Do Air Conditioners Need Professional Service?

Your cooling system has many complex parts, as a vehicle does. It needs maintenance regularly in order to ensure that it works properly. Many utility companies, A/C technicians, and government departments encourage homeowners to schedule regular AC maintenance and tune-ups.

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Why Your Air Conditioner Needs Servicing

Dirt and dust can build up in your AC system over time, causing the condenser coils to become dusty. This can cause the system to run less efficiently and develop various problems, such as producing unpleasant odors. Even when the air conditioner is turned off during the winter months, serious mechanical and electrical issues still occur.

Neglecting the maintenance of your air conditioner can cause safety problems as well. A/C equipment that is allowed to degrade can create sparks and trigger a fire in your home. In addition, dirt from the A/C system can spread contaminants throughout the house such as mold spores and allergens. It can also cause serious electrical problems in other parts of the building.

Frequency Of Scheduling An AC Tune-Up

Most A/C technicians advise homeowners to schedule AC tune-ups at least once a year, and that this is scheduled during the spring months. Spring maintenance allows the technician to fix any problems that occurred during the winter months and to ensure that the system is clean and ready for use for the summertime. However, if you have not scheduled a tune-up yet, you can still enjoy the benefits. Summer is not too late to schedule one. A professional tune-up should include a complete inspection and a thorough cleaning of the unit.

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The Tune-up Process

When servicing the air conditioning unit, the HVAC technician will clean the condenser coils and vents to examine them for any rust or dirt. They will also inspect the other components, including the motor, drain, and other connections to ensure that the unit is working properly. The technician will also perform any necessary repairs to the system.

Benefits Of A Tune-up

Having a yearly tune-up performed on your AC is a good investment because it can lower your electric bills. In fact, homeowners who service their AC every year spend on average one-sixth less money on their energy bills. It also helps your air conditioner to last longer so that it can cool your home for many years to come.

Even minor AC system problems can end up costing a homeowner hundreds of dollars for repairs. During an annual tune-up, these repairs are easily fixed. A skilled technician can identify mechanical problems before they become too serious. For example, clearing a clogged drain during a routine inspection is not expensive to fix. However, the problem could cause major damage if left unaddressed.

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AC Tune-up Tewksbury Township NJ

In conclusion, don’t neglect to have your air conditioning system serviced every year. A tune-up is a worth-while investment because it will help you to extend the life of your AC unit and lower your electricity costs. It also helps to prevent equipment failure in the hot summer months when you need the system the most and technicians become busy. In addition, ensure that you hire an HVAC contractor who is properly licensed.

Skylands Energy offers trusted heating and A/C services. All of our technicians are NATE certified which means that they have the highest training available in the HVAC industry. Furthermore, we have experience with all makes and models of HVAC systems so we will be able to properly maintain, repair, or install any heater or air conditioner in your home or business. Our work is always friendly, professional, and highly affordable. We aim to build long lasting customer relationships by providing positive customer experiences. Be sure to call us today to schedule an appointment for your air conditioner.

Call Now: (908) 707-1776

We service Annandale NJ 08801, Califon NJ 07830, Changewater NJ 07831, Clinton NJ 08809, Glen Gardner NJ 08826, Hampton NJ 08827, High Bridge NJ 08829, Lebanon NJ 08833, Long Valley NJ 07853, Oldwick NJ 08858, Port Murray NJ 07865, Pottersville NJ 07979, Schooleys Mountain NJ 07870, Washington NJ 07882, and surrounding areas.

Skylands Energy is proud to be an authorized dealer for reputable manufacturers like Thermo Pride, Heil, and Mitsubishi. These brands offer high quality equipment in the heating and cooling industry. By carrying such a designation from brands like these, you know that Skylands Energy offers their customers excellent services. To learn more about Thermo Pride, click here. To learn more about Heil, click here. Learn more about our Mitsubishi product line by clicking here.

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

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8 Importance Maintenance Tasks For Your Air Conditioner

If you want your air conditioner to perform efficiently and safely, regular maintenance is necessary. Schedule regular maintenance checks to prevent an expensive, inconvenient break down during the hot summer months. Below are 8 beneficial air conditioning maintenance tasks that you should practice to keep your unit running properly.

