Category Archives: Air Conditioning

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

Posted on by
Reply

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.

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

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Is Your HVAC System the Correct Size for Your Home?

Posted on by
Reply

Is Your HVAC System the Correct Size - Bloomfield CoolingYou 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.

How to Choose a Quality, Reliable HVAC Contractor

Posted on by
Reply

Like any type of contractor, choosing a good HVAC contractor takes some vetting on the homeowner’s part. Here are some things to look for and look into before you sign that contract for a new heating & air conditioning system for your home.

  1. The HVAC contractor should be licensed. No one can afford to have an unlicensed individual working on their gas lines, disposing properly of refrigerant, or performing electrical work. In New Jersey, HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) contractors are licensed by the State Board of Examiners This entity protects consumers by ensuring that the HVACR contractor does all work in compliance with State law, and that the contractors meet all educational and other requirements for licensure. Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, Inc. is Master HVACR Contractor #19HC00144800
  2. Get written estimates. There is no such thing as a real quote over the phone. Compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties among the various bids you get from licensed and insured contractors. The one you select should adhere to the written bid.
  3. Expect a thorough in-home evaluation. The HVAC contractor needs to survey your home thoroughly, measure the rooms, examine your insulation and existing ducting (if applicable), and look at many other factors that go into the calculation for your custom HVAC installation.
  4. The new system should be right-sized for your home. Size and load is very important to ensure your home will be comfortable all year ’round and that the system is not overtaxed in terms of heating and cooling efficiently.

    5. How to Choose a Reliable HVAC Contractor - Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric

  5. Make sure your new unit is really new. The average lifespan of an HVAC unit is about years (in terms of its efficiency), and technology continually improves system and energy efficiency. Don’t get stuck with the company’s old inventory! A properly licensed HVAC contractor will recommend newer options to bring your home up to date. It’s helpful to know the make and model of your current system, its age, and its maintenance history as a baseline.
  6. Don’t always go with price. You know the expression, “You get what you pay for?” There’s a reason why it’s true! With your HVAC system being the most complicated (or only) mechanical system in your home, it pays to go with the contractor who delivers the best value for the money—in terms of equipment, service, and support. The most inexpensive bid may cost you more in the long run because of unanticipated maintenance and repairs or higher energy costs due to an insufficient system.
  7. Get referrals, read reviews, research. Ask your friends and family who they refer for this important project and go online to read reviews from customers. Also ask the HVAC contractor for references and contact them for find out about the installation experience and service performance. Check the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any legitimate complaints lodged against the company.

At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, all our technicians are properly trained and certified to perform the work they do in your home—whether a new installation, routine maintenance, or system repair. And, our company is licensed and insured to meet all State of New Jersey requirements, and a multiple award winner for the high level of service we deliver to our customers throughout northern New Jersey. For a free evaluation of your current HVAC system or information about installing a new one, contact us at info@bloomfieldcooling.com or 973-237-0505.

Hot News about Air Conditioning Refrigerant

Posted on by
Reply

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?

Posted on by
Reply

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

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Getting Your Ducts in a Row with Ductless Heating and Cooling

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Is Your HVAC Contractor Trustworthy? Here are Some Ways to Check

Posted on by
Reply

So, you’re ready to upgrade your heating and cooling system or perhaps you’re preparing to install your very first HVAC system in your home. Like many homeowners, you’ve called a few contractors in for estimates so you can compare pricing and packages. But have you checked beyond the price quote to make sure they are trustworthy?

As many New Jersey homeowners have discovered over the past couple of years, not all HVAC contractors are what they seem on the surface—much to the consumers’ dismay. Performing unnecessary work and driving up the cost of the job is one area to look out for. But how can consumers protect their homes and their wallets against unscrupulous contractors? Here are some tips for consumers anywhere and specifically for those in New Jersey, where we conduct business.

  1. Ask for references. Of course, any contractor will give you the best of the best from recent jobs but this will give you an opportunity to ask past customers pointed questions about the projects and garner different feedback. If the contractor balks when asked for references, or has no testimonials on the company website, walk away.
  2. Do an online search for the companies you’re interviewing. There are plenty of websites where consumers can submit reviews and others that are more industry-oriented that may have valuable information to consider.
  3. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Although not all companies are members, it only takes a minute and you might uncover unwelcome reviews and a history of complaints … or an A or A+ rating! Go to www.bbb.org for information and to find your local chapter.
  4. Contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. This agency regulates contractors and serves as an important watchdog for consumers. Make sure the companies you plan to do business with do not have complaints lodged against them. You can check online and save yourself a lot of heartache in the process.
  5. Call Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric. We take every project as seriously as if it were being installed in our own homes.
    • Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric has been voted “Best HVAC Contractor” three years in a row in Suburban Essex magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
    • Our company has also received the President’s Award from Carrier (we are a Carrier authorized factory dealer); winners of this industry honor are noted for leadership, management, customer satisfaction, expertise, business growth and operational excellence.
    • We carry an “A” rating from customers on Angie’s List and we’re now in our 11th year as an Angie’s List Super Service Award provider.

Need a quote on a new HVAC system? Want to find out more about our maintenance plans that keep your unit running at peak performance? Contact us at info@bloomfieldcooling.com or (973) 237-0505 to set up your free consultation with the HVAC contractor hundreds of NJ customers have trusted for decades.