Tips That Will Make Your HVAC Switch To Fall Easier
Use Fans and Open Windows
Now that the weather is starting to mellow out, you can at least turn the air conditioning unit to a lower setting. Once you do that, start using your ceiling fans a little bit more and opening windows. Not only does it take some of the burdens off of your air conditioner, but it also allows your house to air out and stay fresh.
Close the Blinds
Although this is a great summer tactic to take the strain off of your air conditioner, it works for just about any season. Approximately 25% of your home’s hot and cold air is lost through small cracks and holes, which means curtains and blinds are great energy savers. They not only keep the sun and heat out in the summer, but they also keep cool in when you need them to.
Turn the AC Off at Night
Not only is the weather during the day getting milder, but the nights are also becoming even cooler. This is a great time of year to save energy by turning your AC off at night. Open a window and leave a few fans on in the house to circulate the cool night air and you’ll wake up in a home that feels fresh and cool without breaking the bank before autumn fully sets in.
Schedule Maintenance
Though you may not think it, your HVAC services need preventative maintenance at least once a year. This is the perfect transitional time to call Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ and have your system inspected. Not only should you have your AC inspected, but your furnace needs a checkup as well. It’s just as important to repair any damage done over the summer months as it is to prepare your heating system for the cold of winter.
If you’re not sure where, to begin with transitioning your HVAC system to the autumn months, give Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ a call and we will be able to answer your questions. We 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
Tips For Better HVAC Performance This Fall
- Set thermostat at one temperature. Constant adjusting can cause higher utility costs. If using your thermostat as a setback type, limit the setbacks to twice a day such as when you are at work and when you are sleeping. Only setback the thermostat 6% of desired temperature (approximately five degrees).
- In the heating mode, try not to set the thermostat below 65 degrees or above 75 degrees. Below 65 degrees, a heat pump just won’t put out enough heat, and above 75 degrees, it’s using too much energy. In the cooling mode, try not to set the thermostat below 70 degrees. Besides higher utility costs, this can cause the indoor coil to freeze and cause condensation in the house.
- Don’t stack things on top of the unit. If the fan is on the top of the unit, the air-flow cannot be restricted. Do not put your rolled-up garden hose or landscaping products on the unit. We see this all the time!
- Keep the outdoor condenser coils clean. If they get dirty you can use a heavy-duty degreaser and hose them down. Just turn the unit off first.
- When mowing the lawn, direct the mower away from the unit. A coil blocked with grass clippings and debris drastically reduces efficiency.
- When using a weed whacker be careful near the unit. Debris can damage the coil, flatten the aluminum fins, and cut the thermostat wires; shorting out the transformer. We see this all the time, and it is an expensive repair.
- 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 @888-611-7191
The Best Reason To Install Central Air
Central air conditioning is the most effective and simplest way to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Compared to conventional air conditioning methods such as window unit air conditioners, central air is by far the best selection for any home or office. Perhaps the biggest benefit of central air conditioning might seem like its ability to cool your entire house in a matter of minutes, but it’s actually the unit’s ability to clean the air and improve your air quality.
Instead of cooling only one room as window units are capable of doing, the central air conditioning cools your entire house by sending cool air through ducts in your home. The air is then released through vents into each room, cooling it almost immediately. Through return air ducts, ambient air is pulled from each room before passing through filters that remove lint, dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens before releasing this newly clean air into each room of your home via a secondary duct. Even the smallest pollutants in the air are trapped and prevented from being released into your air. The more money you spend on a central air conditioner, the more pollutants it will capture and the better your indoor air quality will become.
Clean air at all times is the biggest benefit of a central air conditioning system. However, it’s not the only benefit of having central air. There are many reasons your air conditioning system should be upgraded to central air.
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 @888-315-5564
Don’t Get Surprised By Your Plumbing!
DON’T GET SUNK BY SURPRISES!
Sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets should be inspected regularly so that you can spot relatively minor problems and address them before they get out of hand and become much larger issues. Small leaks or cracks typically don’t go away on their own, and eventually, they’ll come back with a vengeance not to mention, wasted water equals wasted money!
