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 costs 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.

In this article, we discuss some of the benefits of a heating system replacement. We also discuss some of the tell-tale signs that your heating system replacement Toms River NJ is approaching.

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Benefits Of A Heater Replacement

The main benefits of replacing your outdated heating system include…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.

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What Are The Signs For A Heating System Upgrade?

Below, we will discuss the heater replacement signs that you should look for.

Frequent HVAC 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. In that case, 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 heating 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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Old Heating Systems

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.

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 % 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 finds that it has an 80% AFUE, it means that 80% of the fuel is being used and 20% is being wasted. Consequently, this 20% 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%.

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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
• Furnace water leak
• 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.

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 indicate when you need a heater replacement.

 

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

If you are looking for excellent heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact Point Bay Fuel. Our professionally certified and trained technicians offer superior HVAC services, such as furnace repairs, AC maintenance, ductless installations, and boiler replacements. We have knowledgeable and experienced techs who are guaranteed to conduct accurate and fast HVAC services.

Point Bay Fuel has the most competitive heating and cooling service rates in the area. Our tune-up services help improve your home comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your HVAC costs. We can also recommend the most suitable and budget-friendly HVAC make and model for your home. Your satisfaction is important to us. All our services come with a guarantee. Give Point Bay Fuel a call to schedule a service appointment today. We offer free, no-obligation, in-home estimates.

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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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Carpet And Indoor Air Quality: Why Carpet Is Bad For You

A safe and comfortable home is something many people want to achieve. To do this, they exert every effort into improving different aspects of their homes. Some homeowners choose to have a carpet as their flooring because of the insulation and noise reduction benefits it brings. It can also help improve the aesthetic of the rooms as carpets come in different patterns and colors.

Unfortunately, carpets come with disadvantages as well. Understanding why carpet is bad for you means you can choose and implement smarter decisions and solutions when a problem crops up. This article discusses how carpets affect your indoor air quality.

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How Do Carpets Impact Indoor Air Quality?

Carpets are soft and lush to the touch, so you might conclude that they are made from natural materials. However, most carpets are actually made of synthetic fibers. Many manufacturers use these fibers because they are cheap and stain-resistant. However, the manufacture and installation process of these carpets uses toxic chemicals. These chemicals might get released into the air, and the exposure can pose a few health risks to you and your family. Older carpets can also be hazardous. These trap dust, bacteria, mold, and dander, among other things that are not easily removed.

What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality or IAQ is the condition of the air circulating within an enclosed space like your home. Having poor air quality means that the health and well-being of the occupants are negatively affected. They become more prone to sickness because of the indoor air. The symptoms might appear as soon as they are exposed, or they could develop as time passes. The symptoms can range from mild, moderate to severe. The pollutants might be from external or internal sources, so it is recommended that you pay careful attention. Determining the common reasons behind poor IAQ and knowing how to minimize them are essential in keeping your family safe.

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What Impacts Indoor Air Quality?

Poor indoor air quality levels are due to poor ventilation. Modern homes typically have airtight designs so that air leaks do not happen. This helps their heating and cooling units keep the conditioned air in. To help manage the air quality, replacing the air filters regularly is a must. However, this might not be enough in some cases. Dirt, dust, and other debris can still accumulate. Toxic chemical emissions from indoor appliances might not get properly released outside as well. High humidity also encourages bacteria to grow, which can threaten your health if neglected. Some of the common causes of indoor pollution include cleaning products, wall paints, and tobacco products.

Is Carpet Bad For Your Indoor Air Quality?

Carpets can be bad for your indoor air quality. However, this does not mean you can’t do anything about it. Keep your carpets clean at all times. It would help if you also implemented a few strategies to keep your indoor air clean. This way, you can keep carpets in your house without having to worry about how they will affect your IAQ. After all, carpets only become a problem if you neglect them.

Neglecting your carpet will cause problems to you and your family’s health. You might experience respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and breathing difficulties. It can even be more problematic to persons with asthma as the airborne particles released by the carpet can further aggravate their illness.

