Serving Ocean & Monmouth Counties Phone: 732-244-2880

Smart Thermostat Installation Maximizes Efficiency

Posted on: May 31st, 2023 by admin

When used correctly, having a smart thermostat installed in Toms River can maximize the efficiency of your heater and air conditioner. A smart thermostat can learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature based on your preferences and schedule, saving you time and energy in the long run. To maximize efficiency and save energy, there are a few tips to keep in mind after a smart thermostat installation

How to Set a Smart Thermostat to Improve Efficiency

One of the best features of a smart thermostat is the programmable feature. This allows homeowners to increase and decrease the temperature based on the household habits. For maximum efficiency, set the temperature for times when you are home and awake to a comfortable level. Then, set it lower (in the winter) or higher (in the summer) for times when you are away or sleeping. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% on their heating and cooling bills by setting their thermostat back 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day.

Check Your Thermostat Often

Many smart thermostat issues are based solely on improper settings. For example, there may be a time when you want the program on hold. The trouble comes in if you forget to reset it. Use the hold feature sparingly. This feature will override all program settings so can lead to higher energy usage if the program is not restarted. Also, forgetting to adjust the temperatures of the program based on the season is a common issue. Your programming should change based on the season, as the ideal temperature range will differ. In the winter, for example, set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you are away or sleeping, and in the summer, set it higher. Lastly, people’s routine schedules can change often. Not changing your smart thermostat program to align with those changes defeats the energy saving potential of these devices.

 Contact a Professional for Smart Thermostat Installation in Toms River

The biggest downside to smart thermostats is the installation. There are many things homeowners can do themselves around the home, but installing a smart thermostat on your own is not one of them. 

For one, you might want to consider zoning your home. If you have a large home, multiple levels, or drastically different sun and shade exposure throughout your home, multiple heating and cooling zones may be best for your home. This allows you to program your thermostat for each zone separately to maximize energy efficiency. A one zone system limits how well it can efficiently heat or cool a home. 

Also, smart thermostats often need to integrate with existing HVAC systems, such as furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. Our professionals can assess your current system and ensure that the smart thermostat is compatible and properly integrated. They can also configure the thermostat settings to optimize energy efficiency and performance.

Something else to consider is that smart thermostat installation in Toms River involves working with electrical wiring and HVAC systems. If you’re not familiar with these systems, there is a risk of making mistakes that could lead to damage or improper functionality. Hiring a professional reduces the chances of costly errors and ensures that the installation is done correctly the first time.

Homeowner looking at cell phone to use smart thermostatt app

Lastly, installing a smart thermostat can be time-consuming. Hiring a professional, you save yourself the hassle of researching, troubleshooting, and potentially spending hours on installation. Contact a professional and be able to enjoy the efficiency of your smart thermostat sooner.

Professional installers have the necessary expertise and knowledge to handle smart thermostat installations. In order to maximize the efficiency of a smart thermostat, follow these tips and contact Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning for smart thermostat installation in Toms River.

Smart Thermostats Offer Many Benefits

Posted on: April 30th, 2023 by admin

A thermostat is a unit used by homeowners to control the temperature in the home. The original thermostats were set by turning a dial. Once set, the temperature would remain the same until physically changed by the homeowner. The next important stage of thermostat development was the programmable thermostat. These units could have different temperatures set for different times. The thermostat is then controlled by that schedule.  Where programmable thermostats were the new and exciting technology on the market, nowadays, they are pretty much standard practice. The newest technological advancement in thermostat industry is the smart thermostat. These pieces of equipment offer many benefits to home owners above and beyond the advantages of a programmable thermostat. If you are ready to upgrade your thermostat to a smart thermostat in Toms River, contact us!

Top 5 Benefits of a Smart Thermostat in Toms River

The benefits of smart thermostats go far beyond just being convenient. Here’s some other advantages for homeowners that choose to install a smart thermostat in Toms River.

Increased Energy Efficiency

With programmable and smart thermostats, homeowners can set their HVAC systems to turn on and off at specific times or adjust the temperature based on their schedule. This is in contrast to old school thermostats which turn on and off no matter if you are home or not. The programs set by a homeowner enable the system to remain off if no one is home, but turn off shortly before your return so you can enter a cool or warm home. By setting different temperatures for different times of the day, homeowners can ensure that their homes are always at a comfortable temperature, without having to constantly adjust the thermostat. Smart thermostats can reduce energy usage which can result in lower energy bills.    

Remote Control is a Big Benefit of Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow homeowners to control their HVAC systems remotely, using their smartphones or tablets. This means that they can adjust the temperature while they are away from home, ensuring that their homes are at the right temperature when they return. Even programs aren’t perfect. If you commute to work, you know your trip time can vary greatly depending on weather, traffic, and construction. Unexpected events can delay your return home by hours. This is where programs fall short, but with remote control, this is easily handled.

dark background with hand holding a cell phone with smart thermostat settings showing

Smart Thermostats are Smart

Some smart thermostats have learning capabilities that allow them to adapt to homeowners’ schedules and preferences over time. They can also track energy usage and provide recommendations for how homeowners can save energy. They can also talk to other smart devices. Smart thermostats can often be integrated with other smart devices in the home, such as voice assistants, security systems, and smart lighting. This allows homeowners to create a more seamless and integrated home automation system.

Install a Smart Thermostat in Toms River Today

Overall, programmable and smart thermostats offer homeowners increased energy efficiency, improved comfort, and greater control over their HVAC systems. They can also help homeowners save money on their energy bills over time. Even for those households in which someone is home all the time, smart thermostats can make minor adjustments to improve efficiency. Although you might not see the savings as quickly as other households, these changes can also lengthen the lifespan of your HVAC system. If you have more questions about them or are ready to install a smart thermostat in Toms River, give us a call! We’ll help set you up with the perfect one for your home.

Learn More About Tankless Water Heater Installation in Toms River

Posted on: March 31st, 2023 by admin

Tankless water heaters have become more and more popular in the recent years. There are many advantages to this style of water heater that you may also find referred to as demand-type or instantaneous water heaters. Our team is here to help you learn more about these units and decide whether tankless water heater installation in Toms River is right for your home.

Fact #1 Tankless Water Heaters Take Up Less Space

Many homeowners claim an entire closet space when converting to a tankless water heater. Tanks and their hoses and lines can take up a lot of space. Tankless water heaters are installed on the wall freeing up many square-feet of space for storage.

Fact #2 Tankless Water Heaters are Energy Efficient

In comparison to storage water tanks, using a tankless hot water supply can save you money on energy bills. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that tankless water heaters can be anywhere from 8% to 34% more energy efficient than storage tanks based on usage.

Fact #3 A Tankless Water Heater Installation in Toms River can Save you Money

Due to the fac that these systems are more energy efficient, you can expect to see the savings reflected in your energy bills. Although the installation may cost a bit more up-front, the savings will last for the lifetime of the unit.

Fact #4 Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer

The typical lifetime of a storage tank water heater is approximately 10-15 years depending on usage and maintenance. A tankless water heater, however, can provide hot water in your home for up to 20 years.

Fact #5 You Will Never Run Out of Hot Water with a Tankless Water Heater Installation in Toms River

When the storage tank of hot water runs empty, your home is out of hot water. This doesn’t happen when you install a tankless water heater in Toms River. Because the water is heated on-demand, there is no supply so there is no end to the supply.

Fact #6 There are a Few Other Details to Consider

Switching from a storage tank to a tankless water system does take some getting used to. For one, the unit can only supply hot water to so many places at the same time. Because of this, households need to run the dishwasher, do laundry, and shower at separate times. A solution to this is to Also, unless you have a back-up power supply, when the power goes out, there will be no hot water.

Fact #7 Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning is Here to Help with Your Tankless Water Heater in Toms River

Tankless water heater installation in Toms River home

Tankless water heaters are a great option for many homes. No matter where you are on the shore, we’re here to help with your tankless water heater installation and service. If you’ve been considering making the switch, contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss the process with you. Check out our Facebook page for some pictures of a recent installation we did.   

