When Is The Best Time To Install Central Air
Before Your Current HVAC Unit Dies
If you don’t want to find yourself without cool air during a hot summer day or without heat during the cold days of winter, then don’t wait until your HVAC system dies before replacing it. HVAC systems usually give warning signs as they near the end of their life. If your system is more than 15 years old, is not heating or cooling as it used to despite regular maintenance, and isn’t as energy efficient as it used to be, it could be time to replace it.
Call your Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical HVAC professional for an inspection. They will be able to advise whether it simply needs a tune-up, more extensive repairs or needs replacing. It may be that only the air conditioner or furnace needs replacing rather than the entire HVAC unit, which will help you save money.
If You’re Doing Constant Repairs
If you find yourself calling your Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ HVAC technician on a regular basis because your system is always acting up, it’s time to stop spending money on endless repairs and replace the system instead. Just as it isn’t worth spending money on constant repairs to an old car, it isn’t worth it to continually fix an old failing HVAC system. When you add up what you’ve spent over time, you may find you’ve spent more money on repairs than you would have on buying a new system.
Spare yourself the frustration, inconvenience, and the expense and replace the unit. A well-functioning HVAC system is more energy-efficient, will decrease your electric bill and makes life more comfortable for the whole family. Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free at 888-315-5564
7 Signs You Need To Replace Your Toilet
1. Constant Clogging
Nobody likes to deal with a clogged toilet. While they’re not uncommon, random or recurring clogs can indicate an issue. If you have an old, low flush toilet, you may experience clogs far too often. If you experience clogs more than once a week, or the clogs seem random and odd, you should probably replace your toilet.
If you don’t want to lose the water-saving benefits of a low-flush toilet, simply replace your current toilet with a more efficient and effective commode. Modern technologies have come a long way, and low-flush toilets are much better than they used to be.
2. Cracks
When you notice puddles of water around your toilet, you may want to check for cracks in the porcelain. While the toilet may work fine, leaks can waste a lot of water, and that water exposure can damage your flooring over time. It can also result in mold or mildew growth.
Look for cracks in the bowl or the tank of the toilet. If you notice any, or if you hear constant running from your toilet, replace it right away before the situation gets worse. If you can’t tell if there’s a crack, put dye in the water of the tank or bowl and see if the dyed water makes it to the floor.
3. Plentiful Repairs
Toilets shouldn’t need to be constantly repaired. If you find yourself regularly calling for a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ plumber to fix the toilet or replace it. Frequent repairs can add up, and you can save yourself a bit of cash over the years if you invest in a new toilet.
Or, if your toilet requires numerous repairs all at once, it may be cheaper to replace the toilet instead. Discuss the situation with your Green Apple plumber, and they can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
4. Excessive Age
Even if your toilet is a little old, it may work just fine. But older toilets are often more inefficient than the newer models, so it may be a good idea to replace your toilet and save some money and water. Consider a toilet with a dual-flush feature. It allows you to partially flush for liquid waste and fully flush for solid waste. That way, you can maximize your savings both in water use and utility costs.
5. Wobbling
If your toilet wobbles, it may be a simple problem of loose screws. A Green Apple plumber can easily tighten the bolts and ensure everything is properly placed. But wobbling can also signify a bigger problem. The floor beneath the toilet may be rotting away or water damaged, so if you notice wobbling, call a Green Apple professional to check it out.
6. Inefficient Flushing
When you find that your water bills are high, investing in a new, water-efficient toilet can help you keep your bills down. The average toilet uses three to five gallons of water with each flush, while a low-flush toilet uses about two gallons for every flush. If you have a large family or are environmentally conscious, such a change can help lower your water bill and water usage.
7. Surface Damages
If you have a lot of scratches on the surface of your toilet, you may want to replace your toilet for cosmetic reasons. Excessive scratches can make it difficult to keep the fixture clean. This damage is more common with older toilets that have been scrubbed numerous times over the years, so if you find that you’re cleaning your toilet more often than you should, it could be time for a replacement.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your plumbing or HVAC needs call toll-free at 888-315-5564
Your Essential Labor Day HVAC Guidelines
1. Turn Down The Air Conditioning
You can conserve energy while you are gone this Labor Day simply by changing the temperature just a few degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can even set it up so that you will still come home to a cool house. Unless you have animals in the house that could suffer from the heightened temperatures, invest in a programmable thermostat so that you can save money and energy while you’re away!
