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The History of Air Conditioning Starts with Ice

Posted on: April 30th, 2022 by admin

Many of us take having access to air conditioning for granted. It would be hard to imagine what daily life would be like without it during the hottest days of summer. Luckily for us, it doesn’t get as hot as in other climates, but air conditioning also helps with the humidity that we also experience during summer. In fact, moisture in the air is the catapult to the invention of the first electrical air conditioner. Medical intervention kept the technology going until it finally found a comfortable position in the role of providing comfort. The commercial and home air conditioning industry has come a log way since then. It is continuously changing, adapting, evolving, and advancing to bring safe, efficient cool air to more people. We take pride in our air conditioner repair and service work and aim to keep homes cool in summer all over Ocean County.

Way Back When

Icicles representing the origin of air conditioner repairThe very beginning of air conditioning dates back to 1851 when Dr. John Gorrie invents an ice making machine. He actually exhibited the machine’s ability in 1848 and he then received the patent in 1851. He created his system to help fight diseases like Malaria thinking that cooling was the key. Fast forward about fifty years and you’ll find the first mentions of electrical air conditioning. In 1902, in order to help with a moisture problem in a publishing company, Willis Carrier comes up with a solution. He was an engineer at the Buffalo Forge Company and was tasked with solving an issue of wrinkly pages due to high humidity content in the air of the publishing house. He developed a system using coils and surprisingly, that is still the basis of many cooling systems.

In 1904, the shift was made where people now viewed cooled and humidity-controlled air was a comfort. The St. Louis World’s Fair used mechanical refrigeration in the Missouri State Building. “Air conditioning” itself is first mentioned in 1906 by Stuart W. Cramer in a patent he filed and is found for the first time in text in 1908.

The 1920’s Bring About the First Big Changes

It again is thanks to Carrier. In 1922, Carrier invents a centrifugal chiller. This system had fewer moving parts and shorter cycles. The result of these changes is a more reliable system that costs less to run. A few years later, engineers and chemists from General Motors manufacture chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. Thomas Midgley, Albert Henne, Robert McNary changed air conditioning made air conditioner use safer in the respect that CFCs are non-flammable. Much later, of course, we know these chemicals are not good for the environment. To round out the 1920’s, in 1929, air conditioners were brought into homes via room coolers by Frigidaire.

Decades Bring About Progress

Homes in the mid- to late-1940’s were able to purchase affordable, low-cost window air conditioners thanks to engineer Henry Galson. According to Energy.gov, “By 1947, 43,000 of these types of units are sold in the United States.” A few decades later, another big advancement is made in air conditioning with the invention of Heat Pump Design Model by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. As with the centrifugal chiller, the heat pump system is more efficient and therefore, more affordable. In 1990, CFCs, which were first introduced were viewed as a safety element, are seen as detrimental and are phased out of use in air conditioning as a result of the Clean Air Act.

Air Conditioner Repair and Systems are Still Evolving

Air conditioner repair picture of 3 Lennox brand condensersMany agencies and foundations are setting new standards for industries like air conditioning. Toxic emissions have unfortunately been linked with air conditioning throughout it’s history. Limiting carbon dioxide emissions has driven the industry towards new inventions like non-vapor technologies that do not need to use refrigerants which avoids a lot of issues. No matter where the industry goes or what new systems are invented, you can count on us to stay up-to-date and always provide the best air conditioner repair service. Contact us today for any heating, cooling, or plumbing needs!

Lennox US Rebates Available Now

Posted on: March 31st, 2022 by admin

When you purchase qualifying units that include a gas furnace or blower coil, an air conditioner or heat pump and thermostat from March 7, 2022 through June 10, 2022, Lennox is offering special financing terms and rebates. Homeowners that wish to finance their Lennox system can do so for as low as $132 a month and do not have to make a payment for 6 months. Those who do not want to 

finance can receive a rebate of up to $1,000. Not sure what system is right your home? Contact us and we’ll work with you to select and design the perfect home comfort system for you.