Monmouth County Air Conditioner Repair is Part of Spring Cleaning

Posted on: February 28th, 2023 by admin

Now is the time of year that those in Monmouth County NJ get to start thinking about warmer weather. Spring is just around the corner which means summer isn’t far behind. Now is the perfect time to put together a spring cleaning checklist for your home. Creating a list helps to keep you organized and helps you complete more tasks. There is nothing quite like that feeling of crossing something off your cleaning list. Among the dozens of items that will be included on that list, don’t forget to add air conditioner maintenance. Monmouth County air conditioner repair is important to do in the spring before you need to turn on your a/c.

Windows and Screens are on Everyone’s List

 

Close-up of gold window clasp and window screen that should be cleaned along with Monmouth County air conditioner repair as part of spring cleaning

Cleaning windows and screens is something that almost everyone includes on their spring cleaning checklist. One reason for this is as we receive more and more sunlight, smudges on the windows are more visible. In addition to that, washing any screens helps to reduce any allergens from getting inside. Plus, when you are cleaning your screens, look for and repair any holes in your screens to help prevent insects from getting in. Don’t suffer from the deluge of pollen by opening your windows for the first time this spring without cleaning your screens first. Before you crack those windows for the first time in spring, give all your screens and windows a thorough cleaning.

Don’t Forget the Exterior During Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning doesn’t only refer to the inside of your home. Springtime is the perfect time to do garden and walkway edging. Clean up all the borders on your property with a manual or electric edger. While you are walking around your property outside, give your home good visual examination. For example, check to make sure there aren’t any broken or missing shingles on the roof, see if any surface needs a paint touch-up or a power washing, and ensure your gutters are still safely attached to the home. Cleaning out the gutters is another important step of home maintenance that even if you have gutter guards should be done every few months.

Stop Pests Before They Start

The best way to control pests is to stop them before they start. Whether you are talking about termites, ants, mosquitoes, or yard pests like broadleaf weeds, spring is the perfect time to start pest control. Number one is to seal up openings around windows and doors. Next, trim any branches or shrubs that sit too close to your home and remove piles of debris from your yard.  Now is also the perfect time to get in touch with an exterminator to schedule any applications of pest control that are suitable for your home. Many companies offer barrier applications that create a liquid fence around your home.

Early spring is also the ideal time to begin treating your yard. If you don’t already, consider using non-toxic products for pest and weed control. There are many more options available that work better than the chemical alternatives and don’t do damage to your soil or the environment.

Call us For Your Monmouth County Air Conditioner Repair

Technician performing Monmouth County air conditioner repair

Spring is the ideal time of year to perform air conditioner maintenance and repair. Number one is checking on the air filter. Even though this is included on a spring cleaning checklist, it should actually be done every few months. While this is an important step, it is far from everything that needs to be done. Most of the rest of the maintenance of an air conditioning system requires the help of a professional. Only with the appropriate tools and equipment can an HVAC system and its components be fully inspected and repaired.

If you’re ready to cross off the first thing on your spring cleaning checklist, contact us today to schedule your Monmouth County air conditioner repair.

More Information on the Whole Home Air Purifiers

Posted on: January 31st, 2023 by admin

When it comes to purifying the air in your home, nothing compares to a whole home air purifier. Rather than running multiple mobile units or simply relying on the air filter in your furnace (that’s your reminder to check your air filter if you haven’t in the last three months!), whole home air purifiers treat an entire building with one centrally located unit.

Results of Having a Whole Home Air Purifier in Toms River

You are probably reading this thinking “There isn’t anything wrong with the air in my house. Why would someone bother to have a whole home air purifier installed?” There are actually many reasons. Sometimes the result is less noticeable, but in other cases, the change can be dramatic.

Cute but stinky dogs require a whole home air purifier

Reduced odors is one notable benefit of a whole home air purifier. Have you ever noticed that people’s homes smell differently? We all live in an acceptable level of scent that becomes the scent of our home. This is not always necessarily a bad thing. However, for those that have multiple pets or have residents who smoke indoors, reducing odors is a great benefit. Some occupations also come with uniforms that end up smelling pretty strongly. Mechanics, for example, often come home smelling of oil and lubricants. Home air purifiers can help reduce these odors.

Decreased allergens is another great effect of having a whole home air purifier installed in Toms River. Just as owning many pets can influence the odors in your home no matter how clean you keep your pets, they also are heavy allergen dispensers. Dog and cat dander are some of the most common allergens in households. Dust, pollen, VOCs, and mold spores are all other irritants that can be removed from your indoor air with an air purifier.

Whole home air purifiers can stop the spread of viruses. Many viruses and bacteria particles are too small to be stopped by a common air filter. There are even reports of some types that can even pass through HEPA filters. The REME HALO, for example, uses active cleaning technology. That means it targets pollutants and removes them from the air rather than waiting for them to pass through a filter.

We Install Whole Home Air Purifier REME HALO

The installation is pretty simple. The REME HALO gets installed right into the ducts of the home. This usually does not require any major renovations or modifications. In addition to that, it easily treats all areas of your home with one system. To make it even better, the system doesn’t require a filter. No monthly maintenance. In fact, the only maintenance required is to change the cell every couple of years. This task can be done by a homeowner or the installer of the whole home air purifier. The last benefit we think you’ll be happy to hear is that the REME HALO is silent. Even though it runs all the time, the only thing you’ll notice is your cleaner air.

The REME HALO doesn’t only clean the air. It also disinfects surfaces. As it functions, this home air purifier produces and releases hydrogen peroxide. This byproduct is effective at eliminating microorganisms like yeast, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Uses of hydrogen peroxide as a sanitizer include contact lens cleaning solutions and disinfecting patient linens.

Contact Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning if You are Interested in Installing a Whole Home Air Purifier in Toms River

Contact information for whole home air purifier installationIn addition to all of our HVAC services, our professionals provide other services like installing whole home air purifiers. If this article got you interested in learning more about whole home air purifiers, contact us for more information today

Why Winter is a Good Time for Ocean County Air Conditioner Repair

Posted on: December 31st, 2022 by admin

It may seem odd to consider, let alone perform, Ocean County air conditioner repair in the middle of winter. There are a few reasons, however, that make winter a great time of year to take care of your air conditioner. We have more time on our schedule, you have more time to save money for any necessary repairs, and when it comes down to it, letting a professional inspect your air conditioner in winter is better than not having an inspection at all.

Scheduling Air Conditioner Repair Can Be Easier in Winter

Even though we may be busy with emergency furnace repair in Ocean County during winter, if you call now, you can be one of our first appointments at the end of winter or beginning of spring. Not many homeowners think about scheduling their a/c inspection in winter. The earlier you think about taking care of your air conditioner, the sooner you can have your system inspected. Skip the stress of trying to squeeze in your air conditioner repair at the end of spring. Call us now to schedule your air conditioner maintenance.

Winter Inspections Give Time for Air Conditioner Repair

The sooner you get your system inspected, the more time you have to remedy any issues before you actually need to turn your a/c on. One situation you do not want to find yourself in is to discover that there is a major issue with your air conditioner and a heat wave is coming. Giving as much time as possible for scheduling your annual inspection and performing repairs is better for you and us. Whether it is winter, spring, summer, or fall, we are doing repairs and installations all over Ocean County. Don’t leave yourself with minimal time to find out that we need to fix a complicated problem.

Routine Air Conditioner Repair Saves You Money

Your HVAC system runs more efficiently and more effectively with proper, routine care. Efficiency means lower energy bills due to improved efficacy. In other words, your system is better able to either heat or cool the air to the desired temperature with less effort. What this also does in the long run is allow your HVAC units to last longer. Increased use and decreased efficiency both lead to a shorter lifespan for both air conditioners and furnaces. Repairing HVAC systems can be expensive, but replacing them is even more so. A/C and heating units should last about 20 years. If you need to replace them at 10 years and don’t change your habits, you’ll have to buy multiple systems in your lifetime instead of just a few.

