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.

Generator Season is Here – Are You Prepared?

Posted on October 3, 2018 by admin

Bloomfield Cooling Generac Generator Whether 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

Posted on August 22, 2018 by admin

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.

How is Your Indoor Air Quality?

Posted on April 17, 2018 by admin

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).

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.

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

Posted on November 15, 2017 by admin

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

Posted on October 10, 2017 by admin

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.

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

Posted on September 11, 2017 by admin

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

The Importance of Performing Maintenance on Your Standby Generator

Posted on August 16, 2017 by admin

If you’ve had a standby generator installed at your home or place of business, you’ve already taken the first really important step to ensure your power stays on in the aftermath of a storm or natural disaster. Are you maintaining your generator properly to ensure it functions at its best when you need it most?

It’s possible that your investment will last decades—20 or 30 years—if well maintained (after all, it’s not working all the time and top-quality generators are built to run for tens of thousands of hours over their lifetime). To protect that investment and your home, preventive maintenance is necessary and should be done by a certified technician. If you are in a severe environment or have experienced numerous power outages, more frequent service may be needed.

As we shared in a video earlier this year, you as the owner, can perform a visual inspection every month or have your contractor do so, especially if the generator has been running for any extended period of time. You’ll first want to make sure the area is clean of debris and that no critters have set up house inside an enclosed unit. When the unit is not running, check the oil level and maintain the level as close to full as possible. Do not overfill it.

NOTE: if the generator has been running, wait 10 minutes after it shuts down so all of the oil in the engine can drain back into the sump.

What the generator technician will check semi-annually or annually

Make sure the company you call for maintenance follows this general systems and parts inspection list, which are key to your generator’s performance:

Air system (combustion and cooling air) – air filters should be replaced.
Starters (batteries and charger)
Transfer switch

These last two items are often overlooked so be sure your HVAC/generator contractor is checking these, as they help power the unit.

Other routine maintenance services are to replace, clean and/or perform a visual inspection of the following:

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

This is not a complete list of standby generator maintenance points, and there may be other preventive maintenance actions required for your particular unit; your installer or your new maintenance contractor should review these with you. Of course, having a preventive maintenance contract will ensure the inspections are done right, done on time, and that proper actions are taken without out having to think about them. Want to know more? Contact Bloomfield Cooling, Heating & Electric at (973) 237-0505 or info@bloomfieldcooling.com to set up a consultation for your standby generator.