Lennox^® is currently offering rebates that could save you up to $1,500!!  These rebates are available on qualifying purchases made through February 7, 2020. 

The first is a savings of up to $1,200 when you purchase a complete qualifying Lennox^® home comfort system.  This includes a gas furnace or blower coil, an air conditioner or heat pump and thermostat. 

Additionally, you can receive a rebate of up to $300 when you purchase an iComfort^® S30 ultra smart thermostat, iHarmony^® zoning and a PureAir^™ S air purification system.

We are held to a superior set of standards as a Lennox Premier Dealer. You can rest assured that you’ll receive top of the line installation and customer service when you partner with us. Providing our customers with superior service and support that surpasses your expectations is a commitment we hold in high regard. We can help you select, design, and build the perfect system for you. From heating and cooling to air quality control and zoning. Need help in deciding which smart thermostat will help you achieve the perfect balance between total home comfort and energy efficiency? Contact us anytime! We are here to answer any questions you have, help you fix any issues that may arise, and assist you in your purchase when you are ready.

Click here to get more information!

Information spreads like wildfires in today’s day and age.  If one person says it, reads it, hears it, it must be true and everyone must share.  There are truths and myths about everything so we thought we’d start the new year with some straight up facts and clear up any misconceptions about HVAC units and their usage.

Myth #1:  It is more energy efficient to keep the thermostat at one temperature than to change it throughout the day based on your schedule
If this myth were true, there would be no need for programmable thermostats to exist.  It is recommended you program your thermostat to start heating or cooling your home about 20 minutes before you get home every day and to stop about 20 minutes before you leave.  If you have a flexible schedule, look for a thermostat that allows you to set a different program for each day versus one that only allows 1 program that repeats daily.  You can save energy by setting your system higher or lower when you are sleeping too.

Myth #2:  To get your home cooler faster, set the thermostat to a temperature much lower than you need
When was the last time your HVAC technician checked out the speed controls on your system?  Never?  That is correct.  HVAC systems don’t have speed controls and therefore will always heat and cool at the same rate no matter what it is set for.  Don’t put extra strain on your unit by making it reach unrealistic temperatures.  Simply set it to your desired temperature and let it do its job.  If you are finding that your system is having a hard time getting to or maintain a normal temperature, contact us, there may be something wrong.

Myth #3: Keeping vents closed in unoccupied rooms will save you energy
False.  By disrupting the airflow in your home by blocking or closing certain vents, you may actually be putting more strain on your system.  Most HVAC units are installed based on the square footage of the home so by eliminating some exchanges, you are causing the unit to work harder than necessary.  You may also cause damage doing this by increasing the air pressure in the ducts which could potentially cause leaks.  If you have a large home and you wish to control the temperature differently in different parts of the house, consider a zoning system rather than closing off vents and even doors.

Myth #4: You only need to change the air filter once a year
Does it seem like we mention changing the air filter in your HVAC unit in every one of our blogs?  That’s because it is a very important part of maintaining your unit properly and allowing it to function efficiently.  Ideally, you should change the filter every few months.  A dirty air filter causes unnecessary strain on the system and reduces efficiency. 

Myth #5: It doesn’t matter where my thermostat is installed
In fact, it matters greatly.  If your thermostat is in a very sunny location, it could read much warmer than the house actually is.  The same goes for putting our thermostat in the kitchen where the stove can heat up the room or directly above or below a vent.  Inaccurate readings by your thermostat can make your system work harder than it should or simply make your home uncomfortable to be in because the thermostat is not detecting the proper temperature in the home.

We hope we cleared up a few things about HVAC.  There is so much more inaccurate information out there about how to care for and use your HVAC unit.  If you ever have doubts about any information you hear about HVAC, please call us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!

Now that summer is over and the days and nights are getting cooler, you may be thinking about how nice it would be to have radiant heat flooring.  It’s the perfect time of year to consider this upgrade.  No more walking around on freezing cold floors first thing in the morning.  Let’s look at some positive aspects of radiant heat flooring.

