Understanding The Emergency And Auxiliary Heat Settings On Your Heat Pump

If you take a quick look at your thermostat, you’ll probably find a few settings that you’re unfamiliar with. For instance, you may find heating settings for emergency heat and auxiliary heat. These are settings that many homeowners have encountered and used at some point in time, but they’re still unfamiliar with them. Let’s take a close look at auxiliary heat vs emergency heat settings on a heat pump.

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Emergency Heat vs. Auxiliary Heat on Your Heat Pump

Manufacturers place the “emergency” and “auxiliary” labels on their heat pumps. Both of these are settings that are designed to provide additional heat. Thus, they are basically the same in this sense.

A heat pump has an outside unit or heat pump and an inside unit or an auxiliary heating system. When the weather is relatively warm, a heat pump is able to extract enough heat from indoors to keep inside temperatures at a comfortable level during the cooling cycle. However, when the temperatures dip down to freezing levels, and when the cycle is essentially revered, this unit won’t be able to create indoor warmth in the same fashion. This is when the auxiliary heating system is needed. Conversely, the setting for emergency heat is actually a manual function that you’d use whenever your heat pump is having a problem.

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What Auxiliary Heat Is On A Heat Pump

Auxiliary heat is the setting that gets automatically activated when there isn’t enough heat outdoors to keep indoor temperatures suitably warm. When this mode is used, your heat pump will continually draw in as much heat as possible while additionally extracting heat from a second heat source to arrive at the desired temperature. This is accomplished through electric heating coils that are built directly into the heat pump.

When the auxiliary heat setting is in use, the system builds up to warm the air up inside. If outside temperatures start to rise, the secondary heat source will no longer be used. Once this happens, the auxiliary heat setting is automatically toggled by the heat pump.

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What Emergency Heat Is On A Heat Pump

The heat pump emergency heat setting is only for emergencies. This is the setting that you will need to manually turn on if a system malfunction ever occurs. When these systems malfunction, most homeowners don’t have the opportunity to contact HVAC companies for repairs because they still need this equipment to continue producing heat. While waiting for technicians to arrive, it’s possible to make up for heat deficiencies using the emergency setting. This setting toggles over to the system’s secondary heat source so that the heat pump keeps working and can maintain an acceptable temperature indoors.

Using Emergency or Auxiliary Heat When Using Your Heat Pump

Auxiliary heat mode functions as a back-up to your heat pump in the event that the thermostat registers a difference of three degrees or greater between the temperature that you’ve set and the actual temperature of the building interior. This is the point at which indoor conditions become uncomfortable given that the temperature isn’t where you want it to be. The heat pump is triggered by the auxiliary function to produce additional heat. Conversely, you should manually activate the emergency heat setting when troubles arise with heat pump functioning. This function has to be turned off manually once your HVAC technician arrives to perform the needed repairs.

When Your Heat Pump Is Unable to Produce Sufficient Heat

There may come a time when your heat pump simply isn’t able to create enough heat to keep your living environment warm. This might be the case if the heat pump is able to reach the temperature you’ve set. Additional energy can be obtained through auxiliary functioning to make up for the difference. When the auxiliary heat setting is on, the heat pump’s electric resistance heating is activated.

Your Heat Pump Is in “Defrost Mode”

When outside temperatures are especially low, you may notice ice building up on the outside component of your heat pump. At this time, your system will turn to “defrost mode” to melt this ice away. When the weather is freezing, the hot refrigerant will be pushed to the outdoor component by the heat pump until all of the ice is gone. When heat pumps are in “defrost mode”, they are not actively heating the house and auxiliary functioning takes over to keep the living environment warm.

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How to Know Whether Your Heat Pump Is in “Defrost Mode”

If your heat pump has entered into “defrost mode”, this unit will:

• produce steam or water at the outdoor component
• the fan on the outdoor unit won’t run
• the blinking light indicator will turn on – although this feature is only offered on specific heat pump models

How to Keep Auxiliary Heat From Turning On

The major issue with auxiliary heat is that when the outside temperatures are incredibly low, a heat pump has to work at maximum capacity to generate an adequate amount of heat. This is something that you definitely don’t want to have to happen. Potential problems caused by this type of operation can be avoided by simply implementing a few household changes to keep auxiliary mode from ever engaging. Here are a few things you can do:

Reduce the Heat Pump Temperature Setting

More often than not, if you set the indoor temperature too high, the auxiliary heat mode will kick into action to make up for the heat that the heat pump is unable to generate. This places a lot of unnecessary strain on your HVAC equipment. Try setting your temperature between 62 and 68 degrees at the highest. This will create a warm living environment while allowing your heat pump to enjoy continuously even functioning.

