Staying warm in winter is a basic need that all creatures share, but you can also use winterizing projects around the house to help save yourself some money. Keeping warmer and saving money doesn’t have to cost a lot either. Here are four ways you can stay warm and keep money in the bank. [Read more…]
The Importance of a Properly Installed Heating and Cooling System
You have finally decided to replace your antiquated heating and cooling system with a brand-new, high-efficiency model, so you start the search for a local company that is willing to do the job. The first contractor you talk to promises to have your system up and ready in a day or two, which sounds too good to be true. While technically possible, heating and cooling system installation can be complicated, and the last thing you want is to pay a ton of money for a system that does not work properly. For superior indoor comfort all year round, you need to find a professional technician with the knowledge and skills to do the job right. It is important to be aware of what to expect during the installation process, so take a look at this handy guide to ensure that your new system will sufficiently meet your heating and cooling needs.
What to expect prior to installation
It takes skill to design and install a heating and cooling system, so be wary of any technicians that are trying to rush you through the process. Several things need to be completed before installation can begin, so make sure your technician provides you with:- An accurate load calculation to help determine the size of heating and cooling system that will work best for your home
- Recommendations for products that are approved by independent quality organizations like the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
- Performance data on heating and cooling system options
- A venting system assessment to ensure the safety of your family
- A ductwork assessment to ensure optimal efficiency and to check for leaks or sizing issues
What to expect during installation
While the technicians need room to work, make sure they take the following steps during the installation process:- Check the refrigerant charge
- Assess airflow throughout the home
- Check the thermostat for accuracy
- Keep an eye on all electrical components to ensure proper safety and function
- Routine maintenance schedules
- Important documentation such as the owner’s manual and any warranty paperwork
- Any measurements that were taken to facilitate future repairs and tune-ups.
Tips to Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter
When the snow is falling and the temperatures drop below freezing, all you can think about is cranking up the heat and staying nice and warm inside your home. While this may be good for your soul, your bank account may not agree – especially when the monthly energy bill arrives!
However, there are several easy ways to save money on your energy bills if you plan ahead. Take a look at these simple tips to keep your costs down and your spirits up this winter.
Wear warm clothing and drop the interior temperature
For every degree you drop your thermostat in the 60° to 70° range, you can save up to 5% on your heating costs. For additional savings, crank the thermostat down to 55° when you’re asleep or away from home for an extended period of time.Install a programmable thermostat
Remembering to turn the heat down every time you leave the house or go to sleep is no easy task, so make your life a whole lot easier – and reduce your heating usage by 10% to 12% – by installing a programmable thermostat. These hassle-free devices automatically adjust room temperatures to follow your usage patterns and preferences, heating your home only when you are there and awake to enjoy it.Get your furnace inspected
Air duct leaks, intake blockages, mechanical failings, and dirty filters force your furnace to work overtime to produce the desired amount of heat. A pre-season inspection and tune-up is a great way to optimize your heating system and reduce energy consumption.LED light bulbs
Residential LED light bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, so switching out your conventional bulbs can lead to significant savings.Replace worn weatherstripping
Those little chills you feel when you walk through your home are often caused by worn and torn weatherstripping. In fact, 7% to 10% of a home’s heat is lost through windows and doors! By replacing your weatherstripping, you are actually keeping more warm air inside, so your heating system does not have to work as hard to maintain your ideal temperature.Seal air leaks in ductwork
Leaks, holes, or poor connections in ducts are responsible for losing 20% to 30% of forced-air heating. By properly sealing your ducts, more warm air will get where it needs to go and you won’t have to keep upping the thermostat to stay warm.Capture the warmth of the sun
Want free heat? Just open the curtains! Sunlight streaming through south-facing windows during winter days is a great way to bring warmth into your home without spending a dime. Just remember to close the curtains when the sun goes down to keep all of that warmth inside. If you are interested in finding out more useful tips and tricks for lowering your winter energy costs, then contact the knowledgeable and experienced team at CJS Heating and Air. CJS means YES to keeping your home at the ideal temperature all year round, so you can count on us to provide you with fast, easy, and affordable solutions for all of your heating and cooling needs. Find out more useful tips and tricks for lowering winter energy costs by calling (614) 388-9241!]]>Questions You Should Be Asking When Purchasing a New Heating & Cooling System
Since your current heating and cooling system is 20 years old and starting to require a lot of maintenance and repairs, you have made the wise decision to replace it with a new, high-efficiency model.