• It heats the room evenly, unlike heating systems like radiators or forced hot air. Since the product covers the entire floor, there are no hot or cold spots in the room where the heat is focused so tightly in one area that other areas seem chilly in comparison the farther you get from a vent or exchange.  Think of radiant heating like the warmth of the sun versus standing in front of a space heater.  Where something like a space heater that heats the air around you, radiant heating actually warms the floors themselves, which then warms the room itself fully and evenly.
• It is set by a thermostat so you have complete control on how warm you want your floors and room. It can also be programmed just as your regular heating system, so no wasted heat while you are not home. 
• Once installed, it is relatively maintenance free. Most radiant heat floors come with a long-term guarantee around 30 years.  When installed properly by a reputable technician, radiant heat flooring very rarely has any issues once completed. 
• Another pro of radiant heat is that it tends to be better for people with allergies because it doesn’t force particles in the air around the room like other forms of heating. With the elimination of duct work and heat exchanges, allergens in the air are reduced, keeping your air cleaner and your family and friends happier.  You can also get rid of allergen capturing carpeting.  With radiant heat floors, your floor will be comfortable to walk on year-round, barefoot.
• It works with all types of flooring. There’s no reason to change your design plan just to add radiant heat.  It also takes up no space!  No ugly radiators to see or worry about burning yourself on and no unsightly heat exchanges on the walls makes radiant heating an easy to incorporate and safe design element.
• Radiant heat is virtually noiseless! How wonderful is that?  Do you hate having to keep the TV remote in had as your heat kicks on and off?  You can forget all about that with radiant heat.  No fans and no blowers make for a practically noiseless heating system.
• Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, radiant heat is energy efficient as there is little to no heat loss with this system. Where traditional heating systems can lose heat out of drafty windows, open doors, and structural leakages, rooms with radiant heat retain nearly all of the heat that is produced.

Radiant heat has so many benefits and we would love to discuss it further with you.  If you’ve ever considered adding radiant heat to your home, have questions about it, or are ready to start talking about an installation, give us a call today!

Summer is coming to a close, the kids are going back to school, temperatures are dropping, and a lot of things in our area are changing.  So, what does this mean for your heating and air conditioning system?  It’s a good time of year to do some routine maintenance before the fall and winter months roll in.  While you may not use your system as much this time of year, it makes it a great time to schedule a maintenance call to have your system inspected.  Better to have your system checked before a minor issue becomes a major one.  As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do on your own to keep your system healthy.

Change your air filters – If you have neglected doing this during the summer, like most of us probably have, do it now.  Spring and summer are prime months for dust and pollen.  A clogged filter means your system is working overtime.  Give your system a breath of fresh air and pop in new filters to keep your system running smooth throughout local summer and into fall. 

Give it a break – During the summer, most of us run around non-stop enjoying every possible moment of the summer months, but while you’re running non-stop, so is your air conditioning unit.  When the evenings start to cool down, think about opening your windows at night and give your ac a break.

Adjust your thermostat – Most households go through a complete schedule change come September so make sure your thermostat gets updated too.  No sense running the unit while no one is home so be sure to make the modifications to the timing and temperature to ensure you are using your system as efficiently as possible.  If you don’t yet have a smart thermostat, it’s a great time to think about it.  Call us today if you have any questions about having one installed.

Schedule a Check Up – While you’re still enjoying the warmth and beauty of summer, fall and winter are on their way.  Don’t wait until it’s too late to make sure your system is healthy and running well.  Scheduling a preventative check up can be a lot less expensive than an emergency repair call and it will save you the headache of having to go any amount of time without heat this winter.

Take a visual and audio inspection – Check the outdoor fan for any blockages.  If there is any damage to the fan or any debris blocking it, it could result in reduced efficiency.  Make sure no bushes or grasses are impeding air flow around your unit and give it a listen to make sure there are no unusual noises.  Strange noises could be an indication something is wrong.

You’re heating and air conditioning unit could use some freshening up as the heat of summer starts to cool.  There are a few things you can do yourself that helps to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently, but for any of the big stuff, give us a call!  We’ll be happy to help answer any questions you might have and we can get your maintenance call scheduled before winter blows in!

First things first, let’s cover HVAC.  This stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.  It covers all the equipment, technologies, and systems that allows you as a homeowner to have control over the temperature and quality of your indoor air.

Air filtration system – Helps to remove allergens, dust, bacteria, and mold from the air.  A filter should be changed on average every 3 months.  Different things will affect how often you need to change your filter such as the presence of pets, occupants with allergies or asthma, and how much your system is in use.

