Furnace Or Heat Pump -What Will Work Best For Your Home?

When looking at home heating systems, you are going to have to choose between a heat pump and a furnace. So, what is the better option?

• Measuring Performance And Efficiency:

Furnaces:

Furnaces burn fuel, so their performance is measured with an AFUE rating – the higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace is. For a gas furnace, it has to have a rating of at least 90% to be considered of a high efficiency.

 Heat Pumps

Heat pumps run on electricity, so their efficiency and performance are measured with a SEER rating. A good quality heat pump has a 14 or 16 SEER rating. 

• What Is A Heat Pump?

Essentially, a heat pump is an air conditioner that can also work in reverse, so it can cool your home in summer and warm it up in winter, giving you both solutions in a single system. It can either pump the heat into or out of your home. They are considered environmentally friendly because they do not require fossil fuels, but they can be more expensive to run because of the higher price of electricity despite often being more efficient than a furnace. They are also a bit heavier on maintenance, but that is because you use them all year round, so they work twice as hard as your air conditioner and furnace.

• Comparing Heat Pumps And Furnaces:

Heat Pumps:

Heat pumps are only efficient in weather that is above freezing temperatures, as they work by pumping heat from the environment into your home. If you regularly experience below-freezing temperatures in winter, this option will not work for your home unless you have supplemental heating systems like a wood-burning stove.

 Furnaces:

A furnace, on the other hand, can operate in even the coldest environments as long as it has fuel. Therefore, your energy bill will increase, as it gets colder and the furnace has to work harder.

Lifespan:

The lifespan of a heat pump is around 15 years, while a furnace can regularly last over 20 years (although you can expect to see a decrease in efficiency as it ages). Fuel expenses for a furnace will change according to the type of fuel it uses, and while a gas furnace is often more affordable to run than a heat pump, many people don’t have access to natural gas in their area.

Speak to the Specialists at Our Plumbing Supply Company in New Jersey 

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we can assist you with choosing a high-efficiency, low maintenance replacement for your furnace, heat pump, water heater or boiler and we can provide you with an extensive range of plumbing supplies to replace the necessary parts in your current system. As we are a wholesaler in a 3.5% sales tax zone, we can make your repairs and services the most affordable in town. Our sales consultants are highly experienced and happy to assist you with finding the right part for your needs. We work closely with reliable, affordable plumbing professionals whom we are happy to recommend to our clients for furnace repair.

For more information about our specials on replacement boilers or to find out more about the boilers we can offer you, please visit our plumbing supply company website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/furnace-or-heat-pump-what-will-work-best-for-your-home

How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks From Your Furnace

As winter moves into full swing, we all turn to our furnaces to keep us warm – but these same furnaces can be at risk of leaking carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that carries serious health risks – including death – if inhaled. Here’s how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and keep your family safe, from our plumbing supply company in New Jersey.

• Maintain your furnace: Carbon monoxide is only emitted from your furnace when it is not burning its fuel (gas, oil or wood) properly, or when vents are clogged or damaged. It’s important to have your furnace checked twice a year by professionals who will carry out a range of tests to see if there are any issues.
• Install detectors – and test them: Place a carbon monoxide detector in each room of your home, as this will alert you with an alarm if high levels of the gas are present. These alarms should have a “Test” button that will tell you if it has enough power to operate or if the batteries need replacing. As with your furnace, these should be tested twice a year.
• Replace your old furnace: If your furnace is over 15 years old, the risks of carbon monoxide leaks is higher simply due to age and wear, so it’s a good idea to start shopping for a replacement rather than waiting on a problem to occur. While this is a large initial expense, it will pay off in the long-term – not only will your new furnace be safer, it will also be more energy-efficient, reducing your energy bills for many years to come.
• Know the symptoms: If you do have a leak, knowing the symptoms of poisoning is crucial. These include a dull headache, feeling weak, dizziness and nausea. Advanced symptoms include shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision and loss of consciousness. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to turn off your heating and get the affected person out into fresh air and to a doctor.

Repair or replace your furnace the affordable way with plumbing wholesalers in NJ 

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we can either assist you with choosing a high-efficiency, low maintenance replacement for your furnace or provide you with an extensive range of plumbing supplies to replace necessary parts in your current systems. As we are a wholesaler in a 3.5% sales tax zone, we can make your furnace repair and maintenance the most affordable in town.

