your house should not exceed 50%. Therefore, it’s a bad idea to turn your HVAC system off when going out of town. That can result in the following:

  • Mold spores
  • Musty odors and smells
  • Peeling paint and excessive moisture build-up in drywall and sheetrock
  • Warped flooring, cabinetry, and wood-based furniture
Explore Our AC Maintenance Services Make An Appointment

Avoid Temperature Increases In Your Home

air conditioningNothing is more uncomfortable than a hot house upon your return from vacation. This is exactly what will happen if you choose to turn your air conditioner off. The latter can increase the temperatures in your home while pocketing heat. This will cause your energy bills to soar and may even spoil the food in your pantry. Similarly, excessive heat and humidity can harm your home electronics, refrigerator, and freezer.

Best Ways To Save Energy While Vacationing

There are ways to save energy costs while away on vacation too. In fact, cleaning or replacing your AC system’s air filter is a good way to eliminate dirt and particles. The latter is notorious for affecting proper airflow and energy efficiency. You can then schedule your annual AC system cleaning and maintenance when you get back.

Other Ways To Secure An Energy Efficient Home

Here are some more ways to ensure energy-efficiency while away from your home:

  • Make sure all windows, doors, blinds, storm shutters, and curtains are adequately closed.
  • Save energy by unplugging appliances and electronics while away.
  • If going away on vacation for several months, consider cleaning out and unplugging your refrigerator and freezer as well.
  • Consider replacing your traditional thermostat with a programmable one. Digital thermostats are great for maintaining desired temperatures while away. You can also control them from correlating apps on your smartphone and/or wireless devices.
Schedule A Free Estimate

Don’t Forget To Adjust Your Thermostat’s Settings

thermostat settingsIf you already have a programmable thermostat, simply adjust its settings while away. This will take a load of the cooling system and drastically lower your electric bill for the month. You can also control the temperatures for your dogs and cats if they are not coming along for the trip.

Leave your AC system on automatic as opposed to on. This will maintain its current schedule without suddenly spiking up your home’s electric bill. Keep your system at 78 degrees for optimal comfort and cooling in multiple rooms.

Give Your Home Air Conditioning System A Little TLC

Even if taking pets along, do no turn off your HVAC system. Again, this will increase the humidity and moisture levels on your home. Instead, open your doors and windows for cross-ventilation if desired. This will remove any stale air without affecting the integrity and performance of your AC system. You can then set your system’s temperature and schedule so you and yours return to a cool, comfortable home.

Home AC systems are a worthwhile investment that must be protected at all times. While regular servicing and maintenance are essential, there are ways to protect your units year-round. You can increase system performance by controlling temperatures while away or at home. In addition, you will always have acceptable humidity and moisture levels. It’s as simple as buying a programmable thermostat or contacting your local HVAC specialists for assistance.

 

Conclusion

Point Bay Fuel, a reputable HVAC service company, can provide you with exceptional and affordable HVAC services. We take pride in our heating and cooling services, installations, repairs, and maintenance.

Our goal is to provide friendly service and affordable prices to ensure the satisfaction of our customers.

Contact Point Bay Fuel to learn more about our services and systems today! One of our HVAC professionals will be able to provide you with a free, in-home consultation. No matter what your concerns, we’ll find the best solutions for your air conditioning needs. Whatever the question, we’ve got the answer. Call Point Bay Fuel now!

Call Now: (732) 349-5059

Click here to contact us now or call us at (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

The post Going Away This Summer? Give Your AC System A Vacation Too appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Monday, August 5, 2019

Top Causes Of HVAC Airflow Problems

air conditioner repair near meIf you are battling with HVAC airflow problems, you should not try your DIY skills on your heating and cooling system. The smart move is to call in a competent and experienced professional to solve the problem. There may be an underlying cause for your airflow problems, and even trying to fix minor airflow problems might lead to severe issues later. Therefore, it is in your best interest to call a trustworthy HVAC company to inspect your system.

Learn More About Our AC Repair Services

Schedule A Free, In-Home Estimate

Home AC Repair Near Me Allenhurst NJ: Top Causes Of HVAC Airflow Problems

Below are some of the most common causes of HVAC airflow problems:

Blocked Or Obstructed Condenser Unit

Your condenser unit needs plenty of space to perform effectively. If this condensing unit is obstructed, this may result in overheating because the unit is not getting enough air. When the outdoor unit overheats, the immediate result is airflow problems in your home. Even if you clear the debris around the condenser unit, this may not solve the problem. Call in an expert to give you the perfect solution.

Make An Appointment

Clogged HVAC Air Filters & Poor Airflow

dirty hvac filterAir filters work very hard to keep the air in your home filtered and clean, so you need to change them often. If you do not change your filters when necessary, they become clogged. A clogged filter leads to poor indoor air quality, uneven temperatures, and even damage to vital components in your HVAC system.

Blocked Or Leaky HVAC Air Ducts

Blocked air ducts may be responsible for the airflow problems you are experiencing. The accumulation of dust in your ductwork will definitely lead to airflow problems. In some cases, cracks or holes in the ductwork will lead to air leaks. The result is reduced airflow, and this means your HVAC system will not function effectively.

You Have Blocked HVAC Vents And Registers

If you are experiencing airflow problems in your home, the culprit might be blocked vents or registers. Maybe some of the vents and registers are blocked by furniture or curtains. Be sure to check your home for obstructed vents and registers.

Dirty Air Conditioning Condenser Coil & Cooling Issues

The job of the condenser coil is to get rid of the heat from your home. Sometimes, the coil can get so dirty that it is unable to release the heat. When this happens, your unit has to work extra hard to cool your home and you will notice airflow issues. Get an expert HVAC company to clean your condenser coil to fix this problem.

Explore Our Air Conditioner Repair Services

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

Old & Outdated HVAC System Design

outdated air conditionerIf you remodeled your home recently, this might be the cause of the recent airflow problems. This is because you may have renovated your home without considering the HVAC system. The result is that the outdated HVAC system cannot cool your renovated home effectively. The only solution here is to consult a competent HVAC design professional to carry out the necessary HVAC upgrade. Changes in the ductwork or other practical solutions can be implemented to fix the issue at hand.

Thermostat Or Battery Issues

Sometimes, minor problems like a low battery or a faulty thermostat are responsible for airflow issues. Be sure to check the battery and see if it needs to be replaced. If your thermostat seems to require more than a battery-replacement, be sure to call a competent HVAC company immediately.

 

Contact Point Bay Fuel For All OF Your Cooling Needs

For a trusted HVAC service provider, call Point Bay Fuel. We can provide you with exceptional and affordable HVAC services, including installations, repairs, and maintenance.

You can count on us to provide you with friendly and knowledgeable service at affordable prices. By delivering honest and exceptional service, we can ensure the satisfaction of our customers.

Contact Point Bay Fuel today to learn more about our HVAC services! We offer free, in-home consultations by one of our NATE certified HVAC professionals. Whatever your concerns, we can provide you with practical and affordable solutions. Call Point Bay Fuel now!

Some of the areas we service include Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Deal, Ocean Grove and these zip codes 07709, 07712, 07723, 07756 as well as all surrounding areas in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059

Click here to contact us now or call us at (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!

The post Top Causes Of HVAC Airflow Problems appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.