The Importance of Humidifiers on Forced Hot Air Units

Posted on October 22, 2019 by admin

Many American homes with central heating systems have a forced hot air furnace. This type of HVAC unit draws the room air through duct work to a furnace, where the air is filtered and heated; it is then blown back into the rooms through other duct work.

This warmed air is also dry, and in the winter months, it can cause problems for many homeowners from a few standpoints.

For one, you’ll find that keeping your home at the right humidity level keeps nasal passages and airways healthy. Low humidity makes some people more susceptible to catching a cold, because dry indoor air creates an environment that’s favorable to cold and flu viruses. In fact, properly humidified air can reduce virus transmission by up to 30%. Cold dry air also aggravates asthma, so humidification can reduce asthma flareups and help everyone sleep better.
Oddly, dry air may make you feel colder at normal temperatures, compelling you to turn up the thermostat and overheat your home (and add to your energy bill needlessly).
Dry air can also cause structural damage to your home’s interior and possessions—walls and woodwork can crack, wallpaper may peel, and electronic equipment is susceptible to static shock.

Installing a whole-house humidifier on a forced hot air unit can help mitigate the problems associated with that dry air. At Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric, we install Aprilaire whole-house humidifiers. These units are easy to maintain and do so much for your home and your family’s comfort. They’re installed as part of the home’s HVAC system and are set to automatically deliver humidified air throughout every room. And, they’ll improve indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and your comfort.

Benefits of humidification for forced hot air heating systems
You’ll stay warmer at cooler temperatures (which will also help make your energy bill feel better). Static will be reduced, as will dry, scratchy throats and noses, dry skin or hair, and dry eyes. The potential for respiratory infections will be reduced. Your home’s environment will feel fresher. And your furnishings and prized possessions—especially wood furniture and flooring, expensive electronics, and musical instruments—will be better protected from damage brought on by air that is too dry.

One of our certified technicians from Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric will measure your unit and assess the best Aprilaire whole-house humidifier for your needs. Contact us for an appointment today: 973-237-0505 or info@bloomfieldcooling.com.

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.

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.

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.

How to Choose a Quality, Reliable HVAC Contractor

Posted on November 27, 2018 by admin

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.

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
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.
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.
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.

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

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.
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.
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.

The Importance of Proper HVAC Training

Posted on March 12, 2018 by admin

HVAC Technician - Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric If 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

Posted on February 12, 2018 by admin

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

Posted on January 12, 2018 by admin

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.