Some people might also experience allergic reactions. Carpets can carry pet dander or dust mites which some people might be sensitive to. Their bodies might react severely, and they might experience skin irritation, fever, and constant sneezing.

The immune system protects our bodies from harmful substances in our environment. It generally works well around the clock. However, its performance deteriorates when it becomes overstrained by a dirty and toxic environment. Babies and children also frequently crawl and play on the floor, so they are at greater risk of being in contact with the contaminants from the carpet.

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Steps To Take Before Buying Carpet

Now that you know how carpets affect your IAQ, you must take the necessary steps to ensure that indoor pollution is lessened before you purchase a carpet. Here are the things you need to do if you want to have this flooring in your house:

1. Look Into The Materials And Construction

Conduct thorough research when choosing a carpet. This goes beyond picking the design, color, and price. Research what materials are used in making carpets. Make sure to choose one that is made of natural fibers. If this is beyond your budget, get one with the least harmful synthetic material.

2. Find Out More About Their VOC Emissions

Find out about the carpet’s volatile organic compounds or VOC emissions. Almost all carpets have VOC emissions. However, some are still eco-friendlier than others. Choose a brand that is “greener” as they lessen the toxicity.

3. Arrange For Alternative Accommodations During Installation

The adhesives used during carpet installation tend to have a foul smell and emit harmful particles. Therefore, ask your carpet installation company about other options to stick the carpet on the floor. Also, you should also think about staying somewhere else, so you do not have to inhale the bad indoor air during carpet installation. This should clear out in a few days.

4. Ensure Good Ventilation In Affected Areas

Help remove the pollutants faster by having adequate ventilation in your house. To do this, open the windows so fresh air can circulate throughout your home. You can also use your exhaust fans if you have any.

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5. Read The Care Instructions Carefully And Follow Them

Carpets need slightly different kinds of maintenance depending on what kind of fibers it is made of and how they were constructed. Read the manufacturer’s manual and follow the instructions carefully. Ensure that you clean the carpet regularly and even more often in high-traffic areas.

 

Conclusion

Carpets can be an excellent flooring option only if you conduct the necessary upkeep and maintenance. Otherwise, they will have a significant contribution to your home’s indoor air pollution if you do not clean them up regularly. Consult a trained HVAC technician to learn more about your home’s IAQ and what you can do to keep it fresh and clean at all times.

Call Point Bay Fuel For Superior Indoor Air Quality Solutions

When you need superior HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey, do not hesitate to call Point Bay Fuel. We only hire the best professionally certified technicians who are knowledgeable and experienced to service all HVAC makes and models correctly. Point Bay Fuel can conduct high-quality repairs, installations, replacements, and maintenance. We can also find the best way to enhance your indoor air quality.

Rest assured that we offer highly competitive heating and cooling rates in the area. Our maintenance services can also improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. Need to replace your old system? We can also recommend the best HVAC unit for your needs and budget. Your satisfaction is our priority so we back all our work with a guarantee. Schedule a service appointment with Point Bay Fuel today for a free, in-home estimate.

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

The post Carpet And Indoor Air Quality: Why Carpet Is Bad For You appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Going Green With Your HVAC

The US Energy Information Administration or EIA states that half of the energy an average American home consumes is used for heating and cooling. Unfortunately, the last decade has brought about an increase in electricity costs. Statista also reports that it is expected to continue to rise in 2021. To make sure you reduce energy consumption and HVAC costs, you need a system that is properly maintained and highly efficient. This will make your home have more of an eco-friendly heating and cooling system.

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Going Green With Your HVAC

Read on to find out how you can be “greener” with your HVAC.

Replace Your Old Heating & Cooling System With A New One

HVAC systems become less efficient as they age. They also are more prone to wear and tear. If you have a unit that is more than eight years old, consider upgrading to a more efficient system. This will save you a significant amount of energy and money. Modern HVAC units are made to be more efficient than older ones, thanks to technological advancements in the hVAC industry.

