Looking for quick and reliable cooling and heating services in Totowa, NJ? We've got you covered for all your residential and light commercial HVAC needs. From repair, replacement, installation, second opinion, and everything in between, we're your go-to experts.
At our service center, we'll guide you through the ins and outs of cooling systems, gas heat, and oil heat. We'll tackle common questions, provide expert tips, help you choose the right equipment and company, explore thermostat alternatives, and dive into the perks of regular maintenance.
Air Conditioner Repair and Installation Services in Totowa
We are a reliable heating and cooling repair service provider to Totowa and neighboring areas.
We install and service residential and commercial systems including Packaged Units, Central Air conditioning, or Ductless Mini-Split systems. We specialize in freon leak detection and freon leak repair. Not all freon leaks are made equal, as such we empower our customers with the professional Life Cycle Cost analysis of freon recharge to make a better-informed decision.
We have been consistently promoting preventive maintenance programs, commonly referred to as check-ups or tune-up, carried out by one of our professional AC repair technicians. This program proved to be by far a much cheaper alternative than intermittent emergency service calls. Whether it is Central AC, Minisplit or Ductless AC, we want to make sure you stay comfortable through the hot summer months.
Feel free to arrange for an AC replacement, a new air conditioning system installation, necessary repairs, and routine maintenance with our experienced HVAC contractors in Totowa, NJ. We won’t be satisfied with any of the work we do for you until you’re also satisfied.
Contrary to common practice we do NOT recommend checking Freon levels unless it is necessary. There are signals to hint at a low freon charge, caused by either a leak or prior recharge by untrained service personnel. Many service technicians, check the refrigeration levels annually. Unfortunately, with each measurement, some Freon is trapped in the manifold gage hoses, then inevitably released into the air, and never makes it back to the AC. So with each measurement, there are irreversible freon losses, no matter how talented is the service technician. Believe it or not, electrical problems with comfort systems are more frequent than refrigeration systems and quickly answer "why is the air conditioner not cooling?"
Why is AC installation the most crucial factor?
The installation of an air conditioning (AC) system is widely regarded as the most vital aspect according to HVAC technicians. This is because it significantly impacts the overall performance of the AC unit, as well as its subsequent maintenance, repair, and warranty. It is commonly understood that a well-executed installation can prolong the lifespan of a lower-quality air conditioner, whereas a subpar installation often leads to a shorter lifespan for even a high-quality brand AC unit. A skilled installer not only adheres to mandatory codes but also makes provisions for future maintenance and repair needs.
Importance of Preventive AC Maintenance and Warranties
Many homeowners purchase and install new AC units with the assumption that manufacturers will honor their warranties. While this is generally true, manufacturers often require evidence of regular and proper maintenance for warranty claims on parts. For example, if air filters become clogged, it can cause the blower motors to overheat and burn out. Similarly, a plugged condenser can strain the compressor, leading to high head pressure and eventual overheating. Additionally, a blocked drain line during condensation can result in overflowing drain pans and permanent damage to decorative ceiling tiles or ceiling paint.
Discussion of Essential Preventive AC Maintenance Elements
Air Conditioner Tune-Up Service List
- Filters – this is a biggie – and we provide the best service and consulting
- Clean the condenser coils - we cannot stress enough
- Flush the drain line - it is very important
- Check for Refrigeration piping rubbing out
- Check amperage for condenser fan motor, compressor, and blower motor
- Inspect systems contractors and relays
- Measure system capacitor
- Verify cold line is adequately protected with the correct insulation material
- Replace valves caps known to leak
- Quickly scan for freon leak
Why My Central Air Conditioner is not cooling?
Possible Causes for Inadequate Cooling in My Central Air Conditioner There are several factors that may contribute to your central air conditioner not providing sufficient cooling:
- Blown fuse
- Contactor failure
- Capacitor failure
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Safety drain pan switch activation
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Broken wire
Troubleshooting Your AC Cooling Issue
If you're experiencing cooling problems with your air conditioner, you can perform the following do-it-yourself checks:
- Verify that the thermostat is functioning correctly and set to the cooling mode (also check if the thermostat requires batteries).
- Inspect the circuit breaker and ensure it is switched OFF and then back ON.
- Examine the drain pan; if there is water present and a safety switch is triggered, it is advisable to contact a technician.
- Determine if you have a generator and a time delay in place.
- Look for any signs of ice formation on the condensing unit or suction line.