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#1 Filter Replacement

You should get into the habit of checking your air filters every 30 days. When they look dirty, replace them. Replace the filters every 90 days whether they are dirty or not. When you replace your filters when necessary, it improves the air quality in the home. Also, replacing the filters will extend the life of your unit and it can cut energy costs by up to two-fifths.

#2 Use Quality Filters

When shopping for filters, buy filters for their quality and not their cost. It is best to choose pleated or baffled filters manufactured by reputable brands. In order to intercept the smallest particles, go with an electrostatic filter. If there is someone in your home who suffers from asthma or another type of respiratory issue, HEPA filters are the best. Finally, to save money, buy multi-pack filters.

#3 Indoor Cleaning

If you want your air conditioner to run as efficiently as possible, you should get into the habit of cleaning the vents inside of the home. Any dust or debris that has built up in the vents will decrease the unit’s efficiency and it has a negative effect on the air quality in the home. It is best to do this once a month. Since you need to check your filters once a month, you can clean the vents at the same time.

#4 Open The Air Vents

It is a good idea to keep four out of five on the air vents open. If possible, keep all of them open. Many people believe that shutting the vents will save on energy. Actually, when you close too many of the vents, it puts more strain on the system. This results in higher energy bills. Also, keeping the vents closed makes the unit work harder which leads to premature breakdowns. In the end, keeping the vents closed will cost you more money rather than saving you money.

 

#5 Outdoor Cleaning

It is a good idea to check the outdoor A/C unit once a week. You should check both sides of the unit as well as the top. If there are any bushes, leaves, sticks, grass, pollen, or dead insects stuck to the unit, be sure to remove them. This type of routine maintenance allows the air to flow freely. Also, when the obstructions are removed, the unit will work much more efficiently.

#6 Ensure Adequate Clearance

It is important that you don’t plant, store, or park anything within 24 inches of your outdoor air conditioning unit. For example, trees should not be planted too close or you shouldn’t park your bike in this area. If you already have a tree planted and it is overgrowing too close to the unit, be sure to trim it regularly.

#7 Yearly Air Conditioner Tune-Ups

One of the most important things that you should do for your air conditioning unit is to schedule an appointment for an A/C tune-up every spring. A regular checkup will make your unit run more efficiently. Therefore, by making these appointments, you can reduce your energy bill by up to one-sixth.

A regular tune-up will also help extend the life of your air conditioning system. On average, your unit will last between 7 and 8 years longer than had you not had annual tune-ups. If you forgot to schedule your tune-up in the spring, you can still reap the benefits by making the appointment during the summer. Always make sure that you hire a reputable heating and cooling expert to conduct all maintenance on your unit.

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#8 Safety Devices

While air conditioning units are safe, a faulty unit can spark a fire or release carbon monoxide, which is deadly. To make sure your home and everyone inside is safe, replace the batteries in your smoke alarm and CO alarm each time you change your clocks for daylight savings time. At the beginning of the summer, test your devices to be sure that they are working.

AC Tune-Up Bernardsville NJ

While properly maintaining your A/C unit may require some effort and some expense, it will save you time and money in the long run. When your air conditioning unit is running properly, it will keep working all summer long and it will keep your family comfortable and healthy. Finally, if you think that is something wrong with your unit, you should contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible.

Skylands Energy is a name known for offering professional and trusted heating and cooling services. We have been in the industry for quite some time which means that we have an extensive amount of experience and knowledge to get the job done well. Our work is always friendly, professional, and highly affordable. We aim to build long lasting customer relationships by providing honest and ethic services to all of our customers. Be sure to call us today to schedule an appointment for your air conditioner.

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We service Basking Ridge NJ 07920, Bedminster NJ 07921, Bernardsville NJ 07924, Brookside NJ 07926, Far Hills NJ 07931, Gladstone NJ 07934, Liberty Corner NJ 07938, Lyons NJ 07939, Mendham NJ 07945, Millington NJ 07946, Mount Freedom NJ 07970, New Vernon NJ 07976, Peapack NJ 07977, and surrounding areas.