Create a More Comfortable Home

Help your heating system out by making your home interior warmer during winter. During the day, keep your window treatments open so that natural light can flow in. Keep the doors and windows closed and locked. You can also wear warmer clothes during the cold season as opposed to cranking your heat up high.

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Shut Rooms That Aren’t in Use

If you have the ability to turn your heating system off in certain zones or rooms, such as with ductless heat pumps, go ahead and use this function. For instance, if there are any areas of the home that you aren’t using, shut the heat off to these spaces. This way, your zoned heat pump can warm up the portion of the home that’s actually occupied. The spaces you use will stay comfortable and warm.

The Auxiliary Heat Setting Is on All of the Time

During the middle of winter, your thermostat could stay on the auxiliary setting for extended periods of time. This is probably because your HVAC equipment is unable to generate sufficient heat for meeting household demand. If this is true, contact an HVAC contractor right away to have your heat pump checked out. It may be that you have a system problem or you have the wrong capacity or wrong size heat pump.

Set Up Annual Tune-Ups for Your Heat Pump

Don’t skip annual HVAC maintenance and tune-ups. Systems that are well-maintained will have longer lifespans and offer a greater level of reliability. You should ideally schedule this inspection right before winter starts so small problems can be repaired and damaged or worn components can be replaced. This is also a great time to have the system cleaned and serviced and have air filter replacements performed. If any repair work is needed, take care of it before winter starts. The same is also true before summer for heat pumps that are used for cooling.

 

Conclusion

Your heat pump will work at peak levels throughout the winter months. Even though this equipment is built with capabilities and features that will keep it reliable during times of extreme weather, it isn’t going to perform its best when subjected to extreme stress. The tips shared above should be sufficient for keeping your heat pump ready for the high-demand season.

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

Point Bay Fuel provides top-quality heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey. Our company has highly trained and the best professionally certified technicians for all your HVAC service needs, including boiler tune-ups, air conditioner repairs, furnace installations, and more. All our techs are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced in working on any HVAC system correctly.

Rest assured, we have the most competitive HVAC service prices in the area. Our maintenance services can enhance comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your energy bills. When you need to replace or repair your HVAC system, we can recommend the best solutions that fit your home and budget. All our work comes with a guarantee. Book a service appointment by calling Point Bay Fuel today. We offer 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 Understanding The Emergency And Auxiliary Heat Settings On Your Heat Pump appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

What Is A Variable Speed Furnace?

Furnaces are constantly improving thanks to technological innovations. New models have features that provide better efficiency and comfort compared to their predecessors. For example, people who are on the hunt for a new unit should see to it that they are getting a variable-speed furnace. Read on to learn more about this modern technology and why it is a must-have for your next heating system.

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What is a Variable Speed Furnace?

True to its name, this type of furnace is capable of running at a variety of speeds with the goal of enhancing performance. This is made possible by a blower that contains an electronically commutated motor. This ECM operates at variable speeds using direct current in an inverter and magnet rotor setup. This design lets the ECM reach higher energy efficiency in comparison to motors that use alternating current. What’s more, the ECM costs less to maintain and operate. Despite the higher price tag of a variable speed furnace versus a traditional furnace, it is still the more practical choice because of the lower ownership cost. Homeowners can expect to break even in 4 to 5 years.

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How Variable Speed Furnaces Work

Cutting-edge technology allows variable speed furnaces to track and evaluate data coming from the heating system. They use the information to make adjustments on the fly without waiting for manual commands. They can automatically change the settings for optimal indoor comfort. These furnaces manage the amount of air moving across the home based on multiple considerations such as clogged HVAC filters and blocked vents. Instead of letting these reduce system performance, the fan speed simply compensates by going faster or slower. They also tend to ramp up gradually instead of what traditional furnaces do which is going full speed at once. This results in quieter operation and smoother transitions. What’s more, variable speed furnaces will only push themselves to the limit when the situation requires so they can save a lot of energy.

Distinctions Among Single-Speed, Two-Stage, & Variable-Speed Furnaces

Single-stage furnaces are designed to run at max speed around the clock. They are not able to make adjustments based on the airflow when trying to achieve the temperature setting on the thermostat. As for two-stage furnaces, the operation can switch between low and high. In the low phase, they are able to save fuel by running on energy-saving mode. If they need to push harder because of colder outdoor conditions, then they will begin to ramp up the amount of energy they consume until they reach the second phase to provide warm air around the house. Most two-stage furnaces will operate at 25% capacity for the majority of the time. This results in lower noise and fewer carbon emissions than those produced by a single-stage furnace.