Top 3 Causes of Ice Formation on a Central Air Conditioner and How to Address Them
If you notice the formation of ice on your central air conditioner, it is crucial to take immediate action. The first step is to turn off your AC by either setting the thermostat to OFF or switching OFF the circuit breaker. Afterward, promptly inspect the air filter. Ice formation can be attributed to three main factors:
- inadequate airflow,
- low refrigerant levels, or
- obstructions within the system.
A commonly encountered issue related to airflow is a dirty or incorrectly positioned air filter. Additionally, blocked supply air registers, compressed ductwork, or a combination of these issues can impede proper airflow.
While you can attempt to address airflow problems on your own, it is recommended to rely on skilled HVAC professionals to examine refrigerant levels and identify any restrictions within the system.
In some cases, an air conditioner may experience ice formation due to a combination of these underlying problems.
It is not advisable to set the thermostat to Fan Mode as a means to accelerate ice melting for two reasons: it could potentially damage the blower motor, and the melted ice could result in water overflow, leading to damage in areas such as mold in attics or decorative ceiling tiles.
Common AC complaints in Totowa NJ
- Inefficient Cooling
- High Energy Bill
- Noise
These are the typical air conditioner complaints in Totowa NJ. Many of these complaints could be avoided by performing routine Tune Up. It is worth mentioning that system age is also a contributing factor.
Things to consider before AC replacement in Totowa.
Depending upon the utility company supplier, on average Totowa electrical energy cost is about 16.25 cent per kilowatt-hour (kWhr), lower than NJ average electric Energy cost of 18.9 cents per kWhr, and the US 18 cents per kWhr. Therefore there are no indications that electrical energy costs will be any lower anytime soon. The owner is left with 3 options:
- Replace their AC with a more energy friendly
- Perform thorough routine maintenance
- Add solar energy to aliviate the cost
We note here that the ROI on solar energy in NJ is likely more effective than say Florida despite the fact that Florida has more sunshine. This is due in part to the fact that the average energy cost in Florida is about 13.5 cents per kWhr which lower compared to NJ national average. In addition, New Jersey tends to have strong solar energy program. Including tax credits, net metering policies, and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) all of which improve the ROI.
In an attempt to reduce energy cost associated with air conditioning system, some owner decided to purchase a more energy efficient AC systems such as the variable speed inverter enabled systems and ECM blower fan motors, a technology that proven it self. However, the parts replacement costs for those AC is at the higher side of the spectrum. In our view, given a wholistic approach, we prioritize installing a solar energy system then update the cooling system. The impact is greater.
There is a misconception that trees could prevent sun rays from powering the solar system from working correctly. The truth is, the shade provided by those trees will reduce green house effect inside the residence and reduce the AC run time. In many instances the loss of a tree or two turned a well sized AC into an undersized system. At which point owners opted for the addition of a mini-split system to account for the tree loss factor and restore much needed comfort.
The importance of Totowa climate for AC installation.
Totowa, is generally at a lower altitude compared to some neighboring towns in the region. However, the difference in altitude can vary depending on specific locations within Totowa and its neighboring towns.
Regarding flood risk, Totowa has experienced flooding in the past, particularly in low-lying areas near water bodies such as the Passaic River. The risk of flooding can be influenced by various factors, including proximity to rivers or streams, topography, land use patterns, drainage infrastructure, and weather events such as heavy rainfall or storms.
The Passaic River Basin, which Totowa is part of, has historically been prone to flooding, and Totowa has experienced flooding events during heavy rainstorms.
Floods can pose a significant risk to air conditioning (AC) systems, especially if water infiltrates outdoor components of the system. Here's how floods can affect AC units and some common fixes to prevent damage:
Common Fixes to Prevent AC Damage During Floods:
- Elevate Outdoor Unit: Install the outdoor condenser unit on a raised platform or stand to elevate it above potential flood levels.
- Seal Access Points: Seal openings and access points in the outdoor unit to prevent water infiltration. Use waterproof sealant or covers to protect electrical components and connections.
- Install Flood Barriers: Erect flood barriers or levees around the outdoor unit to divert floodwater away from the unit and prevent submersion.
- Shut Off Power: Prior to a flood event, shut off power to the AC system at the circuit breaker or disconnect switch to reduce the risk of electrical damage. Do not turn the power back on until the system has been inspected and deemed safe by a qualified technician.
- Consider Flood Insurance: Consider purchasing flood insurance to protect against financial losses from flood damage to your home and its contents, including HVAC systems.
Combatting Humidity in Totowa with your AC
In the HVAC industry it common knowledge that humidity is significant factor in cooling. It is also known that central AC seem to provide better whole house dehumidification. While Mini-Split with the "dry mode" enabled provides a better target (room-by-room) dehumidification.