The Details

Financing special does not require any down payment and is available to well-qualified buyers on approved credit. Buyers that choose to finance under these terms cannot use any other promotional offers. To qualify for special financing purchases must be between $3,000 and $100,000. The financing can be prepaid without penalty, does not accrue interest for the first 6 months, and is subject to normal late charges.

Rebates are applicable to qualifying purchases made after March 7th and installed by June 17, 2022. Be sure to submit your rebate claim by July 1, 2022. Monies received through this promotional rebate will be applied to a Lennox Visa® Prepaid card.

Save money on your purchase of a new Lennox home comfort system and save money on your monthly energy bills. The iComfort® S30 smart thermostat smart away mode uses the GPS on your phone to find out when you’re at home and when you’re away enabling you to have complete control over your comfort.

For full details on all offers and complete fine print, visit Lennox.com. If you have any questions about installation, products, or service, give us a call anytime! We’re here to help!

HVAC installation in Toms River product line of Lennox products

Lennox Product Line including the iComfort® S30, the iHarmony® zoning system, and the PureAir™ S air purification system.

Already Made a Qualifying Purchase?

If you’ve purchased a qualifying Lennox home system, you can submit or check on your claim here: https://www.lennoxconsumerrebates.com/

 

Smart Thermostat Installation Toms River Helps Save Money

Posted on: May 31st, 2021 by admin

Energy bills begin to rise with the start of every summer. It’s unavoidable right? What if we told you there was a way to keep your energy bills manageable? One of the easiest ways to take control of your energy bills is to take control of the thermostat. The goal is to not heat or cool your home when it is not necessary, but also make your home comfortable while you are home. Additionally, maintaining your HVAC system is crucial to keeping energy bills down. The more efficient a system is, the less energy it has to use to reach the desired temperature. When it is time for your annual heating and cooling system service, give us a call! And if we provide you with enough information that you decide on a smart thermostat installation Toms River, give Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning a call for that too!

Smart Thermostats Versus Programmable Thermostats

Smart Thermostats can be run with an app as woman is shown doing in picture

Programmable and smart thermostats are similar in a lot of ways. They both assist in saving money on energy bills and both are simple to use. One only works if you set it up, the other learns from you and starts to adjust itself to your routine.

A thermostat that you can program often lets you set desired temperatures for certain times of day. Some give you the option of a weekday and a weekend program. This is great for households with a standard Monday through Friday itinerary. Others may give you the option of a different routine for every day of the week. Setting a program is the best way to manage your energy bills. So, in this way, programmable thermostats are great. The biggest problem with programmable thermostats is that a homeowner only enjoys the savings benefit if they actually program the thermostat. A large percentage of homes with programmable thermostats have never set a schedule and continue to pay more a month on energy bills than they need to.

Smart thermostats, however, are even better. Where the programmable thermostat leaves off, a smart thermostat picks up. A smart thermostat can actually learn your habits and begin to adjust itself to run in the most efficient way. These devices all are associated with an app as well which allows you to control the temperature in your home from your phone. No matter where you are. Get stuck in a meeting? Delay the air conditioning for another hour with a simple swipe. Have an irregular schedule that is always changing? A smart thermostat can navigate that with no problem. Plus, smart thermostat installation in Toms River can track and record data giving homeowners insight into their energy usage like never before.

The Real Advantage of Smart Thermostat Installation Toms River

Smart thermostat installation Toms River complete; display says "Set to SAVE"

We understand it may sound like the advantage of a smart thermostat over any other is slight. But, the real advantage is that it takes over when humans forget. As we mentioned, many homes have programmable thermostats, but not all of those home actually set a program. This takes away any advantage of having a programmable thermostat gives. Smart thermostats, however, can learn and program themselves. Removing the human factor increases the likelihood that a homeowner is going to be able to take advantage of every benefit a smart thermostat installation has to offer. Smart thermostats are so smart that they can track how long it takes to heat or cool a room and switch on at the exact moment of perfect efficiency. Programmable thermostats simply turn on and off when you tell them to.