While those are impressive innovations, engineers kept finding new ways to save even more energy and operate with higher efficiency. They came up with variable-speed furnaces to reach their lofty goals. Thanks to a computer-controlled blower motor, these furnaces can keep an eye on the indoor airflow and make automatic adjustments as necessary. The new blower motor provides the furnace with exceptional energy efficiency and consistent heat production.

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How Variable-Speed Furnaces Can Enhance Home Efficiency

Since variable-speed furnaces are able to control airflow with high precision, the heat can be distributed evenly across a home. Humidity will also be managed, resulting in better indoor comfort. Despite doing more, this type of equipment will actually consume 66% less electricity while beating single-speed furnaces in performance. They will run at low capacity as much as possible to conserve energy. They will barely be audible as they do their work. Unlike 2-stage furnaces, they can increase their speed slowly such that air fluctuations can be reduced.

These furnaces are generally equipped with smart thermostats that can control the blower motor speed by themselves. Owners do not need to make the fine adjustments since these will all happen automatically in the background. These smart thermostats can even be programmed to treat different areas of the house as separate zones. The level of heating might be set at distinct intensities based on the needs of the occupants. This further minimizes energy waste while eliminating the need to block vents and risk system malfunction. With this furnace, you can enjoy greater precision when setting indoor temperatures. The system takes its time to make sure it hits the goals and varies the speed of the blower motors depending on the environmental conditions. The entire home will benefit from a consistent supply of hot air.

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Other Benefits of Variable Speed Furnaces

1. Clean Indoor Air

While the blower motor is running, the system will move air through the HVAC filters and catch the airborne impurities. There will be less dust, pollen, dander, and other unwanted microscopic objects floating around. Families can enjoy better indoor air quality.

2. Humidity Control

Single-stage heaters are not that good at controlling indoor humidity. In contrast, variable-speed furnaces are much better at the task of removing moisture from the air. This makes them the perfect solution for homes that experience high humidity and the problems that are associated with this like mold growth. The furnace should be a boon for people who are sensitive to these allergens.

 

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Conclusion

Single-speed furnaces have limited capabilities whereas variable-speed furnaces are able to do more thanks to their built-in computers. They can keep track of airflow around the house and extract insights from the data. After this, they will act autonomously to improve indoor comfort. Unlike traditional heating equipment, a furnace with variable speed is more eco-friendly, efficient, and precise. It also has a longer furnace service life, lower maintenance requirements, and cheaper operational cost.

Call Point Bay Fuel for All Your HVAC Needs

If you are looking for excellent HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey, then give Point Bay Fuel a call. You will get access to a group of certified technicians who can deliver impressive results for installations, replacements, repairs, and tune-ups. Every single one of them has undergone rigorous training to ensure impeccable service with each call.

Our rates compare favorably with other contractors in the region. With our maintenance services, you can see your HVAC system performing at its best. Energy efficiency will go up while operating costs will go down. We can also provide advice on system replacements so that you can get a new unit with confidence. Call Point Bay Fuel today and take advantage of our in-home estimates.

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What Is The Ideal Temperature For A Central Heating Boiler?

Determining the ideal temperature for your central heating oil boiler can be difficult. Boiler settings differ based on factors such as different hot water needs and fluctuating exterior temperatures. To be able to determine the right temperature for your hot water cylinder or boiler, it is important to know the kind of central heating boiler you have in your house, and the general boiler temperature settings. To heat your home efficiently, it is necessary to learn what the recommendations are.

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Common Central Heating Boiler Types

Before you try to adjust the boiler temperature, it helps to understand the type of central heating boiler you have and how it works.

Combi Boilers

Many homeowners opt for combination boilers, commonly referred to as combi boilers for central heating because they provide hot water and heating from one unit. The main water supply of the house feeds cold water into the boiler. Afterward, to produce heat, the boiler burns fuel and utilizes a heat exchanger to transfer heat to the water from the combustion chamber. Combi boilers can heat up fast because they use heating oil or gas to heat water.

Compared to other boilers, combination boilers are more compact; they don’t need space to accommodate a separate water tank. That is why they are the perfect choice for smaller properties. Even though these boilers have heating and hot water in a single unit, they cannot direct hot water to both the central heating and tap at the same time. For instance, if someone in your home turns on the hot water while the central heating is on, the combi boiler temporarily redirects the hot water to the water outlet whilst it is in use.

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Regular Boilers

Regular boilers, also known as heat-only or conventional boilers, are made up of three components; the boiler, a separate cylinder for storing hot water, and another tank for storing cold water. Coldwater tanks are normally installed in the attic or loft space, and they use gravity to fill the boiler. Once the boiler heats the water, it feeds it into the radiators of the central heating system directly and then fills the hot water cylinder. As such, there is hot water on demand.