2. Change Your Filters
Whether you’ve got a programmable thermostat or not, chances are that you’ll at least keep your system running while you are gone to ensure that your home’s indoor air quality stays even. If your filters are clogged, it can cause your system to break down, meaning you could be coming home to an uncomfortable house. It really doesn’t take too much time to clean or replace your filters, and we feel that it will make all the difference in your energy bill as well as the comfort level of your home!
3. Burglary Protection
One thing that many homeowners need to be aware of when taking a vacation, is that thieves tend to target homes that look vacant, after all, they know it’s a vacation weekend! Your HVAC equipment is expensive, and an appealing item for any burglar intending to steal something of value. To avoid these vacationers worries, install a device that turns on lights at the same time every day so that your home doesn’t look empty and keep your blinds closed! You can take anti-theft measurements like motion light sensors, and outdoor HVAC unit cages for added protection. Since the copper in the system is valuable, protection is necessary!
We encourage you to enjoy your Labor Day weekend with relaxation! Take the proper precautions and prepare your home for your absence! Happy Labor Day weekend from Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ! Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free @888-315-5564
Make Sure To React When You Experience Any Of These
Slow drains around the house
A single slow drain is a nuisance, but you can often take care of it with a sink plunger. If that doesn’t work, arrange for drain cleaning with a Green Apple plumber. ( Don’t use “drain cleaning” chemicals from the store, since these can harm the pipes.) If drains are slow all around the house, you may have an emergency down in the sewer line or blocked sewer vents and these will become serious problems if you don’t have Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical plumbers locate and fix them.
Hearing running water when nobody is using water
If you can hear water moving through the pipes in your house, and you’re certain that nobody has a tap open or is running an appliance like the dishwasher, it’s often a warning sign of a leak. A way to double-check this is to look at the water meter and write down the reading. Don’t use any water in the house for an hour, and then recheck the meter. If the reading has gone up, call a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical plumber for leak detection.
A knocking sound in the pipes
This knocking noise is called water hammer, and it often means there’s too much pressure inside the plumbing or valves have come loose. This may eventually lead to leaks, so have a Green Apple plumber look at it right away.
A drop in water pressure
A water pressure decline in the house often means something is wrong with the municipal water supply. We recommend checking with your neighbors to see if they’re having the same problem. But if it looks like it’s just your house, there may be trouble with your water line or a major leak elsewhere in the plumbing. Get a professional Green Apple plumber to help right away.
A steep rise in water bills
Check your water bills so you have a good idea of the average number of gallons your household uses each month. If the cost of bills starts to rise, take a look at the usage. Is it higher than normal, but you cannot think of any reason for it? If so, you may have hidden leaks. Contact Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical as soon as possible. Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your plumbing or HVAC needs call toll-free at 888-315-5564
Why You Shouldn’t Humidify In The Summer
Match the Indoor and Outdoor Units – If you have to change the outdoor air conditioning or condensing unit consider changing the indoor coil to match it. Ask your Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical technician if the indoor or evaporator coil is compatible or if it also needs to be changed. Mismatching a high efficient condensing unit with a low efficient indoor coil can not only cost you most if not all of the added efficiency but can also damage your compressor valves and cause your compressor to wear out much sooner than it normally would.
Adjust the Thermostat – Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter. Many experts agree that 78°F is a good starting point in order to save money. Every degree below 78°F that you set your thermostat for AC will increase your energy usage by around 8 percent.
Don’t Humidify in the Summer – Don’t use a dehumidifier at the same time your air conditioner is operating because it will force the air conditioner to work harder.
Properly Seal your Ducts – Have your ductwork checked to see if it needs any repairs or if it needs to be replaced. If some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold, if the insulation is peeling or if there is a buildup of contaminants inside consider having your ducts evaluated to see if they need replacing. Also, return grilles and grills in each room should be evaluated to see if they are properly sized and working correctly.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free at 888-315-5564
Protect Your Home & Your Plumbing
We frequently talk about extending the life of HVAC with preventative care but what about your plumbing system? It’s not too often that we think about the complex infrastructure of pipes and drains that keep things in our homes going with the flow. However, just like we perform maintenance on heating and cooling systems, you need to be giving the same care and attention to your plumbing.
When it comes to your home plumbing maintenance is critical. Why? One of the most expensive home repairs you may face during the course of homeownership is plumbing-related. Take the time and make an effort to keep your plumbing in good shape. It’s a win-win you’ll see the water savings and prevent plumbing disasters.