An extra 5 minutes of heating or cooling per cycle doesn’t seem like a lot. However, consider how much time that adds up to over the lifetime of your HVAC system. For peak efficiency of your HVAC, be sure to schedule a routine inspection with us every spring and fall. Keeping a close eye on the workings of these units goes a long way towards keeping them running for as many years as possible. Overuse and neglect are two of the biggest factors in HVAC unit failure. Thankfully, avoiding that is easy when you hire us to examine your HVAC.

If you like everything you’ve read and have decided that a smart thermostat is for you, contact us today to schedule your smart thermostat installation Toms River and get set to save!

Save More on Perfect Air with Lennox

Posted on: April 30th, 2021 by admin

Two ways to save on perfect air with

 

Enjoy LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS

Make no payments for 6 months and pay as little as $132 a month when you finance a new Lennox system.*
 
OR
 

A REBATE

Enjoy rebates up to $1,600—and a bonus $200 rebate if you purchase the Ultimate Comfort System.**

 


Save up to $1,300 in system rebates.**

Save on a complete qualifying Lennox® home comfort system that includes a gas furnace or blower coil, an air conditioner or heat pump and thermostat. Plus, enjoy a $200 bonus rebate when you purchase the new Ultimate Comfort System along with the iComfort® S30 ultra smart thermostat, iHarmony® zoning and PureAir S air purification system.

 

Get up to $300 in combined rebates on air purification, zoning, and a smart thermostat.**


*Offer available March 8, 2021 to June 11, 2021. Offer based on a retail price of $10,000. Requires purchase of qualifying system. Financing available to well-qualified buyers on approved credit. No down payment required. Financing requires 120 equal monthly payments of $132 a month of principal and interest after the first 6-months. Normal late charges apply. Cannot be combined with any other Lennox promotional offer. Minimum and maximum amount financed of $3,000 and $100,000, respectively. You may prepay your account at any time without penalty. Financing is subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. See Truth in Lending disclosures available from lender for more information.

**Rebate requires purchase of qualifying items between March 8, 2021 to June 11, 2021.  Qualifying items must be installed by June 18, 2021. Rebate claims (with proof of purchase) must be submitted (with proof of purchase) to www.lennoxconsumerrebates.com no later than July 2, 2021. Rebate is paid in the form of a Lennox Visa® Prepaid card. Prepaid Card is subject to terms and conditions found or referenced on card and expires 12 months after issuance. Conditions apply. See www.lennox.com/terms-and-conditions for complete terms and conditions.

Lennox Fall Rebates

Posted on: October 1st, 2020 by admin

Lennox is offering rebates up to $1,350 on qualifying purchases this fall! 

Lennox consumer rebate offer flyer for HVAC repair in Spring Lake clients

 

Sell Between: September 7, 2020 through November 27, 2020

Install By: December 4, 2020

Submit Claims By: December 18, 2020

Disclaimer:  Rebate requires purchase and installation of qualifying items and submission of a completed online rebate form and proof of purchase to lennoxconsumerrebates.com no later than December 18, 2020. Rebate is paid in form of a Lennox Visa® Prepaid card. Card is subject to terms and conditions referenced on card and expires 12 months after the date of issue. Conditions apply. Use your Visa Prepaid card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the U.S. The card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See promotional guidelines for terms and conditions.

They are also offering financing options.  These financing options can be combined with any rebate.  

Whether you are in need of furnace repair in Belmar or HVAC repair in Manasquan, TRHAC is here for you! Contact us anytime for your heating and cooling needs!

Brands We Carry and Why

Posted on: September 1st, 2020 by admin

When we enter a client’s home, we treat it as if it were our own. In order to provide top-quality service, we need to supply and deal with only top-quality products.  We partner with a variety of the best manufacturers to ensure we use only the highest rated components. When it comes to Ocean County HVAC repair, Toms River Heating and Cooling is committed to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations.  We do this with the knowledge and experience of our staff and the value of the products that we use.