Washing machine hoses are one of the top causes of flooding in homes, along with water heaters. Often, you are given little warning before water suddenly starts collecting on the floor of your mechanical or laundry room. A thorough inspection could potentially identify these approaching issues before they occur.
IN THE BATHROOM…
The bathroom is usually not the first room in your home that comes to mind when you think of routine maintenance, but it sure is an important one! Your toilet, for instance, has a shutoff valve, a flush valve, and a drain flapper, all of which are crucial to proper performance and water conservation. The bathtub, shower, and bathroom sink all have drains which should be routinely checked, along with water fixtures that will eventually start to fail with age and regular use. In addition, these fixtures all have ‘heads’ where the water is delivered from, and these can fall prey to mineral deposits, corrosion, and long-term wear.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE KITCHEN?
In the kitchen, in addition to the standard sink and faucet water hookups, home plumbing systems often include a water line to the refrigerator for an icemaker/water dispenser, connections for the dishwasher, a garbage disposal located in the cabinet below the sink, or possibly a custom faucet accessory. If ignored for extended periods, you can certainly anticipate some sort of leak problem developing, over time. Best to spot a small drip and deal with it, before it has a chance to grow to annoying proportions when you happen to be away from the house.
Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the NJ area for years with professionalism and expertise for years. 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
Is Your HVAC System Experiencing Either One Of These?
Strange Sounds
Squealing, grating, grinding sounds from your air conditioner might be a sign that you need a replacement unit. These noises imply that something is wrong inside the unit. Failure to service the unit could result in a pricey breakdown.
A squealing noise means that the belt has slipped out of place. It may also indicate that a metal component in your air conditioner requires more lubrication. A grinding sound may mean that your motor’s bearings are broken.
Strange Odors
Pungent or foul smells from your air conditioning vents normally mean that your conditioner’s wire insulation has burned out. Musty smells generally indicate that there is mold inside your unit or ductwork which must be taken care of without delay.
Are you experiencing either one of these problems? 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
Leaky Pipes & Sewer System Backups
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes can be more than just a nuisance, they can cause damage to furniture and floors, and the dampness can encourage bugs like cockroaches. Leaks almost always happen at the pipe joints. Tape, compounds, and fillers can often provide a temporary fix, but for something more permanent replace a piece of pipe or the related fittings.
Leaks are more common in the winter when water can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst.
How to prevent pipes bursting in winter
- When the weather is very cold, allow the cold water to drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water, even just a trickle, helps to prevent the pipes from freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set at the same temperature both day and night.
Sewer System Backup
Sewer system backups are, frankly, a nightmare. They are smelly, nasty, inconvenient, and can be expensive to fix. If you have multiple drains and toilets not working and a bad odor of human waste, this is likely your problem.
Responsibility for fixing the issue really depends on the location of the blockage. If it is on your property, then it’s your problem. If it’s out on the public road, then your water company should fix it. Unfortunately, you may have to pay for a plumber just to locate the blockage, though it’s often worth calling your water company first, as they won’t charge you if it’s their fault.
There are three common causes. First, the main sewer is clogged. To minimize this happening, watch what you flush down your toilet (no diapers, facial tissues, napkins) and avoid tipping grease down your drain. Second, tree roots have invaded the pipes. Roots can push through cracks in pipes or surround a pipe and crush it. Third, old sewer lines may break or collapse. Modern sewer lines are made from plastic, but they used to be built from cast iron, or clay, which are prone to decay over time.
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
Help Your HVAC System Turn Over A New Leaf
The calendar officially says we have entered autumn and we all know what comes next: winter. It won’t be long until the mild fall weather is replaced by plunging temperatures, snow, and ice.
This means that it is time to start planning HVAC care. Making sure your home’s furnace and overall heating system is ready for the cold weather months is crucial in New Jersey. Here at Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical, our HVAC professionals stand ready to help you make sure your furnace is in top working condition. The best way to prevent a breakdown is with regular maintenance, so call us today to find out more information.
