Fall

Have You Scheduled Yet?

Have you scheduled your appointment yet to have your annual furnace maintenance done? It’s so important to have your furnace inspected at least once a year before the cold really hits. Early fall is the perfect time to schedule your appointment because it’s right before the big winter rush. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical toll free at 888-611-7191

Green Apple Mechanical Is Here For You

Green Apple Mechanical New Jersey is here for you. Through every season and it’s each unique circumstances they bring, Green Apple Mechanical NJ is here for you and your family. So as the colder weather will soon be upon us don’t hesitate to call us with your questions and concerns toll free at 888-611-7191

Check It Out!

Check it out! Check what out? Your furnace that is! Green Apple Mechanical is here to remind you of the importance of making sure your furnace will be in tip-top condition when you need it the most. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC concerns make sure to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll free at 888-611-7191

Change It Up

While the seasons are changing and the temperature with it, it’s important to not forget to check up on your HVAC system with an annual checkup. You don’t want to be stuck with a furnace that doesn’t work properly right when you really need it. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll free at 888-611-7191

Don’t Neglect Your HVAC System This Fall

With the new season here it’s so important not to neglect your HVAC system this Fall. Let one of our professionals at Green Apple Mechanical NJ do an annual inspection and make sure your system is running at it’s best. Don’t be caught off guard. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll free at 888-611-7191

Why Is An Annual Furnace Inspection So Important?

Prevent problems with an annual inspection and maintenance visit.

Your furnace system controls the temperature and moves air throughout your home to keep it comfortable while also filtering out dust and allergens. A yearly preventative maintenance inspection by a qualified Green Apple Mechanical NJ service technician can keep your HVAC functioning at peak efficiency by identifying problems from thermal stress, movement, or dust. Common problems can be:

• Duct work loosened due to normal thermal expansion and contraction;
• Blower motor bearings in need of lubrication;
• Replacing of air filter and cleaning of dust from blower fan blades and AC condensing coil.

An inspection can also find and repair less than obvious problems like:

• Loose blower belt
• Improperly firing burners
• Blocked condensate drain
• Loose wiring harnesses
• Slowly leaking coolant from the AC system

The best way to keep your furnace efficient and reliable is to have it inspected before you really need it. Before cold weather strikes, set up an appointment to have your heating system inspected by an expert. Yearly fall maintenance can save you time, frustration, and money when it’s done right. Our technicians perform a comprehensive diagnostic check to ensure that your furnace is operating safely, efficiently and to manufacturer’s specifications.
From performing a safety test for carbon monoxide (CO) to checking the unit’s safe operating temperature, what’s most important is that when we leave your house we’re confident that we have done all of the checks to ensure your equipment is running safely and as efficiently as possible and to the specifications of the manufacturer.

What Can I Do Between Annual Maintenance Visits To Ensure My Furnace Continues to Run Efficiently?

Next to having your furnace checked annually by a Green Apple Mechanical NJ professional, changing your filter is the most important thing to do in between those visits to ensure your furnace and air conditioner? longevity and performance. One of the biggest culprits behind equipment issues are dirty filters which can:

• Restrict airflow, which puts additional strain on the fan motor that after time can make your motor burn out, your system overheat or your equipment fail.
• Force your fan motor to overwork which uses more energy, can cause damage to your system and significantly raise your utility bill.
• Drastically reduce your indoor air quality which can aggravate allergies, asthma and other illnesses.
• Clog ductwork with debris which can decrease your equipment’s life span and lead to costly repair or replacement expenses.

How often should I change my furnace filter?

Manufacturers typically recommend that furnace filters be changed every three months. However, we suggest you check your furnace filters on a monthly basis to see if they are filled with dirt and other debris. Homes with smokers or pets will likely need to change their filters more regularly than other households. So our advice is to be prepared to replace your furnace filter every 3 months, however, check the filter every month and replace more frequently if required.
Often a service technician can tell you common minor issues about your furnace make and model that you can solve yourself in the future. Plus, they’ll perform a multi-point safety check to verify your system’s safe operation.
A yearly maintenance inspection keeps your HVAC running like new and improves your energy savings. And by monitoring your HVAC’s performance and condition, you’ll enjoy its longer life and lower chances for an expensive break down.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your plumbing or HVAC needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll free at 888-611-7191

Today Is The First Day Of Fall! Check On Your Furnace

3 Good Reasons Why You Should Schedule An Annual Checkup (For Your Furnace)

Getting Your Home Ready For Fall

It may be only September, but here in New Jersey you can already feel the first hints of fall. This has us all thinking about all the things we need to do around the house to get ready before the cold weather settles in. You will benefit from preparing for the winter weather that is only a few months away.

1. CLEAN OUT THE GUTTERS

All the leaves and grime that you neglected while you were out swimming, hiking, or riding your bicycle this summer have built up in your gutters. If left full of debris, clogged gutters and drains can form ice dams that prevent your drainage systems from working properly. This can lead to water seeping into your home and can lead to all sorts of issues and extra energy costs. Save yourself the hassle of repairing a leak by simply cleaning your gutters and drains now. When you do, run water through the gutters to check for alignments that are off and could also cause water damage.

