Generator Season is Here – Are You Prepared?

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Bloomfield Cooling Generac GeneratorWhether it’s a hurricane or tropical storm, blizzard or ice storm, major weather events wreak havoc due to flooding, downed trees and power lines. For homeowners with a reliable standby generator, power outages present less of a problem. That said, it’s critical that you perform regular generator maintenance and have your fall maintenance done on your HVAC system so the equipment works as expected during the coming months.

Last month, we reminded readers to run the generator’s self-test. There are also minor maintenance operations you should do, such as keeping the area around the unit free of debris and checking the oil level (when the unit is not running); keep it as close to full as possible (but don’t overfill it).

Beyond that, full preventive maintenance should be done yearly or twice a year, depending on the environmental conditions and how often the generator runs. This routine maintenance should be performed by a certified technician, to ensure everything is properly checked and corrected, and to maintain your unit’s warranty.

Preventive generator maintenance
Your HVAC/generator contractor will check the air system, engine starting system, and transfer switch operation and controls. It is crucial that the tech checks the starter (battery and charger) and transfer switch, since these two items help power the unit. Obviously, if they are not working, neither will the generator. In addition, the technician should replace, clean and/or visually inspect the:

  • Air filters
  • Oil & oil filter
  • Spark plugs & spark wires
  • Battery terminals & cables
  • Air intake & exhaust system
  • Fuel lines & hoses
  • Voltage input & electrical connections
  • Vibration & insulation conditions
  • Control board operation

Depending on the make and model of your standby generator, there may be other preventive maintenance actions required.

To make it easy for you to get your standby generator checked, Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric is running a special of just $225 for your generator maintenance. We are an authorized Generac dealer but service multiple makes of standby generators. If you have not yet installed a new generator, Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric also offers 12-month interest-free financing for those who qualify, on installations of new generators as well as HVAC systems.

Fall HVAC system maintenance
Before you know it, it will be time to turn on (and keep on) the heat. Is your central HVAC system ready for winter?

Homeowners are advised to perform some simple routine maintenance checks every month to help keep their HVAC system running properly. These include checking and changing out the air filters if they are dirty or clogged, keeping vents clean and free of dust, and making sure the outdoor compressors are free of debris (leaves, sticks, dirt, etc.)

The technician should go through a comprehensive checklist of your heating system to check filters and inspect electrical switches, belts, contacts, motors, safety switches, gas pressure, and refrigerant levels. At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, our certified technicians will take care of any components that need replacing, alert you to any potential issues, and make recommendations for remedial steps to take. Our team services forced hot air systems as well as steam boilers and hot water boilers. You can read more about our various maintenance plans and services for your heating and air conditioning systems here.

Don’t wait for the leaves to fall to get your HVAC system or standby generator checked out and properly maintained—when the storm hits or the temperatures drop, you’ll want to know with confidence that your equipment will run as expected. Contact Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric at (973) 237-0505 or info@bloomfieldcooling.com to set up your maintenance appointment.

Keep Your Standby Generator Standing By 24/7

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Running the self-test is an important part of your generator’s maintenance plan

Standby generators are the gold standard for emergency electrical power for your home or small business. When there’s an outage, the generator kicks in automatically and provides service for hours or days, energizing your fridge, phone and all your essentials. It will do the job whenever you need it—if you do your job to maintain it properly.

Once a standby generator is permanently installed in your yard, it will last a long time if well-maintained, potentially 20 years or more. The self-testing feature is a primary reason these generators are so reliable.

How self-testing works
Each week, the standby generator turns itself on for about 10 minutes, based on a programmed schedule. The day and time can be set from the control board, and for convenience, your installer can program your unit to run self-tests weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

The Generac11kW Home Backup Generator, WiFi enabled. Photo, Generac Power Systems, Inc.Any problem that’s detected is read by a remote indoor monitor that transmits data to your maintenance team, who will determine if your generator needs service.

Also important: the test charges the 12-volt car battery the generator uses so it’s ready to go the moment a blackout occurs.

Is it noisy?
Most generators are relatively quiet during the self-test, like a car idling in your driveway. Some of the best standby generators on the market, like the Generac Guardian series, have recently been enhanced to further lower the decibel level.

