Bill Leary Blog

Prioritizing Furnace Carbon Monoxide Safety

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 21:18:16 GMT

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY: Why You Should Inspect Your Heating System and When to Call Emergency HVAC Services

Your home’s furnace works 24/7 to keep you warm, but did you know, just like your car, it requires regular maintenance to prevent safety hazards? Understanding your furnace and carbon monoxide (CO) is critical to keeping your home and family safe. This article covers important topics related to furnaces and carbon monoxide detectors, such as how they work, how to maintain them, and what to do in case of an emergency. You will learn useful tips and best practices to keep your home safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

DO ALL FURNACES PRODUCE CARBON MONOXIDE?

Yes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of burning hydrocarbon fuels like natural gas, which all furnaces do. However, the amount of CO produced is usually very low and harmless. If your residential heating systems is not working properly, has damaged parts or lacks adequate ventilation, the CO level can increase and become dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100,000 people visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning. To prevent a CO leak, it is important to keep the furnace well-maintained and vented.

CAN A FURNACE TRIGGER A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?

Yes, a faulty furnace can cause a carbon monoxide detector to go off. This may occur when parts like the heat exchanger break or when there’s an issue with the flue or ventilation system, resulting in higher levels of carbon monoxide in the air. By performing preventive maintenance, you can spot problems before they become serious and trigger the CO detector. This way, you can keep your living environment safe and avoid CO poisoning.

HOW CAN A FURNACE CAUSE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?

A furnace that is not well maintained or vented can produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that you cannot see or smell. Carbon monoxide can harm your health and even kill you. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning if you feel headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, confusion, or fainting.

DO I NEED TO PUT A CO DETECTOR NEAR MY FURNACE?

It is recommended that you place a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace.

Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that can be produced by furnaces. If the furnace or its venting system is not working properly, carbon monoxide can leak into your home and cause serious health problems. A CO detector near the furnace can help you detect any carbon monoxide in the air, even if you can't see or smell it. If the detector goes off, you should get out of the area and call a professional to check the system.

CAN YOU GET FALSE ALARMS WITH A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR?

Sometimes a carbon monoxide detector may go off when there is no actual danger. This is called a false alarm, and there are various reasons it may occur which may occur because of low battery or environmental factors. A false alert may occur when an alarm is too sensitive or past its expiration date.

Learning about and understanding your detector and its specific requirements helps reduce chances of false alarm.

CAN A FURNACE PILOT LIGHT CAUSE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR TO GO OFF?

If your pilot light is working well, it should not trigger your CO detector. But if your pilot light is faulty, it might release CO gas, which is why you need to check your furnace regularly.

In need of furnace maintenance? Contact us today to schedule your furnace maintenance appointment..

Bill Leary AC & Heating, 732-494-9200

HOW DO YOU PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING FROM A FURNACE?

A yearly HVAC inspection by a qualified technician can prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in your home. They will check your furnace for any signs of damage, wear, or malfunction that could cause a CO leak. They will also make sure the furnace has enough ventilation and adjust the settings if necessary.

Another way to protect yourself and your loved ones from CO poisoning is to install CO detectors near your furnace and other areas of your home. Check them often to make sure they are functioning properly. These measures can help you create a reliable safety net against the risks of CO exposure.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF A FAULTY FURNACE?

Some signs of a malfunctioning furnace that could pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or other issues are:

Heavy condensation on the windows near the furnace or find yellow or brown stains around it.
A pilot light that is yellow instead of blue is another sign.
If the air inside feels stuffy or if you smell something like gas or burning.
Pilot lights blowing out.
Rust on the vent pipe.
Unseasonable increase in energy bills.

Don't delay contacting an expert if you notice any of these symptoms!

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK?

A CO leak is a serious hazard that requires immediate action. You should get out of the affected area as soon as possible, contact the authorities, and let qualified experts check and fix the system to avoid future leaks.

Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need to replace a component with a furnace repair call or the whole furnace to ensure safety. After the repair work is done, the place should be ventilated well to clear any CO traces. Don't return home until the experts give you the green light. They will inform you about the cause of the issue and how to prevent it in the future.

WHERE ELSE SHOULD I PUT CO ALARMS IN MY HOME?

In addition to near the furnace, CO alarms should be placed:

On each level of your home
Near bedrooms
In areas where fuel-burning appliances are used such as gas stoves, fireplaces, etc.

Remember to:

Place alarms high on the wall - Since co is lighter than air, it ascends to the ceiling. Therefore, placing alarms at a high level (about 5-6 feet from the ground) ensures proper detection.

Keep alarms away from vents and windows - CO alarms may not work properly if there is too much air movement around them. Therefore, do not install them near vents, windows or fans that could affect the airflow.

Test and maintain your alarms regularly - CO alarms can expire after 5-10 years of use. Check them every month and replace them when necessary.

LET BILL LEARY AC & HEATING KEEP YOU SAFE

Regular HVAC inspections and maintenance are the best way to prevent carbon monoxide problems. To keep your home safe, schedule your furnace inspection today with Bill Leary Air Conditioning & Heating, a reliable HVAC contractor . Based in Metuchen, New Jersey, our service areas include towns in and near Middlesex , Monmouth , Somerset , and Union counties. We offer high-quality HVAC service, including routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Contact us to learn more or get started.

Bill Leary AC & Heating

Service and Maintenance

EMERGENCY SERVICE

For immediate service, call

732-494-9200

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Available on Weekdays, Nights, Weekends, and Holidays

No After Hours Upcharges

What should I do if my furnace or boiler has been flooded?

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:50:50 GMT

Furnaces, Boilers and Flooding: What should I do if my furnace has been flooded?

The recent flooding has affected many homes near the Middlesex County , Monmouth County , Union County , and Somerset County areas. Your furnace operation and safety may have been compromised. If your furnace has been flooded, bringing it back to safe operation may not be as simple as cleaning and disinfecting and maintenance. In some extreme cases you may have to replace the entire furnace. The only way to be sure is to have a qualified licensed heating company perform a safety inspection.

Be Safe

Your furnace may be working after the flood waters have gone but take caution, this does not mean it is safe to operate. First step, have your furnace or boiler inspected by a professional HVAC contractor .

If the water affected any of the furnace components, they would need to be replaced. These items include gas valve, and all safety controls, air circulation components as well as the ignition system.

The heat exchanger must be in good working condition for your safety. A rusted heat exchanger presents a potential hazard that could eventually lead to dangerous exhaust fumes being released into your living space.

All the wiring must be professionally inspected to ensure there is no chance of fire hazard .

It is important to know, bacteria can grow if the furnace is not properly disinfected by a professional. Safety controls may also have been affected by excessive moisture.

You should not attempt to operate the furnace without these elements being inspected for safety. Safety and health are most important when your furnace has been flooded.

Unfortunately, it may be necessary to replace your furnace if it has been affected by flood waters.

We Can Help

As a professionally licensed HVAC company, Bill Leary Air Conditioning and Heating will assist with safety inspections, furnace, boiler and air conditioning repair, and if necessary, replacement of your heating or cooling system. We understand the difficulty and stress related to dealing with damage to your home. You can count on us to make these processes easy and thorough to bring your home back to safety and comfort.

The compressor is an outdoor component that squeezes the refrigerant gas and increases its pressure and temperature. This prepares the refrigerant for the next step, where it will release its heat to the outside air.

Bill Leary Air Conditioning and Heating is a family-owned business who has been serving you and your neighbors since 1989. Serving towns in and near the counties of Middlesex , Monmouth , Somerset and Union .

Call us, we are here when you need us at 732-494-9200 . Emergency service 24/7, every day of the year.

Piscataway , Middlesex , Greenbrook , South Plainfield , Bound Brook , Manville , Branchburg

REPAIR BURNHAM WATER BOILER

Was quick and respectable, showed professionalism and was friendly. Did a great job!!

