What Is An Energy Audit?

Do your heating bills seem extra high this winter? Are you concerned about the effectiveness of your current air conditioning system? Do you regularly feel drafts or suspect there may be leaks that allow your home’s heated or cooled air to escape? An energy audit can help address these questions and more with a careful evaluation of your home’s structure and HVAC systems. A technician can then help you implement solutions that will increase energy efficiency and dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs.

Explore Our HVAC Services Call To Schedule A Free, In-Home Estimate

What Is An Energy Audit?

The main goal of an energy audit is to increase the energy efficiency of your home. The United States Department of Energy recommends audits for many reasons. Some of these reasons include the reduction of your heating and cooling costs and to help protect the environment by reducing your overall energy consumption. Most homes produce more air pollution than a standard car. This means that your home contributes to smog and global warming. By reducing your home’s energy consumption, you can help improve the air quality right here in your New Jersey area.

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

Who Performs Energy Audits?

You can evaluate some aspects of your home’s energy efficiency yourself. However, it is best to hire a thorough, knowledgeable, and trained energy auditor. Many full-service heating and cooling companies, like Point Bay Fuel, offer energy audits, as they are vitally important to improving the effectiveness of your HVAC system.

What Happens First?

Surprisingly enough, energy audits do not begin with a walk-through. Instead, your auditor will want to see fuel bills from the past year. Likewise, they will ask you about any problems you have noticed. Furthermore, they will also explain the audit process to you in detail so that you know exactly what to expect.

What Happens During The Energy Audit Walk-Through?

Energy audit FAQs always include this question, because the process can be quite involved. During the energy audit, your auditor will conduct both interior and exterior inspections, looking for visual signs of structural damage or potential air leakage. Two of the most common tools used to identify air leaks are infrared cameras and something called a blower door test. Infrared imaging shows temperature variations within your home, which can be a clear indicator of air leaks. The blower door test involves using a special fan to depressurize a home and locate air leaks. Air leaks are the primary cause of energy loss, so auditors will pay close attention to windows, doors, and outlets.

Your auditor will also inspect any electrical systems as well as fuel-burning combustion appliances. This includes potential electrical hazards in the kitchen as well as water heater insulation. Other aspects or areas your auditor will address include:

• Attic insulation
• Wall insulation and framing
• Fireplace
• Thermostat type and settings
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Lighting fixtures
• Location and number of air vents or registers

Explore Our Home Comfort Services Call To Make An Appointment

What Happens After The Energy Audit?

As you can see, energy audits are extremely thorough. After the audit, your specialist will assess his or her findings and provide a comprehensive home energy report. Review your report with HVAC specialists and see what improvements you can make.  Doing so will increase your home’s overall energy efficiency while lowering your energy consumption and energy costs.

Call To Speak With A Point Bay Fuel Representative

Contact Point Bay Fuel For Effective Home Energy Solutions

Point Bay Fuel provides excellent HVAC services and home comfort solutions in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey. We have highly-trained, certified technicians who offer top-notch heating and cooling services, such as furnace repairs, A/C installations, and more. All our experienced techs have the right tools, skills, and knowledge to correctly service any HVAC make and model. Likewise, we can offer energy solutions that improve your energy efficiency and comfort.

Our company has one of the most affordable service costs in the area. Our HVAC services help increase your home comfort, energy-efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. If you need to replace your HVAC system, we can help you find the best one that fits within your budget. Your satisfaction is our priority so all of our services come with a guarantee. Book an appointment and call Point Bay Fuel today for a free, no-obligation, in-home estimate.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059 Read Our Testimonials

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

The post What Is An Energy Audit? appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

How to Tell if Your Furnace is Short-Cycling & What to Do

Winter is just around the corner. There is a chill in the air, and soon, you’ll feel the temperatures drop even more. Homeowners can keep their household warm and comfortable throughout the cold season by ensuring that your furnace is in excellent working condition. You should fix any issues it has immediately. One issue that homeowners notice is that their heating system is short-cycling. This is when your furnace runs then shuts off and starts again repetitively. When this problem occurs, it is best to have a professional handle the situation.

