Troubles With Airflow & Air Quality With Your Central Air

It is a common problem for ac units to lose efficiency with age. Using the AC for many years makes parts get worn, and components tend to lose the ability to supply maximum power. In the early stages, it is not understandable. However, you can compare your energy bills. You will notice that your energy bills are going up month by month, but it is not too much amount that alarms you. In the long run, you will notice a significant uprise in energy costs. It is one of the common signs that the AC unit system is slightly slowing down. It means that it is not going to run as efficiently as it should. Regular AC maintenance keeps all of the components of the HVAC system running at peak operating efficiency. You can not stop entirely the ravages of time, but you are going to get the most out of the HVAC until it is time to replace it.

Another problem that you can face may be poor airflow through the ductwork. The primary duty of the HVAC system is to blow the air throughout the house, whether it is hot or cold. It means you use the indoor air and circulate it throughout the home. It is possible all the dust and debris collects in the HVAC components as well. Increase in dust and debris can hold moisture. As a result, this moisture can become a dirt layer which is damaging to inner runnings of the HVAC system. All of these problems emerge as little inconveniences. But they can become significant problems quickly if you do not keep an eye on them. Understanding why regular AC maintenance is so essential and scheduling regular HVAC maintenance can help you avoid a lot 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

How Often Should Your Plumbing Be Inspected?

Homeowners should make sure their plumbing is inspected frequently. As with many things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and preventing major plumbing disasters on your property is well worth it. Even a small leak, over time, can lead to foundation issues, mold and mildew, rotten wood, and other expensive water damage. Avoid this by keeping up with an annually scheduled inspection from Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ.

What Happens in an Inspection?

A plumbing inspection is about a lot more than looking for leaks. The pipes may have cracks or leaks in them, but that is only one small part of the process. In addition:

• Check for running toilets, which can cost hundreds on your water bill
• Check water pressure. High water pressure can adversely affect plumbing fixtures. Low water pressure could be an indication of an underground water line leak.
• Inspect the water and drain lines in the crawlspace and look for any effects of leaks under there, like mold, dripping, and rotting wood
• Sinks and drains are checked for blockages and proper flow
• Washing machines, dishwashers, and other water-using appliances are inspected
• The water supply, shut-off valves, and vents are checked for problems
• Drain cameras are used in exit pipes to make sure waste isn’t building up and causing clogs
• The inspector searches for code violations that may have been overlooked
• Old pipes are inspected to see if they need to be replaced
• 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

Get Shady With Your Central Air

Stay Shady

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.

Consider Replacing Your Central Air Conditioner

Sometimes the best thing you can do to maximize the efficiency of your A/C is to purchase a new unit. This is particularly true when:

• The cooling unit is over 10 years old. New units with high efficiency (SEER) rating of at least 13 are about 25 percent more efficient than their older counterparts and can save you up to 30 percent on your energy bill.
• The A/C frequently needs repairs.
• The central air conditioner does not cool your home evenly.
• Your energy bills steadily increase.
• It’s not the right size for your home. A unit that’s too big needlessly uses too much energy to cool your home and costs more to install. One that’s too small has to work harder to cool your home and may not dehumidify it well.
• Your unit uses the HCFC-22, or R-22, coolant, which is harmful to the environment and will become obsolete in the near future.

Keeping your home comfortable and saving energy is simple. If you have any questions about making your central air conditioner run more efficiently or purchasing a new cooling system, call Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ today and call toll-free @ 888-315-5564

How Many Of These Plumbing Mishaps Have You Had?

A pipe is leaking

If you develop a leak in a pipe, the very first thing you need to do is to turn off the water supply to the pipe. Wrap a sheet of rubber around the section of the pipe that is leaking. Ideally, a sleeve clamp should be used to tighten the rubber, but an adjustable hose clamp should also stop the leak. Most major leaks are beyond the ability of the average homeowner to repair, but small drips or leaks can be stopped temporarily until you can call Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ plumbers.

Should I open and close my shutoff’s regularly?

Yes. Opening and closing your shutoff’s on a regular basis, ensures they are working properly and able to shut off in an emergency.

Why is my water bill so high?

