R22 Phaseout: AC Repair vs Upgrade Considerations

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The Importance Of Properly Installed And Efficient Insulation In The Attic

Many people don’t think about your home’s insulation until the temperature starts to drop. They start feeling cold drafts in the house. It is important to have efficient, properly installed insulation during the winter. Likewise, it is equally as important to have it during the summer. While the insulation keeps the cold air out during the winter, it will also keep the hot air out during the summer.

Most people forget about the insulation in their home because they never see it. When it comes to insulation, out of sight, out of mind, is more than just a saying. It is a reality. One very important place to have properly installed insulation is in the attic. When the attic is not insulated properly, it puts more wear and tear on the home’s central AC system. The air conditioning unit will need to work overtime.  To be sure that your attic is sufficiently insulated, spring is the best time to find out. This will ensure that your home is properly cooled during the hot summer months.

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Why Should You Insulate Your Attic?

When you have little or no insulation in your attic, you are actually throwing money away. Most homeowners use their attic for storage. Therefore, they think that it doesn’t need to be insulated. These homeowners are wrong. A properly ventilated and insulated attic allows the homeowner to control the temperature. It also controls the moisture levels in the home all year long.

Typically, your heating and cooling bill accounts for more than half of your home’s energy costs. Since most of the heating and cooling loss happens in the attic, it is important to have it properly insulated. Make sure that your attic’s insulation is effective. This means checking the condition and the R-Value of the existing insulation. At least 20 percent of the cooled or heated air escapes through an improperly insulated attic.

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Check The R-Value Of Existing Insulation

The best way to be sure that your existing insulation is effective is by checking the R-Value of the insulation. The R-Value measures the insulation’s ability to resist the transfer of heat. While you can check the R-Value on your own, professionals work with insulation every day. Therefore, they can quickly and easily check the R-Values. It is important to understand that when the insulation is old, sparse, or missing, it will greatly reduce the R-Value.

Your insulation would need to have an R-Value of at least 30 to be effective. Attics with blown-in insulation need to have at least 8.5 inches of material covering the attic floor. The R-Value of your insulation is cumulative. This means that if you install new insulation over the existing insulation, it will increase the R-Value. While you are doing this, you should also reinforce the insulation around the doors, windows, and any other openings.

While you are in the attic checking the insulation, check the duct work. Wrap your ductwork with insulation to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.

 

Air Conditioning Maintenance Hackettstown NJ

Checking the integrity of your insulation and the R-Value of the insulation is very important. It reduces your energy bills but also protects your air conditioning system. When the unit does not need to work too hard to keep your home cool, it will last longer and require fewer repairs. Properly installed and properly functioning installation will keep the hot air out. This gives the air conditioning unit a bit of a rest. To protect your AC unit even further,  schedule an annual air conditioning tune-up. Doing so ensures that everything is running properly.

For trusted and professional air conditioner services, be sure to contact Skylands Energy. We offer affordable cooling and heating services which enhance the comfort of a home. It also is a great way to reduce heating and cooling costs. At this time of year, it is important to schedule an air conditioner tune-up. This will ensure that your cooling system runs properly throughout the hot weather. Call us today to schedule an appointment. Skylands Energy also offers many other home comfort services. Click here to learn more.

We service Allamuchy NJ 07820, Budd Lake NJ 07828, Flanders NJ 07836, Great Meadows NJ 07838, Hackettstown NJ 07840, Long Valley NJ 07853, Port Murray NJ 07865, Schooleys Mountain NJ 07870, Vienna NJ 07880, and surrounding towns in Warren County, Union County, and Somerset County.

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Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!

The post The Importance Of Properly Installed And Efficient Insulation In The Attic appeared first on Skylands Energy.

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Tiny Houses Are All The Rage, How About In NJ?

You’ve probably seen tiny houses in magazines, on the internet, and even around town. After all, these little houses have become all the rage. When they first came on the alternative housing scene, most people probably wrote them off as a cute novelty. They didn’t actually take the idea seriously. However, as time goes on, the benefits of living in a tiny house can start to make sense.

Is A Tiny House Right For You?

Some people have lived in a traditional home for many years. They have successfully downsized and switched their high mortgage, utility and maintenance costs for a modest house. Their home is smaller than most people’s living room. Of course, this type of lifestyle might not be for everyone. However, if you’re looking for a way to reduce costs and you are comfortable making do with the bare minimum, a tiny house might be just right for you.