Explore Our Heating Repair Services Call To Schedule A Free, In-Home Estimate

Is My Furnace Short Cycling?

A furnace works by running continuously until the set temperature is reached. After that, it will turn off and let the area maintain the same heat level. It will take some time before the unit needs to restart because of dropping temperatures.

On the other hand, when your furnace short cycles, it will switch on and shut off in quick succession. The desired temperature is not achieved when this happens. When the furnace turns on and off repeatedly, it will wear out the system. Not only that, but the house will still feel cold and uncomfortable even though the furnace is running.

What Causes A Short Cycling Furnace?

Short cycling should be repaired immediately. It renders your system inefficient. It also results in wear and tear. You and your family are also left in the cold. Various things cause this problem, and the repair will depend on your specific situation. Below are some of the causes of short cycling:

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

1. Overheating Furnace

A furnace heats your home and, in doing so, the unit can get too hot. An overheating furnace is usually caused by blocked vents and clogged air filters. Fortunately, heating and cooling systems have built-in protection. When the heat reaches a dangerous temperature, the system switches itself off immediately. This emergency step ensures that your system does not incur damages, such as a cracked heat exchanger. Carbon monoxide can leak from these cracks, which can be fatal if you do not remedy the problem quickly.

2. Bad Furnace Flame Sensor

A bad flame sensor means that the flame will go out as soon as it lights. The sensor is responsible for monitoring the gas valve. It is a safety measure that keeps raw gas from being distributed throughout your home. It shuts the valve off when no flame is detected. Unfortunately, a faulty sensor will switch off the gas valve even when it is needed. The sensor might just need cleaning or a replacement. Call an HVAC professional.

Explore Our Furnace Repair Services Call To Schedule A Free Estimate

3. Blocked Heat Grates

The warm air is pushed out of the heat grates. If these heat grates are blocked, the heat will be trapped in the furnace and result in overheating. Your furnace will short cycle unless the problem is fixed. Keep in mind that grates are controlled by dampers, which you can open or close to assign which rooms in your home get heated. This helps increase your home’s energy efficiency. However, make sure that at least 75 percent or more of the grates are open at all times. Otherwise, your furnace might overheat.

4. Clogged Furnace Filter

A dirty HVAC air filter will let your furnace operate for a little while before turning off. It will also result in your furnace pumping out air that is hotter than usual. A clogged air filter will also restrict the airflow. When air does not flow back to cool down the furnace, it will overheat and then shut down. To prevent these issues from happening, replace or clean the filter when necessary.

5. Blocked Exhaust Vents

Exhaust vents should be open at all times. Unfortunately, snow, beehives, plants, and nests, among other things, can block the vents. Visually check the vents regularly and remove all blockages immediately. If a wild animal is blocking the opening, contact your local animal control to avoid exposing yourself to harm.

Call To Schedule A Furnace Repair

6. Wrong Thermostat Location

The thermostat is equipped with sensors that measure your home’s indoor temperature. This way, your furnace can respond when the temperature drops below the temperature setting. However, this feature will not work correctly if the thermostat is placed on the wrong spot. Avoid placing the thermostat near heat sources, such as a sunny window and a heating grate. Otherwise, the thermostat will think that your house is already warm enough and signal the system to shut down. Make sure that the thermostat is located away from anything that could influence its temperature sensors.

Explore Our Furnace Services Call To Make An Appointment

7. Furnace Is Too Large

You might think that having a large furnace means it can keep your home warm longer and better. However, this is not the case. A bigger furnace does not always mean it is the best option. Excess capacity can lead to short cycling. Thus, its parts will wear out faster, you will experience more temperature swings around the house, and your home’s cost-effectiveness will decrease. The only solution, in this case, is an expensive one. You’ll need to purchase a new unit that is the correct size for your home. Contact your local HVAC technician to conduct a Manual J load calculation so you can find the best furnace for your home.

Conclusion

Make sure your furnace is in tiptop shape before winter. If your heating system is short cycling, find the cause of the problem. Use the clues above to help you. Reach out to a professional HVAC contractor to conduct a proper check-up. This way, all issues are fixed, and you can enjoy a warm and comfortable winter.

