What’s Wrong With DIY Heater Repairs?

March 11th, 2024

Being a DIY enthusiast in your everyday life can be an extremely useful trait. Especially if you’re a homeowner, there will always be things that go wrong that might not warrant the need for a professional, like when your paint or wallpaper needs to be redone, or the installation of a new shelving unit. But HVAC systems don’t fit into this category.

We’re not saying that a homeowner shouldn’t know how a heating system works or some of its quirks; we’re saying that customers should never try to fix their heating systems on their own. DIY heater repair in Buena Vista, NJ is not a very good idea and we’re going to talk about why.

Professional heating repairs are not just a luxury, they’re a necessity depending on certain factors. Regardless of how your heating operates or the extent of your HVAC problems, it’s always easier to call for a professional.

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Top Furnace Tips: Repair vs. Replace

February 26th, 2024
Furnace installation technician in blue uniform standing next to a white service van.

It can be hard to know when to repair or replace your heating system. This is not an easy task from a homeowner’s perspective, but we want to help in any way we can. Having a few tips from a licensed team of HVAC technicians can be a great place to start when you’re wondering about the condition of your furnace.

Furnace replacement is a complex job that involves more than just swapping out an old unit for a new one. Unlike other household appliances, such as a refrigerator, furnace installation requires specialized training, careful design, and professional expertise to ensure compatibility with your existing system and other appliances. Proper installation is essential to meet safety standards and ensure optimal performance. Cutting corners during the job can lead to safety hazards, poor system operation, and costly repairs, so it’s important to hire reputable contractors who will do the job right. A good contractor performs a heat-loss analysis to ensure the furnace size is appropriate for efficient heating.

During installation, technicians must assess and possibly modify ductwork to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. The process also involves handling and commissioning various equipment, including the blower motor, which plays a crucial role in maintaining airflow and system efficiency. Proper commissioning and calibration not only improve heating but also enhance air conditioning performance, preventing issues like uneven temperatures and high utility bills. Commissioning a furnace involves testing it to ensure it runs efficiently and can take up to an hour, involving various calculations.

When considering a new furnace, high energy efficiency should be a priority, as newer units can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. The condition of major components, such as the heat exchanger, is also important, since the heat exchanger is often the most expensive part to repair or replace, its condition can influence whether replacement is the best option. Fuel sources like propane can impact installation requirements and overall cost. The size of the furnace needed is determined by a load calculation (Manual J) to ensure it fits the home’s square footage and insulation quality.

Ensuring the furnace is properly installed is critical for both safety and performance. Insulation is another key factor in heat load calculations, affecting furnace sizing and efficiency. Trusting a qualified technician to do the job right will help maximize your furnace’s lifespan and reliability. Permit fees for furnace installation in Camden, NJ, generally range from $100 to $500, so it’s important to account for these costs in your budget.

When researching new units, always check the model number to find relevant product reviews and detailed information. Other factors, such as venting upgrades, duct modifications, and smart thermostat installation, can also influence the total cost of replacement.

If you need furnace service in Cherry Hill, NJ? Or perhaps is it finally time to schedule a full system replacement? Answering this question is tough, but it’s something that could pay off in the long run.

Professional HVAC companies offer a full range of services, including installation, repair, consultation, and ongoing support to ensure your system operates at its best.

When should you replace your furnace instead of repairing it?

Consider replacing your furnace instead of repairing it if:

  • It is 10 years old or older
  • It frequently breaks down or needs repeated repairs
  • Your energy bills are rising due to poor efficiency
  • Heating is uneven or inconsistent throughout the home
  • You’re unsatisfied with comfort or system performance

Introduction to Furnace Replacement

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient, knowing when to invest in furnace replacement is key. Sometimes, the cost of repairing an old furnace can quickly add up, making it more cost-effective to upgrade to a new unit. Gas furnaces are the most popular choice for homeowners due to their affordability, efficiency, and widespread availability. While electric furnaces and oil furnaces are alternatives, natural gas remains the most economical and commonly used fuel source for home heating. New furnaces are much more efficient than older furnaces, often resulting in significant savings on operating costs.