Weil-McLain

As stated on the Weil-McLain website, “Weil-McLain, a division of The Marley-Wylain Company, is a leading North American designer and manufacturer of hydronic comfort heating systems for residential, commercial and institutional buildings since 1881.”  Weil-McLain does not employ their own service technicians.  They rely solely on individual distributors like us.  This means they put the trust of their company name in companies like ours.  This also means you can trust that our technicians are expertly trained and highly qualified. 

Lennox

The Lennox heritage: “Beginning with the introduction of the world’s first riveted-steel furnace in 1895, Lennox has focused on delivering on the values of trust, innovation and quality. These values can be seen in every product we manufacture today, and in the Lennox Dealers who stand behind those products.” TRHAC is proud to be one of those dealers.  We are also honored to hold the distinction of being a Lennox Premier Dealer. This means we are held to a higher standard than other dealers. By using Lennox products, we are proud to constantly provide the best service in Ocean County.

Mitsubishi HVAC

Mitsubishi HVAC “is a leading marketer of Zoned Comfort Solutions® and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning and heating technology. Systems sold by the joint venture include a wide variety of technologically advanced products designed to deliver superior efficiency, comfort and control.” Mitsubishi has set up a network of state-of-the-art training centers. This ensures that all of their distributors and service professionals have the best education available for their products.

A.O. Smith

A. O. Smith is proud to be known as one of the world’s leading providers of water heating and water treatment solutions.”  They are experts in anything having to do with all types of hot water heaters including gas, electric, and tankless.  They stay on the leading edge by being one of the most innovative companies out there.

Moen

If you didn’t know, a lot of our jobs require plumbing knowledge and expertise as well.  When it comes to plumbing technology and products, Moen is top of the line. They are revolutionizing smart home products with faucets that respond to voice activation and products with touchless features.

Heating and Cooling Repair and Installation in Ocean County and Monmouth County is What We Do

These are just a few of the brands that we carry and use. One of our goals is to provide our customers with the best products available.  The way we accomplish this is by only doing business with companies that are the most innovative and successful enterprises in their respective industries.  We also understand the trust that many of these brands put in businesses like our own to service and install their products. We do not take this lightly and always make sure our technicians are expertly trained. Only when we have exceeded your expectations for HVAC repair in Monmouth County have we done our job.

How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run Efficiently

Posted on: August 1st, 2020 by admin

Ocean County Air Conditioner Repair being done on outdoor condenserIt’s summer!  And it’s a hot one!  We bet everyone has had their a/c on pretty continuously so far this summer.  We thought we’d cover a few tips on how to keep your air conditioner running smoothly, efficiently, and effectively in order to avoid needing Ocean County air conditioner repair.  There are some pretty easy things you can do at home to help keep your home cool while not putting any extra strain on your appliance.  Of course, if there are any issues with your HVAC system, give us a call to come take a look.  If you are noticing any strange sounds, smells, or if it feels like your a/c isn’t able to actually cool your home or maintain a temperature, we should inspect it to make sure there is no major damage or soon-to-be issues to take care of.  The sooner a problem is identified, the easier (and less expensive!) it is to fix! 

From general maintenance to strategic planning, here’s some tips on how to help your a/c function better.

Vents

Take a walk around your house.  Take a look at your vents and registers.  Are they blocked by furniture?  Do they look like they are clogged with dust and pet hair? One super easy thing to do that allows your air conditioner to run effectively is making sure all vents are unblocked and clean of debris.  This not only allows clear air flow, it’s better for you and your family too.

If you’ve heard the myth that closing off vents in rooms you don’t use will save you money, don’t believe it.  It is in fact false.  Your HVAC system was installed as an entire unit.  Meaning it’s meant to function as it was installed. It was designed to function most efficiently with all vents and registers open. When you close off certain air routes, your system is still working as if they are open.  So, by closing or blocking vents and registers, you are causing unnecessary strain on your unit.  Blockages lead to increased pressure which can lead to leaks and breakdowns.  That means higher energy bills and a visit from one of our highly-trained Ocean County air conditioner repair technicians.  Not that we don’t enjoy visiting our customers, but we’re sure you only want to see us for your regularly scheduled maintenance visits!