Contact Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Needs

Point Bay Fuel provides excellent HVAC services in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey. We have highly-trained, certified technicians who offer top-notch heating and cooling services, such as furnace repairs, A/C installations, and more. All our experienced techs have the right tools, skills, and knowledge to correctly service any HVAC make and model.

Our company has one of the most affordable service costs in the area. Our HVAC services help increase your home comfort, energy-efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. If you need to replace your HVAC system, we can help you find the best one that fits within your budget. Your satisfaction is our priority so all of our services come with a guarantee. Book an appointment and call Point Bay Fuel today for a free, no-obligation, in-home estimate.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059 Read Our Testimonials

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

The post How to Tell if Your Furnace is Short-Cycling & What to Do appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

What Happens When You Skip Annual Furnace Maintenance?

Maintenance is a requirement for all kinds of machines for them to continue performing at a high level and the furnace isn’t an exception. According to experts, an annual visit from HVAC technicians is needed to ensure reliable operation. The vast majority of homeowners know this, but many still don’t schedule annual furnace maintenance.

Homeowners sometimes forget to set up the maintenance while others skip it altogether to save money. After all, they may not find anything wrong with the furnace and are thus content to leave it alone for now. Unfortunately, they don’t realize that such neglectful behavior can easily result in other major issues later on.

Explore Our Heating System Tune-Up Services Call To Schedule An Appointment: (732) 349-5059

What Happens If You Skip Annual Furnace Maintenance?

The consequences of skipping your annual furnace tune-up are discussed below.

Failing to Address Furnace Problems Early On

A casual observer might not necessarily find any problem with the furnace, but a trained eye can easily identify issues that have recently started developing. Professionals can see signs that can be easily missed by others since they have encountered such issues in the past. Early diagnosis ensures that furnace repairs are done early on.

Technicians can take the steps required to prevent the issues from worsening. These fixes tend to be cheap, quick, and easy at this stage. For instance, all that might be needed is to clean up the interior of the furnace, fixing frayed wires, replacing filters, etc. Therefore, regular furnace maintenance allows homeowners to avoid major breakdowns and costly HVAC repairs down the road.

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

Furnace Breakdowns

Parts of the heating system that are failing due to wear and tear can easily lead to a breakdown of the entire furnace. The system won’t run efficiently or even provide enough heating to keep the family comfortable.

If damaged components are not repaired or replaced immediately, the issue might cascade and start affecting other components. This will in turn reduce the system’s lifespan significantly. Furnaces have been known to last for an incredibly long time with 10 – 15 years being rather common. Neglecting furnace maintenance, however, can shorten this dramatically thus leading to premature furnace replacement.

High Home Heating Costs

If annual HVAC maintenance isn’t done, it will be increasingly harder for the system to provide the level of heating the household needs. The furnace will be forced to work harder to reach the desired temperatures, which means that more energy will be used up. The increased consumption will translate to higher monthly utility bills.

Homeowners that avoid furnace maintenance hoping to save money in the process actually find themselves spending more in the end due to higher home heating costs. The increase is typically gradual, but it can also be massive and sudden. To avoid such headaches, it is important to invest in annual furnace maintenance.

Explore Our Heating System Services Call To Make An Appointment: (732) 349-5059

Fire Hazards Due To Malfunctioning Heating Systems

A furnace can easily become a fire hazard if it isn’t maintained regularly. While it is rare for furnaces to spark fires, it can happen and this threat must be taken seriously. In such instances, frayed wires are often to blame.

HVAC technicians can inspect all the wiring across the entire system to ascertain that they are in good condition. They can then take corrective measures immediately after spotting a potentially dangerous situation.

With the assistance of HVAC technicians, you can be more confident in your heating system. You can use it without fear. Your family’s safety will be ensured, thanks to the maintenance work carried out by the professionals.

Reduced Quality Of Air Indoors

The air flowing inside the system contains numerous impurities, which include dust, dirt, mold spores, bacteria, pollen, dander, and more. Air filters can catch those impurities to improve the quality of air indoors, but it can get clogged over time.