Air flow – Self explanatory to a degree, but this measures the amount of air moving through your system.  It’s important for you to know because reduced air flow can be a major red flag that something may be wrong somewhere within your HVAC system.

BTU – British Thermal Unit; a traditional unit of heat.  It is used in terms of calculating the capacity of an air conditioner and is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

Compressor – This is a part  of the outdoor unit that powers the heat transfer by compressing the refrigerant and pumping it through the system.

Duct – Insulated pipes that run throughout a building that transfer the air from one place to another.

Furnace – This is what generates heat and distributes it through your home using a fan.

SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.  This rates an HVAC systems competence similar to a miles per gallon rating of a car.  It is calculated using the cooling output for an average cooling season divided by the total electric energy input for the same time period.  The more efficient a system is, the higher the SEER rating.

Thermostat – An indoor portion of an HVAC system that allows you to control the temperature.  By setting the temperature and indicating whether you want the temperature to increase or decrease at that degree, you are controlling when your HVAC system turns on.

Zone – Individual sections that can be controlled independently of one another.  Having different zones set up allows you to make your system run more efficiently by reducing the systems use in unoccupied areas.

This is just a basic list of terms, but if you ever have any questions about your HVAC unit, it’s parts, or it’s repair feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!

The Lennox Summer Promotion has been Extended! 

PLUS All financing-only offers are now rebate AND financing offers!!

Updates:

• Extended Summer Program Dates 
  • Sell Between: July 1 – August 31
  • Install By: September 7
  • Claim By: September 21

Lennox is offering a rebate of up to $1,600 on the purchase of any qualifying system. Alternatively, they are also offering a finance option for as low as $116 a month. Why choose Lennox? With a huge selection of energy efficient products and systems, including solar options and tons of smart home products, there’s something for every home and business. They continue to be leaders of the industry by consistently pushing and improving the technology with increased energy efficiency, lower noise levels, and improved air quality. Lennox has been helping people live comfortably for well over a century with reliable, sustainable, durable systems that come with comprehensive warranties. Lennox is a brand you can trust.

As a Lennox Premier Dealer, we’re held to a superior set of standards. You can rest assured that you’ll receive top of the line installation and customer service when you choose to partner with us and Lennox. We are committed to providing you with service and support that surpasses your expectations including offering our customers highly efficient systems from the Dave Lennox Signature Collection. From heating and cooling, to air quality control and zoning, we can help you select the perfect system for you. Need help with changing your filter to keep your system running smoothly and increase indoor air quality? We can help with that! Wondering which thermostat will help you achieve the ideal balance between energy efficiency and total home comfort? Give us a call! Not sure if your system should be repaired or replaced? Our expertly trained technicians can help you decide.

We can help develop a custom Lennox system for your home or business that will keep everyone comfortable and maximizes your investment. The rebate is only available on purchases made from July 1, 2019 through August 9, 2019 so get in touch with us today!

A man in Toms River needs an air conditioning repair company

Summer is here. In a perfect world, you’d coast through the summer without an issue, your air conditioner keeping you cool the entire time, but we don’t live in a perfect world. Problems happen. Fixes are needed.

This isn’t about doom and gloom – most of these issues can be addressed without breaking the bank – it’s about awareness. The more you know about your home or business HVAC, the better off you’ll be, not only because you’ll have a better understanding of what’s wrong, but also so you can cut some problems off at the pass before they become BIG problems.

Here are some of the most common we encounter:

Open Doors & Windows

Believe it or not, a good functioning A/C is about more than just setting your thermostat and forgetting about it. When you run the A/C, be sure your windows and doors are closed. This may seem obvious, but some people enjoy a cool home while still getting an outdoor breeze. The problem is, this puts huge strain on your air conditioner. Either run the A/C or open the windows. One or the other, not both!

Poor Installation

This is one that frustrates us when we show up to service homes and businesses where someone else did the installation. To be clear, most contractors are reputable and we have great respect for our colleagues in the industry. Still, a bad apple slips through now and then. Improper installation of central air can result in poor airflow and leaky ducts, which can make your system inefficient. Other installation issues include not charging the refrigerant properly.