Another important consideration when deciding whether you’d like to downsize into a tiny house is where you live. Are you planning on living in your tiny house year-round? If you live in a cold weather climate, such as New Jersey, it’s important that you prepare your tiny house for the winter. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to take a great deal of effort to ensure your tiny house will provide the warmth and comfort you need, even on a cold winter night.

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Heating And Cooling A Tiny Home

Of course, it’s not just the cold that you’ll need to worry about. New Jersey tiny homeowners need to also consider the summer heat. The right heating and cooling system is important in order to feel comfortable in your tiny house.

A typical central air conditioner and furnace certainly are not going to fit in the limited space you have available. You’ll need to consider other options. One of the best options for heating and cooling a tiny house is a ductless system. Not only are ductless systems extremely energy efficient, but they are also eco-friendly.

 

Refrigerant

Many older air conditioning systems use a coolant or R-22 refrigerant to produce cool air. However, this type of cooling system is not eco-friendly. Additionally, if the air conditioner uses a coolant that contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), like R-22 refrigerant, you have another concern. According to the EPA, HCFC-22 or R-22 refrigerant will no longer be produced or imported in the U.S. as of 2020. HCFCs have been shown to be ozone depleting substances (ODS), and as such, are a Class II regulated substance. This can be a problem for anyone owning a cooling system that requires R-22 once the ban goes into effect.

Learn More About The R-22 Phase Out

 

 

Benefits Of A Ductless System

A ductless system will provide the heating and cooling you need for your tiny house. It can also lower your carbon footprint while improving indoor air quality. This type of system is also quick and easy to install. Tiny house owners will appreciate the fact that a ductless system provides quiet operation, so you won’t have to put up with annoying noise from your heating and cooling system. This is a major contrast with window units and many center HVAC systems.

Other important benefits of ductless systems include their space saving advantages as well as energy saving benefits. When you have a tiny house, space is at a premium. Fortunately, ductless systems are very space friendly. The only part you’ll have in your house is the indoor unit with its sleek profile. This indoor unit can be mounted anywhere that allows access to an electrical outlet. With the condenser located outside of your tiny house, you won’t have to worry about it taking up valuable space. Additionally, because ductless systems are extremely energy efficient, you’ll be able to keep heating and cooling costs as low as possible.

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Tiny Houses NJ

When considering a tiny house in New Jersey, make sure that it is equipped with a heating and cooling system that can handle the changing seasons. Of course, you’ll need to consider energy efficiency, operating costs, as well as space requirements when choosing the right heating and cooling system for your tiny house. Be sure to talk to a certified HVAC contractor to discuss your needs.

Skylands Energy offers affordable and trusted heating and cooling services services. This includes maintenance, repair, and new HVAC equipment installations, including ductless systems. Be sure to contact us today to speak with one of our specialists.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!

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How Long Does Central Air Conditioning Refrigerant Last?

As the weather gets warmer, the need for air conditioning is becoming an absolute necessity to stay comfortable at all times. To ensure that you’re always cool, it is necessary to properly maintain your HVAC system. Your system will need to be inspected, tuned up, and parts will need to be replaced. One thing that many homeowners wonder is how long their central AC refrigerant will last. Here is an overview, which explains the answer to this common question.

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How Long Does Refrigerant Last?

In most cases, refrigerant in a central air conditioning should last for the life of the system. As long as your HVAC system is kept in good working order, you should never have to worry about replenishing it. Central air conditioning systems are sealed, which prevents any coolant from escaping. The refrigerant is simply reused over and over again.

Refrigerant Leaks

In other cases, the amount of time your AC coolant will last depends on various factors. First of all, if your HVAC system has not been inspected and isn’t in good condition, it could develop a leak. If a leak is present, the refrigerant will simply leak out as soon as it is replaced. So, the coolant will last no more than a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the leak. There may also be more than one leak, which could cause the refrigerant to disappear sooner.

As your system ages, leaks become almost inevitable, unless you’re meticulous about upkeep. The sooner potential leaks are found, the less money you’ll lose replenishing coolant. However, when you fail to have an HVAC professional find and repair your leak and you simply add more coolant instead, you will quickly lose money. This is because the system’s coolant will become depleted in a short period of time.

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How To Prevent Leaks

There are ways to prevent leaks in your system. Aside from having it inspected and serviced every year, there are other precautions to take. One is to enclose your unit inside a fence. This will keep animals away from the unit, as animals could cause damage. It is especially important to keep dogs away from your unit, because if they urinate on or near the unit, damage could ensue. Dog urine is acidic and could potentially disintegrate the coils of your AC unit. This situation leads to leaks and other potentially costly damage.