Be sure to listen for and monitor the results of these exercises. You can also read the display inside your generator to gather all the data points from the last test run. Another simple visual inspection: check the external indicator light, which should be green if it’s running properly. Red indicates an operating problem and requires a service visit by a certified technician to keep the warranty intact.

Remote access to data
If you’re away from home, don’t worry. The Generac Guardian series and other top-of-the-line generators have remote Wi-Fi monitoring capability. Weekly data results can be transmitted to a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

“Our customers can check the status of their generators even when they’re at work or on vacation,” notes Mike DeJoseph, owner of Bloomfield Cooling, Heating, & Electric, Inc. “If they get an alert that their generator is running when it shouldn’t, or if there’s an operational problem, they can contact us right away so we can check out the issue.”

Maintenance to-do list

  • Monitor oil levels monthly, or more when the generator is running for longer periods of time; be sure the breaker and unit are off before pulling out the dipstick. Oil levels are key to maintaining the warranty.
  • Keep the area around the unit clear and easily accessible, especially near the intake and exhaust areas. The generator needs air to work properly. Leaves, snow, or nesting birds and animals can all interfere with operation.

Scheduled inspections
A factory certified technician should fully inspect your generator annually or more depending on usage and more extreme weather. Make sure the installer or contractor has a comprehensive checklist for your specific unit which includes:

  • Starters and alternators
  • Transfer switch operation and controls (detects service interruption and disconnects your house from the utility)
  • Air (intake and exhaust, filter replacement)
  • Electrical connections and voltage input
  • Fuel lines and hoses
  • Oil and oil filter (change at least twice a year)
  • Load testing (to verify overall reliability to run at full kW output)

For ultimate peace of mind, Bloomfield Cooling, Heating, & Electric, Inc. offers a preventive maintenance contract, which ensures inspections are done correctly, thoroughly, and on time. We are a factory authorized dealer for Generac and offer certified service for Generac and Honeywell generators, the industry’s leading brands. Your work is always performed by certified technicians from a multiple-award-winning HVAC company.

Check our website to read about standby generator and our latest generator maintenance specials; then call us at (973) 237-0505 to set up your appointment or for more information.

Hot News about Air Conditioning Refrigerant

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Many older air conditioners and refrigerators once used Freon, the trade name for R-22 and certain other refrigerants and aerosol propellants manufactured by The Chemours Company. However, the product was banned in 2015 by the Environmental Protection Agency and it is scheduled to be completely phased out by 2020. The EPA deemed R-22 and other chlorofluorocarbons to be hazardous to the environment by causing ozone depletion.

Although R-22 is still being manufactured to maintain existing HVAC equipment, many homeowners with older HVAC systems that rely on R-22 are facing increased costs for the refrigerant due to the dwindling stockpile of that product. And, after 2020, R-22 won’t be manufactured or imported in the United States at all. Because of the environmental issues with R-22, HVAC service contractors in the US must have an EPA refrigerant usage certification in order to buy refrigerant and repair systems that contain ozone-depleting refrigerants such as R-22.

So, what does all this mean for our customers?

More environmentally friendly refrigerant: R-410A

R410-A RefrigerantAt Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc., we switched to a refrigerant called R-410A. In fact, we have been using it since 1995 when it was first introduced, because it is much more environmentally friendly. Unlike R-22, 401A does not contain bromine or chlorine (which contribute to ozone depletion). It also enables higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) ratings, reducing power consumption which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

For homeowners with older HVAC systems, now is the time to upgrade to more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly equipment that use 410A; remember, if your system breaks down after January 2020 (only 18 months from now), you will be faced with a replacement at that time. There are ways to retrofit an older system to use the newer refrigerant but it’s not possible for all systems, so your Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric technician will have to assess whether or not we can do the conversion. If not, a retroactive HVAC system replacement will be more cost-effective in the long run.

If you’re interested in upgrading your HVAC system to a more energy-efficient unit, ask about our new HVAC system special that is good through the end of June, with zero percent financing for 36 months (we have other favorable financing programs available as well). Or ask about our $500 installation coupon here.

Not ready for a new system? Contact Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric about system maintenance that will help keep your HVAC system running at its peak, at (973) 237-0505 or info@bloomfieldcooling.com.