Thermostat Use

First, we highly recommend having a programmable or smart thermostat installed.  This allows you to set your thermostat to come on and turn off during certain periods of the day depending on your schedule.  Turning the temperature up while you’re not home gives the appliance a break.  Plus, you save on energy bills by not cooling your house when no one is home.  Then, you can set it to come on a little bit before you arrive home so your home is cool on your return.  You can do the same in winter with your heat. 

Secondly, consider moving the setting a few degrees higher than what you normally set it at.  As long as you and your family are still comfortable, a slight change in degrees (down in winter and up in summer) allow you to save money and protect your HVAC system from excessive use.

Lastly, make sure there is no heat-producing appliances installed near your thermostat.  Having anything that produces its own heat near your thermostat will cause it to run when it is not necessary.  If the air around the thermostat is warmer than the rest of your home, you’re a/c will think it needs to keep running when it does not. Extended running time causes unnecessary wear and tear on your entire system leading to early repairs and premature system failure.

Keep it Clean

No, this isn’t a moral request.  We’re talking about both the indoor portion of your unit as well at the outdoor condenser. When it comes to indoors, other than keeping vents clear and clean, make sure the area around your air handler is clean as well.  Ensure there is plenty of room for airflow surrounding the unit.  Making sure there is not a build-up of dirt and grime at the base of the unit and that there’s nothing stored close to or surrounding it.

As far as taking care of the condenser outdoors, don’t plant bushes, trees, or large flowers close to the unit.  It should have a clear flow of air around the entire machine.  A good rule is to keep a full 24 inches of space surrounding your unit. If you think your condenser needs a good cleaning, you can give us a call anytime.  You can also read this for some surface, non-invasive cleaning tips for your condenser.  Just make sure you turn off the power to the unit at your fuse box. Remove any obvious dirt, grime, and debris and rinse the unit well with your hose.

General Maintenance

Besides cleaning the individual portions of your air conditioner, make sure the filter in the air handler is changed at least every 3 months.  If you have a reusable filter, clean it often.  A clogged filter will restrict air flow reducing the efficiency of your unit.  Additionally, we should be inspecting your unit annually.  By having a qualified professional come in and thoroughly check your HVAC system, any small problems can be identified and fixed before they become major, expensive issues. 

If you need your unit inspected, or if you are noticing anything strange about the function of you’re a/c, give us a call today!  When it comes to Ocean County air conditioner repair, look no further than Toms River Heating and Air Conditioning.

Is Your Air Conditioner Good for You?

Posted on: July 1st, 2020 by admin

Most people don’t need convincing that having central air is a good thing.  With the weather warming up and humidity on the rise, central air can help make your home much more comfortable.  But is it good for you?  Well, we are certainly not doctors, so please don’t take this article as medical advice, but, yes, central air does provide certain health benefits.  Having a/c in your home does so much more than just keep your home cool.

Enhanced Air Quality

HVAC repair Toms River, Yellow lily shown indoors in ray of bright sunlight

Photo by Film Bros from Pexels

One of the advantages of having central air is the benefit of improved indoor air quality. The stipulation on this is that in order for this to be true, you must change your air filter when necessary.  This is typically every three months on average.  Think of all the air in your home being circulated through your HVAC system.  Now put a dirty filter on the end of that.  Not so healthy right?  Now think of the same scenario with a clean, unclogged filter.  Much better.  The filter in your air conditioning system helps reduce mold, mildew, dander, and other air particles from circulation through your home.  With regular cleaning and replacements, an efficient air conditioning unit can effectively reduce asthma attacks by cutting down on allergens such as pollen and dust mites.  Keeping up with regular maintenance items like changing the filter actively improves the air you breath in your home.