– Isaac V., Bound Brook, NJ

INSTALL GOODMAN FURNACE

Very professional, very helpful, if I ever need any services in the future, please send this guy.

– Martha L., Greenbrook, NJ

INSTALL GOODMAN CONDENSER & COIL

Friendly and helpful!

– Amanda G., Clark, NJ

INSTALL CROWN BOILER

Very professional and talk thru everything well

– Graig K., Dunellen, NJ

INSTALL GOODMAN FURNACE

He was a great asset, an expert in his field. I would recommend your company to everyone I know because you guys are the greatest.

– Ron B., Piscataway, NJ

AC REPAIR RUUD CONDENSER

Very professional, helpful and knowledgeable.

– K.D., South Plainfield, NJ

AC REPAIR GOODMAN WARRANTY

Fantastic great communication and explanation. Great person. Very Happy he came out today.

– Richard S., South Plainfield, NJ

REPAIR BURNHAM WATER BOILER

Was quick and respectable, showed professionalism and was friendly. Did a great job!! – Isaac V., Bound Brook, NJ

INSTALL GOODMAN AIR HANDLER & CONDENSER

Quality check by Daniel today was excellent, as was all of the service I have experienced from Bill Leary AC!

– Maureen K., Westfield, NJ

AC REPAIR RHEEM

He was very quick and efficient. And he was very knowledgeable, easy to speak to.

– E.L., Fanwood, NJ

LOCAL NEWS

N.J. residents cleaning up from flash flood remember long road back from Hurricane Ida. – CBS News New York

Bill Leary AC & Heating

Service and Maintenance

EMERGENCY SERVICE

For immediate service, call

732-494-9200

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Available on Weekdays, Nights, Weekends, and Holidays

No After Hours Upcharges

How Does Air Conditioning Work?

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 19:09:07 GMT

Back to Basics: Understanding How Air Conditioning Works.

According to the Department of Energy, two-thirds of all homes in the U.S. have air conditioning , but how many of us understand how these modern air-cooling systems operate? Whether choosing the installation of a new system or enrolling in a heating or cooling maintenance program, it helps to know the basics. Bill Leary Air Conditioning & Heating can assist with residential air conditioning , as well as commercial services . We are located in Metuchen, New Jersey, and serve all of Central New Jersey, including towns in and near Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, and Union counties.

How Does Air Conditioning Work?

An air conditioner takes the heat from inside your house and transfers it to the outside. Many people mistakenly think an AC system creates cold air.

How does an Air Conditioner make the air cold?

The air conditioner transfers heat to the outside. The key component of an air conditioner is a cooling agent, or "refrigerant". The refrigerant flows inside coils that form a closed loop. The coils carry the refrigerant from inside your house to the outside and back again.

Along the way, the refrigerant changes its state, pressure and temperature so that it can either absorb or release heat at different points. These components are:

Evaporator
Compressor
Condenser
Metering Device

Let’s take a closer look.

The process of air conditioning involves four main steps that cool down the indoor air.

Step 1: Heat is absorbed by the evaporator coil

The evaporator coil is an indoor component that has cold refrigerant flowing through it. When the indoor air passes over the coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and cools it down. The cooled air is then circulated throughout the house by a fan and a duct system. The refrigerant, which becomes a gas after absorbing heat, moves to the next step.

Step 2: Compressor raises the refrigerant temperature

Step 3: Heat is transferred outside

The condenser is another outdoor component that has coils with refrigerant flowing through them. The refrigerant gas, which is now very hot, comes in contact with the outside air and transfers its heat to it. The outside air cools down the refrigerant and turns it back into a liquid.

Step 4: Refrigerant gets cold; process repeats

The refrigerant liquid, which is now cold again, returns to the evaporator coil and repeats the cycle. The cycle continues until the indoor temperature reaches the desired level set by the thermostat. Then, the thermostat signals the air conditioner to stop.