This boiler is the best option for homeowners with larger properties. Conventional boilers are ideal for houses that have multiple bathrooms or that have a low-pressure main water supply. Even though a regular boiler takes up more space, its separate water tank supplies water and heating at the same time.

System Boilers

A system boiler can supply the radiator with hot water and heating water on demand through a hot water cylinder, just like a regular boiler. These boilers have two components, the boiler, and a hot water cylinder. The main water supply of the home feeds water into the boiler, which means there is no need for a cold water tank.

This type of boiler is the ideal option for big properties which have a high demand for hot water. Compared to a regular boiler, a system boiler uses less space and has more flexible installation choices since most of the components are internal. Plus, the hot water cylinder of a system boiler still needs space. If there is low water pressure in the main supply, this will be reflected by the flow rate all through the home.

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Central Heating Boiler Temperature Settings

Basically, there is no specific temperature that a central heating boiler should be set at. There are certain variables that determine the temperature at which homeowners should set their boilers, including personal preference and the weather. The boiler temperature should preferably be adjusted and maintained within a particular temperature range. That way, the boiler won’t overheat.

Recommended Boiler Temperature Settings

Temperature settings for the hot water cylinder and the central heating water vary.

When it comes to heating water, adjusting the boiler’s high/low temperature settings when it gets colder or warmer is best. During summer, low boiler temperatures are more comfortable and efficient, and higher boiler temperatures are ideal for winter. Low-temperature settings are typically within the 120-160 degrees Fahrenheit range, while high-temperature settings are usually between 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit range.

If you want the temperature to be warm, it’s always best that you do not exceed 200 degrees. This is because as the temperature goes over 212 degrees, the boiler will start to overheat, and this can cause the boiler to leak or burst.

Temperature settings for hot water cylinders normally stay within the same range throughout the year. The ideal temperature for a hot water cylinder ranges between 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit. HVAC experts encourage homeowners to keep their boiler water temperature from getting too low for health and safety reasons.

Legionella, a type of bacteria that grows in freshwater, thrives in temperatures between 77-112 degrees Fahrenheit. It can put people at risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease, which is a type of pneumonia. That is why the CDC recommends maintaining the heating cylinder water temperature at least above 124 degrees.

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Tips For Boiler Energy Efficiency

Use temperature controls to efficiently heat the home, as well as maximize energy efficiency. Thermostats for individual rooms and programmable thermostats provide more accurate control over the temperatures in each room. For instance, for you to have a healthy and comfortable night of sleep, your bedroom should be cooler than the other rooms in your home.

If you have smart temperature controls, they will adjust your home’s temperature automatically or you will have access to the controls on your mobile device. With these features, you can minimize heat consumption even when you are not at home. If you want to efficiently heat your home, you should set the boiler to fluctuate four to five degrees throughout various times of the day.

 

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

Point Bay Fuel provides top-quality heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey. Our company has highly trained and the best professionally certified technicians for all your HVAC service needs, including boiler tune-ups, air conditioner repairs, furnace installations, and more. All our techs are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced in working on any HVAC system correctly.

Rest assured, we have the most competitive HVAC service prices in the area. Our maintenance services can enhance comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your energy bills. When you need to replace or repair your HVAC system, we can recommend the best solutions that fit your home and budget. All our work comes with a guarantee. Book a service appointment by calling Point Bay Fuel today. We offer 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 Is The Ideal Temperature For A Central Heating Boiler? appeared first on Point Bay Fuel.

Choosing The Right HVAC Installation Company

The most complicated system in a home is the cooling and heating unit. As a homeowner, it’s very important that you hire a qualified HVAC contractor for your installations, repairs, and maintenance work. They need to have the experience required to spot any safety issues, inefficiencies, small problems, and more. However, outside of experience alone, there are several other qualifications to check when choosing an HVAC company.

Fortunately, residents that are located on the Jersey shoreline can rely on the experts at Point Bay Fuel for trustworthy service.

It is always important to find a local HVAC contractor that you can trust. In this article, we will share what you need to know to make this daunting task a lot easier for you.

By choosing the best HVAC contractor….

you will be able to ensure your system’s optimal performance. It will perform efficiently and provide you with the level of comfort you deserve. Heating and cooling costs will be manageable and your system will provide you with healthy indoor air quality. Keep reading to determine what ideal HVAC contractors Ocean Gate NJ should offer you.