However, keep in mind that not all HVAC systems are the same. Each cooling unit has different Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER ratings. However, furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE rating. The higher the rating, the better the energy efficiency of the system. This is something you need to consider when looking to upgrade your current HVAC system.

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Install A Programmable Thermostat

The efficiency of your HVAC system will increase when it is coupled with a programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats are the most efficient ones to have as they change the temperature per the occupants’ living habits. It allows your HVAC unit to run only as needed, so you save more energy.

You can also opt for basic programmable thermostats. While they don’t offer the fancy features of a smart thermostat, they are still more efficient than manual thermostats. For instance, you can have the programmable thermostat lower the temperature automatically while you are out of your house in winter. It can also be set to increase the temperature a little bit before you come home. This way, you won’t heat an empty house and you won’t have to sacrifice comfort. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll have an eco-friendlier home as you will save a lot of energy.

Use Natural Lighting

If you have west-facing windows at home, you probably feel the room temperature increase during the afternoons. This is an advantage to have during the winter season. However, it can be an issue during the summer as it heats up your home, making your AC unit work harder. If you have natural lighting, install curtains, blinds, and shades so you can cool or heat your home depending on what is needed.

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Proper HVAC System Installation

An HVAC unit is likely to be inefficient from the start if any of its components are installed poorly. For example, your system’s refrigerant needs to be measured precisely. Otherwise, you will have an under-or over-pressurized system. The refrigerant in an AC needs to be the optimal amount at all times. Otherwise, your system will not remove heat and humidity from the enclosed space efficiently. The AC will end up running longer and become less efficient. The refrigerant is just one of the many parts that need to be correctly calibrated so that your system can function as it should. Therefore, it is always recommended to leave the installation to a professional HVAC contractor.

Use HVAC Zoning

One of the best ways to ensure that your HVAC installation is energy-efficient is by implementing zoning in your home. This is when you use closed-circuit units to cool or heat different areas in your home. This way, the temperature in each zone will cater to the specific needs of the occupant. You can also switch off the HVAC system in unoccupied rooms. If a room receives direct sunlight, you can also adjust the temperature to suit the space. This feature is handy in large homes and buildings. Be sure to ask your HVAC contractor about ductless heating and cooling systems. These units are highly energy-efficient, offer customizable comfort, and significantly help reduce energy costs.

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Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance

Yearly HVAC system maintenance helps promote efficiency, making your home more eco-friendly. Ensure that you call a reputable HVAC company to inspect, clean, and maintain your HVAC system before each heating and cooling season.

Check & Increase Your Insulation

The insulation in your home has a significant effect on your HVAC system’s efficiency. Therefore, have an HVAC professional audit and look for spots where air might be leaking. These areas need weatherstripping and caulking so that your HVAC system can operate at optimum levels. After all, the US Department of Energy stated that these spaces lose around 30% of residential heating and cooling energy.

Have Your HVAC Ducts Checked For Leaks

The duct should be airtight so that the warm or cool air reaches its intended destination. The airflow should also be unrestricted. Have a professional inspect your HVAC ductwork for any cracks, holes, and gaps that might be causing air to leak. An expert can also check for any elements that are hindering airflow.

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Use Landscaping To Your Advantage

Trees help regulate indoor temperature by lowering it during the summer. Having natural shade on your property helps keep your home cooler. As a result, you don’t need to run your AC as often. You conserve energy this way, and this will be evident in your reduced cooling costs.

 

Conclusion

Going green is a choice made because of various reasons. It could be because they want to meet regulations, or it could be about saving more money. For some, the reason could be about reducing their carbon footprint.

Your HVAC system is an excellent place to start with this endeavor. A highly efficient HVAC system is a worth-it investment that will pay itself off, especially if you keep your HVAC unit in excellent working condition with proper and regular maintenance.

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

When you need superior HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, do not hesitate to call Point Bay Fuel. We only hire the best professionally certified and highly trained technicians who can do HVAC services like maintenance, replacements, installations, and repairs. All our friendly techs are skilled, knowledgeable, and experience in conducting accurate and prompt services at all times.