Even though many of Totowa residents report insuficient cooling, the reality of things is that sensation is attributed to humidity. As shown in the Table next and the big schema of thing Totowa is considered a Moderaetly humid. Still those "few" hot and humid days contribute to discomfort and luck of productivity.
| Location | Climate | Humidity |
|---|---|---|
| Totowa, NJ | Continental | Moderately Humid (Seasonal Fluctuations) |
| Coastal NJ | Temperate, Oceanic | High Humidity |
| Florida | Subtropical | Very High Humidity (Year-round) |
With that information, we believe that if a house already has ductwork built into it, it is a wise decision to have a central air as it is better at combatting humidity.
In the field of air conditioning there is an overlooked term called Sensible heat ratio (SHR), and it is an indicator of how well an AC is a reducing humidity. Unfortunately manufacturers do not publish or provide the SHR. Typically in NJ, the average SHR is around 0.75.
If humidity is concern or you have pool, or your residence is near river, opting for SHR value of 0.6 might be a good approach assuming the dealer could get hold of SHR values.
There are other humidity control techniques under our sleeves such as fine tuning and optimizing air flow, zoning and dampers adjustments as part of maintenance procedure. In extreme cases installing a dedicated whole de-humidifiers is worth the consideration.
Which brand AC is best? Good vs Bad
Does AC Brand Really Matter? Consider design instead!
The simple answer is yes. any Bands
Poor Unguarded Coils
The Goodman Air Conditioner's air conditioner with many problems: no breathing space in the back significantly reducing cooling capacity, unguarded and near dirt creating a bleached like causing the coils to rush and leak prematurely. A superior AC design would have gurads, a superior install would have recommended 12" spacing gravels surrounding the AC.
Guarded Condensing Unit
Picture this: A recent swap of Ruud Condensing units. Sounds good, right? Not quite. The golden rule – minimum distance between the AirCon and the wall – was overlooked in the replacement hustle.
Dirt On Unguraded Condensing Coil
Enter the new AC duo. The right side is playing by the rules - precision install. The left side? It's facing a conundrum with a blocked panel staring out. The ideal setup is: more breathing room between these comrades.
AC install and Terrain Significance
AC pltatform importance
Mulsh On AC Coils
The Goodman Air Conditioner's plight: no breathing space, no heat rejection. Almost a quarter of its capacity lost. A minimum of 12" between the AC and the wall is not just a suggestion; it's a necessity.
Lackluster AC Replacement
Picture this: A recent swap of Ruud Condensing units. Sounds good, right? Not quite. The golden rule – minimum distance between the AirCon and the wall – was overlooked in the replacement hustle.
Gravel is safer approach
Enter the new AC duo. The right side is playing by the rules - precision install. The left side? It's facing a conundrum with a blocked panel staring out. The ideal setup is: more breathing room between these comrades.
Restaurant Equipment Repair & Maintenance in Totowa
We provide professional restaurant equipment consulting and repair services. This is a comprehensive program at no extra cost focused on reducing and hopefully eliminating restaurant unexpected shutdowns and Emergency Service Repairs. Our program includes
- Walk-in Coolers and Walk-in Freezer
- Sandwich & Salad Prep Tables
- Pizza Prep Tables
- Reach-in Fridges and Reach-in Freezers
- Ice Machines / Icemakers
- Counter Top
Walk-in Cooler & Walk-in Freezer Service
Walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers are the oxygen to restaurants and food and beverage storage businesses. When these systems fail, unless repaired immediately shutdowns cost business owners thousands of dollars in wasted food and more importantly customer loss. It gets more complicated when OEM replacement parts are not found, takes forever to ship, and often under urgent situations, some technicians make temporary patches that end up permanent leading to future problems.
We have seen ice cream business freezers shut down in the middle of summer, the busiest season, a Tune-up preventive maintenance program would have totally eliminated the service call.
Dirty coils and dirty filters will cause air flow restrictions which will ultimately have an impact on the fans, and compressor making the system work harder and less efficiently and creating the perception of low Freon refrigerant.
Get your preventive maintenance in place to reduce shutdowns. We worked with operation-critical hospitals to avoid shutdowns and preventive maintenance was the key to success.
Best Practice for Walk-in coolers and freezers in Totowa
We offer our customers many services with the best possible advice:
- Clean the condenser coil
- Scan for freon Leak
- Check amps Compressor / Cond & Evap Fans
- Install infiltration reduction curtains
- Inspect gaskets
- Automatically Log Temperature
- Optimize Defrost Cycle and Termination
- Ensure the drain line is clean
- Install excessive open-door alarms reminders