Even the smallest leaks can have an impact on your water bill. Check around the house for any visible leaks, water, and/or water damage.

My pipes are clogged, should I use store-bought, liquid drain cleaner?

No, never use liquid drain cleaners. Not only do they damage your pipes, but can cause harm to your plumbing.

The showerhead seems clogged

Mineral deposits from hard water can clog the small holes in your shower head and make it spray ineffectively. You can remove them using warm vinegar and an old toothbrush. Remove the showerhead and put it in a bowl of warm vinegar for approximately an hour. Most of the mineral deposits should dissolve. If any remain, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away the remaining deposits. Rinse the showerhead and re-attach it.

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 plumbing or HVAC needs call toll-free @ 888-315-5564

How To Throw Your Central Air An Assist

 Change your filter. Most people let them get too dirty, and this is one of the most common reasons for poor performance in air conditioners. A clogged filter adds resistance and reduces airflow. Go ahead and check it now. 

 Improve airflow. In addition to the air filter, your AC may have other types of airflow problems. If the evaporator coil is dirty, not enough air moves across it and your home doesn’t cool off as well as it should. If the condenser coil is dirty, it won’t dump enough heat to the outside. If your condenser coil is crowded with vegetation or other obstacles, clear it out. You can trim the bushes yourself, but you should probably call a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ professional to clean the coils.

 Look for disconnected ducts. If your ducts are outside of the conditioned space in your home, check to see if anything has come loose. Fixing a supply duct that’s sending all its cool air to the attic or crawl space can have an immediate impact on your comfort. This problem is more common than you may think.

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

Cool Your Air The Cost Efficient Way

It’s Cost-Efficient

In the last 10 to 15 years alone, central air conditioners with an Energy Star rating have become between 30 and 40 percent more efficient. This means more savings for you!

A central air conditioner will use anywhere between 3000 to 5000 watts an hour. This may sound like a lot, but it is important to remember that this is what it takes to cool your whole house.

By comparison, multiple window units would draw just as much energy, but actually, be less efficient. Their position in windows is not airtight, meaning cold air is actually escaping outside instead of properly cooling your home. And no one wants to pay to air condition the outside.

Coupled with some steps you can take to make your central air conditioner even more cost-efficient than you thought.

 It’s Quiet

Central air conditioners were designed with you in mind, and that includes considering noise levels. A central air system is located outside the home, which means a reduced level of noise when you’re trying to sleep or get work done.

Window units are not as considerate. They make a lot of noise right in the room, which is irritating, to say the least.

 It’s Safer

Having a window unit means your window is constantly open. This increases the risk that someone could break into your home, particularly if the window unit is at ground level.

A central air unit doesn’t interfere with any other part of your house, meaning that you can continue to lock up as usual without worrying about sacrificing safety for cool air.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call toll-free @888-315-5564

Give Your Showerhead A Refresh!

How to clean your showerhead:

1. Wipe as much of the dry debris from the holes as you can with a sponge scrubber

2. Still not spraying straight? Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water (you’ll need about 1 cup), and pour it into a plastic sandwich bag.

3. Put the plastic bag around the showerhead so the holes are immersed in the liquid, and secure the bag to the shaft with a twist tie or rubber band.

4. Allow it to soak at least 15 to 20 minutes (up to an hour if you can).

5. Remove the bag and wipe away loosened deposits. Run the shower on hot to flush and you’re all set.

If you are still experiencing trouble with any of your plumbing fixtures or any of your HVAC needs call Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ toll-free @888-315-5564

Why Central Air Equals Better Air Quality

CENTRAL AIR PROVIDES CLEANER AIR FOR YOUR HOME

Your central air conditioning system circulates air by pulling it out of the rooms in your house through the return air ducts. During this process, the air is pulled through an air filter. Depending on the density of the filter, the filter removes airborne particles such as dust, lint, pet dander, and allergens. Some filters are designed to remove microscopic allergens and other pollutants. The filtered air is then routed to air supply ductwork that carries it back to the rooms. Especially for people with impaired or sensitive respiratory systems, a central air conditioning system can contribute to better health.