Rest assured that Point Bay Fuel offers the most competitive HVAC service rates in the area. We can improve your home’s comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency with our maintenance services. If you need to replace your old HVAC system, we can find the best make and model to suit your needs and budget. Book an appointment with Point Bay Fuel today for a free, in-home estimate.

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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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Furnace Breakdown: How To Stay Warm Without A Heater

Throughout the winter months, your home’s heater is a prized possession. It keeps the temperature in your home warm and comfortable while it’s freezing cold outdoors. This is why it’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid a malfunctioning heating system at all costs. To do this, you’ll want to make sure you have an experienced HVAC company service it regularly. Doing so actually boosts your system’s performance and makes it more energy-efficient too. This isn’t a fail-proof guarantee, however, that your home’s heater won’t ever malfunction though.

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How To Stay Warm While Waiting For Your HVAC Contractor

When your heater does break down…

it’s important that you know how to stay warm without a heater. You should never consider fixing it yourself because then you could simply make the problem even worse. It’s also important to understand that you might injure yourself by doing so. For this reason, you’ll want to know what you should do instead. For fast and affordable heating repair services in Toms River NJ and surrounding areas, contact Point Bay Fuel. In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways that you can stay warm while you wait for us to arrive.

Close The Doors To Rooms You’re Not Using

As soon as you notice your furnace has broken down, you’ll want to keep all the heat indoors that’s already in your home. This is why the first thing you should do is close all the doors on all the rooms that you’re not using. By doing so, you’re preventing the heat from escaping from your main living area into these unused rooms. Take this action immediately so that you’ll stay warm for a few hours while waiting for the arrival of your HVAC technician.

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Cook Some Soup Or Stew

Taking advantage of every opportunity to generate heat while your furnace is broken is important. With this in mind, now is a great time to cook some soup or stew. This will generate passive heat and moisture in your home so you can stay warm.

Get up And Move

When your furnace fails…

take advantage of the opportunity and exercise. This allows you to take advantage of your body’s natural heating system. You’ll also burn calories.

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Dress Warmly

Not only do you want to make sure your room doesn’t lose any heat, you also want to make sure that your body doesn’t lose any heat either. Put on some warm clothes. Whether this means grabbing a fleece sweater or an electric blanket, you’ll manage to stay warmer than if you continued wearing the thin clothes you were previously dressed in. By doing this, you’ll actually feel much more comfortable as you sit around awaiting the arrival of your HVAC technician.

Use Alternative Heat Sources

This is a great time to use your space heater or fireplace. As always, make sure you use any alternative heating sources according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will keep you safe and warm until your heater is fixed. However, if you smell the characteristic “rotten egg” smell in your home, then do not use any alternative heat sources. Instead, evacuate the premise right away and call us after you are out of your home. You may have a gas leak in your home.

Check For Foul Odors In Your Home

When your furnace fails, your home becomes uncomfortably cold and it may become unsafe as well.

If there are any foul smells in your home…

don’t take any chances, get outside immediately. This is especially true if you notice something that smells like rotten eggs, which may indicate that there’s a gas leak inside of your home. When you notice this smell, make sure you also call the fire department.

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Conclusion

It’s important to understand that heating failure can make your home both uncomfortable and unsafe. Make sure you call a reputable HVAC technician to fix your heater for you, regardless of what time of the day or night it is. Reputable HVAC technicians understand that your heater doesn’t have a timeline to follow when deciding to break. As such, they offer emergency repair services.

 

Call Point Bay Fuel For Superior Home Comfort Solutions

Point Bay Fuel offers superior heating oil deliveries and HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey. Our heating oil deliveries are fast, reliable, and affordable, with your safety in mind. Likewise, we hire the best-certified technicians who can provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.

Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most competitive home comfort service costs in the area. Our maintenance services can improve your comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your home HVAC costs. If you are interested in improving your indoor air quality, then look no further. Our experts know the most advanced solutions to achieve all of your home comfort needs. All of our services are backed with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. To schedule an appointment, give Point Bay Fuel a call today. We offer free, in-home estimates.

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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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