Control Humidity

Depending on where you live, humidity can be pretty bad in the summer.  One of he best and easiest ways to combat high humidity levels is with central air.  With proper use of your a/c, you can keep humidity levels right where they need to be.  When levels get too high, pollutants such as mold and mildew can grow out of control.  Too low and people living in your home are at risk of dehydration that can affect the skin and the sinuses.  With appropriate use of you’re a/c, you can easily control the humidity levels in your home and help protect anyone with a respiratory condition from irritants like mold and mildew.

Healthier Sleep Habits

Many people have trouble sleeping in the heat of the summer.  An air conditioning system can help with that.  The ideal temperature to set your air at for nighttime is somewhere around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  At this temperature, the need for your body to regulate its own temperature greatly reduces.  This can lead to a much more restful sleep. Your body’s temperature normally lowers at night and during sleep so keeping the room where you sleep cooler overnight helps your form healthy sleeping habits.

Air Conditioning Has Some Health Benefits

These are just a few of the reasons to have and maintain an effective air conditioning unit.  From more restful sleep to improved air quality, using your a/c does more than just keep you cool.  However, the only way it does this is if it is well maintained.  An air conditioner with a dirty air filter can cause more harm than good.  This can also be an expensive act of neglect.  By now changing or cleaning your air filter regularly enough, your unit has to work harder than intended.  This can lead to damage early failure of your system.  If it’s been a while since we’ve been out to inspect your HVAC system, contact us today!

Mitsubishi Spring Rebate

Posted on: May 1st, 2020 by admin

Mitsubishi is offering a $500 instant rebate for each Mitsubishi Electric System installed by an approved Diamond Contractor – which we are!

Mitsubishi rebate, Slice of home with rooms shown in different colors with different temperature settings with info about rebate

There are only a few requirements: The system must be purchased between March 30, 2020 and July 4, 2020. Also, this is a Diamond Contractor Exclusive so the system must be installed by an approved contractor.

Multiple systems per home may qualify with prior approval.

There is a large list of eligible equipment. Click here to see the full list.

Contact Us today for more information!

The Trouble with Winter

Posted on: February 1st, 2020 by admin

snow covered homeBesides the cold, winter can wreak havoc inside your home in other ways.  One of the most common complaints other than the cold is how dry the air inside your home gets during the colder months of the year.  Here we’ll discuss some of the more common symptoms of dry air and how to combat them.

Upper Respiratory Issues – This can include sinus headaches, nosebleeds, and the common cold.  Your nasal passages require a moist environment to be able to appropriately trap viruses and other unwanted debris before they can make their way into your system.  When your nose and sinuses dry out, you are more susceptible to colds, sinus infections, and nosebleeds.  Plus, when your heat turns on, it can stir up allergens like dust and pollen, triggering allergy attacks and irritation to your airways.

Dry Skin – Just like your nasal passages, cold air sucks the moisture out of your skin as well.  This can be compounded by hot showers.  Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oil layer, drying your skin out even further.  You may notice your lips get more chapped in the winter and your skin may have a more aged appearance due to the lack of moisture.

Static Electricity – You’ve probably realized that you create many more static shocks in the winter than during other months.  This is because the decreased moisture levels in the air cause static electricity to build up.  When that happens, clothes and blankets stick together and you may get shocked every time you touch a metal surface like a doorknob.

Harm to the Wood in your Home – Just like your body, cold air draws moisture out of wood as well.  You may notice your wood floors creaking more during the colder months.  It can affect door jambs also making some doors hard to open or close.

What can you do?

One of the best things you can do to combat winter dryness is to add moisture back into your home.  The best way to do this is with a humidifier.  While you can add a portable humidifier to one or multiple rooms of your home, there are more permanent solutions such as a bypass humidifier.  These humidifiers use your HVAC airflow to deliver moisture to your home.  An example is the Lennox HCWB17.  Another whole-home option is a power humidifier like the Lennox HCWP18.   A power humidifier does not require an air handler or furnace to distribute moisture.  Other than adding moisture into your home, you need to add extra moisture to your body.  Increasing your water intake, using a skin moisturizer, and shortening your showers can all help to combat winter dryness.