But where to begin?
The last thing you want to do is settle for a system that fails to meet your needs just because someone told you it was the best deal. So, here is a list of questions you should have answers to before purchasing a new heating and cooling system.
Is it really necessary to replace the entire system?
As long as compatible parts that work with your existing system are available, then you may be able to get away with just replacing the faulty part. However, technology has come a long way since your last system upgrade. Pairing old parts with new parts may not achieve your desired energy efficiency or performance. You could also see a spike in service problems on the older parts, as they may be unable to withstand the demands of the higher-efficiency part. Ask your contractor to thoroughly inspect your existing system to determine the best course of action.What size system works best for my home?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to heating and cooling systems. If your system is too small, it will not adequately heat or cool your home. If your system is too large, you will be stuck with poor temperature control and hefty bills. Ask your contractor to perform a detailed load calculation to determine the correct equipment capacity and air distribution for your home.What type of systems are there?
In the world of heating and cooling systems, there are a ton of options to choose from. Electric split-system heat pumps, for example, are great for year-round heating and cooling, but there are also single-stage heating and cooling systems, zoned systems, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, boilers, furnaces, and a variety of other possibilities. Your contractor will probably provide you with a list of available products and recommend their favorite, but the main thing to pay attention to is energy efficiency numbers. The higher the number, the more efficient the system.Questions to ask your contractor
- What are your qualifications?
- Are you state-licensed or NATE-certified?
- Are you a member of any state or national contractor associations?
- Are you adequately insured?
- What are the estimated annual operating costs of systems with different efficiencies?
- Do you perform load calculations, duct design, and installation using industry-standard methods?
- What guarantees, warranties, or follow-up services do you offer?
- What is included in your quoted price?
- Do you screen and test the workers that will be spending the day in my home around my family?
The Different Types of Furnaces
There’s nothing worse than your furnace going out during the biggest cold spell of the year. Fortunately, you have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to furnace replacements, the most common of which are oil, gas, and electric. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so take a look at this comparison provided by the clean, screened, trained and timely technicians at CJS Heating and Air to determine which furnace may be right for you.
Oil furnaces
Oil furnaces offer reliable heat from clean-burning fuel. The oil is first pumped into the furnace from a storage tank where it is turned into a mist, sprayed out through the blast tube, and ignited with a spark. The fine droplets mix with the air and produce an efficient and powerful flame, which heats a heat exchanger. The combusted gases then exit the oil burner through a chimney. Pros- Average lifespan: 30 years.
- You own the fuel supply.
- You choose when to buy oil.
- More efficient than electric furnaces.
- No equipment or monthly charges.
- An on-site storage tank is necessary to store fuel.
- Maintenance requirements of the oil tank and fuel system are more demanding than gas.
- Requires more maintenance than a gas or electric furnace.
- Having oil around the property brings with it a hint of oil smell especially during refill periods.
- It’s more expensive to maintain than a gas or electric furnace
- Fewer technicians understand Oil than those technicians who understand gas or electric.
Gas furnaces
The burner in a gas furnace responds to the controls of the thermostat by switching on automatically. The natural gas is delivered to the home via underground pipes and is regulated by a gas meter. When the burner is on, the furnace blower brings in cool air from a particular portion of the house and pushes it through the heat exchanger. Air warmed by the burner is then pushed in the direction of the living area via air ducts. When the desired temperature is reached, the burner switches off. Pros- Gas is less expensive than fuel oil and electricity.
- More efficient and effective at heating than electric furnaces.
- Gas burns cleanly.
- Low furnace maintenance requirements.
- Easy to install.
- Requires only a single gas line and a vent pipe to the roof.
- Average lifespan: 15 years.
- Higher upfront cost to install than an electric furnace.
- Can be noisier than an electric furnace, especially if not well maintained.
- Complicated to install and maintain compared to an electric furnace.
- Installation is dependent on available gas infrastructure.
- Poses the biggest safety threat with the possibility of carbon monoxide escaping or combustion issues causing a risk of explosion.
Electric furnaces
When the thermostat sends an electric signal to relays inside the furnace, those relays apply voltage to the heating elements, which are similar in appearance to heating elements in toasters and hot plates. These tightly wound coils of resistive wire build up heat as the electricity encounters resistance. Then, forced-air blowers automatically disperse the hot air through the furnace cabinet and into the living areas. Pros- Average lifespan: 20 to 30 years.
- Lowest upfront cost.
- Convenient, quiet, and easy to install.
- Small and manageable in size.
- Automatic breakers keep the furnace from overloading.
- Simple and inexpensive maintenance.
- Electric furnaces tend to have higher running costs.
- Least environmentally-friendly option.
- Less energy- efficient than oil and gas.
Cost of Keeping an Old Heating & Cooling System
The decision to replace your old heating or cooling system is not an easy one. The sticker shock alone is enough to make anyone think twice about upgrading. Your heating and cooling systems may be over 10 years old, but they still work just fine, so why spend the money?
Then, the inevitable happens. It’s mid-January and your heating system decides to call it quits. You immediately call out a technician and they give you a rundown of your options: repair or replace. The repair is less expensive than the replacement, so you may be inclined to go with Option Number 1, but take a look at some of these potential costs of keeping your old heating or cooling system before you make a final decision.
The safety of you and your family
Materials have a tendency to break down over time, even if you take pristine care of your heating and cooling systems. Repairing old systems with new parts is not always a good idea. For example, if your 15-year-old furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, poisonous carbon monoxide gas could work its way into your air supply. You could try replacing the heat exchanger, but repairing the core of an older system that includes a lot of other components that are likely to fail or leak within a few years is a risky gamble. In this case, investing in a new furnace will actually protect your family from harm.Your utility bills
Recent advances in technology have drastically improved the energy efficiency of heating and cooling systems. Before repairing your old system, you should find out its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) number. This number measures the percentage of fuel that is converted to heat rather than being lost through inefficiencies. A 20-year-old system may only have an AFUE of 70%. The minimum AFUE number today is 80%, which means that replacing your old system with a new one will burn 10% less fuel and save you up to 10% on your energy bills. There are systems that have AFUE numbers of up to 97%, so your new high-efficiency model may end up paying for itself.Maintenance and repairs
It’s no secret that older heating and air conditioning systems will likely require more repairs. The average lifespan for a forced-air furnace system is 10 to 20 years while an air conditioner usually lasts 10 to 15 years. If you are constantly calling out technicians to tweak or repair your heating or air-conditioning unit, you have probably spent more than the replacement cost would have been. A general guideline to follow when it comes to repairing vs replacement: consider replacement if the equipment is beyond three-quarters of its life expectancy and repairs will cost more than one-tenth of the replacement cost. Keeping your old air conditioning or heating system may save you money in the short run, but you will most likely end up spending a lot more in the long haul. For accurate inspections and honest efficiency assessments, contact CJS Heating and Air today! Set up a professional inspection for your current system by calling (614) 388-9241 today!]]>Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning Buying Tips
As summer nears, air conditioning repair and replacement is on many homeowners minds. Are you planning to replace your broken air conditioner in Dayton, OH? If so, then read on to learn what factors to consider before purchasing a new AC unit.
Unit Type Purchasing an AC Unit
Were you less than happy with the performance of your last air conditioner? If so, then you may benefit from taking advantage of this opportunity and considering other options. Speak with one of our clean, screened, trained, and timely CJS technicians about your AC unit options and which varieties make the most sense for your home and needs.
Unit Size
Many people underestimate the significance that proper sizing can have on the overall performance of an air conditioning unit. When sized correctly, your AC has the potential to reach its maximum efficiency and may enjoy a long lifespan. An improperly sized air conditioner, on the other hand, might require more frequent repairs and wear down faster than one that is the right size for your home and household. Also, air conditioners that are not the ideal size may have reduced efficiency that leads to higher utility bills. Finally, AC units that are too small may fail to cool your home as much as you would like, and those that are too large may run too frequently and leave your indoor air too humid.