Call Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning for Convenient Ocean County Air Conditioner Repair

Ocean County air conditioner repair technician wearing a yellow hard hat kneeling by a condenser giving a thumbs upWe are available for maintenance appointments for both furnaces and air conditioners all year long. While some times of year may seem like a better time than others, attending to your air conditioner any time of year is better than not at all. Don’t wait until the last minute and be stuck waiting on availability for parts and appointments. For a more comfortable summer, call us now to schedule your Ocean County air conditioner repair.

The Time for Ocean County Furnace Repair is Now!

Posted on: November 30th, 2022 by admin

If you feel like you missed the whole fall season, you’re not alone. It was 80°F one day and winter the next. Because of this, many homeowners overlooked many of the normal fall chores. We were lucky in Ocean County to not really need our furnaces until the past few weeks. If you missed out on your annual furnace inspection by one of our qualified technicians, don’t hesitate another day. The time for Ocean County furnace repair is now! It’s not too late. Even if you’ve been using your furnace and everything seems fine, it is better to find, and therefore prevent, damages. Reduce the risk of interruption of service with proper care and maintenance of your furnace.

Prevention is Key in Furnace Repair

You might think that you’ll be saving money by putting off your annual furnace maintenance. This is a risky gamble, however. The money saved by not paying for an annual service call will most likely be doubled by an unexpected repair bill. When we take care of your furnace, we check each part to ensure it is in proper working order. Damages can work in a chain reaction where one small infraction in one part can lead to major damage in another. Preventing the chain from ever starting is the goal of a yearly furnace inspection.

Common Reasons for Ocean County Furnace Repair

Many things can go wrong in an HVAC system. There are so many moving parts. Plus, when the units are needed, they turn run all day, every day. The only time these machines rest is when the temperature reaches what is set on the thermostat. We rely on them heavily during summer and winter. This is why it’s important to take good care of your furnace and air conditioner so you can continue to have confidence in them. Although nothing can guarantee a machine won’t break, good maintenance practices keep them working efficiently for as long as possible. Some of the most common reasons for Ocean County furnace repair we see include:Ocean County furnace repair air filter replacement

  • Dirty ductwork
  • Carbon Monoxide Leak
  • Blocked filters
  • Loose or worn belts
  • Faulty starting mechanism
  • Broken blower components
  • Malfunctioning heat exchanger
  • Bad Limit Switch
  • Thermostat in need of repair
  • Broken or tripped safety switch
  • Tripped circuit breaker
  • Dirty flame sensor

If Not Now, Then When?

We understand, this time of year can be a bit hectic. It can be difficult to not only find the time to call to schedule an annual appointment let alone have a day when you’ll be home. However, we ask you, if not now, then when? Would you rather have to call us at 3 a.m. when it’s 18° outside? Or would it be better during your family holiday when your furnace breaks down? Trust us when we say that it is much better to call us before you need us than to call us when it’s an emergency. Contacting us is easy! Fill out our contact form and one of our staff members will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have questions about your furnace service, problems with your furnace, or need Ocean County furnace repair, reach out to us today.

Furnace Repair in Ocean County Checklist

Posted on: October 31st, 2022 by admin

Furnace maintenance is one home owner task that gets largely overlooked. It is commonplace to not think about your furnace all year and then just expect to turn it on and it will run efficiently when we need it. While this may be fine for a few years, it can be an expensive gamble. Don’t cross your fingers and hope your house warms up when you switch your thermostat from cool to heat. Rather, schedule an annual inspection with us and avoid needing to call us for furnace repair in Ocean County.  Having one of our experienced technicians examine your system every year can help prevent costly damages and repairs. Plus, it will help your heater run more efficiently saving you money on your energy bill every month.

What’s Included in an Annual Inspection?

A furnace inspection should be fairly involved. It should include a visual review of interior parts and exterior parts, general maintenance steps, and minor repairs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the individual steps included in an annual furnace inspection in Ocean County.

Red volt meter owned by furnace repair in Ocean County technician

Electrical Check

A very important piece of every furnace inspection is a full electrical check. All connections should be tightened and any damaged wires need to be replaced. Faulty wiring is a top cause of furnace problems and therefore one of the number one reasons clients call us for furnace repair in Ocean County. This step should also include a voltage and current check.

