It’s Standby Generator Season. Is Your Home Prepared?

Posted on September 26, 2019 by admin

Recent natural disasters are a tragic reminder of the damage and havoc that severe weather events can cause. In northern New Jersey, we are not typically prone to all-out hurricanes and tornadoes are rare—but gale force winds, heavy snows and ice can and do cause widespread power outages to homes and businesses.

A powerful proactive measure is to install a standby home generator. At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc. we are a certified dealer and installer of high-quality Generac and Honeywell generators, with industry-leading features that help keep the lights on and appliances running when the power grid is down or power to a location is out.

These hardworking, corrosion-resistant workhorses provide automatic backup power during a power outage, fueled by liquid propane or your home’s natural gas supply. Some models of these standby home generators are now Wi-Fi-equipped, enabling homeowners to more easily and better monitor their system. The Mobile Link™ remote monitoring system lets owners get and share information about the home standby generator from anywhere, 24/7 on any device—a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Benefits of Wi-Fi on a home generator
– Get notifications of changes in the generator’s operating status
– View the generator’s status and maintenance needs
– Preset the performance test schedule
– Review operation and maintenance history – monitor its service intervals to ensure routine maintenance is performed
– Connect with your dealer for troubleshooting and service needs

Generac home generators come with user-friendly controls with a multilingual LCD display. The controls allow owners to monitor the equipment’s battery status and track maintenance intervals to keep the unit performing at its best. They also run more quietly than other brands and consume less fuel.

Need more reasons to go with Generac or Honeywell standby home generators?

The unit’s smart technology monitors ambient temperature; that means the engine can warm up prior to taking on load in cold conditions, which reduces wear on the engine.
The oil filtration feature removes debris, which improves the engine’s durability and delivers a longer engine life.
A thermal safety switch shuts down the engine and sends an alarm if engine temperatures aren’t optimal; this eliminates premature engine failure by avoiding excess heat.
The low oil pressure sensor shuts down the engine proactively to prevent damage.

Don’t let your home—and your family—be caught unaware and in the dark. Contact Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric for a free consultation about a standby home generator, installed by our certified technicians and backed by a five-year manufacturer’s warranty. If you already have one installed and you’d like to learn more about proper maintenance, watch our informative video, and ask us about our generator maintenance plan.

Shining the Spotlight on Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric’s July Award Winners

Posted on August 21, 2019 by admin

Every month, several employees at Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric are recognized by their co-workers and management for their contributions to our company and for accomplishments in their work, as: Employee of the Month, Office Employee of the Month, Most Improved Employee, and Service Technician of the Month.

Meet our July 2019 awardees.

Helder DaSilva – Employee of the Month
Helder (pictured, right) has always been an electrician, working for various electrical contractors before coming to Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric—his first HVAC employer. He joined our team in late May 2017.

“I like the challenge this work presents,” said Helder. “It’s a good feeling when you finish a job and have happy customers and the satisfaction of a job well done.” He explained that there are at least four people on an HVAC installation job and that everyone pitches in. “There’s great team spirit here and everyone—installers, technicians, electricians—work together to get the job done.”

Helder said that although summer is the season for air conditioning work, he’s busy all year ’round, wiring standby generators and electrical panels, installing lighting, and working on heating systems (furnaces and boilers) during the winter months.

Ruben DeAlmeida – Most Improved Employee
When asked about his recognition as Most Improved Employee, Ruben (pictured, left) points to his work ethic and his growth on our job sites as a professional electrician. He came to Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric around the start of the year. This is the first HVAC company he’s worked at and said, “I get to use my skills as an electrician in new ways; it’s the same concept but different format.”

Like Helder, he notes that everyone here is very nice to work with and very willing to help each other, which he feels stems from company management and our belief in the importance of taking care of our employees. Thank you, Ruben!

Kathy Bauer – Office Employee of the Month
After many years of commuting into Manhattan, Kathy decided to work closer to home and joined Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric as a bookkeeper last November. She also likes the teamwork here and how everyone supports each other (can you detect a theme?).

“I think everyone’s picked up on Jack’s style,” she said, referring to our general manager, Jack Lamb. “It’s really like a family here. No one is afraid to ask for help and everyone gives it.”

Kathy is one of four office employees. She said that some front-office duties cross over among staff members and since they all know what the others do, they can assist when needed, which contributes to the team feeling. “There’s a lot of support here,” she noted, “and I’ve learned a lot about customer service. My office mates know there’s a proper way to handle customer calls and issues, and they share those skills with me.”

Paul Corio – Service Technician of the Month
Paul has been at Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric for almost four years; this is the third time he has been named Service Technician of the Month, based on all-around work performance and customer service. As a heating and air conditioning service technician, Paul handles HVAC service and troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.

After technical school, Paul repaired major appliances and gradually made his way to Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric. Like his co-workers, he noted that everyone at the company gets along well and helps each other out as needed.

When asked what he likes about working here, he said, “We are all professional here. The technicians are in uniform and there’s a chain of command which makes it very organized. Plus, the company is up to date with technology, with the tablets we use in the field and the high-quality HVAC equipment we work with.”

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, our 22 employees have each played a role in the many awards our North Jersey HVAC company has won for many years. We’re always looking for quality people to join our team, especially HVAC technicians, installers, and electricians. Contact us at info@bloomfieldcooling.com or 973-237-0505 to find out about job opportunities throughout the year.

The Benefits of an HVAC Contractor that Offers Electrical Services

Posted on July 26, 2019 by admin

Photo: © Vladimir Grigorev | Dreamstime.com

Congratulations—you’ve selected a licensed, certified HVAC contractor to install your heating and/or central air conditioning system. But what about the licensed electrician to do the wiring needed for the job?

Things would be simplified if you didn’t have to hire a separate electrician for your HVAC installation, wouldn’t it? And think about all the other projects that pop up around the house that require a licensed electrician to do the job correctly and to code—wiring and installation of new lighting, kitchen and bathroom renovations with grounded outlets, electrical service upgrades, and electrical panel change outs to name a few.

Contracting with an HVAC company that has licensed electricians on staff saves homeowners time and money when it comes to new system installations, as there is no need to hire another contractor for the project. It also means working with professionals who: understand the ins and outs of heating and air conditioning wiring schematics; adhere to building codes, safety regulations and the permitting process; have all the right tools at hand to do the job correctly and are properly trained to use them; and provide liability protection to the homeowner for the jobs they perform on site.

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc. that last word in our name refers to our full scope of electrical services. Whether you’re calling us for a new heating and air conditioning system, to install a ductless air conditioner or standby generator, or any other project that requires electricity, we offer one-stop/one-shop service.

Electrical services for heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric can handle electrical services for installation of:

Ventilation systems
Electric baseboard heaters
Central air conditioning systems (including ductless units) and heating systems
Whole-house dehumidifiers
Ceiling fans

Household wiring, installation and repair
Whether you are renovating your home, building a new one, or you’re making upgrades, our licensed electricians offer:

Electrical panel change outs – circuit breakers, fuses and receptacles; full panel change out
Electrical service upgrades
Surge protection
Electrical outlet installation and repair
Indoor lighting
Landscape lighting
Kitchen wiring for major appliances, lighting, outlet installation
Electrical wiring and installations for bathroom upgrades – outlets, whirlpool tubs, heat lamps
Electrical troubleshooting and repair throughout the home

Home safety wiring and installation

Security motion lighting
Security cameras
Hard-wired smoke detectors, carbon dioxide detectors

Standby generators
Don’t let Mother Nature put your home in the dark. Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc. does the wiring, installation, and repair for all Generac, Honeywell, Eaton, Siemens, and Carrier home standby generators.

Whether you have a small wiring job or large-scale installation, we’re available for a free estimate on your project. Contact Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric today to discuss your electrical service needs throughout northern New Jersey: 973-237-0505 or info@bloomfieldcooling.com.

Looking for a Hot Career? Look Into HVAC Installation and Service

Posted on June 26, 2019 by admin

ID 20866752 © Neil Lockhart | Dreamstime.com

Career opportunities for HVAC installers and service technicians abound. These trained and certified technicians install, service, and repair or maintain air conditioning and heating systems, in both commercial and residential environments. Service techs are the frontline professionals who ensure that heating and air conditioning systems are running properly to deliver the best indoor climate control at peak efficiency.

Because HVAC systems vary across locations, a qualified individual must know how to install and service a range of units: forced hot air furnaces, hot water boilers, steam boilers, and ductless heating and air conditioning units. They should also know how to install and service programmable thermostats, humidifiers, and whole-home dehumidification units to best serve customers of full-service contractors.

Responsibilities & expectations of HVAC installers/service techs

Install a new heating and air conditioning system; lead installers will supervise the project, from ductwork in the house to the compressor outside.
Connect the equipment to the fuel, water, or refrigerant source
Verify compliance with the site plan and specifications – the lead installer must know how to read plans and understand design specs
Inspect and test systems –for routine calls according to a service agreement or to troubleshoot a problem
Test joints or connections to locate leaks
Repair or replace worn or defective equipment – a qualified HVAC installer will know how to repair or replace components or add new devices to boost a system’s performance and enhance indoor air quality (such as in-duct air purifiers or gernicidal Blue Tube UV lights)
Test electrical circuits to ensure power continuity
Verify that the HVAC system meets current EPA standards and recommend replacement if needed
Know best practices regarding proper disposal of refrigerant

As part of a maintenance call, an HVAC service technician may clean or vacuum the equipment or ductwork, oil parts, refill refrigerant, and change filters and/or humidifier pads. The technician should provide the owner with a detailed checklist of tasks performed, problems detected, and suggested remedial steps.

HVAC installers must also know how to lay out and connect the electrical writing between the controls and the equipment; that means knowing how to read and follow wiring diagrams, and handle the tools needed for the job. If you plan to do commercial work, where refrigeration is part of the job (such as hospitality venues, manufacturing/industrial properties, or certain retail establishments), you’ll be working in HVACR (R is for refrigeration) and must have that expertise and certification.

Training to be an HVAC technician or installer
A reputable HVAC contractor will look for technicians who have graduated from high school (or equivalent) and attended a good trade school or community college with courses in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration; completion of those courses or the program will result in becoming certified or earning an associate’s degree. After that, it’s best to secure an apprenticeship that provided meaningful field experience. Basic math skills are a must, given that as an installer or service tech, this person will be doing calculations of varying kinds on a daily basis. Solid computer skills or experience with electronics will give you a competitive advantage.

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, all our technicians are professional and well-trained, and are all NATE-certified or are working toward their certification. NATE which stands for North American Technician Excellence, and it is the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians.

HVAC sales
Another line of work for experienced installers is to go into HVAC sales for an HVAC contractor. This person:

Fully understands home or commercial heating and cooling systems and the different makes and models on the market
Can recommend the best system for the location based on multiple factors
Stays abreast of the latest technology that enhances performance, improves air quality, and delivers better climate control and comfort
Is up to date on industry trends, and government and industry regulations
Knows and can sell the HVAC contractor’s full capabilities – for example, the homeowner upgrading an outdated air conditioning system may live in an area prone to power outages and therefore, may also benefit from a standby generator
Enjoys meeting and talking to new customers

Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric is always looking for qualified HVAC installers and service technicians; we also are looking for a great HVAC sales person. If you’d like to join an award-winning company that values superior customer service and satisfaction, offers competitive pay and benefits, and rewards a job well done, contact us at info@bloomfieldcooling.com.

Importance of HVAC Service Agreements for your Residential System

Posted on May 23, 2019 by admin

Installing a high-quality heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home is the first step to improving indoor air comfort. The second step: make sure that HVAC system is running properly with a service agreement or maintenance plan.

Having the appropriate service agreement in place helps to ensure your heating and air conditioning system is running at its best; it also helps detect and remedy problems before they lead to breakdowns. Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric offers a range of plans specific to various types of systems as well as prepaid agreements for a specific set of services.

Benefits of an HVAC service plan

A service plan saves you money. You’ll know up front how much the routine service call costs, and depending on the service level you sign up for, you’ll receive discounts on certain parts, diagnostic visits, and labor on repairs. Plus, routine maintenance avoids costly emergency visits and repairs.
A service plan provides you with documentation. You’ll have an audit trail that shows what was checked, problems that were noticed, and remedial steps taken for each visit.
Regular service heightens system efficiency. These days, consumers seek the more energy-efficient HVAC units available—and they want to keep their systems running at peak performance.
Regular service extends your system’s lifespan. Protect your investment by taking care of issues or make repairs before they cause a breakdown.

HVAC service tips:
1: Ask your HVAC contractor if the company offers maintenance plans for a variety of heating and cooling systems: forced hot air, air conditioning, steam boilers, and hot water boilers. You need to be sure the technicians know how to work on your particular unit or, if you upgrade or make a system change, that the company will be able to service your new equipment. You can read about the different plans we offer at https://bloomfieldcooling.com/maintenance-plans/basic-information/.
2: Make sure your HVAC contractor is sending technicians who are not only well-trained but who are also certified by NATE, or North American Technician Excellence. At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, all our technicians are NATE-certified or are working toward their certification.
3: We invite readers to take advantage of our spring AC tune-up special: save $50 on the visit by May 31, 2019. Details are at https://bloomfieldcooling.com/specials/air-conditioning-tune-up-special/. If you have a standby home generator, we strongly recommend a service agreement for that critical piece of equipment as well.

Why a Dehumidifier is an Important Part of Your Home’s HVAC System

Posted on April 16, 2019 by admin

It doesn’t take a flood from a storm or broken pipes to require the work of a dehumidifier to help dry out a basement. In general, basements are damp and humid, creating an environment that can harbor mildew or mold. However, it’s not just obvious water problems in your basement that can cause issues in your home; excessive moisture builds up everywhere. Cooking, cleaning, and showering add moisture to your indoor air. That’s why a whole-home dehumidifier is such an important element in your HVAC system.

A whole-home dehumidifier will improve your indoor air quality and your family’s comfort for several reasons.

Excessive moisture can aggravate allergies, create musty odors, or show up as mold and mildew on surfaces. It is also a breeding ground for dust mites when the relative humidity exceeds 50 percent. Anyone with asthma or other allergies that are triggered by mold and mildew will be glad to have a drier home!

A home with chronically high humidity may also suffer, with warping or damage to wood trim and floors. Humidity is also trapped in fabrics (furniture, draperies, and carpeting) and may damage photographs—anything that is sensitive to high humidity.

Excessive humidity also causes the air in your home to feel warmer, which may lead you to crank up the air conditioning when it’s not truly necessary. With an installed dehumidifier, you’ll be less likely to overcool your home (which will help keep down your energy use and costs).

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc., we install Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifiers as part of your heating and cooling system; it can also be installed as a standalone unit. It automatically removes the proper amount of moisture from every room throughout the entire house. With this type of humidity control you:

Reduce growth of dust mites, mold and other contaminants that can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms
Get rid of the cold, clammy air and mildew odors everywhere.
Protect your furnishings and structure against warping or worse
Enhance your home’s energy efficiency – lower humidity means you’ll feel cooler at a higher temperature

The model we install (Model #1850) can remove up to nearly 12 gallons of water a day—but let’s hope you are never in the position to need that! This industry-leading, high-capacity whole-home dehumidifier is ducted to your HVAC system; it has an easy-to-use interactive display and is low maintenance. Your Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric technician will check it and clean or replace the filter as needed once a year as part of your maintenance.

With warm weather ahead, consider installing an Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifier. You’ll have less reason to crank up the AC, your family will be more comfortable, and anyone with sensitivities to moisture-induced contaminants will breathe easier—and more easily—with drier air throughout your home. Call us at 973-237-0505 to make an appointment.

Spring is Nearly Here – and so is Spring HVAC Maintenance Season

Posted on March 15, 2019 by admin

The temperatures in northern New Jersey are still fluctuating between winter cold and hints of warmer spring—but at Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc., we’re gearing up for spring maintenance season for our customers’ HVAC systems. In fact, we’re ready to go with routine semi-annual service calls on the first 50-degree day.

Your HVAC professional should perform several important routine maintenance tasks and system checks to ensure your central air conditioning will be ready to run properly when the warm weather hits. Plus, given the frigid temperatures we’ve endured this winter, your hard-working system will need some TLC from the technician.

Semi-annual maintenance protects your HVAC system by finding and fixing potential problems before they become costly repairs. Your air conditioning contractor should include the following tasks in a spring maintenance check:

