Cold Weather

A New Year! A New Furnace?

We often get asked how long does a furnace usually last? Generally speaking, a furnace can be expected to last between 15 and 20 years. This average varies, of course, based on the quality of the unit, how it’s used and whether it has been properly maintained. It can also depend on the specific type of unit, with forced air systems with a heat pump at the lower end of the range (at around 15 years), and gas- or oil-fueled models coming in at around 18 years. If your model is more than 25 years old, it’s probably very near the end of its useful life, and it’s time to start planning to replace it.
If you are experiencing problems with your furnace it’s a good idea to have a Green Apple Mechanical technician look at it. Experts agree that your furnace should be inspected at least once a year to make sure there are no underlying problems that could turn into something more significant if left unchecked.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll-free at 888-611-7191

Here’s How To Stop Your Plumbing From Freezing

• Keep your garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• If you have any more questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical toll-free at 888-611-7191

How To Fight The Freezing Temps In New Jersey

New Jersey is experiencing a deep freeze and hopefully, your home furnace is operating properly and to its full potential. This time of year it’s more important than ever to have a furnace that is up to date and working at it’s best. Make sure that the filters are clear so as much heat as possible can get through.
Green Apple recommends changing the furnace filters at least once a month. This way the air circulating throughout the home is as clean as possible and your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to push the air through. Experts recommend having an annual furnace inspection done once a year to ensure that there are no small problems that can turn into much larger and more expensive problems if left unchecked.
We are the experts you can trust. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing concerns call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll-free at 888-611-7191

Make Sure Your Furnace Is Always Ready To Go

By having regular maintenance performed on your furnace you are ensuring that your furnace will operate smoothly when you need it the most. As the weather gets colder the last thing you want is for your furnace to give out at the most inopportune time. HVAC experts all recommend having your furnace inspected once a year. A certified technician will inspect your furnace and make sure all the filters are clear and that there are no small problems that could turn into much larger and more expensive problems down the line if left unchecked.
We are the professionals you can trust. We have been serving the New Jersey area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll-free at 888-611-7191

What To Do If Your Pipes Bursts

1. Stop the water
The very first thing you will want to do is call a certified technician from Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll-free at 888-611-7191. Then make sure you turn off the water flow when you suspect a pipe has broken, even if you don’t know where the water’s coming from. You’ll find the stop tap on the water main. It is typically located under the kitchen sink or where the main service pipe connects to your house. Every family member should know the location of the water shut-off stopcock for emergencies.
Once the main water switch is off, you’ll need to drain the pipes. To do this, run the cold water on all the faucets. Be sure to flush each toilet at least once. Shut off the hot water heater. Once the hot water system is off, go back to each faucet and run the hot water to drain that supply. When there is no more running tap water, the leak will stop.
If you experience a plumbing emergency or have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll-free at 888-611-7191

How To Ensure You Always Have Enough Hot Water

Ensure Enough Hot Water And Proper Pressure

Much of the hot water used at home is in the bathroom, with members of the family taking showers or soaking in the bathtub. The best way to ensure there is enough hot water for all, and that it does not run out when most needed, is by spacing out the time people shower or bathe. This will give the hot water tank enough time to heat up between uses.
If water pressure while taking a shower is weak this could be because of mineral deposits in the shower head. A simple solution is to tie a plastic bag filled with vinegar over the shower head. Leave it overnight and scrub off those mineral deposits with an old toothbrush the next morning.
Your home plumbing does experience a surge in use during the holidays because there are more people at the house making use of it more often. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll-free at 888-611-7191

How To Keep Your Furnace Running Smoothly

The typical air filter should be changed every month. A dirty air filter restricts air flow which means your furnace has to work harder to move air through the ductwork & into your house. It’s kind of like being the fastest runner in the world but being forced to wear a mask that makes breathing more difficult. You have to help your furnace breath.
This is just part of your regular routine maintenance that needs to be done so that you and your family get the most out of your furnace. Changing the filter frequently is especially important because it does affect the air quality of your home.
If you haven’t had your annual furnace inspection done yet then call and schedule yours today. HVAC experts all recommend having an annual furnace inspection done at least once a year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical toll-free at 888-611-7191

Protect Your Garbage Disposal This Holiday Season

Do not put fibrous or starchy items in the disposal. Both can cause particularly stubborn drain blockages (fibers get tangled, and starches get thick). The following items should be put in the disposal in minimal increments, preferably cut into small pieces, or not at all:

• banana peels
• celery
• potato peelings
• corn husk or corn cobs
• artichokes
• coffee grounds (in quantity) or coffee filters
• fruit pits and hard seeds from things like avocados or peaches
• onion skins (unless you’re especially careful to completely remove the thin membranes of each, which can wrap around the shredder ring)
• eggshells should not be put in the disposal as they turn into a sand-like substance that clogs piping.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of Your HVAC or plumbing needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple toll-free at 888-611-7191

What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze

What if your pipes still freeze, despite your best preventive measures? First step: Don’t panic. Just because they’re frozen doesn’t mean they’ve already burst. Here’s what you can do:

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a Green Apple plumber.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water. You could be electrocuted.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house!
• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe using a hairdryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing problems please call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical toll-free at 888-611-7191

Furnace Myth Debunked

Myth: Setting the furnace at the highest temperature will heat your house faster.

Furnaces heat spaces at the same rate, regardless of the temperature on the thermostat. If you set the temperature to the highest setting, the only thing you will do is have a warmer home.
Instead of turning off the furnace before you leave your home or go to bed and then cranking up the heat later, which wastes energy, set the temperature a few degrees cooler. Doing so keeps your furnace from working harder to warm your home.
If you are having any difficulty with your home HVAC system or plumbing system be sure to contact your friends at Green Apple toll-free at 888-611-7191