How is Your Indoor Air Quality?

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Your HVAC Contractor Can Make Sure it’s Free of Germs and Airborne Allergens.

Has your HVAC contractor recommended ways to improve your indoor air quality beyond what your heating and air conditioning system can do on its own?

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we employ two devices and methods to kill germs and airborne allergens that aggravate respiratory allergies and make home occupants sick. They are the REME HALO™ in-duct air purifier and the Fresh-aire UV germicidal light. These work differently but both attack contaminants that collect in your system’s coils and ductwork.

REME HALO

This is an in-duct air purifier that brings indoor air quality (IAQ) technology to a very high level. It is truly capable of purifying every cubic inch of air that your central air conditioning system reaches in your home. This device eliminates odors, allergies, and “sick building syndrome” caused by three types of indoor air pollutants: particulates, microbes, and gases.

The REME HALO re-creates Mother Nature’s air purification process to rid your home’s indoor air of common allergens such as mold spores, dander, dust, smoke, and pollen. It eliminates odors from cooking, dirty laundry, smelly pets, and musty rooms that have not been aired out in years (or mildew-ridden basements and attics).

This device is installed into a section of the air conditioning or heating system air ducts called the supply plenum. It produces ionized hydrogen peroxide molecules that are distributed throughout your entire home, and that break down the contaminants in the air upon contact. It’s a much more active air technology that doesn’t wait for pollutants to come to it in the HVAC unit—it proactively sweeps through your home to do its work. And, since hydrogen peroxide occurs naturally in our atmosphere and is part of nature’s air-cleaning process, you’ll have nature-fresh air in every room, thanks to the work of these “friendly oxidizers.”

These units are easy to install and do so much to improve your home’s air quality. Next time you schedule your seasonal maintenance, ask us about installing a REME HALO on your existing HVAC system.

Blue-Tube UV

This product harnesses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill germs, to improve air quality in your home. It’s a whole-house UV light installed directly inside the central air system (like the REME HALO) and eliminates microbes and odors as air cycles through the system. It’s also extends the life of your system and reduces energy and maintenance costs by keeping the coils free of unwanted contaminants.

According to Blue-Tube UV’s manufacturer, indoor air pollution is made up of particulates, mold/germs, and odors/volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although conventional system filters are effective against particulates—that’s part of their job—the Blue-Tube UV sterilizes biological contaminants such as mold, germs, and viruses that are in the air and on your HVAC system’s surfaces (these thrive in the moist, cool environment). In short, it uses low-voltage UV light as a germicidal that disinfects your system. It actually scrambles the microorganisms’ DNA, which then prevents them from reproducing.

Blue-Tube UV kills the mold and the biofilm that collects on your AC coils, keeping the coils cleaner, which helps maintain your system and lengthen its life span. And of course, it keeps your family healthy by ensuring the air you breathe inside your home is free of germs. It comes in a few different lamp configurations to accommodate various size systems and homes.

As always, our HVAC service technicians are here to help, and will be happy to install one of these indoor air quality technologies to fill your home with the great indoors. Ask us about the REME HALO and Blue-Tube UV; we’ll assess your needs and recommend the right device for your HVAC system. Call Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc. for your spring maintenance appointment at 973-237-0505 (and don’t forget to take advantage of our spring special pricing).

The Importance of Proper HVAC Training

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HVAC Technician - Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & ElectricIf your vehicle’s onboard control panel stops functioning, you wouldn’t allow just anyone work on your car, would you? Of course you would go to a certified auto mechanic. The same goes for your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. This is a specialized system with lots of moving parts and is a major investment in your home and your family’s comfort. Servicing an HVAC system requires the expertise and know-how of a well-trained HVAC technician.

HVAC systems comprise costly components; investing in the service and skills of trained technicians to handle maintenance, repair or replacement pays off in many ways:

  • You’re assured that your heat and air conditioning will continue to work efficiently and properly at all times.
  • A highly trained, certified technician protects your HVAC system, your home, and your warranty.
  • A well-trained technician or installer will know the latest and greatest options and repair and maintenance methods. Trust us, you’ll be very sorry if they don’t!
  • Customer service and satisfaction will be much better.