Our furnace inspection and tune-up will give your system a thorough once-over as we will check, clean and lubricate all moving parts and make sure all gas or electric connections are secure. We will also inspect your carbon monoxide levels to make sure your furnace is properly vented.
Meanwhile, here are a few handy homeowner furnace tips to help with maintenance throughout the season:
- Change the furnace filters. The frequency of air filter replacement usually depends on the quality and brand of the filter, but generally speaking, they should be inspected and changed every other month.
- Basic furnace cleaning. While the heavy-duty cleaning should be performed by one of our professionally-licensed HVAC technicians, there are a few things homeowners can do in-between regularly scheduled maintenance calls:
- Clean the vents. Clean the surface debris, then remove the vent cover and clean the inside using a vacuum extension.
- Scheduling an air duct cleaning is also a good idea for deeper cleaning of your home’s ductwork system.
These tips should help your system keep running smoothly and efficiently but remember: your system should be inspected and professionally by qualified service technicians, so let Mast take care of your furnace and give you peace of mind. 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
5 Early Warning signs That You Need A New 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 stoppages 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 plumber to fix the toilet, 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 professional Green Apple plumber to check it out.
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 you plumbing or HVAC needs call toll-free @888-315-5564
When Is The Best Time To Buy A New HVAC System?
Shop for an HVAC System During The Off-Season
Most people have been led to believe that the best time to buy an air conditioner is during winter and the best time to buy a heating system is during summer. The rationale is that air conditioners will sell at a lower price during winter and heating systems will be cheaper during summer. This isn’t always the case.
Winter and summer are when homes use the HVAC system the most and when HVAC companies are at their busiest selling new units, performing maintenance, and conducting repairs. As business is generally booming during the busy summer and winter months, HVAC companies are less likely to offer discounts and sales.
It is possible to find a good deal in winter. However, to stand a better chance of finding a great deal, the best time to buy an HVAC system is in the offseason, i.e. spring or fall.
During spring and fall, most people aren’t running their HVAC systems as often which, in turn, means HVAC companies are not as busy and are not selling as many new units. They may be sitting with unsold units they are desperate to sell. To move stock quickly, many HVAC companies will reduce the price of the units. Suppliers and manufacturers also lower the price of units to clear older stock before new models arrive for the next season. That lower price is passed down to the contractor who, in turn, can pass the savings along to the customer.
Moreover, because HVAC technicians are not that busy on callouts in the offseason, HVAC companies may also offer discounted installation rates. So keep an eye out during the offseason. You could score a great deal on a new air conditioner or heating system as well as lower installation rates!
Buying an HVAC system during the offseason also means less inconvenience. If you’re replacing an air conditioner during summer and you have to wait weeks for the installation to be completed, you’ll suffer the discomfort of sweltering days with no cool air. Not a pleasant thought. If, however, you’re replacing it during offseason when temperatures are more tolerable, you’ll cope just fine without air conditioning for a few days.
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 at 888-315-5564
2 Crucial Tips For Your Plumbing
Step 1. Avoid Putting Chemical-Laden Products Down the Drain
When the kitchen sink or shower fills with water and it just won’t seem to go down, it’s easy to reach for the nearest bottle of whatever unclogging solution you have on hand. While this may seem like the fastest and simplest solution, it may just be a temporary fix that will do more harm than good in the long run.
While chemical-laden products used to unclog drains will do just that, these same products can eat away at the pipes that compose your plumbing system. Even worse, most of these products don’t get rid of the clog completely. In many instances, it will only make the blockage smaller temporarily. This means that you will be reaching for the bottle again soon, only to slowly disintegrate your pipes more.
Step 2. From Food Scrap to Cleaning Products, Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
It can be difficult to be mindful about what can and can’t go down the drain in your home but it’s important to do so to avoid a seriously damaging clog in your home’s plumbing system. Make sure to keep as many food scraps as you can out of your sink even if you have a garbage disposal, and avoid letting hair build up in the shower drain. When clots form within the drains of your plumbing, it can increase water pressure and put unnecessary stress on your pipes.
Garbage disposals are convenient, but they need to be treated with care to prevent them from clogging and breaking prematurely. They need regular maintenance. 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