Check the refrigerant charge – Refrigerant is what cools the air in your home. The technician should check the refrigerant lines for any necessary repairs. Make sure the HVAC service contractor has an EPA refrigerant usage certification in order to buy refrigerant and to repair older systems that contain ozone-depleting refrigerants (CFCs). IMPORTANT: Your technician must know which type to use on your unit.
Change the air filters – As the air circulates through your home, the air filters attract and grab billions of airborne particles. This helps the HVAC system deliver better air quality and protects the system. At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we recommend high-efficiency pleated air filters; their electrostatic charge attracts the tiniest particles, including bacteria spores and pet dander (a common allergen). Changing the air filters a few times a year keeps circulated air as clean as possible, reduces system wear and tear, and lowers energy costs by increasing the system’s efficiency.
Clean the condenser coil – Make sure the technician removes the condenser covers or blankets outside (if you put them on in the winter) to check on the unit’s condition. The suction line (which helps supply cool refrigerant to the compressor outdoors), should be properly insulated to maintain optimal cooling; damaged insulation should be noted and addressed. Any vegetation or trash that has collected on and around the outdoor coil must be cleared; this enables the system to deliver the best possible performance with good air flow.
Clear out the drain system – The technician will clear debris and check that the air conditioner’s condensate drain is not clogged. A properly maintained condensate drain lets the water to flow from a tray that captures it to a drain. Obstructions can cause water damage to the unit and in the winter, this can create high humidity levels that promote mold growth or bacteria buildup. In addition, a clear drain avoids putting undue load on the unit and improves efficiency (an obstructed drain will send out less cool air).

Routine maintenance can also reveal other issues that may require some additional attention, such as mold, which affects indoor air quality and your health. Last year we told you about the REME HALO and the Blue-Tube UV light that purify indoor air of allergens, and prevent and kill mold in your AC unit. The technician should make a note regarding the presence of mold and your HVAC contractor should offer recommendations for remediation. In addition, the contractor should provide you with an estimate for any repair work the technician has noted to support your central air conditioning system.

As we know, North Jersey gets a lot of rain in the spring and basements can be very damp and humid. Installing a dehumidifier in the basement will help prevent mold and odors there during the summer time. At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we recommend, sell and install high-quality, durable Aprilaire dehumidifiers that actually filter and condition the air. The water is pumped into a sink or drain so there’s no need to empty a water basin. They’ll keep the basement or other environments much fresher and healthier.

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc. we make your HVAC tune-ups easier to schedule and afford with our flexible maintenance plans. Prolong the life of your HVAC system, keep your energy costs in line, and avoid costly repairs. Contact our award-winning team at 973-237-0505 for your spring HVAC maintenance or for a quote on updating your existing system or installing a new one.

The New Cor™ Thermostat – Smart Energy Control for Your Home

Posted on February 13, 2019 by admin

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we’re all about helping our customers boost their energy efficiency and save money on utility bills with the best equipment on the market. That why we are such big fans of Carrier’s Côr™ C smart thermostats. These Energy Star^®-certified thermostats enable homeowners to control their home’s temperature and energy use from anywhere—and maximize their HVAC system’s efficiency.

The sleek thermostat is a fully programmable seven-day unit that:

Has an easy-to-use full-color touchscreen (similar to a smartphone)
Is a fully connected, Wi-Fi^® capable, smart-home unit
Comes equipped with energy savings intelligence and reduces your energy use. In fact, according to Carrier, homeowners who install Côr™ thermostats save an average of 20% on their heating and cooling energy costs.*

Smart technology. Because Côr™ is “smart,” it learns your family’s comfort preferences and can manage it all for you if you wish. Its features enable the thermostat to adapt beyond manual programming for greater efficiency. For example, it can make modifications to your home’s temperature control based on outdoor weather conditions. The thermostat can adjust indoor humidity It even gives you your local four-day weather forecast. Plus, Côr™ automatically downloads the latest software updates for all models to ensure your thermostat is always performing at its best.

Connectivity. You can control your settings remotely via the internet and connect and check in on your system—from any room in the house or wherever you happen to be—with the free mobile app for Apple^® and Android™ devices To enhance your “energy IQ,” you can log into the web portal for detailed reports on your home’s energy consumption to help you make smarter decisions about your optimal temperate control settings and schedule. It even provides customized energy-saving tips based on your usage and environment. It’s all part of creating a more connected home.

Flexibility. Côr™ is compatible with many brands of HVAC systems and for homes with a Carrier heat pump and furnace, the device’s energy-smart design can stretch your energy dollars further by acting as what’s called a Hybrid Heat^® system. Your Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric technician can explain how that works to save on fuel consumption.

As an added bonus, as your Carrier Côr™ dealer, Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric also connects to your unit to receive reports on your system in order to detect problems proactively, for remote troubleshooting, and to determine if maintenance is required.