When you call the local HVAC company, ask about its staff’s training and credentials. Make sure the company’s techs have received proper (and well-regarded) industry training and have access to on-the-job or continuing education to stay up with HVAC industry trends and new technologies. After all, today’s heating and cooling systems are always improving; systems being installed today are much more advanced than what was available 10 or 20 years ago. A continuing education program enables technicians to keep their diagnostic, repair, and installation skills sharp—and enable them to offer better customer service.

HVAC training prepares installers and technicians to assess how the unit and ductwork should be configured to accommodate the space or the home’s layout. Installers and technicians must know the newest heating, ventilation and air conditioning designs. They also need to be up to date on crucial safety guidelines and OSHA codes—for everyone’s protection.

Comprehensive training should cover general knowledge all the various areas needed in HVAC work such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and refrigerant work. At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we have licensed electricians on staff to perform all the electrical work associated with installations and repairs but our technicians are also able to perform light electrical work so they can get the job done efficiently (and correctly). Training also enables technicians to be good diagnosticians. After all, when your heat is out or the air conditioning stops working, don’t you want someone who knows what he or she is talking about to come check out the problem?

Certification is also important. Being certified proves the HVAC technicians have met various industry and government requirements to perform the work properly and safely. For example, at Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc., we make sure our team members all have North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification and those who must handle refrigerants carry EPA Section 608 certification. Note also that HVAC companies must be licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors, which protects consumers by making sure all work is done in full compliance of state law.

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we pride ourselves on our HVAC technicians’ knowledge and skill. Our team offers superior service, earning us accolades on Angie’s List (multiple Super Service awards) and locally in the Best of Essex Readers’ Choice Awards (Best HVAC Contractor) four years in a row. We are currently hiring HVAC lead installers, HVAC installers, and HVAC service technicians. Interested candidates should send their resumes to us at info@bloomfieldcooling.com or by mail to our office: 127 Paterson Avenue, Little Falls, New Jersey 07424.

From Cave Man to Modern Man: The History of Home Heating Technology

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We’re no longer cooking food over newly discovered fire unless we’re at a cookout – but that’s how home heating began.

Prehistoric heat
As far back as nearly two million years ago (1,900,000 BC), humans began cooking food over fire. The discovery of fire not only enabled early man to cook his food but to also start heating his domicile in a rudimentary fashion.

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of humans using fire in this way about 100,000 years ago, with central fires in dwellings that had roof openings to vent the smoke, almost like a tipi. “Fast forward” to around 42,000 BC, by which time the Neanderthals were using mammoth bones to build hearths (as discovered in what is now Ukraine).

Ancient heating systems
In the ancient times of Greek and Roman civilizations—say, 2500 BC—possibly the first central heating system with radiant heat was created. There are flues in the ground in the excavated Temple of Ephesus, for purposes of circulating heat produced by a fire.

This is pretty amazing since it is a precursor to modern-day gas furnaces! Throughout the Roman Empire, there is evidence of central heating systems in some buildings, baths, and upper-class homes; these building what are called “hypocaust furnaces”; these created and distributed heat by warming empty spaces under floors that connected to pipes in the walls—the first form of radiant heating. Similar furnaces were developed by other cultures.

Middle Ages
Unfortunately, with the fall of the Roman Empire and the Dark Ages, humans took a step back to more primitive fireplaces, which would have warmed up a very limited space. However, things started heating up around 800 AD with the introduction of clay stoves and by the early Renaissance period, monks in Europe brought back a central heating system by diverting river water and heating it with wood-burning furnaces. Ventilation improved as well with the first chimneys. And, just as today, technology continued to improve home heating; masonry stoves became common by the 1500s and chimney construction became more refined.

The (sort-of) modern era
Circulating heat came back—finally!—in the early 1600s with the invention of a circulating fireplace with a raised grate that promoted airflow. By the early 1700s, technology once again brought improvements to citizens in England, who used combustion air from an outside duct to circulate heat. Russia’s Peter the Great equipped his Summer Palace with a hot-water heating system around this time.

In the American colonies, Benjamin Franklin introduced his Franklin stove in 1741, a more efficient model than its competitors. In Scotland in the late 1700s, James Watt got busy developing the first working steam-based heating system for his home; it had a central boiler and pipe system. These advancements signaled a new era in home heating, which was further refined in the early 1800s by England’s William Strutt, who invented a warm-air furnace that could heat cold air. This heated air traveled through ducts into rooms, much as our modern-day central heating does.