Keep Moving Parts Moving

An essential part of a working furnace is the fan. The fan can only function if the motor runs well. A crucial part of the motor is the bearings. Every year a technician should lubricate all moving parts within the furnace including the motor bearings, the blower, and the fan.

Cleaning is an Important Part of Furnace Repair in Ocean County

The number one thing that needs to be cleaned is the air filter. Every three months homeowners need to either clean or replace the air filter in the furnace. Checking this air filter is something every technician does during an inspection. In addition to cleaning the filter, both interior and exterior parts of a furnace are to be cleaned. Build up of dirt and debris on and within a furnace can greatly reduce the ability of a furnace to do its job. Other items that should be cleaned are all registers, vents, and ductwork as needed.

Just as a dirty air filter reduces air flow, blocked vents do the same. In addition, keeping your registers clean makes it more obvious if there is a problem. Dirty registers can hide red flags. For example,  if you start to see mold growth around your vents, you should call for furnace repair in Ocean County as this could be a sign that there is a problem.

Furnace Repair in Ocean County Technician checking thermostat

Checking the Thermostat

Although this seems like a minor step, it is an important step in furnace maintenance. During an annual inspection, thermostats should be calibrated. This ensures the furnace is working as efficiently as possible. Generally making sure the thermostat is working properly is a basic step in furnace maintenance.

Inspect for Issues Inside and Out

In order to avoid damages, another essential step is to inspect the system for potential issues. Loose belts, cracked heat exchangers, and leaking lines can all cause extensive system failure if not addressed in time. Just as checking the thermostat is important, making sure your carbon monoxide detector is absolutely vital. All homes need working smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide detectors. The batteries of both should be changed every few months. You can add this to your reminder to check your air filter.

Cal Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning for Your Furnace Repair in Ocean County

We service all of Ocean County so if you need furnace repair, give us a call today. Better yet, give us a call BEFORE you need furnace repair in Ocean County and schedule your annual inspection now before you need to turn your heat on.

Radiant Heat Flooring in Brick NJ Makes Winters Easier to Take

Posted on: September 30th, 2022 by admin

The winters in Ocean County are mild compared to other places, but are cold nonetheless. Every homeowner appreciates anything that can take the chill out of the air during those cold winter days. Central heating and wood burning appliances are the top ways in which houses are warmed. Another, that is becoming more popular, is radiant heat flooring. Installed underneath flooring, these systems make winters much more comfortable. No more chilly kitchen floor first thing in the morning. Say good bye to the shock of freezing cold tiles in the bathroom in the middle of the night. Radiant heat flooring in Brick NJ makes winters easier to take by delivering heat to a home from the ground up.

The Advantages of Radiant Heating

Radiant heat flooring works by providing heat from the bottom of a room. The fact that hot air rises is why radiant heat flooring works so well. As the heat radiates from the ground up, it is absorbed by other items in the room. Items like sofas and curtains soak up the heat. These items then also become sources of heat warming the air around them and thereby increasing the temperature in the room as a whole. Radiant heat can be used in other ways other than flooring, but radiant heat flooring in Brick NJ is the most advantageous installation. This way, the heat created has a chance to warm up the entire room.

People with radiant heat flooring in Brick report that they feel warmer, sooner than prior to having their heated floors. Part of this is because with radiant heat, there is no additional air flow. No fans or forced air results in an even, comfortable temperature throughout the room. However, the important part of radiant heat flooring is to ensure that the output of heat generated by the floor is greater than the heat loss of the room. Always consult with a professional regarding performing using a heat loss calculator to ensure the flooring will be warm enough to be effective in the desired room.