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Choosing The Right Ocean Gate HVAC Company

Before you can start your search, it’s important to note that some companies will only handle HVAC equipment from certain manufacturers. Some contractors take this a step further by specializing in particular models. This means you will have to look for companies whose area of specialization includes the specific type of system you have in mind.

From there, you should then narrow your search by checking each local HVAC contractor’s experience and skill levels. This you can do by checking the equipment manufacturer’s ‘qualified installer’ program. This is a special training program offered by manufacturers to equip contractors with the skills required to handle and install their systems. By choosing a contractor who’s involved in a special training program, you are guaranteed proper system installation. This is crucial in ensuring reliability over the equipment’s lifespan.

Verify HVAC Licensing & Bonding

Most state and local authorities require HVAC companies to have a license in order to practice by law. In addition, each jurisdiction has its own licensing criteria. It requires contractors to prove their technical competence with regard to HVAC equipment installation. For instance, contractors in some areas are required to have at least 2 years of experience in the installation and maintenance of air conditioning systems.

To check for licensing…

you should request copies of the HVAC contractor’s papers. This will let you know if they have the authority to operate in your area. Also, verify their license with your state’s contractor license board.

Depending on the area, an HVAC installation contractor may also be mandated to carry a surety bond. This is usually a safeguard measure. Besides shielding consumers from unfair practices, bonding also comes in handy when disputes arise. This may be a prerequisite for obtaining a license. This means you should check with the authorities to see if it’s a mandatory requirement.

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Seek Others’ Experiences With An HVAC Company Ocean Gate NJ

The best way to learn what it’s really like working with a particular contractor is to listen to what others have to say about them. This is why you should ask the company for some referrals from customers they’ve served in the past. By reaching out to these individuals and asking for their opinions about the said contractor, you’ll be able to learn more. You can learn about their:

• customer service
• quality of work
• their ability to navigate the tricky aspects of the heater or AC installation

You might also want to check online HVAC contractor reviews. Also, check the BBB’s website to see what other customers feel about their experience with the company you’re evaluating. The Better Business Bureau’s site is regarded as one of the best sounding boards for dissatisfied clients. It will let you know about any unresolved issues with your local heating and air conditioning companies. Endorsements by other professionals may also indicate stellar customer service. So, check to see if the contractor is part of an established organization’s preferred list of installers.

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Get Ocean Gate New Jersey HVAC Installation Estimates In Writing

The costs you will incur when installing an HVAC unit are important. However, ensuring you get good value for your money is arguably more significant. To do this, start by obtaining written quotes from at least 3 companies. Then, go on to compare the costs.

Examining the details outlined in each estimate…

will gradually steer you towards the best choice. However, you will need to ensure you’re comparing apples with apples. So from all the estimates you’ve obtained, check for:

• An elaborate outline of the pricing, including the equipment and labor costs
• The expected installation period, indicating when the work will commence and end
• The mode of calculating payment, and whether or not a deposit is required.

Don’t forget to go through the documents highlighting the obligations you’re expected to fulfill as the client. Check the remedies specified for disputes, should they arise. In particular, you want to ensure the agreement you will sign sets out a warranty period. This states whether servicing is included as part of the installation package. All in all, take your time as you go through all these details. This will ensure you get good value from your investment in the long term. Also, it means that you have possibly found one of the local heating and cooling companies that works best for you!

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Conclusion

Installing a new HVAC system is an investment that should be taken seriously. After all, the quality of the actual system is as important as the quality of the installation. Therefore, if you know that your unit is approaching the end of its lifespan, then take some time to research HVAC installation companies beforehand. This can ensure a system that operates as efficiently as it’s expected to, which will impact your energy costs, comfort, and more.

Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements

Point Bay Fuel provides top-quality heating and cooling services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey. Our company has highly trained and the best professionally certified technicians for all your HVAC service needs, including boiler tune-ups, air conditioner repairs, furnace installations, and more. All our techs are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced in working on any HVAC system correctly.

Rest assured, we have the most competitive HVAC service prices in the area. Our maintenance services can enhance comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your energy bills. When you need to replace or repair your HVAC system, we can recommend the best solutions that fit your home and budget. All our work comes with a guarantee. Book a service appointment by calling Point Bay Fuel today. We offer 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!

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.

American Standard Authorized Dealer

Point Bay Fuel is an authorized dealer for American Standard heating and cooling systems. Although we service all makes and models of heating and air conditioning equipment, this superior brand has proudly given us this designation. This means that you can count on us to provide you with the best customer service and HVAC services.

American Standard heating and cooling systems are the best in the industry. Their systems have high energy-efficient ratings and provide homes with increased levels of comfort. To learn more about American Standard systems, contact us by clicking here.

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