A big step towards modern home heating happened in Russia in 1855 with the invention of the radiator and 30 years later, the first thermostat was patented.

20th century heating technology
Electric heat was also being worked out during the late 19th century into the early 20th century. Thomas Edison invented the first electric heater in 1883 and the filament wire that would heat up to toast bread—a precursor to the electrical heating unit—was discovered in the early 1900s.

In 1919, just under 100 years ago, Alice Parker of Morristown, NJ patented the first central heating system. It was the first furnace fueled by natural gas, and Parker’s design enabled cool air from a compartment to be drawn into the furnace, where it was conveyed through a heat exchanger and delivered throughout the house or building through ductwork.

Technology brought forced convection wall heaters using a coal furnace, electric fan, and ductwork in 1935 and direct exchange ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps in the late 1940s. A major innovation came in 1990 with solar air heating and in this century, homes and office buildings are being wired with smart technologies that help occupants regulate the heat remotely and more accurately based on actual use or need.

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we’re thankful we can make the latest HVAC technology available to our customers, with top-of-the-line heating (and cooling) systems for homes of all sizes and ages. Read more about our services here, and contact us for a free estimate on your HVAC installation, gas conversion, or system maintenance needs.

Regular Boiler Maintenance Will Keep Your Home Heated and Your HVAC System Running

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New Jersey has seen some record-breaking temperatures this winter, which means your heating system is working overtime. When the weather is this cold, the system has to run almost continually to keep you warm and cozy in your home. The last thing you want during an extreme cold spell (or even when it’s 40 degrees outside) is for your boiler to break down. In many older homes throughout northern NJ, the boiler is at the heart of your hardworking heating system. If you want heat to be there for you in the cold, when it really counts, boiler maintenance must be part of your annual HVAC system care plan because no boiler, no heat.

How steam and hot water boilers work
There are forced hot air, steam and hot water boilers fueled by natural gas, as well as some boilers those fueled by oil. Steam and hot water heating systems use a boiler furnace to heat and store water to warm your home. The heated water turns into steam, travels through your pipes to your radiators or baseboards, and warm the room. The steam eventually cools, condenses back into water, and returns to the boiler to start the process again.

Importance of annual boiler maintenance
Having proper boiler maintenance is key for your heating system to run properly throughout the winter. If the boiler breaks down, you and your family will be uncomfortably cold until the HVAC technician arrives and worse, your pipes could freeze, causing major plumbing issues and damage to your home.

We recommend having your boiler checked annually, replacing parts when necessary and making sure it’s running right. A qualified service professional should perform this routine maintenance, which includes:

  • Checking all gauges and controls – these include the safety valve, pressure gauge, and water gauge, the automatic feeder, pressure control, and low water cutoff control. Gauge glass should be cleaned or replaced if it’s obstructed.
  • Checking and cleaning the filters – filters need to be kept clean and have no obstructions that will block the heat. If dirt builds up, the system will not work as efficiently.
  • Inspecting and adjusting the burner.
  • Cleaning or replacing the vents.
  • Inspecting the gas line, heat exchanger, chimney and flues for blockages or leaks.
  • In steam systems, check radiator air valves and adjust as needed.
  • Tightening fittings.

Boiler maintenance plans make it easy to keep your system running right
At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we service warm air furnaces, steam boilers and hot water baseboard heating systems that are fueled by natural gas. And, we have a variety of affordable Comfort Club maintenance plans for your gas heat system that keep it running smoothly. There are plans for forced hot air, steam boiler and hot water boiler systems, with flexible options to suit your HVAC system configuration and budget.

For a small monthly investment, we will perform annual maintenance checks, and some Comfort Club plans include repair discounts and money off toward a replacement, when that day does come. Better yet, this routine boiler maintenance will keep you from placing an emergency call to us on a freezing winter night.

Don’t get caught out in the cold—contact Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric at info@bloomfieldcooling.com or (973) 237-0505 to arrange an appointment with one of our certified heating system professionals.