We can install a new Côr™ smart thermostat any time, so give us a call at (973) 237-0505. It installs easily and we can do it as part of a routine maintenance appointment or service call.

*Based on a 2012 third-party study comparing Carrier^® Côr™ technology to the estimated cost of a non-programmable thermostat set to 72°F at all times.

Start a Hot Career as a Generator Technician

Posted on January 28, 2019 by admin

Photo: Generac

As we know in Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Essex and other northern NJ counties, severe storms can wreak havoc with power supplies—fueling the need for standby home generators. Given the growing demand (some would say, need) for standby home generators in northern New Jersey, it’s now wonder that generator technician is a job that’s growing in popularity—and is a professional who is definitely in demand in our area.

A generator technician services and installs generator systems and related equipment. These often run on heavy diesel or gas-fueled combustion engines, and are used to provide electrical power to homes when power lines are down or due to other service interruptions. This specialized mechanic installs generators, makes generator repairs, testis and monitors the engines’ combustion systems, and ensures the energy output is efficient. In some cases, it may also be necessary transport or dispose of hazardous and flammable materials as part of these service calls.

Qualifications for generator technicians

Technicians should have the field experience or a trade school background necessary to be fully trained in standby generator installation, maintenance, and repair. At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc., we are busy installing and maintaining standby generators throughout northern New Jersey—so much so, in fact, that we are hiring. As a certified, authorized Generac dealer and installer, we provide training and certification classes for Generac generators (of course, we also service other generator brands). Our technicians get plenty of experience working on top-of-the-line equipment for our customers in Passaic, Essex, Bergen, and Hudson counties.

If you’re a generator technician looking to make a change, or you’d like to become a generator technician, contact Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric about job opportunities. We offer a competitive salary with benefits, a great work environment, and a lot of satisfied customers who’ve helped us earn 12 Angie’s List Super Service awards and multiple Best of Essex awards as Best HVAC Company. Call (973) 237-0505 or email info@bloomfieldcooling.com.

Is Your HVAC System the Correct Size for Your Home?

Posted on December 21, 2018 by admin

Is Your HVAC System the Correct Size - Bloomfield Cooling You rely on your HVAC system to provide a comfortable environment in your home; but if the system in not the correct size, that will have a big (and negative) impact on your energy consumption and costs. Therefore, it is crucial that your HVAC contractor take all key factors into account when making the load calculation that determines the size of your residential system heating and air conditioning system. This all concerns the capacity of the system to adequately heat or cool your home with maximum efficiency.

An HVAC system that is too small will keep on running without providing adequate comfort. A system that’s oversized is inefficient in another way, with compressors that run cycles that are too short. These sizing errors are often due to basing the system solely on the home’s square footage.

Proper load calculation

The load calculation helps your HVAC contractor design the system properly. This includes the number, size and location of air ducts, and properly sizing the equipment to optimize comfort and efficiency. Aside from the home’s square footage and layout (an open floor plan will have different needs than more small and separate spaces), other factors to consider in a general load calculation are:

Potential heat loss/heat gain of the home depending on exposure and setting (full sun all day or shady environment, for example)
Ceiling height
Type of insulation in the walls; doors and windows in the home
How/where the heat and air conditioning will be distributed (rooms to be heated/cooled, ductwork)
Other heat sources that may affect cooling

HOT TIP: Find out if the contractor is following Manual J® residential load calculations (the industry standard) and for installation, the Quality Installation guidelines from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and the American National Standards Institute’s Standard 5.

Knowing when it’s right

When the load calculation is done correctly and your HVAC system is properly sized and installed:

You should not hear the system run or hear the air moving through the ductwork. A quiet system indicates ducts are the right size, air velocity is correctly calibrated and the fans are using the right amount of power.
There should not be any odors nor an unusual amount of dust (these indicate leaky ductwork).
The air temperature should be even throughout all zones. You can check this by going room to room; changes in comfort level may mean the air distribution system is not properly sized, installed or balanced.
Your utility bills should be lower since presumably, your system is more efficient and operating as expected.

Of course, you always want to use a licensed and insured HVAC contractor to protect you and your home, and to ensure that only certified, well-trained technicians are doing all the installation and/or repair work. To discuss your needs—whether retrofitting an existing HVAC system with upgraded equipment or installing a new system—contact Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric for a consultation: 973-237-0505 or info@bloomfieldcooling.com.