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Skylands Energy is proud to be an authorized dealer for brands likeThermo Pride, Heil, and Mitsubishi. These manufacturers are known for offering top quality equipment in the heating and cooling industry. By carrying such a designation from high quality HVAC brands like these, you know that Skylands Energy offers their customers excellent services. To learn more about Thermo Pride, click here. To learn more about Heil, click here. Learn more about our Mitsubishi product line by clicking here.

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

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What Homeowners Should Know About Water Heater Leaks

According to the Insurance Information Institute, between 2010 and 2014, homeowners spent over $7,958 to repair water damage. In many cases, the water damage was caused by unresolved leaks that went unattended for a considerable period of time. Surprisingly enough, some of those leaks were associated with water heaters.

Because of this, it is very important that you contact a licensed plumber as soon as you notice that your water heater is leaking. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common issues associated with leaking water heaters.

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Excess Pressure

When there is excess pressure inside your water tank, it results in a leak. When the pressure builds up, it causes the tank wall to fail. It can also cause a failure in the water connection points. These problems occur if the pressure relief valve in the water heater is not working as expected. There are a couple of reasons why pressure can build up in the tank. If you set the water temperature too high, the pressure builds too much. Also, if the water is pumped at a high pressure, it will build up in the tank.

Water Inlet And Outlet Connections

If the connections of the water inlets or outlets fail, it results in a leak. Since most people keep their water heaters hidden in the basement or in a closet, it is hard to tell if there is a water inlet or outlet that is leaking. Because of this, you need to check for loose connections often. When you see that anything is loose, tighten the connection with a pipe wrench before it starts to leak. If an entire pipe section needs to be replaced, it is best to contact a licensed plumber. According to professionals in the industry, whenever a pressurized container needs repair or maintenance, only a licensed professional needs to address it. If you were to trying to make the plumbing repairs yourself and it is not done properly, it causes serious problems, including an explosion.

Drain Valve

The drain valve on your water heater is another common source of leaks. Because the valve is located at the bottom of the water tank, it is tricky to determine whether or not it is the source of the leak. This is why it is best to hire a licensed plumber.

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Condensation

The condensation that forms on the walls of a water heater can drip water onto the floor. This will lead you to believe that there is a leak. Luckily, this is a problem that you can solve yourself. You just need to wipe down the water heater and the floor. If condensation is forming on your water heater, it doesn’t mean that it is malfunctioning. It just means that there is a substantial difference in temperature between the inside and the outside of the water heater. Once common reason that this occurs is when cold water runs through the tank and the temperature around it is high.

The Tank Is Old

Over time, water heaters rust and erode. This results in a water leak. The best fix for this problem is to replace the old tank with a new one. It is best to replace the old tank with one that complies with energy efficiency standards and regulations, such as Energy Star products. Replacing an old heater will also help you financially. Old water heaters tend to use much more energy. This results in high energy bills. Also, old tanks require more maintenance and costly repairs. Finally, most states offer tax credits for homeowners who replace their old water heaters with energy efficient ones. This can also be a huge money saver.

 

Water Heater Repair Bridgewater NJ

When a water heating system leaks, repair it immediately in order to prevent any further leakage. The most common causes of water tank leaks are:

• pressure buildup
• failure of the inlet/outlet connections
• condensation

Because repairing or installing a new water heater on your own can be dangerous, it is a good idea that you hire a licensed plumber. Be sure to work with experienced and certified plumbers that can get your water heater in order quickly, efficiently, and affordably.

Skylands Energy offers expert plumbing services. All of our plumbers are certified and have many years of experience in their field. Whenever you notice that you have a plumbing issue, such as a leaking water heater, give us a call to schedule an appointment. All of our plumbing services are friendly, professional, and highly skilled. We are a local, family owned company that is known for its high quality services.