Getting Your Ducts in a Row with Ductless Heating and Cooling

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Keeping your home at the right temperature all year ‘round is all about getting your ducts in a row. But installing ductwork for a new HVAC system (or extending an existing heating and cooling system) can be frustrating, very difficult, or in some cases, simply not prudent when it comes to older homes, additions to your abode, or finished basements or renovated attics.

A ductless heating and cooling system may be the answer to your ductwork and airflow challenge. Ductless systems can be installed, allowing the homeowner to duck the frustration, mess and challenge of opening walls and dealing with bringing central air into unusual or difficult spaces.

Ductless systems (also called ductless heat pumps or ductless mini-splits) are safe, sturdy and quiet. They are a highly effective way to install primary heating and cooling systems for electrically heated homes. And, best of all, they can save the homeowner money by evenly warming up a room at a fraction of the other heating systems.

How do they work?

By using heat pump technology, ductless heating and cooling systems distribute warm or cool air better than traditional electric heaters. Two-way heat pumps transfer heat between outdoor and indoor air by compressing and expanding refrigerant. Ductless systems use variable speed compressors with inverter technology to constantly match the heating or cooling load. With no on/off cycling of conventional electric resistance and central heating systems, there is no uncomfortable temperature variations nor high energy consumption.

A ductless system consists of the following:

  • Outdoor unit, which houses the condensing coil, an inverter-driven variable speed compressor, an expansion valve and a fan to cool the condenser coil.
  • Indoor unit, which contains an evaporator and a quiet oscillating fan to distribute air throughout the living space.
  • Refrigerant line-set composed of insulated copper tubing, which is housed in a conduit alongside a power cable, and a condensation drain.
  • Remote control used to program the desired temperature for day and nighttime settings. Controls may have wall-mounted or Wi-Fi enabled.

In just one day, a professional can install the ductless system and you can start reducing your electric heating costs by 25 percent to 50 percent.

Many benefits

  • A ductless system can replace or supplement your current heating system (whether it is baseboard, wall and ceiling heat, wood stoves, electric furnaces and other electric plug-in space heaters).
  • It is a cost-effective solution in a small home to supplement the current single-zone electric system. Your ductless system is sized to meet the heating and cooling needs of the home’s individual zones.
  • It is an efficient alternative to extending the home’s existing ductwork or pipes or adding electric resistance heaters.
  • In new construction, home designs can be adapted to take advantage of a ductless system. For instance, it can be used in various zones of the house to simplify installation and minimize refrigerant line length.
  • A ductless system results in better and more efficient energy use by eliminating the costly overheating and over-cooling often seen with central air systems.
    • With the ability to control each heating and cooling zone independently, a homeowner is no longer paying to heat or cool unoccupied rooms.
    • The system maintains constant indoor temperatures by running continuously at higher or lower speeds.
    • Plus, ductless systems have great seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER), usually between 16 and 22 with heating seasonal performance factors (HSPF) ranging from 9 to more than 12.

Don’t wait and get caught out in the cold—call Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric today get your ducts in a row with a ductless system. We’ll install a high-quality Mitsubishi ductless system that is right for your home. And, as a Mitsubishi factory-trained Diamond dealer, we offer one of the best warranties in the business— a full 12 years, far longer than any other in the industry.

Contact Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric at info@bloomfieldcooling.com or (973) 237-0505 to set up our free consultation.

Why You Need a Humidifier and How to Pick the Right One

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Many in the northeast despise the winter because of what happens outside: the brutal cold, the mounds of snow, and the blustering winds. But what about what’s happening inside your home—everyone zapping each other with static electricity or going through tubes of lip balm because your home lacks sufficient moisture.

Finding and maintaining the right level of moisture improves the air quality of your home, can keep you and your family healthy, and can even protect some of your belongings. Installing the right humidifier can keep your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Why Do You Need a Humidifier?
During the winter, your heating system dries out the air inside of your home. Humidifiers are designed to replace that lost moisture to maintain optimal levels.