For more information about our range of furnace parts or to find out more about the furnaces we can offer you, please visit our plumbing supply company website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-prevent-carbon-monoxide-leaks-from-your-furnace

Tips For Lowering Your Heating Bill This Winter

Each winter, home heating bills take a big bite out of household budgets, but there are ways that homeowners can reduce this amount through affordable long and short-term fixes. Here are the best tips from NJ’s home heating specialists:

1. Replace worn weather stripping: Worn caulking and sealing around windows and doors cost homes between 7-12% of their heating, and the chilly air that they let in are often the reason behind cranking up the furnace even higher. Furnaces on a thermostat will do this automatically, so you may not even be aware of how hard it’s working to maintain a cozy temperature. Replacing these seals is quick and affordable, and can easily be done by a handyman or even DIY.
2. Snuggle up: These days, it’s almost second nature to keep your home so warm that all you require is a light top or thin sweater when you’re inside – but this is an easy way for your bill to get out of control. One of the biggest differences you can make is to lower your thermostat to the recommended 68° in the daytime and 55° at night, and cuddle up in a thick sweater, socks and a blanket. Just by lowering the temperature at night, you can save around 10% on your annual bill!
3. Maintain your furnace: A clear, unblocked furnace isn’t just safer for your home – it’s more reliable and ensures that it works at its highest efficiency. Check your filter each month and replace it when dirty. If you notice other issues with your furnace, call in the professionals to take a look.
4. Insulation: Homes are not very energy-efficient structures, and when there’s no insulation, heat will leak right out of your roof, windows and even electrical outlets. Insulation is inexpensive, and you’ll quickly get a return on your investment once it’s installed, as your furnace won’t have to work as hard to keep you warm. The best place to start with insulation is foam weather stripping around your windows and doors.

Wholesale furnaces and replacement parts in NJ 

If you would like to replace your home’s HVAC system, furnace or water heater with state-of-the-art heating systems, the specialists at Crosstown Plumbing Supply can assist you. With over 25 years of experience as plumbing wholesalers in New Jersey, we’re the right partner to help you choose the right replacement option for your needs. Customers can also benefit from our location in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone, making your project even more affordable.

To find out more about our boiler products, hot water heater products, heating systems and furnaces, please contact us or visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/tips-for-lowering-your-heating-bill-this-winter

5 Signs You And Your Home Can Benefit From A Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers work to remove excess water from the air in the environment around them. This moisture can cause a wide range of issues for homeowners if it goes untreated, so if you are experiencing any of these problems, it might be time to invest in an air conditioning systems with a dehumidifier.

1. Mold: Dark spots on your ceilings, floors, inside cupboards or on your floors and baseboards indicates a mold issue. While professionals can treat the mold, if the excess moisture isn’t removed it will simply grow back. This is a big problem because it can trigger allergies as well as toxic reactions.
2. Musty smells: Every house smells a little stuffy and musty if it’s been locked up for a long time, but if you notice a smell in general, inside cupboards or after the house has been closed up for a short while, you likely have a moisture problem. If it is not due to a leak, it’s likely due to a lot of moisture in the air, which can be solved with a dehumidifier.
3. Dampness in your foundation or basement: This can occur seasonally when there is heavy rain or snowmelt, and it’s important that these structural parts of your home are kept dry during this time. Installing a dehumidifier will help prevent cracks, leaking and mold.
4. Rotting wood: Wooden doors and frames will start decaying if they are exposed to a lot of moisture, even if that moisture is just in the air itself. Repairing and sealing the frames will help, but only a dehumidifier will help remove the source of the problem itself.
5. You’re struggling to dry clothing: If you hang your washing indoors but are finding that it stays damp for a long time or even develops a musty smell, then excess water in the air is to blame. This is very common during wet seasons or in basements, and can easily be corrected by the installation of a dehumidifier. Not only will it take the excess moisture out of the air itself, it will also remove excess water that evaporates as your laundry dries.