If that happens, it will no longer be as effective when it comes to purifying the air. The particles will be circulated around the house and may cause allergies or respiratory distress among the vulnerable. They can also find their way into the components thus reducing their operational efficiencies.

Call To Schedule A Furnace Tune-Up

Due to the health effects, this is one aspect of furnace maintenance that must never be neglected.

Lower Comfort Levels

A newly installed heating system provides uniform heating across the house to ensure optimal comfort. Occupants won’t have to worry wherever they may be since they will be protected from the winter chill. You might start noticing that certain rooms become warmer than others as time passes by. This results in lower comfort levels.

While it might be to aging of the heating system, blocked vents across the system are the more likely culprits. Regular maintenance can help prevent this since the technicians will clean the vent system thoroughly. They will also ensure proper airflow throughout the house by fixing leaks.

Void A Furnace Warranty

Warranties help homeowners deal with repairs without spending out-of-pocket. Such agreements prevent financial shock caused by unexpected breakdowns. Still, they can only be enforced if the homeowners are willing to uphold their part of the contract.

Manufacturer warranties usually specify the need for regular maintenance done by professionals. The manufacturer may void the warranty if you do not live up to its stipulations. It would thus be wise to schedule an annual furnace checkup and keep all records for future reference. If the manufacturer asks for proof of maintenance, you will have everything that they ask for.

When Should You Schedule A Furnace Tune-Up?

Have you scheduled furnace maintenance yet? The best time to do it is probably in the fall since the weather is still mild and the queues are typically short. Don’t wait until winter kicks in. Get in touch with Point Bay Fuel, a trusted HVAC contractor today to schedule their annual visit.

Call Point Bay Fuel Today for All Your HVAC Needs

Point Bay Fuel offers superior heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey. We hire the best-certified technicians to provide excellent HVAC repairs, tune-ups, replacements, and installations. All our technicians have the experience and knowledge to service your HVAC system the right way.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling services costs in the area. Our maintenance services will improve your comfort, improve your energy efficiency, and reduce your home cooling costs.

If you need to repair or replace your HVAC system, we can recommend the most suitable one for your home while staying within your budget. A guarantee backs up all our work for your satisfaction. Call Point Bay Fuel today to schedule a service appointment. We offer free, in-home estimates.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059 Read Our Testimonials

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

The post What Happens When You Skip Annual Furnace Maintenance? appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

How to Choose an Air Filter When You Have a Pet

Americans are huge fans of pets. Most households in the US include a pet or two. Pets are wonderful creatures and their owners say they help provide companionship, reduce stress and anxiety, and bring joy to the home. Studies even show that pets boost mental and physical well-being. It’s no surprise that many people treat pets as family members who can go freely anywhere around the house. While this may sound like fun for the pets, it also means that wherever they go, they also spread their fur and dander. While generally harmless, animal fur and dander can carry certain health risks. They could trigger pre-existing allergies, cause asthma attacks, and increase the risk of developing respiratory issues. For those who enjoy having a pet in the house, you could help avoid or reduce these health issues with the right type of HVAC air filter for homes with pets.

Explore Our HVAC Services Call To Schedule A Free, In-Home Consultation

What Can HVAC Air Filters Do?

HVAC air filters are designed to block airborne particles before they are released through the air vents. This means that cool/warm, clean air passes through to the rooms but particulates such as dust, pollen, dirt, pet fur, dander, and other unwanted particles are trapped on the surface of the filter. As a result, the HVAC system remains clean and safe longer, ensuring that the equipment lasts longer. Cleaner indoor air also ensures that you breathe easier and more comfortably. Simply replace or clean the air filters regularly (usually every month) to keep the system at optimum performance.

Call Today: (732) 349-5059

Understanding The MERV Rating Of Your Air Filter

 

The rating associated with HVAC air filters is based on their efficacy in capturing airborne contaminants. This efficacy is measured as MERV or minimum efficiency reporting. The higher the rating, the better the air filter is. Note, however, that you will pay more for a product with a higher MERV rating.