The good news? You have Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical who are always here when you need us the most.
Conquer drain clogs
Stubborn clogs are a hassle and damaging to pipes. Avoid chemical drain cleaning solutions in favor of a snake to clear a drain clog. Prevent future clogs by watching what goes down the drain. Follow the rule of only flushing waste and toilet paper down the toilet and always be mindful of the bathroom as well. Using sink stoppers and drain strainers is an easy and inexpensive way to catch food debris, hair, soap scum and everything else that wreaks havoc on our drains.
Freezeout frozen pipes
Make sure you’re taking all precautions to prevent frozen pipes. This includes adding pipe insulation to the plumbing in your garage, basement, utility rooms, any cold areas of your house that get little to no heat from HVAC. During severe temperature lows open cabinets underneath sinks to expose them to heat. If you’re away on vacation, you can turn down your thermostat temperature, but don’t shut it off entirely.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free @888-315-5564
Incredible HVAC Cleaning & Inspection Tips
Keep the Sun Out
Another excellent way to keep the air conditioner from needing to run as often is to block the sun during the hottest part of the day. During the hours when the sun shines in the most, blinds or drapes should be closed.
This way, the home’s interior temperature will not rise as much. Additionally, consider planting trees or installing awnings to diffuse some of the sunlight.
Get a Professional Inspection and Cleaning Done Annually
Before each cooling season, it is a great idea to get a regular maintenance check and cleaning done on the unit by a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ HVAC professional. Service professionals usually inspect the control box; coils; fan motor and blades; and compressor and tubing; among other things. Additionally, refrigerant levels are inspected and adjusted if necessary, and the unit cleaned.
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you’ve ever had your central air conditioner quit working on the hottest day of the year, you fully understand that preventative A/C maintenance is definitely preferable to repairing or replacing it due to neglect.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free @888-315-5564
Hot Tricks To Keep Your Home Cool
Weatherize Your Home
Cool air can escape from several places in a home, such as electric outlets, under door cracks, single-pane windows and through poorly insulated walls. Schedule a home energy audit to learn how you can tighten the building envelop and keep your cool air inside.
Shut the Door
If there are rooms in your home that often remain unused, like a guest room, save energy by closing the vents in the room and shutting the door.
Stay Cool
When the sun enters through a window and heats a room, it can feel wonderful during the winter. In the summer, however, it can make your A/C work harder. When temperatures start to rise, keep your energy costs and heat gain low by shading your window with:
- Awnings on the exterior of your home.
- Trees a safe distance from your home. Trees will also help keep the ground around your home cooler.
- Blinds or solar shade screens on the windows. Keep the blinds or shades on the southern and western windows closed during hot afternoons.
- Blackout curtains. Like the blinds, keep the curtains closed on warm afternoons.
When installing a new central air conditioner, place it away from the dryer vent and on the north side of your home, in a shady spot. If your air conditioner is already in a sunny spot, purchase a cover to help block the sun’s heat.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Every Year
You should have a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ HVAC contractor look at the unit every year. When a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ professional services your air conditioner, they will make sure the various parts have sufficient lubrication and will make adjustments that will help increase the efficiency of your system. We will also let you know about minor problems that need attention before they become expensive repairs in the future. Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free @888-315-5564
Easy Way To Avoid Plumbing Trouble
Keep Your Sewer Lines or Septic Tank Clear
If you have municipal sewers, hire a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical plumber to snake your main sewage cleanout every few years. This helps to remove tree roots that inevitably work their way into these pipes leading to messy sewage backups. If you have a septic system, get the tank pumped out every three to five years.
Other Ways to Avoid Trouble
1. Learn where your home’s main water shut-off valve is so if there’s ever a leak, you can go straight there and quickly turn off the water to the entire house.
2. Remove hoses from outdoor spigots in winter to prevent frozen water from cracking the pipes and causing a flood.
3. Add pipe insulation to the plumbing in cold parts of your house such as garages, basements, and crawl spaces to avoid frozen pipes (and to shorten the wait for hot water).
4. Never use an exposed pipe as a hanger rod for laundry. Doing so can loosen joints and fasteners.
5. Fix problems quickly. Even small leaks can make pipes corrode more quickly, and cause significant water damage or mold.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free @888-315-5564
Best Way To Protect You Air Conditioner Coils
Air Conditioner Coils
The air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.
Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.
You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) allow for adequate airflow around the condenser.
Green Apple Plumbing and Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free at 888-315-5564