Healthy air for you and your home – Affordable dehumidifiers in NJ 

For over 25 years, Crosstown Plumbing Supply has provided expert advice, quality parts and leading cooling and heating systems to both contractors and homeowners in New Jersey. We offer a range of high-efficiency HVAC systems including:

• Central air conditioning systems
• Ductless mini-splits
• Dehumidifiers
• Humidifiers and air filters
• Boilers
• Furnaces
• Burners

With our affordable wholesale prices, reliable contacts in the heating and cooling systems industry and prime location in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone, you are guaranteed to get the best deal at the best price. For more information on our HVAC systems, please visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/5-signs-you-and-your-home-can-benefit-from-a-dehumidifier

Our essential home maintenance tips for furnaces

Furnace maintenance is essential for property owners, whether you happy to tackle it yourself the DIY way or call out plumbing repair specialists to perform a regular service. Here are some great tips for homeowners on keeping your furnace in perfect working order:

DIY furnace maintenance 

The first step to any DIY project is ensuring your safety. Switch your furnace off completely before attempting any maintenance. If you have a gas furnace and you can smell gas in your home, do not try to fix it – rather, leave your home immediately (leaving the door open) and report it to the gas company or fire department.

• Regularly examine your furnace and heating system for signs of leaks, wear-and-tear, stains and corrosion.
• Clear away debris which collects around the furnace – dust, rags, paint, drain cleaner and chemicals are all potential fire hazards.
• Clean the blower assembly, pulleys and belts with a damp cloth to remove any dust the filters didn’t catch.
• Clean filters at least twice during the winter season and replace any filters that are looking worn or damaged.
• Check warm air outlets to ensure they are clear of debris and that the air can circulate into the room easily.
• Check the system’s air supply to ensure it is clear and isn’t blocked or obstructed by any structures, debris or household items.

Professional furnace repair 

Even the best maintained furnaces can require more complicated repairs or servicing, so it’s a good idea to call in the professionals once a year before the seasonal rush. They can assist you with:

• Fixing or replacing loose ductwork.
• Lubricating blower motor bearings.
• Thoroughly cleaning the system.
• Repairing improperly firing burners.
• Unblocking the condensate drain.
• Repairing or replacing a broken thermostat.

Need to replace or upgrade your furnace? Speak to us today 

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we offer a wide range of standard and high efficiency gas and electric furnaces as well as quality furnace parts. With our affordable wholesale prices, reliable contacts in the heating services industry and prime location in a in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone, you are guaranteed to get the best deal at the best price. For more information on our furnaces and heating systems, please visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

This content was originally posted at http://crosstownplumbing.com/our-essential-home-maintenance-tips-for-furnaces

Your fall heating systems maintenance checklist

Fall is the ideal time of year to perform any maintenance and repairs on your HVAC or heating system in your New Jersey home or business. It’s cool enough to test your system properly and, if it needs any repairs or replacing, HVAC companies are able to get out to you quickly before the winter rush. Here are some tips from your local plumbing supply company:

• Invest in a top quality air filter: If you haven’t upgraded your air filter, now is the right time to get a high-efficiency pleated air filter. These filters are easy to install, come in standard sizes and are surprisingly affordable. They offer MERV ratings ranging from 11 to 14 and are energy efficient and environmentally friendly – a benefit to nature and your wallet.
• Clear the area around your HVAC unit: It’s a good idea to keep at least 2 feet of clear space around your HVAC unit. This helps to prevent blockages from grass, leaves, pollen and other debris.
• For humidifiers: If you have a furnace humidifier, replace the humidifier filter and turn the water on in fall. When summer arrives, remember to turn the water off again.
• Replace carbon monoxide detector battery: Carbon monoxide poisoning is dangerous, so it’s vital your detector is in good working order. Replacing the batteries annually in the fall is a good way to ensure the system is working.
• Inspect refrigerant and insulation lines: Look for damage and wear on the lines leading into your home and replace them if necessary.
• Clear the air conditioner condensate drain: This time of year is also a great time to ensure your HVAC system is in working order after a hot summer. Simply pour a cup of water mixed with a little vinegar into the air conditioner condensate drain to kill off any mold or algae that has developed over the warmer months.

Get all the heating system equipment you need at great prices

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we offer our customers a wide range of top quality heating systems, boilers, gas boilers, furnaces, water heaters and replacement parts. In addition to our affordable prices, customers and contractors also benefit from our 3.5% NJ sales tax.

If you’d like to find out more about our products or get assistance finding parts for your heating system, please contact us today or visit www.crosstownplumbing.com.

This content was originally posted at http://crosstownplumbing.com/your-fall-heating-systems-maintenance-checklist