Before moving forward with furnace replacement, it’s important to consider several factors that can impact your decision. The gas furnace replacement cost can vary significantly depending on the type of unit, the size needed for your home’s square footage, and the complexity of the installation. Consulting with a trusted HVAC contractor is essential, they can assess your existing furnace, recommend the best new furnace options, and ensure the installation meets all local codes and safety standards.

Upgrading your furnace is also an opportunity to improve your entire HVAC system’s performance. If your air conditioner or heat pump is as old as your furnace, a full system replacement may be more cost-effective and ensure all components work together efficiently. However, if your cooling system is newer and compatible, replacing just the furnace might be the best route.

One of the most important factors to look at is the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. A higher AFUE rating means your new furnace will convert more fuel into heat, lowering your operating costs and reducing your carbon footprint. It’s also crucial to consider the condition of your home’s electrical wiring, gas lines, and venting systems, as these components play a big role in the safety and efficiency of your new system.

Beyond the upfront cost of a new furnace, think about long-term savings from lower energy bills, fewer frequent repairs, and improved reliability. Don’t forget to check if any required permits are needed for installation, and always choose an HVAC company that stands behind their work with a solid warranty and a clear, thorough process.

By weighing these factors and working with a qualified HVAC contractor, homeowners can make a smart, cost-effective decision that enhances comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. Whether you’re replacing an old furnace with a high-efficiency gas model or upgrading your entire HVAC system, the right choice will help you save money and enjoy reliable heating for years to come.

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A Second Opinion Is Always Worth It

February 12th, 2024

So, your favorite HVAC technician came to your home, gave a quick look over your heating system, and said that it was fine. While this would normally be enough, something is bothering you—it still makes strange noises at night and you’re getting a waft of foul odors coming from the vents. Did they thoroughly inspect the system as much as you would’ve liked?

This is a problem that occurs all too often in our industry, and it’s an unfortunate reality. Not every HVAC technician is going to be as thorough and inquisitive as us, and we hate when customers are stuck dealing with the other end of that.

So, we’re excited to offer a $79 furnace tune-up in Atlantic County with free second opinions on things like cracked heat exchangers and other issues that could be dangerous or problematic. You can always trust us to get the job done right.

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Ambient Comfort: HVAC That Feels Good

January 15th, 2024

Sometimes it feels like we’re in a sea of advertisements and news stories. The world can be so fast-paced and filled with so much information that it can wear us down. Even something as simple as HVAC can cause your head to spin with so many different systems, selling propositions, and more.

Look, we get it. We didn’t get into this business to make sales and huge profits at the expense of our customers. We just simply want to make a living giving our customers powerful and efficient HVAC systems that work properly. Sometimes, it’s no more complicated than that.

So, in order to show you just what we mean, we’d like to talk about why Ambient Comfort is the team to choose out of all the other HVAC providers in the area. If you’re in the market for HVAC services in Vineland, NJ, then you’re better off going with us. Keep reading to find out why.

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Why Did My Furnace Just Shut Off?

January 1st, 2024

This question is likely how you got to this blog in the first place. Sometimes, frantically searching online for the answer to your furnace woes can just lead to more stress and frustration. But thankfully, in this case, you’ve come to the right place.

To start things off—don’t panic! We’re a team of licensed professionals who can address any of your furnace concerns. No matter how bad the problem is, how stressed you are, or how busy your schedule might be, we can help you quickly. We’re licensed, insured, and our trucks are fully stocked and ready to go when you call us. Whether you need repairs or a furnace tune-up in Vineland, NJ, we can help.

But in the meantime, you’ll likely be trying to figure out just how bad the problem is. And with this blog post, we can help you understand why your furnace might shut off abruptly.