Installation and Maintenance with Experienced Professionals

Having a basic knowledge air conditioning components and how they work can be helpful to homeowners and operators of commercial buildings works, however when it comes to servicing these systems, it’s best to rely on experienced professionals. We have been a New Jersey licensed master HVAC contractor serving you and your neighbors since 1989 . Bill Leary AC & Heating is here to help you with sales, design, engineering, installation, service, repair, and maintenance programs .

Schedule Service for Your Air Conditioning System

Call us at 732-494-9200 . Emergency service 24/7, every day of the year.

Bill Leary AC & Heating

Service and Maintenance

EMERGENCY SERVICE

For immediate service, call

732-494-9200

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Available on Weekdays, Nights, Weekends, and Holidays

No After Hours Upcharges

Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 17:26:28 GMT

Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air? Determining the Reasons and How to Fix Them.

The last thing you need on a warm day is an air conditioner that blows warm air. If your air conditioner is not cooling your home properly, you might be wondering what is wrong. There are several possible causes of warm air coming from your AC unit. Some of them are easy to fix, while others require professional help. In this article, we will explain some common reasons why air conditioners blow warm air and how to fix them. If you live in Central New Jersey or nearby areas, you can contact Bill Leary Air Conditioning & Heating for reliable and affordable AC maintenance and AC repair services . We serve both residential and commercial customers with quality HVAC solutions.

Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

To solve some AC issues quickly, check these factors:

Are the windows open while the AC is on?
Are some rooms isolated from the rest of the air flow?
These can cause uneven cooling in your home or office.

For central AC, also verify these settings:

Is the thermostat at the right temperature?
Do the batteries in the thermostat need changing?
Are the fuses or breakers working properly? Wait for at least five minutes before resetting the breakers if needed.

Situations That Require Professional Air Conditioning Services

If there is not a simple solution to the problem of your air conditioner blowing warm air, you probably need to arrange for professional services with an HVAC company. Exercise caution when inspecting and handling components of the air conditioning system.

Here are a few trouble areas that may arise:

Insufficient refrigerant levels, resulting from leaks or poor maintenance
Dirty or clogged air filters, restrict air flow and reduce the effectiveness of air conditioning
Blocked air vents, including dust, debris, leaves, and other materials
Frozen mechanical components may require air conditioner repair services or replacement
Faulty components, including condenser fan, compressor, expansion valve, and evaporator cell

Bill Leary Air Conditioning & Heating recommends that you call licensed HVAC contractor to take care of air conditioning problems at your home or business. Troubleshooting will take less time and the system will be repaired quickly and efficiently. We are licensed and trained to handle the risks related to electrical connections and handling refrigerant. And we have the proper tools that cover all the components and aspects of air conditioning systems.

Contract with Professionals for Air Conditioning Services

Home and business owners can save time and money by choosing a maintenance program with a qualified air conditioning company like Bill Leary Air Conditioning & Heating.

This program includes

a thorough inspection and service of the air conditioning system before the season starts,
ensuring that everything is working properly and efficiently.
The technicians will check and adjust all the components,
replace the air filters if needed,
and set the refrigerant levels correctly.

This way, the customers can avoid costly and inconvenient air conditioner troubleshooting or repair services later. Bill Leary Air Conditioning & Heating is a trusted company that serves towns in and near the counties of Middlesex , Monmouth , Somerset , and Union in New Jersey .

Bill Leary AC & Heating

Service and Maintenance

EMERGENCY SERVICE

For immediate service, call

732-494-9200

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Available on Weekdays, Nights, Weekends, and Holidays

No After Hours Upcharges

HEAT ALERT: Ways to ensure your AC units stay in working order

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 15:52:04 GMT

By: Matt Trapani and Karina Gerry

...News 12 New Jersey

New Jersey continues to deal with intense summer temperatures, many will be relying heavily on their air conditioning units.

But as the units run continuously, some tend to run into issues.

"Temperature dictates everything, and in these heat waves, there's going to be an expected higher volume of calls,” says Justin Evner.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for some parts of the state until 8 p.m. Thursday.

Heating and air conditioning repairman Bill Leary says that there are some ways to keep AC units running smoothly.

"I would check the filters, make sure your filters are clean. Make sure that you're not adjusting the thermostat too much. Especially in this heat, you kind of want to set it and forget it. And let the AC unit do its thing and run,” he says.

Other helpful tips include setting the thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees, keeping shades closed and upgrading systems that are more than 10 years old.

It’s Time To Call The Experts At Bill Leary

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 01:16:31 GMT

It's time to call the experts at Bill Leary to tune up your air conditioning system for Summer.

Contact Bill Leary Air Conditioning & Heating today!

Learn why many of our customers think of us as the best HVAC company in central New Jersey .

Why wait for the mercury to soar before servicing your central air conditioning system? According to Kim Leary, general manager of Bill Leary Air Conditioning and Heating in Metuchen, now is the time to make sure your system is performing at peak efficiency.

“Waiting for the first sweltering day of summer to service your air conditioning system may lead to uncomfortable days and nights,” she said. “Our comprehensive multipoint checkup gives you the peace of mind that comes with having a trained professional make sure that your system is in good working order and ready for hot weather.”

Leary pointed out that most people recognize the importance of regular oil changes and service for their cars. The same logic applies to HVAC systems. A home’s HVAC system runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Annual maintenance is crucial to the preservation and effective operation of your AC and furnace.

When choosing a contractor to install and maintain their home’s HVAC system, many homeowners prefer dealing with a local company that offers both experience and expertise. For more than 34 years, Bill Leary Air Conditioning and Heating has served Union County and central New Jersey, participating in many community and charitable causes.

The firm keeps up to date with the most current codes, laws and utility rebate programs and has been approved by The State of New Jersey Department of Building and Construction to perform work on jobs of up to $15 million. Bill Leary Air Conditioning and Heating has worked on major projects with Union County College, many schools in Cranford and Garwood as well as many universities, police stations, libraries and municipal buildings.

Bill Leary is a graduate of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools, Piscataway campus. His Metuchen-based business is a family owned and operated company that employs many graduates of Union County Vocational School, Middlesex County Vocational School and the Lincoln Technical Institute. Leary has always recognized the importance hiring highly trained technicians and friendly, competent customer service representatives. Kim Leary added that customers can count on hearing familiar voices when they call Bill Leary Air Conditioning and Heating and seeing the familiar faces of the company’s technicians when it’s time for a service call.

Customer service representative Talia Annunziata said, “When I started here three years ago, I was really impressed by the way everyone from office staff to the techs in the field takes care of our customers. The communication that takes place, from listening to the customers’ needs and concerns, to technicians and supervisors making the best decisions and plans to solve both simple and complex HVAC situations, I knew that working here is a good fit for me.”

Prompt emergency service is another hallmark of Bill Leary Air Conditioning and Heating. Emergency service technicians are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Best of all, there are no upcharges for after-hours calls.

Bill Leary technicians work on all makes and models of air conditioning and heating systems. The company is an authorized Goodman dealer. Goodman offers customers a 10-year warranty on parts and labor.

To make sure that all warranty requirements are met, Bill Leary Air Conditioning and Heating registers all of the equipment the company installs. Flexible financing plans are available to qualified homeowners.

To learn more about Bill Leary Air Conditioning and Heating, visit billleary.net or call 732-494-9200 .

— Stan Lemond

Trusted HVAC Pros in Central New Jersey

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:45:32 GMT

HVAC Pros Serving Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, Union Counties

Are you searching for the best HVAC company in Central New Jersey? Bill Leary is Central New Jersey's trusted name for air conditioning and heating equipment repair, service, maintenance, installation, and replacement. Our goal is to have you feel that we have provided you the best heating and cooling services available in Middlesex County, Somerset County, Union County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Our services include:

Call us today at 732-494-9200 to schedule your service today!

What Makes Bill Leary AC & Heating One of the Best HVAC Companies in NJ?

Contact Bill Leary Air Conditioning & Heating today!

Learn why many of our customers think of us as the best HVAC company in central New Jersey .