2. KEEP THE OUTSIDE AIR OUT AND THE INSIDE AIR IN

We talk about this a lot, but it is hugely important for your energy savings to ensure there are no air leaks in your home. Warm air will escape out of any cracks and can make your heating system work harder and cost you more to heat your home.  Use caulk to seal cracks and openings between stationary house components like a door frame and weatherstripping to seal components that move like an operable window.

3. SHOW SOME TLC TO YOUR FURNACE

Your furnace may be a distant memory since you last powered it on, but before the cold weather descends and you must reluctantly switch it on, give it some TLC. Clean your furnace  annually each autumn. Sediment build-up can cause your system to work less efficiently or potentially become a fire-hazard. Cleaning your system and getting it inspected will reduce the risks.
During the winter try to change your filter regularly; a dirty filter will decrease air flow and energy-efficiency. And if your furnace is ready to be replaced, buy an energy-efficient model. It will save you money and energy each month!

4. GET YOUR DUCTS IN A ROW

Your ducts are often times out of sight, out of mind, tucked away in the attic or basement, but a home with central heating can lose about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system. Make sure your ducts are in order by properly sealing and insulating them. Tightly sealed and insulated ducts can potentially reduce your annual energy bills by $120 or more!

5. LIGHT THE WAY

The fall and winter months mean less daylight. I know we are all keen on saving energy, but we don’t want any falls while you enter your home. Luckily, you can still use your outdoor lights without wasting money and energy. Because outdoor lights are typically left on for long periods of time, buying ENERGY SAVER products and bulbs to light your outdoor pathways or porches can save a lot of energy. ENERGY STAR even makes CFL and LED flood lights that can withstand snow and rain. As an extra energy-saving effort, look for ENERGY STAR products that come with automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors. And be sure to decorate with LED holiday lights to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll free at 888-611-7191

Should I Cover My Central Air Unit In The Fall?

We are quickly approaching the fall season so we would like to cover one of our fall frequently asked questions-
To Cover or Not to Cover?
Covering your outdoor unit during the winter has been a “heated debate” in the HVAC field for years now.  There are pros and cons to both sides and each contractor will recommend something different. Here we will explain both sides and then we will give you our final recommendation.
Pros to covering your air conditioner:
* Keeps your air conditioner coils a little cleaner so it may run a little more efficiently when you use it again.
* Prevents heavy debris like sticks, branches and other yard waste from blowing into your AC unit.
* Helps prevent water from directly resting on your coils and freezing, which could be damaging.
Cons to covering your air conditioner:
* Covering an entire unit may actually trap moisture by creating a high humidity environment as the sun beats down on the cover.  Inside this moist environment is your electrical windings, wiring connections, and in some cases circuit boards.  None of these items do well in the moisture.
* During the winter months the temperatures cause small animals to find a warm place to nest away from the elements.  Covers provide a very tempting spot for these animals to call home.  Small animals can be detrimental to your unit by chewing the wiring harness for their bedding.  This can lead to a very expensive fix for you in the spring.
* Most AC manufacturers don’t specifically recommend covering the outside unit.
Our recommendation is that covering the unit is not necessary. If you do still want to cover your unit to keep out debris we have found that a simple piece of plywood across the top is a perfect fit.  It is inexpensive, will keep out most debris, and leaves the sides open to keep moisture and animals out. If you do insist on covering the unit there are short covers available which will work similarly to the plywood but will cost you a little bit more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll free at 888-611-7191

The Must Know Fall Furnace Facts

As heating season approaches the New Jersey area, it’s time to get out your fall maintenance checklist. High on your list should be a comprehensive furnace tune up. Annual furnace maintenance by a qualified HVAC professional will save you money on energy costs and extend the life of your system, as well as help keep you warmer and your family safer this heating season. Here are 10 important maintenance tasks your HVAC professional will perform:
• Check and tighten electrical and gas connections to ensure your system operates safely.
• Check operational pressures.
• Clean condenser coils.
• Measure the current and voltage on the motor.
• Check safety switches.
• Clean and lubricate all moving parts to reduce friction.
• Check your thermostat for accuracy and proper operation.
• Check and clean blower assembly.
• Clean condensate drain lines.
• Check and replace the air filter.
In addition to a professional tune up, there are some things you can do this winter to help keep your system running smoothly and safely:
• Stock up on furnace filters and change your filter monthly to ensure proper airflow and extend the life of your furnace.
• Keep the area around your furnace clean and accessible in case of an emergency.
• Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them to make sure they’re working properly.
• Keep the emergency number of your gas company posted on your furnace and call immediately if you smell gas around your unit.
• Know where your emergency gas shutoff valve is, and make sure it’s easily accessible.
Taking steps to maintain your furnace will help prevent carbon monoxide leaks, prevent breakdowns and save you the cost of replacing the unit.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC needs please feel free to call your friends at Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll free at 888-611-7191