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Ambient’s Guide to Commercial Efficiency

December 18th, 2023

Commercial buildings are designed to be as efficient and comfortable as possible these days, but that takes a lot of work. For instance, an old industrial boiler or furnace isn’t going to give the same levels of efficiency as a system designed a few years ago, and it’s only going to do that during a specifically cold winter. What about summers, or the in-between seasons like fall or spring?

That’s what we’d like to talk about today. A commercial HVAC replacement in Vineland, NJ could net you a lot of cost-savings that you weren’t even considering before. Things like modular heat pumps are not only being incentivized by the local, state, and federal government, but they’re also going to save you money on energy bills year after year.

Work with our team of experts to find the best new unit for your building.

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What Is Included in a Tune-Up?

December 4th, 2023

Each year when winter comes, we all sit by the fireplace or vents and enjoy the warmth that our heating systems create. This heat allows us to live our lives comfortably, focusing on important things like school, work, and spending time with the ones we love. But what if your heating system can’t keep your home as warm as it could last year?

This is an all-too-familiar experience with heating systems. The honeymoon phase is over and your heating unit in Greenwich, Hainesport, or even Evesham is starting to provide less heat or run up your energy bill. It might even start producing odors that make you feel unsafe in your own home. These are problems that come from yearly wear and tear, and there’s only one real way to mitigate them.

Introducing the heating tune-up in Cumberland County. This yearly service keeps your heating equipment in great shape and has a few extra benefits included that we’ll go into down below.

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Is a Zone Control System Right for Me?

November 20th, 2023

Zone control is an interesting subject. Many homeowners think there are DIY solutions to reducing the amount of hot or cold spots that exist in your home, but things can get very complicated, very fast.

Your ductwork has to work with a lot of air volume and air pressure. Your heating unit in Avalon, Ocean City, or Sea Isle City is likely working to the exact specifications of your home’s air volume. The ductwork carries this air where it needs to go, but there’s enough pressure and force to push the heated air into the spaces of your home where you can feel it. If you mess with your ductwork or ventilation system, thinking you’ll be adjusting the comfort and treating a cold spot, you might end up messing with the air pressure of your ductwork and causing discomfort somewhere else.

Or worse—you might harm the efficiency or effectiveness of your heater! Keep reading to learn why zone control heating in Cape May County is a solid choice for our customers.

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Winter HVAC Prep Checklist

November 6th, 2023

People prepare for the winter season differently. Perhaps you and your family take the time to set up decorations and shoot photos for a card that you send out to your friends and family. Or maybe you take the time to bundle up and watch your favorite movies and TV shows. That’s the beauty of the winter, the cold outside makes the warm and cozy inside of your home seem that much more enticing.

But many homeowners don’t exactly have a plan to prepare their HVAC systems for the winter. Your heater is one of the important things you rely on in order to live your life comfortable. If something were to happen to your heating system, or if your heating bills were to increase, it might affect your home comfort and your winter traditions. We can’t let that happen!

For customers in Wenonah, Glassboro, and Swedesboro, follow along with some interesting tips to jump start your HVAC system for the winter weather. And don’t forget, if you encounter any problems, you can call our team for heating service in Gloucester County!

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Is a Radiant Heating System Right for Me?

October 23rd, 2023

There are two main types of heating systems that we service in the Haddon Heights, Tavistock, and Cherry Hill areas: forced air and radiant.

Forced-air heating systems are the most common but not always the best choice for homeowners. These include things like furnaces, heat pumps, and anything that actually heats the air inside of a house. Radiant heating systems are different, focusing on using either electrical lines or hot water to radiate heat through the walls and floors of a home, heating objects in space as well as the air.

Radiant heating is a great type of heating that’s still used today, but in order to figure out if it’s right for you and your home, we’ll need to go over some things. Our team can get you set up with radiant heating service in Camden County, NJ if that’s the right choice for you and your family.

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