The lowest MERV rating products are rated at 1 to 4. These offer the lowest protection. These filters are effective at trapping pollen, fibers, and dust mites. However, they will not be as effective with smaller particles. Air filters with a MERV rating of 5 to 8 are more effective in blocking dust, pollen, and smaller particles such as mold spores.

At the higher end of the scale, filters with MERV 9 to 12 rating can block smaller particulates such as pet dander, which means that if anyone in your family has mild allergies, he/she can breathe easier. And then there are the air filters with a MERV rating of 13 to 16. These are the highest-rated filters available. They are very effective in trapping even smaller particulates, including even bacteria and viruses. If you want to prevent respiratory issues at home, especially if you have pets, these are the best air filters to get.

Too Much Fur Equals More Frequent Filter Replacement

Indoor air pollution is an issue for every home. But if you have pets, you likely have more issues to be concerned about. The more pets you have, the lower your indoor air quality is. To get pet fur and dander off from the surfaces in your home, you should regularly vacuum beddings, sofas, carpets, and floors. It is also recommended that you replace your HVAC air filter more frequently. When you have above-average levels of contaminants in your indoor air, you may have to get your filters replaced more often. This is especially important if you have pets that shed a lot.

What Are The Types of HVAC Air Filters?

There are several types of air filters that can be used with your HVAC system. Find out what they are, how they work, their advantages, and limitations before you decide which type to use.

1.Disposable Air Filters

These are the most affordable types available on the market. If you are watching your budget, consider disposable air filters for your HVAC system. There is a drawback, though. Most disposables have low MERV ratings, which means they may not be as effective in trapping airborne particulates. If you must use these types, make sure to replace the filter frequently. Do remember that if you keep replacing your filters, you will be spending more over the long term.

Explore Our Heating & Cooling Services Call To Schedule A Free Consultation

2.HEPA Air Filters

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate. These air filters are high-performing types, capable of trapping as much as 99.7% of air particulates larger than 0.3 microns. These filters can block those pesky pet hair and other allergens. If you have family members who are young or are immuno-compromised, this is the best filter to have.

3.Electronic HVAC Air Filters

Electronic air filters are a step above HEPA filters in terms of protection. Electronic filters are capable of blocking particles that measure 0.1 microns, which means you will have much better protection. They do make a sound when they come in direct contact with particulates and tend to be pricier but these are easily the best filters you can buy.

Call To Schedule An Appointment

Conclusion

If you have pets, you get to enjoy the company of loving and loyal creatures. However, part of taking care of your pets means ensuring that you live harmoniously together. One of the ways to do this is to prevent allergens and particulates that pets naturally produce, and ensure that you have the right type of air filters to keep your HVAC system effective and efficient. A reliable air filter will work in tandem with your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable and safe. Know the best type of air filter to use with your system based on the existing needs you have. If you can, avoid using cheaper options such as disposable air filters. They may suit your budget right now but they do require frequent replacement, which means you will use up more filters in the long run. Consider HEPA and electronic filters with high MERV numbers for your protection. Likewise, you can talk to an HVAC company to find the best ways to improve your indoor air quality.

Call Point Bay Fuel For Superior Indoor Air Quality Solutions

Point Bay Fuel offers first-rate heating and cooling services throughout Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey. Our certified HVAC technicians offer exceptional service including installations, repairs, tune-ups, and replacements of HVAC systems. Every one of our professional techs has years of experience and training to correctly service your HVAC system. Likewise, we can help improve your indoor air quality to make it safer and easier to breathe.

Point Bay Fuel ensures the best prices for cooling and heating service in the area. With our HVAC maintenance services, your comfort and energy efficiency will be improved and your home heating and cooling costs will be reduced. If you need to have an HVAC system repaired or replaced, we can suggest the best unit for your space while sticking to your budget.

All of our work is backed with a guarantee to ensure that you are satisfied. Give Point Bay Fuel a call now to book a service appointment or get your free in-home estimate.

Call Now: (732) 349-5059 Read Our Testimonials

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

The post How to Choose an Air Filter When You Have a Pet appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.