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We service Bound Brook NJ 08805, Bridgewater NJ 08807, Manville NJ 08835, Martinsville NJ 08836, Pluckemin NJ 07978, Raritan NJ 08869, Somerville NJ 08876, Zarephath NJ 08890, and surrounding areas.

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A Programmable Thermostat Can Help You Save On Energy Costs

Did you know that your home heating and cooling expenses are accounting for up to half of your annual energy bill? In fact, the average household in America spends over $1,500 on their energy bills. However, you can save money. You can do this by getting yourself a programmable thermostat. Before you get one, here’s a few tips to consider.

Find Out How It Works

The Lawrence Berkeley National Lab discovered that over half of Americans don’t change their thermostat’s default settings. If they do, it is changed infrequently. Apparently, they don’t know how to do it. This is why they rarely or never change the settings. This is surprising because manuals and guides usually come with the thermostats. Additionally, you can just go on the internet and look up tutorials on different programmable thermostats. Unless you are 100% sure about how your thermostat works, then you won’t be able to save money on energy expenses. You can avoid this by finding out exactly how it works.

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The Thermostat’s Energy Saving Mode

If nobody is going to be in the home at certain times of the day, then set the thermostat to go back to energy saving mode. For example, dial down your programmable thermostat when you are going to be away from your house for hours at end. Do the same thing when night arrives. Adjust the thermostat by 5-8 degrees and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying lower energy bills.

The Hold Or Vacation Features

Use the hold and vacation feature properly, especially if you’re going to away for a long period of time. Energy Star mentioned that using this feature to regularly manage your energy consumption can actually lead to energy inefficiencies. If you want to avoid this issue, then set your thermostat a few degrees lower when you’re gone in the winter. In the summer, set the thermostat a few degrees higher. On the weekends, go ahead and use the hold or vacation feature, but only if nobody is going to be home.

Avoid Temperature Swings

Avoiding extreme temperature swings can can help you save on energy. Plus, continuously adjusting the temperature won’t cool your home or heat it up any faster. What you want to do is pay attention to how your thermostat is performing and make adjustments only when needed. By paying attention to this, you’ll know what is the best way to heat or cool your home in the shortest period of time.

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Checkups

Inspect your thermostat regularly. If the batteries are dying, then replace them. Doing little things like that can play a role in keeping your heating and cooling expenses at bay.

Multiple Heating & Cooling Zones

Most households only have one thermostat. However, you can install more than one programmable thermostat if you want to save money on energy costs. This is because it creates cooling and heating zones within your home. This allows you to heat or cool the home more accurately. Just make sure you hire a professional to install any extra programmable thermostats.

 

Programmable Thermostat Raritan NJ

You can manage your energy consumption with a programmable thermostat. You could save well over a hundred dollars per year with the right programmable thermostat. If you keep the above tips in mind and implement them, then you could end up saving a significant amount of money on your energy costs.

Skylands Energy offers professional HVAC services. It is important to us to provide our customers with service that prioritizes their customer experience. Our high quality work, professionalism, and affordable prices are just some of the ways that we do this. Be sure to call us today to schedule an appointment to install your programmable thermostat. Also, if you haven’t scheduled an AC tune-up, it is not too late. We offer trusted, honest, and skilled air conditioning services.

We service Bridgewater NJ 08807, Flagtown NJ 08821, Hillsborough NJ 08844, Manville NJ 08835, Martinsville NJ 08836, Pluckemin NJ 07978, Raritan NJ 08869, Somerville NJ 08876, Zarephath NJ 08890, and surrounding areas.

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Skylands Energy is proud to be an authorized dealer for Thermo Pride, Heil, and Mitsubishi. These brands offer the best HVAC equipment in the industry. By carrying such a designation from high quality brands like these, you know that, when you work with Skylands Energy, you are getting some of best heating and cooling contractors available. To learn more about Thermo Pride, click here. To learn more about Heil, click here. Learn more about our Mitsubishi product line by clicking here.

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How To Find The Right HVAC Technician

Your heating and cooling system requires regular maintenance and periodic checkups. Therefore, it is important that you find a skilled air conditioner technician. If you are like most owners, you might find it difficult to find an AC technician. Before you hire a technician to maintain your air conditioning system, there are a few things that you should consider first.