Warm Up This Winter with Radiant Heat Flooring in Brick NJ

Installation of in-slab radiant heat flooring in Brick

Winter is coming whether we like it or not. Even with central heating, there is nothing worse than waking up in the morning, removing your covers, and landing your bare feet on freezing cold floor. You can add throw rugs that you’ll constantly trip over. Or, an easier way to remedy this, is with radiant heat flooring. For one, one of the best conductors of heat are ceramic tiles. So, you can turn the one item in your house that gets the coldest in the winter into a source of heat. Radiant heat flooring is more efficient than both baseboard heat and forced-air heat. This is mostly because it does not lose any heat through leaky vents or damaged duct work. All of the heat generated is used to warm the room. If you’re ready to warm up this winter with radiant heat flooring in Brick NJ, contact us today!

When Ocean County Furnace Repair Isn’t Necessary

Posted on: August 31st, 2022 by admin

Ocean County furnace repairIt can be difficult to know when you need to call for Ocean County furnace repair. Some things that happen can seem disastrous, but may be perfectly normal. Other small, seemingly insignificant things may be a sign that repair is necessary. With everything that happens when a furnace gets switched on, it can be hard to know what is normal and what is a red flag. We’re here to help! Let’s discuss normal furnace functions versus warning signs that can indicate a problem. As always, if you ever have any questions about your HVAC, you can contact us.

Some Furnace Sounds are Normal and Don’t Require Ocean County Furnace Repair

Noises coming from your furnace while in use are unavoidable. There is always going to be some sort of sound coming from your HVAC. How do you know what is normal and what isn’t? Simply by paying attention. Spend a few minutes listening to your furnace when you know it is in perfect working order. The ideal time to do this is after a cleaning and inspection. Every system sounds a little different.  So, there isn’t a black and white description of what is normal for a heating system and what isn’t. Once you know what your system sounds like when it is running well, you can easily detect a change. Some normal sounds include rushing air, clicking sounds when the system turns on, the hum of electrical parts, and metal pings as the duct work expands and contracts under changing temperatures.

Abnormal sounds are usually much louder than “normal” noises and usually last longer. Screeching, whining, booming, and pounding sounds are all indicators of a problem. It is wise to have an expert investigate any out of the ordinary sounds that you detect.

What’s That Burning Smell?

Many times, the first time you turn your furnace on for the season, there is what homeowners describe as a burning smell. This smell can be totally normal. In most cases, the odor can last a few hours up to a couple days. Often, this stench is due to dust settling on parts of the furnace during the fall when most people in Ocean County are not using their HVAC systems. The number one way to avoid this is to have one of our qualified technicians perform a pre-season inspection and tune-up on your furnace before you turn it on.

When it becomes abnormal is if you notice a burning smell that continues well into the season. Electrical issues can result in a noticeable smell that is vastly different than the normal burn-off smell you notice when you first turn your furnace on. It is absolutely crucial that if you detect any electrical smells that you turn off your system and call a professional immediately.

Similar to electrical burning, the smell of burning plastic is another red flag. The odor of burning plastic is very identifiable. If this smell is ever noticed when your furnace is running, you should turn off your furnace and call us right away.

Your Energy Bill Looks Different

In most cases, if your HVAC use stays consistent, but your energy bill does not, there could be a problem. A shocking rise in your bill means your system is running longer than normal which almost always indicates an issue. If your furnace can’t seem to reach the desired temperature during a normal cycle, air flow, broken parts, or damaged ducts are all examples of possible causes. Since most of the issues that cause a furnace to become less effective are internal, contacting a professional to examine possible causes of rising bills is your best bet.

Items to Check Before Calling for Ocean County Furnace Repair

If you think your furnace has possibly been running a little longer than usual or might not be keeping your home as cool as it should, but you aren’t hearing, smelling, or seeing any other red flags, check these things before you call for Ocean County furnace repair

  • Power – Make sure power switch is set to “ON” and that your circuit board doesn’t have any tripped circuits
  • Air filter – Make sure your air filter is clean and clear of any obstructions
  • Thermostat – Ensure the batteries are working and all settings are correct
  • Pilot Light – Double check that the pilot light is bright and blue
  • Air Intake Vent – Air flow is essential for a furnace to function properly; the air intake vent (located outside) needs to be free of any blockages

If you have trouble with any of the above steps or find something wrong within your system, give TRHAC a call!