Another way to prevent, or at least minimize leaks, is to invest in a unit with aluminum coils as opposed to copper. Extensive research has been performed on the longevity of both materials. It was discovered that aluminum has the ability to withstand the corrosion that can occur as a result of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is present in HVAC systems. On the other hand, copper corrodes much faster. Corrosion can wreak havoc on your unit, and of course the more corrosion that is present, the more holes you will have. The more holes you will have, the more the coolant will leak out, preventing your system from properly cooling your home or office.

 

Central Air Conditioning Repair Somerville NJ

Not everyone can afford to upgrade their AC systems if their current system has copper or may have leaks. Yet, as long as you properly care for your system, you can drastically decrease your chances of ever having to replenish your refrigerant. This means you need to have your air conditioner serviced by an AC professional every spring. Central air conditioning system refrigerant is supposed to last for the lifetime of the system. Therefore, keeping your unit in tip-top condition will ensure that you will never have to waste money replacing lost refrigerant.

Skylands Energy offers affordable and trusted air conditioner services including tune-ups, air conditioning repairs, and other HVAC services. Be sure to contact us today to speak with one of our specialists.

We service Bound Brook NJ 08805, Bridgewater NJ 08807, Flagtown NJ 08821, Hillsborough NJ 08844, Manville NJ 08835, Martinsville NJ 08836, Middlesex NJ 08846, Pluckemin NJ 07978, Raritan NJ 08869, Somerville NJ 08876, South Bound Brook NJ 08880, Zarephath NJ 08890, and surrounding areas.

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Call For Service: (908) 707-1776

Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!

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Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

One of the worst problems that can happen on a hot and humid summer day is to turn on your central cooling system, only to find that it is blowing hot air. If the conditions are really stifling or if you have health issues, that problem can become an emergency. Before you fly into utter panic, however, understand that there are many reasons why your cooling system is blowing hot air. In some cases, it is resolved easily. Some issues you can take care of by yourself. Others, however, will need the expertise of a professional to resolve. Here are some of the most common reason why your unit may not be cooling properly.

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Check The Thermostat

If the air coming out of ducts, when the fan is blowing, is just slightly warm or simply not cool, check your thermostat settings. Homeowners often forget to change their settings over to the A/C side after winter. If you turn the unit on when the switch is flipped to heat, the unit will automatically blow warm air to maintain the temperature. Some thermostats also flip easily when bumped into, also causing a problem. Make a note to yourself and put it somewhere visible to ensure that you switch the mode to cool at the proper time.

In addition, check the temperature setting. If it’s too high, your unit may also blow warm air. If your fan is set to “on” instead of “auto,” the unit will blow air continuously, even when the cooling system isn’t on. This setting can also cause the unit to blow warm air.

Is Your Air Filter Dirty?

When was the last time you changed you air filter? The purpose of the AC’s  air filter is to remove dirt from your environment. When it is clogged with too much dirt, air can’t move through it properly. A dirty air filter won’t cause warm air to blow, but it will significantly reduce your unit’s ability to cool.

Another thing that a dirty filter will do is cause the A/C condenser to freeze up. Some newer high-efficiency filters can also cause a unit to freeze.

What Happens If The A/C Freezes?

Yes, your air conditioner can blow hot air if the condenser coil is frozen solid. When this happens, it blocks cool air from flowing into the system. Instead of cool air, you are feeling the heat from the motor. Frozen condensers happen when condensation builds up on extremely hot days and you turn your unit on the highest setting. When your condenser freezes, turn off the entire unit and let it thaw. Try turning it on after several hours. If the unit freezes again, you’ll need professional help from an HVAC contractor.

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Refrigerant Leaks

Another common cause for A/C units to malfunction is refrigerant leaks. Often, you won’t see the leak. Usually, there isn’t an exact reason for the leak, but you’ll need a professional to remedy the situation. Typical problems include poor assembly and worn valves. Heavy usage can also cause a leak. To prevent this problem from happening, make sure your cooling system has an annual air conditioner tune-up each and every year.

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Faulty Compressor

The compressor’s job is to take refrigerant from the evaporator and turn it into high-pressure gas. This gas then goes to the condenser. When the compressor doesn’t operate as it should, the whole unit will fail. The most common reasons for compressor failure include:

• electrical problems
• refrigerant returning to the compressor
• overheating

Other Problems

A number of other problems can cause your air conditioner to blow hot air. These include a blown breaker switch, faulty wiring, condenser issues, and compressor problems. Make sure you have a reliable heating and cooling expert come out to diagnose the problem.

 

AC Blowing Hot Air Somerville NJ

Skylands Energy specializes in HVAC system services. If your A/C is blowing hot air, then give us a call. One of our NATE certified cooling experts will accurately diagnose the problem and get your cooling system operating correctly again. Our services are always affordable, professional, and friendly. For a complete list of our home services, click here. Be sure to contact us today to speak with one of our specialists.

We service Bound Brook NJ 08805, Bridgewater NJ 08807, Flagtown NJ 08821, Hillsborough NJ 08844, Manville NJ 08835, Martinsville NJ 08836, Middlesex NJ 08846, Pluckemin NJ 07978, Raritan NJ 08869, Somerville NJ 08876, South Bound Brook NJ 08880, Zarephath NJ 08890, and surrounding areas.

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Call For Service: (908) 707-1776

Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!

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Schedule An AC Tune-Up Before The Heat Arrives

As a homeowner, you should seriously consider taking care of your heating and air-conditioning system. Have you considered maintenance and an AC tune-up? This will keep your system running for years. An HVAC system requires professional care on an annual basis. A heater needs to be tuned up in the fall, right before the winter commences. An air conditioner needs to be inspected before the heat settles in. In this article, we will cover some of the main reasons why now is the best time to schedule an AC tune-up.

Schedule A Tune-Up 

Now Is A Good Time

Your home’s air conditioning system requires maintenance. You need to have your home’s air conditioner checked out after the winter passes and the spring arrives. Be sure to call a reputable air conditioning technician. It’s a quick and simple process. Finding simple issues will help prevent serious problems down the road. Another benefit to scheduling before it gets really hot is that you’ll beat the high demand that usually comes with the hotter summer months.

For most HVAC technicians, it’s often not a surprise to find that cleanliness is the biggest culprit that leads to bigger issues. Regular preventative maintenance, something as simple as changing out air filters, is one of the most important factors to keeping your air conditioner operating safely and efficiently. Homeowners can accomplish this task on their own. It enhances energy efficiency. Efficiency saves you money each month and who doesn’t like paying cheaper energy bills? Although some preventative care tasks can be completed by the homeowners, not all AC maintenance tasks can be carried out by them alone.

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Not A DIY Job

An air conditioning tune-up is better left to qualified technicians. Comprehensive HVAC services require specific knowledge and training in order to properly detect issues. It also verifies that the unit is running at peak performance. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can actually do harm to your system. You can also potentially create a dangerous situation if you attempt an air conditioner tune-up on your own.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

A trained HVAC professional knows what he’s looking for and will take the time to thoroughly inspect your system from top to bottom. This is ow they ensure that your system is running properly. You’ll get the best cleaning and maintenance tips. This is great preventative care as he’ll search for signs of wear and tear in the process.

What To Expect During An Annual A/C Tune-Up

An annual A/C tune-up will often provide a special cleaning solution to clean out the air conditioning unit. This includes its parts such as the motor, coils and the entire system. The build-up of dirt and grease can weigh down and severely impact a unit and its moving parts. This is why its so important to get a yearly tune up and cleaning. It is a great way to extend the life of your unit.

When you do get an air conditioning tune-up, the technician performs the following:

• Inspect the AC system and its components.
• Clean and drain the condensation lines if needed.
• Clean the unit’s coils, including the evaporator and condenser.
• Replace the air filter.
• Add a lubricant to the unit’s moving mechanical parts. This helps them perform better.
• Inspect the unit’s duct work thoroughly, looking for gaps and then point out potential issues to the homeowner.
• Check out the AC unit’s controls, including the thermostat and wiring. The technician should also provide a summary of this inspection and communicate any issues to the homeowner.
• Check any pressure levels and fluid levels, if needed.

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Air Conditioner Tune-up Rahway NJ

Skylands Energy offers affordable and trusted air conditioner tune-ups. This will help reduce your energy costs throughout the summer. Furthermore, a tune-up really helps your AC system maintain your home at a comfortable temperature level when you need it the most. Be sure to contact us today to speak with one of our specialists.

We service Avenel NJ 07001, Carteret NJ 07008, Clark NJ 07066, Colonia NJ 07067, Cranford NJ 07016, Garwood NJ 07027, Iselin NJ 08830, Linden NJ 07036, Port Reading NJ 07064, Rahway NJ 07065, Roselle NJ 07203, Sewaren NJ 07077, Woodbridge NJ 07095, and surrounding areas in New Jersey.

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Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!

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