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Training And Certification

In order for an A/C technician to be qualified to service your unit, they need to have completed an industry specific training program. They should also have a relevant certification from a reputable organization. It is important that you understand that the necessary certifications vary depending on the state that you live in. It is important that you know the standards and regulations that apply in your state.

One certification that is necessary for all states is through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This requirement is under the Clean Air Act section 608. It requires that all technicians who repair, maintain, or dispose of equipment containing refrigerant must take an EPA certification exam. It is best to look for a technician who is NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified. These technicians come the most highly recommended. Most training programs last from 6 months to two years. Finally, you should hire a technician who is in compliance with the state’s insurance coverage requirements.

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Continuing Education

It is best to hire a technician who has continued their education. If you are working with a technician who isn’t always staying up to date when it comes to the new technology, they might not be able to repair and maintain your equipment. The most common challenges in the industry is the ioT (Internet-of-Things). The IoT has made it possible for homeowners to control their air conditioner over the internet, often through an app on their mobile phone. Continuing education programs cover all of the recent applications in the HVAC industry. A technician who continues their education would be able to stay up to date with the industry’s needs and requirements.

Experience

It is a good idea to work with an HVAC technician who has several years experience. Depending on the state that you live in, HVAC techs would need to work for a certain period of time before they can get the necessary license. It is usually better to work with a full-time HVAC tech rather than a part-time contractor. A contractor can say that they have been working for 10 years, however, if those 10 years were only part-time hours, they wouldn’t have as much experience as an HVAC tech that has been working full time for 5 years.

Expertise

It is important to understand that expertise is different than experience. Expertise is the technician’s skill and capability and it varies based on the technician. The best way to be sure that you are hiring a technician with expertise is to ask friends, family members, or co-workers for recommendations. If you don’t know anyone with an HVAC system, you can check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB gives businesses letter grades based on their quality of service. The only problem with hiring an expert is that they will charge more than other HVAC technicians. It is important to understand that you get what you paid for. If you hired the cheapest HVAC tech you can find, you could end up paying to have the same job done twice.

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Reputation

It is important that you hire an HVAC tech with an excellent reputation. When you contact the technician, you should pay attention to:

• communication skills
• professionalism
• attention to detail
• honesty

Since you will likely be using the same HVAC tech for years, you want to develop a trusting relationship. To find an HVAC technician with a good reputation, you can check with the Better Business Bureau or you can check on of the many review sites online.

 

Air Conditioner Repair Neshanic Station NJ

Many homeowners look for HVAC techs by comparing prices. This should not be your biggest consideration. Before you look at the HVAC company‘s cost, be sure to look at other factors first. You should consider the tech’s reputation, their expertise, their training and certification, their training, and continuing education. When you focus on these things before the cost, you can be sure that you are getting a highly qualified HVAC tech.

Skylands Eneregy offers trusted heating and cooling services. We have been in the industry for quite some time and since then, we have provided our customers with service that prioritizes the customer experience. We do this by providing high quality work, excellent customer service, and affordable prices. Be sure to call us today to schedule an appointment for your air conditioner. We offer trusted, honest, and skilled air conditioning services.

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We service Belle Mead NJ 08502, Flagtown NJ 08821, Flemington NJ 08822, Hillsborough NJ 08844, Neshanic Station NJ 08853, Raritan NJ 08869, Readington NJ 08870, Stanton NJ 08885, Three Bridges NJ 08887, Whitehouse NJ 08888, Whitehouse Station NJ 08889, and surrounding towns in Warren County, Union County, and Somerset County.

Skylands Energy is proud to be an authorized dealer for Thermo Pride, Heil, and Mitsubishi. These brands are known for offering the best HVAC equipment in the heating and cooling industry. By carrying such a designation from high quality brands like these, you know that, when you hire Skylands Energy, you are getting some of best contractors available. To learn more about Thermo Pride, click here. To learn more about Heil, click here. Learn more about our Mitsubishi product line by clicking here.

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

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