You can purify the air even more by installing an optional air cleaning component on your system. One such option is a global plasma solution (GPS). A GPS uses cold plasma to kill 99.6% of contaminants in less than 15 minutes. This gadget will reduce the number of pollutants that get circulated through your system and into your home. Not only does the GPS kill the mold and bacteria floating in the air, but it also eliminates odors.

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

Plumbing Problem You Don’t Have To Experience

Like your air conditioner, your plumbing plays a major part in keeping you comfortable in New Jersey. You probably don’t think about the plumbing system in your home until something goes wrong. Here are  common plumbing mistakes and how to avoid them:

Keeping the Water On During an Emergency

If a pipe bursts, a toilet overflows or some other plumbing emergency emerges, turn off the water. Your primary water sources, like the sink or toilet, will have a shut-off valve. As soon as you notice the problem, turn the valve until it stops the water from flowing.

Next, call a Green Apple plumber. Many people don’t instinctively try to stop the water first. Instead, they try to clean the mess while more water pours out. Turn off the water, take a deep breath and call your Green Apple plumber before commencing cleaning.

Overusing Drain Cleaners

When people have a clog, they often turn to drain cleaners in hopes of clearing it. Drain cleaners work in particular situations, but using them too much can corrode your pipes.

Chemical drain cleaners work by breaking down or eating away at whatever is clogging your drain. When you use them too often, they start to eat away at your pipes too.

Consider snaking out your shower drain instead of using a drain cleaner. Call in a plumber instead of dumping in Drano every time you notice a clog. If you have to use drain cleaners that often, you probably have a more significant issue.

Fixing Plumbing Issues on Your Own

Even if you’re handy, you should always leave a plumbing issue to an expert. Plumbing may look easy enough, but some aspects get really complicated. You can easily turn a small problem into a big one, turning the issue to a long and expensive fix. Unless you’re trained in what you’re doing, Call in Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical NJ to handle your plumbing concerns.

Ignoring a Plumbing Issue

People love to ignore problems hoping they go away. A running toilet can turn into a major water bill, or a clanking sound can turn into a big flood in your basement.

Unfortunately, plumbing issues won’t resolve on their own. The longer you ignore the issue, the more it’ll worsen. If you have concerns, get an estimate on the repair and find out the nature of the issue so that you can make an informed decision.

Using a Handyperson Instead of a Licensed Plumber

Anyone who touches your pipes, sinks, toilets, showers or water heaters needs to be licensed for several reasons. Although the neighborhood handyman is probably good at small fixes, you have no course of action if they perform a substandard.

Furthermore, many warranties are voided if you don’t use a licensed plumber. Although it’s nice to save a little money and give your neighbor work, you shouldn’t do it with your plumbing.

Not Scheduling Plumbing Service

Ideally, your plumbing would work great forever without any issue. But plumbing doesn’t always work that way. Having your plumbing serviced helps to detect small leaks and other issues before they turn into big ones. It also helps you spot biological growth and other concerns. Furthermore, when you want to sell your house, you won’t have surprises during the inspection that could prevent the sale.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your plumbing or HVAC needs call toll-free @888-315-5564

HVAC Areas People Often Overlook

Seal the Ducts

Most HVAC systems rely on extensive ductwork to move air through the home, and the average ductwork contributes to 20 percent of energy loss because of leaks as air passes through the ductwork. While a furnace at the end of its lifespan can cause constantly rising energy bills despite unchanging energy needs, leaky ductwork can also contribute to increased energy loss over time.

To make your furnace more energy-efficient and prevent it from working overtime to warm your home, call in a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical professional to take a closer look at your ducts. By updating the joint seals and improving the insulation on any exposed ductwork, you can make big strides towards better efficiency.

Get a Regular Tune-up

If your furnace seems to be running smoothly, it is easy to let a few maintenance appointments slide. This can quickly add up, though, since a typical furnace needs annual maintenance. To get the best performance from your furnace for its entire 20- to 30-year lifespan, be sure to schedule a Green Apple Plumbing & Mechanical professional to check fluids, change the air filter, and perform regular preventative maintenance. Keep in mind that furnaces over 10 or 15 years old that exhibit serious operational issues might be ready for replacement.

Schedule an appointment to ensure your furnace is functioning efficiently. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call us toll-free @ 888-315-5564