SEER Rating
An AC unit’s SEER rating is its seasonal energy-efficiency ratio and the higher the number, the more energy-efficiency the air conditioner. Speak with your HVAC technician about minimum SEER ratings for your area and which ratings may be best for you.
Thermostat Type
The thermostats that are available today can potentially provide you with lower utility bills and better convenience. How old is your thermostat? If you’re not sure and if it isn’t programmable, then now could be the perfect time to upgrade this part of your air conditioning system. A programmable thermostat gives you better control over your home’s heating and cooling, and some varieties can even be controlled remotely using a cellphone and other devices.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing An AC Unit
Unit Type Purchasing an AC Unit
Were you less than happy with the performance of your last air conditioner? If so, then you may benefit from taking advantage of this opportunity and considering other options. Speak with one of our clean, screened, trained, and timely CJS technicians about your AC unit options and which varieties make the most sense for your home and needs.
Unit Size
Many people underestimate the significance that proper sizing can have on the overall performance of an air conditioning unit. When sized correctly, your AC has the potential to reach its maximum efficiency and may enjoy a long lifespan. An improperly sized air conditioner, on the other hand, might require more frequent repairs and wear down faster than one that is the right size for your home and household. Also, air conditioners that are not the ideal size may have reduced efficiency that leads to higher utility bills. Finally, AC units that are too small may fail to cool your home as much as you would like, and those that are too large may run too frequently and leave your indoor air too humid.SEER Rating
An AC unit’s SEER rating is its seasonal energy-efficiency ratio and the higher the number, the more energy-efficiency the air conditioner. Speak with your HVAC technician about minimum SEER ratings for your area and which ratings may be best for you.Thermostat Type
The thermostats that are available today can potentially provide you with lower utility bills and better convenience. How old is your thermostat? If you’re not sure and if it isn’t programmable, then now could be the perfect time to upgrade this part of your air conditioning system. A programmable thermostat gives you better control over your home’s heating and cooling, and some varieties can even be controlled remotely using a cellphone and other devices.]]>Spotlight On CJS Emergency Services
Are you facing a broken furnace or air conditioning unit in Dayton, OH and need repairs right away? If so, then look no further than CJS Heating & Air. Our clean, screened, trained, and timely techs offer excellent service and air conditioning repairs. When you have an emergency, don’t hesitate to call.
Emergency Services
A heating or cooling breakdown that occurs during extreme weather should be addressed as soon as possible to help ensure your family’s comfort and health. Also, refrigerant leaks, gas issues, and electrical problems can be hazardous if handled by someone who is inexperienced, so these repairs should be left to professionals. Finally, any AC issue that causes water leaks or flooding should be fixed immediately to help prevent water damage and mold.
24 Hour Emergency Service, No Added Fees
CJS Heating & Air offers 24/7 emergency services for no additional cost. There’s never any added charges if your scheduled appointment runs past business hours, or if you require emergency service after-hours or on the weekend. We know cooling and heating emergencies can occur at any time, so we take quick action to provide our customers with emergency service for air conditioning and heating breakdowns.
Easiest Ways To Clean Inside An Air Conditioner
Remove and Wipe Down the Covers Clean Inside an Air Conditioner 
Your air conditioner condenser unit is a large, square shaped appliance that is located on the exterior of your home. During the winter months, the exterior covers of the condenser can get covered with dirt, grime, and other types of debris. To restore the clean appearance of your condenser unit and improve its overall performance, you should take the time to routinely remove and wipe down its cover using a soft cloth.
Wash the Reusable Filter
Many of today’s air conditioners are equipped with reusable filters, which can be washed and reused many times. After you have taken off the exterior covers from the air conditioning condenser unit, you will be ready to remove and wash its air filter. To safely wash your air filter, it is possible to simply dunk it in a bucket of warm, soapy water. Once the filter has completely dried, it can be put back into place.
Vacuum the Condenser Coils
Using your household vacuum, you can help your air conditioner achieve the deepest level of clean. Once you have placed the hose attachment to your vacuum, you will be able to easily vacuum out your air conditioner’s condenser coils and other interior spaces. The vacuum will remove leaves, grass clippings, and other types of debris that could be clogging up your system and affecting its performance.