Bad Fuse or Circuit Breaker

Sometimes, the problem isn’t even with your A/C. If your unit stops working, let it cool down for about ten minutes then check your fuses or circuit breaker. Reset them if needed.  You might be surprised, that may be all there is to it!

High-Pressure Limit Switch is Tripped

Here’s another easy one: On extremely hot days when your A/C is working extra hard, sometimes the high-pressure limit switch is tripped. There is a reset button on the compressor’s access panel. Give the system time to cool, then reset. If the problem persists, call a service technician! (And if you’re not sure how to do this, don’t attempt it yourself. You don’t want to cause even bigger problems!)

Electrical System Failure

Wires, terminals, fan controls, and the compressor can wear out over time. This is especially true when your A/C turns on and off a lot. This isn’t an easy fix for most homeowners, but thankfully if this is your issue, a quick service call can usually diagnose the problem.

Refrigerant Leaks

Low refrigerant is not normal. It’s an issue that generally indicates that it was undercharged during installation or, more worrying, that you have a refrigerant leak. Thankfully, these issues are usually simple to diagnose (though not always as easy to repair). A technician can fix leaks and test your system to ensure the fix took.

Poor (or no) Maintenance

When your coils become dirty or blocked, your unit is not going to be as efficient. This can even lead to your compressor or fans failing well before their time. This is why annual maintenance is a must!

Drainage Issues / Condensation Drain Blocked

When the summer months get humid or there are long periods of rain, sometimes the condensate drain can get clogged, making your A/C struggle to maintain cool temperatures, or sometimes not even work at all.

Do you have an issue that needs to be addressed? Give us a call at (732) 244-2880 and we’ll take a look at your system, evaluate it, and tell you how to ensure it runs at peak efficiency.

There is no more escaping it. The weather has turned. Spring is now in full swing. And that means we’ll all be running our air conditioners soon, if we aren’t already.

Keeping the A/C on costs money, of course, and these days it’s important to keep an eye on your household budget, so it’s key to strike a balance between comfort and frugality. This begins with having energy efficient appliances, especially when it comes to your HVAC, but there is more you can do to help trim dollars and cents from your bills and keep your home energy friendly.

Here are some tips anyone can put into practice:

Set Your Thermostat Higher

This one seems obvious, doesn’t it? Yet it’s something that many people won’t even consider. A difference of just a couple of degrees can save you money every month, and the fact of the matter is that you’ll get used to the new temp quickly. By the time a few days pass you won’t even think about it.

Use Programmable Thermostats

Speaking of thermostats, if yours is not programmable, it’s time to upgrade. Programmable thermostats are not expensive – remember, they’re not the same as Smart Home systems – and they can be a huge help in managing your energy use. Set the temp higher for when you’re away or at work, and program it to lower for when you get home. This simple fine-tuning can result in lower bills, and it’s easy to do. Ask us about how to install one!

Ceiling Fans Are Your Secret Weapon

Did you know that according to the Department of Energy, if you use a ceiling fan you can raise the temperature of your home by four degrees without any negative impact on your comfort? Four degrees is a lot when it comes to your energy bills, too! Just remember that ceiling fans don’t cool the room, they cool YOU with moving air currents, so if you’re not going to be in the room, turn off the fan.

Open Your Windows (When You Can)

With how effective modern A/C systems are, it’s often easy to forget Mother’s Nature’s cooling system: the night air. Though it’s not possible during the dog days of summer, on cooler nights consider opening some windows instead of letting your cooling system run all night.

Install More Efficient Windows

Your air conditioner and insulation are not the only things that keep your house cool, nor are they the only things improved by modern technology. Modern windows are significantly more energy efficient than those made in the past and can help save money on your bills. It’s a big up-front investment, but one that will pay for itself over the years.

Have Your Cooling System Maintained & Inspected

Your cooling system is a complex web linked to a piece of machinery that requires some maintenance if you want it to last for as long as possible. That’s why regular A/C inspections and maintenance are essential to not just keeping your home or office cool, but to ensuring your investment is protected and your HVAC works for as long as possible. If yours hasn’t been inspected in a few years, give us a call. You are long overdue!

Do you want to save some money on your cooling bills? Give us a call at (732) 244-2880 and we’ll take a look at your system, evaluate it, and tell you how to ensure it runs at peak efficiency.