Besides drying out your lips and giving you the pleasure of static electricity, low moisture can:

  • Make your home feeling cooler: The lack of moisture in the air makes the air feel cooler, causing you to turn up the heat and raise heating costs. Adding moisture to the air helps you feel warmer at a lower temperature and saves you money on your heating bill.
  • Make you sick: According to the Mayo Clinic, cold viruses thrive in drier conditions. It can also dry out your mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and a scratchy throat. Humidification is good for your nasal passages and respiratory tract when the heat is on.
  • Hurt your skin: When the air inside your home lacks humidity, your skin, which is half-water, dries out as well. This can cause dry skin, itching, flaking, and even tightness around the joints. Overly dry air can even cause existing skin conditions, such as eczema and acne, to flare up.
  • Harm your furniture and floors. Dry air that dips below 20% humidity can actually start impacting your furniture and wood finishes. This can cause cracks, gaps between wood flooring boards, and even piano keys to become out of tune.

How Do You Find the Right Humidifier?
The ideal humidity level is between 30 and 50%. However, without a humidifier, the moisture in your home could be as much as 2/3 less than that. But that doesn’t mean you can just install any humidifier on your HVAC system and instantly solve all your problems.

When deciding on a humidifier for your home, some aspects to consider include:

  • Finding the right size: One of the most common mistakes is installing a humidifier that is too small for the size of the house or doesn’t consider other factors, such as insulation, the presence of a fireplace, or the type of heating system.
  • Finding the right type: There are many types of humidifiers, such as flow through units and mist or steam units. When deciding on a humidifier, you need to consider all of the conditions of your home. For instance, if you have hard water, a spray humidification system can be more easily clogged with mineral deposits.
  • Keeping up with maintenance: One overlooked feature of humidifiers, especially if your furnace has an evaporate-plate humidifier, is proper maintenance to make sure there is no build-up.

These are all considerations that your HVAC contractor should review with you before making a recommendation on the best humidification unit for your home.

Replenish the Moisture in Your Home Today!
Don’t wait until winter has arrived and your furnace or heating system dries out the air in your home. Call Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric today to choose and install the right humidifier for you, your family, and your home. Contact us at info@bloomfieldcooling.com or (973) 237-0505 to set up your free consultation.

Air Purifiers Keep Your Home and Your Family Healthy

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We all try to make better decisions about the food we put into our bodies and the amount of time we spend exercising. Unfortunately, many of us overlook the importance of keeping the air inside our home clean and free of toxins. The EPA estimates that the air we breathe inside our homes is two to five times dirtier than the air outside.

In order to protect your family, especially if one of the members of your family suffers from allergies or asthma, an air purifier improves the air quality of your home and can ensure that everyone will breathe easier and keep your home and family healthy.

Air Purifiers: What Do They Do?

In the simplest terms, air purifiers pull air through filters to catch harmful particles. There are different types of air purifiers, though the most common use HEPA filters. These, as part of an overall plan to remove irritating particles from your home, can reduce the pollution and help improve your family’s health.

Many families place air purifiers in one room, usually the most used room in the house such as a bedroom. However, if someone in your family suffers from severe allergies or has asthma, it may be important to have multiple air purifiers to keep your family members breathing clean air.

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

The various types of pollution that can enter your home include:

  • Pet dander
  • Pollen
  • Dust mites

Besides cleaning the air you breathe, air purifiers can also protect your home from mold and rot. While using only the wattage between that of a table lamp and a computer, using air purifiers immediately following renovation work can protect your home by removing the contaminants in the air.

Benefits of Owning an Air Purifier

As mentioned, there are many benefits to using an air purifier, especially for those who suffer from respiratory conditions. Some of these benefits are:

  • Removing unpleasant odors
  • Trapping pet dander
  • Neutralizing smoke
  • Trapping dust
  • Catching seasonal allergens

Finding the right filtration system and air purifier for your home can reduce the prevalence of bacteria and germs so your family can avoid the sneezes and illnesses associated with those risks. However, finding the right air purifier for your family’s needs and for the room or space you plan on using it in can be a confusing process. Your HVAC contractor should be able to recommend the right unit to handle your home’s square footage and environmental issues efficiently.

Get an Air Purifier Today!

There are many reasons to install an air purifier to improve your home’s air quality and to protect your family from airborne allergens and other hazards. At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we sell, install and service Carrier air filtration equipment—the best on the market. Contact us at info@bloomfieldcooling.com or (973) 237-0505 to set up your free consultation.