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What the New 2023 SEER Energy Efficiency Regulations Mean for NJ Homeowners
The Department of Energy’s new HVAC system regulations go into effect on January 1, 2023, and will affect all new air conditioning and heating system efficiency requirements, testing, and certifications. Any HVAC systems installed in New Jersey on or after January 1, 2023, must comply with these new regulations. The not-so-good news is that the cost of these new systems is expected to be higher than the standard increased pricing currently seen on the market. The good news? Service Professionals has been chosen as a preferred vendor by two Central New Jersey utility companies and is participating in their new On-Bill Repayment Program that offers: Zero-percent APR financing for up to 120 months for qualified customers. Rebates up to $1,500 for select equipment. If you’ve been considering upgrading or replacing your HVAC system with a new, more energy-efficient model, now is the time to invest before prices go up. Service Professionals can fill you in on all the qualifying details, walk you through the process, and answer any questions. Want to learn more about how you can upgrade your system with Service Professionals? Contact our team at (908) 272-9090 today. What’s a SEER Rating? The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) relates to how much energy an air conditioning unit uses annually. Think of it like the gas mileage of your HVAC unit. To calculate SEER, you divide the total energy required to run your unit by its total cooling capacity. The current minimum standard is 13 SEER, but in 2023, the minimum rating is increasing to 14. This “SEER2” transition includes AC units, split systems, and heat pumps. While heat pumps are going through a nationwide efficiency increase, split-system ACs are experiencing regional increases. 2023 SEER2 Changes in New Jersey New Jersey must follow North Region regulations regarding the
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Is a Boiler or Furnace a Better Option for My Home?
Considering how cold the winters can be in central and northern New Jersey, it’s essential to have a heating system you can trust to keep your family comfortable and safe, no matter the outside temperature. Both boilers and furnaces are good heating options. Boilers offer long-lasting radiant heat and fewer air quality issues, and furnaces offer quick adjustments and slightly higher efficiency. If you have a boiler and are considering an upgrade to a furnace, consider some factors before making the switch. When It Makes Sense To Swap Your Boiler for a Furnace Boilers offer long-lasting, efficient heat, but they depend on a network of pipes, radiators, baseboard heaters, and more to deliver hot water or steam to each room. If your boiler is nearing the end of its service life and the related systems like radiators and baseboard heaters aren’t in good condition, it may be wise to consider upgrading to a furnace. Furnaces cost less upfront, especially if you have existing ductwork for an air conditioning system. They offer slightly higher efficiency ratings and respond quickly to thermostat changes. Some furnaces feature an AFUE rating of 98% or above, meaning over 98% of the fuel is converted directly to heat, while boilers top out at about a 95% AFUE rating. If you have an older home, however, adding the ducts required for a furnace can be challenging, so replacing the boiler may be more cost-effective. Why You Might Want To Keep Your Boiler Although a furnace may cost less to install, the total costs may be similar to installing a new boiler if you need to add ductwork. And if you have high-quality radiators, baseboard heaters, or in-floor heating already, a boiler can provide consistent heating. Plus, it’s not dry heat like a forced-air furnace, so it’s more
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How To Stay Cool When Your AC Breaks
When your air conditioner breaks down in summer, even waiting an hour or two for an AC repair technician is miserable. Beyond just discomfort, if you have infants, small children, or elderly or chronically ill family members, heat can be a health hazard, as these individuals may not be able to regulate their body temperatures. Overheating could have serious consequences. Excessive heat is also a significant problem for some pets, like dogs, who are more sensitive to heat than their humans. So how do you keep comfortable and protect your household while living with an AC breakdown? First, call an HVAC contractor immediately, and let them know if your AC repair is an emergency. Second, read on for some old-school advice on how to keep cool. Tips To Stay Cool While You Wait for Help Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances Like the Stove or Oven You have to eat, sure, but using a stove or oven adds a lot of unwanted heat to your home. Now is a good time to grill outside or snack on chilled veggies or a salad. A broken AC is also a great excuse to eat out. Using other heat-generating appliances like the dryer or dishwasher should also be avoided, and even computers and video games add an extra degree or two to a room. Use Your Fans If you have ceiling fans, make sure they’re spinning counterclockwise, so they’ll draw hot air up and circulate the cool air below. Air circulation reduces overall temperature while evaporating sweat, making you feel cooler even when the temperature remains the same. Portable and handheld fans are inexpensive and can help you feel several degrees cooler thanks to the wind-chill effect. Maximize the impact of table fans by having them blow over a big bowl of ice — you’ll be amazed at
How Trenchless Pipe Replacement Works
Repairing a sewer line is a big project, no matter how it’s handled. Over time, these pipes can break down for several reasons. From tree root infiltration to common clogging, a lot can go wrong for a sewer pipe. Fortunately, Service Professionals can perform trenchless sewer line repair at your home. Our team has the tools and expertise to get your sewer line working like new. When we’re done, it will be as if nothing ever happened. Here, we’ll discuss trenchless sewer line repair service and what you can expect when you hire us for the job. Step 1: Sewer Line Video Inspection First, our team needs to diagnose the problem with the sewer line. We use cameras to go down the drain, inspecting everything inside the pipe. Common sewer pipe problems include: Tree root infiltration Metal pipe corrosion Buildup of materials Our cameras can see everything in the sewer pipe in high definition, giving us a perfect view of the issue. When we determine the cause of the problem, we can take the necessary action to fix it. Step 2: Sewer Line Clearing Next, we remove the inspection cameras and use a cleaning device that can easily scrub the walls and center of the pipe. We’ll run the device as far down the pipe as is necessary to dislodge any buildup, tree roots, or debris. Once the materials are broken down, they’ll be ready to flow down the drain and into the sewer system or your septic tank. Step 3: Sewer Line Hydro Jetting Now that the materials are broken down, we’ll need to blast water down the drain to get them out of the way. We’ll use a hydro jetting mechanism to send a powerful stream of water down the drain, washing away the loosened materials. Step 4: