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Is It Time for an Air Conditioning Repair?

Sorting out what cooling system maintenance you can do and when to call the pros

ac service bloomfield, nj We know it’s been a while, but try to remember the last time you ran your home’s air conditioning system. Did it run smoothly and quietly? Did it keep your living spaces reliably cool?

In Essex, Passaic, Union and Bergen County, many households will be turning on their cooling equipment, and some will face the unpleasant surprise that it’s not working like it used to. That’s often when the JW Pierson team is needed for an air conditioning repair call.

Before you panic about a struggling A/C, let’s look at what maintenance you can manage on your own — and when you need a professional HVAC technician for help.

A/C maintenance you can do

Many A/C problems result from clogs and blockages that you can handle on your own. Here are some simple steps you can take this spring that might resolve some fundamental A/C problems:

  • Clean or replace your system’s air filter.
  • Clean the condenser coils.
  • Pass a wire through your condensate drain to clear clogs.
  • Empty drain pans.

It’s also a good idea to schedule air conditioning maintenance every year. Having a professional inspect, clean and calibrate your cooling system will extend its life and ensure it operates efficiently. If you have a JW Pierson service plan, your tune-up is already paid for!

Some A/C issues that might require a professional repair visit

There are some warning signs that your A/C equipment needs a visit from an experienced technician. These include:

  • Strange noises like squealing, clicking, clanking and grinding. These often indicate a mechanical or electrical issue.
  • Fluid leaks from your equipment might mean that refrigerant is low.
  • Warm air from your vents could also be a refrigerant issue. It could also indicate a problem with your system’s compressor, evaporator coils or ductwork.
  • Pungent or burnt odors could mean a wiring short or mildew/mold accumulation.

For the most part, our technicians can handle these issues, but there are times when it makes more sense to replace a struggling A/C system than repair it.

When you should consider an A/C replacement

Here are some general circumstances when you should replace your cooling system instead of repairing it:

  • Your system is over 10 years old.
  • The cost to repair it is more than 50 percent of the cost of new equipment.
  • Your cooling system has an efficiency rating lower than 13-SEER. Upgrading to 14-SEER or higher equipment will make your home more comfortable for much less money.
  • Your current system uses Freon (also called R-22), which is no longer produced. Parts for R-22 systems and the refrigerant itself have become quite expensive. It’s almost always a better idea to replace these systems.

Has your northern New Jersey home been warmer than you’d like in the summer? Don’t put up with another season of subpar air conditioning. Contact JW Pierson Co. and request a service appointment.

It pays to do business with JW Pierson (and tell your friends too!)

loyalty program essex county, nj Do you receive heating oil from JW Pierson Co.? What about service for your furnace, boiler or air conditioning equipment?

For over a century, JW Pierson has provided full-service heating and cooling support for Essex, Passaic and Bergen County homes. Our team has served multiple generations. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of. And we offer our customers a little extra benefit with our Loyalty Rewards Program.

Earn Loyalty Points toward fuel and services.

Our loyalty program is straightforward. You earn JW Pierson Loyalty Rewards Points for every day that you are a customer and any fuel oil purchase you make with our company. What can you redeem these points for?

  • Discounts on heating oil deliveries
  • Reduced fees on heating and cooling equipment installation and maintenance
  • A range of other home comfort services
  • You can also donate your accumulated points to charity.

Curious about how many points you’ve already earned? Just log in to your JW Pierson account to see your current total.

Spread the word about our service and earn more rewards!

If you’re happy with the service you receive from our team, we’d love it if you told people. Not only that, we’ll give you a fantastic reward for it with our Refer a Friend program.

Do you have a friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker who needs a dependable heating oil company? Refer them to us. If they become an automatic delivery customer, you will get a $100 credit for your next fuel delivery or equipment installation.

How else can you save money with JW Pierson?

As a heating oil customer, you have access to payment and pricing programs that can save you money and make your finances much easier to manage.

  • When you sign up for an E-Z Pay monthly budget, you receive a discount of 3 cents per gallon on heating oil. With this free program, we spread your fuel costs across the year in even monthly installments. You can budget more easily, and your winter expenses will drop dramatically.
  • We also offer price protection plans that lock in your rate for fuel. This can be done with a price cap or by pre-purchasing your fuel and having us deliver it as needed. While we cannot guarantee you will save money with these programs, they do protect you from ups and downs in energy markets.
  • With Autopay and paperless billing, you can eliminate the paper clutter, stop buying envelopes and stamps and never get a late penalty for a lost check again.

JW Pierson is the most reliable heating oil company in northern New Jersey!

Garden State families have trusted the JW Pierson team for decades. Our drivers are ready to get you your fuel, no matter how icy it is outside. And with our no-stress, no-fee automatic delivery option, you never need to check a tank gauge or contact us for fuel.

Don’t get left shivering because of unreliable heating. You deserve the most trustworthy home comfort company in the region. Become a JW Pierson customer today.

JW Pierson Co. has state-of-the-art oil tanks in a range of sizes

oil tank installation new jersey How old is your heating oil tank? If you’ve lived in your home for less than 20 years, you may have never needed to replace your tank. Aboveground heating oil tanks have an average lifespan of 25 years. (Underground tanks last closer to 15 years.)

But these tanks don’t last forever. You don’t want to wait for your oil tank to spring a leak before replacing it. Oil leaks can be costly to clean up, after all. It might be time to start thinking about replacing your heating oil tank if it’s older than 20 years and displaying some of these issues:

  • Rust and dents
  • Moisture on the surface of the tank
  • Stray oil on the floor around the tank
  • Unstable tank legs or split fuel lines

What should you look for when it’s time to upgrade to a new tank? What’s the right tank size for your home? Here are a few factors to consider.

What is your current tank size?

To begin, you should ascertain the size of the tank you’re replacing by figuring out its dimensions and capacity. With a tape measure, determine its height, length and width. Now, you’ll be able to select a replacement that fits the available space.

The capacity of an oil tank is measured in gallons and should be listed on the nameplate for newer models. For tanks that don’t have this information, you can easily estimate it by referring to the dimensions. You can also utilize an online calculator.

By and large, the most common size for a heating oil tank is 275 gallons, which can accommodate a three-bedroom house. Tank sizes can run from about 100 gallons for apartments to as large as 675 gallons.

What are your heating oil usage habits?

The JW Pierson team takes several factors into account to confirm that your new heating oil tank will accommodate your fuel needs. Here are some things we consider:

  • If you’ve built additions to your home or finished previously unoccupied spaces, you likely use more heating fuel than when the last tank was installed.
  • Infants and older adults often require higher temperatures in the home, affecting fuel usage.
  • Do you live in an area where roads often become impassable in inclement weather? This could delay a heating oil delivery. You may want to have additional storage capacity as a buffer.

What can the JW Pierson team do for you?

A JW Pierson Co., we help households throughout Essex, Passaic, Union and Bergen counties upgrade to new oil tanks from leading manufacturers like Granby and Roth. These tanks are lightyears more advanced than earlier models, with double-wall construction, leak protection and lock-seamed galvanized steel with an oil- and fire-resistant seal. They’re virtually leak-proof!

Is your heating oil tank getting up in years? Contact us now to arrange a FREE tank inspection. Our team of skilled technicians is always here to help.

water heater installation new jersey Is your water heater approaching ten years of use? Does hot water not last as long as it used to? Is your energy use increasing, and you aren’t sure why?

We depend on hot water for a range of essential activities, from bathing to laundry to dishwashing. Not only that, the U.S. Department of Energy states that approximately 20 percent of the average American home’s energy is used to generate hot water.

If your hot water situation isn’t what it should be, it might be time for a water heater replacement. And a tankless water heater is the way to go if you want to improve your hot water generation and lower your energy bills substantially.

Tankless water heater basics

As the name suggests, there is no storage tank in a tankless water heater. Instead, the unit will heat water on demand. Here’s a general overview of how it works:

  1. A hot water tap is opened, and your tankless water heater detects the flow.
  2. Its flow sensor activates to determine how much hot water is needed.
  3. The igniter activates, calibrated to provide the correct flame intensity for the hot water needed.
  4. Cold water is heated in the secondary heat exchanger and passes from the secondary to the primary heat exchanger.
  5. Your water heater determines outgoing set temperatures and adjusts the flame to heat the water.
  6. Heated water moves to the buffer tank and then to the open tap.
  7. When the hot water tap is closed, the burner shuts down.

The benefits of going tankless

Changing to a tankless water heater offers a range of benefits for your home’s comfort and budget. These include the following:

1. Plentiful hot water

A tankless water heater can deliver a virtually endless supply of hot water right when you need it. You don’t have to worry about depleting your tank of preheated water, and you don’t need to choose between running the dishwasher and taking a shower!

2. Lower energy bills

The Department of Energy says tankless water heaters can be up to 34% more energy efficient than traditional tank water heaters. By providing hot water only when it’s needed, these systems eliminate standby losses that are typically experienced with storage tank water heaters. So, you’re not wasting energy or money when the system isn’t in use.

3. More space in your home

Tankless water heaters take up very little space. Most of them are about the size of a suitcase and hang on your wall. Indeed, making the change from a storage-tank water heater to a tankless unit saves roughly 12 square feet of floor space.

4. A longer-lasting hot water system

Because tankless water heaters have less exposure than storage tank units to corrosive particles in water, they last about twice as long before they need to be replaced — generally around 20 years!
If you’re considering replacing your water heater, we recommend contacting JW Pierson Co. immediately. It takes more time to secure equipment these days, and you don’t want to be left with a failing appliance and no hot water.

The JW Pierson team does more water heater installations than anyone in Essex, Passaic and Bergen County. Contact us today for a quote.

air purifiers new jersey Winter weather in our region of New Jersey leads to more time indoors. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside our homes can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air!

Customers in Essex, Passaic, Union, and Bergen Counties regularly turn to our team of indoor air quality (IAQ) experts for ways to make the air in their homes healthier and more comfortable. One product that we often recommend is a whole-home air purifier.

Why air purifiers are a good investment

One of the reasons that the air in your house becomes so polluted is ductwork. Ducts and air vents cycle more than just warm and cool air. They circulate pollutants like pollen, dander, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold. Your air filters catch many of these pollutants, but a good number get through.

Conversely, air purifiers will eradicate or purify the toxins in air passing through your ducts. They may do this using additional filters, UV light, negative ions or other proprietary technologies.

The benefits of installing a whole-home air purifier

Making the choice to install an air purifier and improve your IAQ yields a host of tangible benefits. Here are just a few.

Improving respiratory health

A multitude of airborne toxins can wreak havoc on respiratory systems, specifically with babies, older adults and people with asthma. As these pollutants spread through your living space, you’ll encounter numerous negative symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and dry skin — potentially even a severe illness that could have lasting effects.

For best results, we suggest upgrading your air filter to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, along with investing in an air purifier.

Slowing the spread of viruses

Whole-house air purifiers have been shown to reduce the transmission of colds, influenza, and other viral illnesses. In fact, the EPA has indicated that they can lower airborne transmission of COVID-19.

Keeping your home cleaner

An air purifier can be a game changer in your home, drastically reducing the amount of dust, allergens, and microorganisms that float through your living spaces. They also prevent mold and bacteria buildup, which contributes to bad smells, so you get more time back by having fewer housekeeping duties!

Improving your HVAC performance

When dust and debris circulate through your ducts, you can count on them clogging your air filters, and heating and cooling equipment. This lowers HVAC system efficiency, meaning you end up using more energy to stay comfortable. An air purifier will lower your fuel usage, reduce maintenance costs, and extend your equipment’s life.

JW Pierson Co. presents the REME HALO® whole-home air purifier

We proudly sell and install whole-home air purifiers from REME HALO. These industry-leading products use a proprietary reflective electromagnetic energy technology to produce hydro-peroxide plasma. That plasma purifies airborne particles and also makes them larger so your air filter can catch them more easily.

We want to improve your air quality today. Request an IAQ assessment from the experts at JW Pierson.

hvac service new jersey For many homeowners, the idea of arranging maintenance for heating and cooling equipment only comes up when their system is struggling — or worse, when it breaks down.

As the premier HVAC services company in Essex, Passaic, Union, and Bergen County, JW Pierson Co. knows the value of regular system maintenance. If you’re not sure what the best maintenance schedule is for your furnace, boiler or air conditioning system, we can help you!

The best frequency and timing of HVAC service

You should have your heating and cooling equipment serviced every year. This is almost always the case, but there are exceptions. If your home is unoccupied for part of the year, tune-ups may be required less frequently.

Though it may seem counterintuitive, the best time to get your system serviced is when you don’t plan on using it. For example, many people schedule their air conditioning service in winter and their heating equipment service in summer. This off-season maintenance won’t “wear off.” You can be confident that your equipment is in good working order for the season to come.

With all that said, if you have fallen behind on your heating maintenance, don’t wait until summer to schedule service. It’s better to get it done before your system starts to struggle.

The benefits of regular HVAC Service

At JW Pierson, we like to describe HVAC service as an annual check-up for your heating and cooling equipment. Just like it’s a smart idea to arrange a yearly physical with your doctor, it’s also good to invite our trained, experienced technicians to see how your HVAC equipment is doing.

Here are some of the significant benefits you’ll experience when you have annual HVAC service:

A more comfortable home for less money

Your HVAC system can become less effective over time, causing it to use more oil, gas or electricity as it tries to maintain your comfort. By improving efficiency with regular maintenance, you can decrease the energy your heating and cooling systems use, saving you money in the process.

Better-working, longer-lasting HVAC equipment

While performing a tune-up for your HVAC system, our technician can fix small problems before they become more extensive and more expensive. This will also prevent breakdowns and decreases in system effectiveness. Not to mention, it also prolongs the lifespan of your HVAC system.

A secure manufacturer’s warranty

You might be surprised to learn that most manufacturers’ warranties require you to have annual service. Skip a tune-up, and you might be on the hook for the full price of a repair that your warranty would normally cover.

Guarantee your HVAC system’s health with a JW Pierson service plan

As you can see, regular HVAC service is an investment in better energy efficiency and comfort. And the best way to ensure your equipment gets necessary maintenance is a JW Pierson service plan. Our plans include a complimentary annual tune-up, plus priority service and discounts on repairs.

If you want to learn more about enrolling in a service plan or scheduling annual HVAC service, contact the JW Pierson team today.

heating installation new jersey There’s a lot to be excited about as we approach the end of the year — holiday celebrations, warm cocoa, and sledding down a snowy hill.

On the other hand, no one looks forward to freezing nights and higher energy bills. HVAC systems eat up nearly half of all the energy spending for the average U.S. household. If your boiler or furnace is over 10 years old, its efficiency is probably significantly diminished. An older heating system might have a fuel efficiency as low as 56 percent. In this instance, nearly half of every dollar you spend on heating oil goes to waste!

That’s why, at JW Pierson Co., we recommend that customers invest in new heating equipment when they want to lower their bills and improve their home comfort. Here’s a breakdown of what that investment might cost.

The average cost of a new heating system

The national average price for new heating equipment is $4,697 for a furnace and $5,806 for a boiler. However, equipment costs can vary depending on the part of the country and will be different in Montclair, Morristown, Dover, and the other towns in northern New Jersey that we service. But geographic location is just one factor affecting heating installation costs.

Factors affecting the price of a heating installation

Many variables can significantly shift how much your new heating system costs compared to the national average.

1. Home size and climate

Your home’s size will determine the model of boiler or furnace you need. A larger model will cost more and could be more expensive to install, especially if the installation space is cramped. In addition, you’ll need to account for how long and cold the winters in your region are when selecting your heating equipment.

2. Furnace or boiler manufacturer

There are quite a few heating equipment brands out there. Customers often feel overwhelmed. It’s a good idea to have an experienced partner like JW Pierson to help select a manufacturer with a proven track record that fits your budget.

3. Equipment availability

COVID-19 impacted supply chains worldwide, causing shortages in labor and materials like copper and aluminum. This had a profound impact on HVAC manufacturers. The best way to avoid suffering additional costs due to product shortages is to plan ahead. If your system is struggling, get in touch with us now so we can start securing your equipment.

4. Additional work needed

Has anything changed about your home since your current heating system was installed? Have you finished a basement or attic space or built a sunroom? If so, you may need to install new ductwork or baseboard radiators, increasing your expenses.

5. Rebates and discounts

As you can see, many factors can increase the cost of your heating installation, but there might also be ways to save money, especially if you’re installing more energy-efficient equipment. At JW Pierson, we always look for rebates or discounts you might qualify for.

Once we’ve installed your new system, we can provide heating service to ensure it works efficiently for years to come. You can protect your home comfort investment with one of our comprehensive service plans.

If you’re ready to look into your heating system options, contact our team today.

A combined heating and cooling option for your home

heat pump installation new jersey In the 21st century, heat pumps have seen a massive uptick in popularity outside the United States. Northern European countries like Sweden, Finland, and Denmark have a considerable proportion of heat pumps. According to the European Heat Pump Association, European citizens will likely be using 2.3 million heat pumps by 2027!

And this electric heating and cooling technology is also gaining popularity in the United States. Heat pumps are an adaptable, efficient source for supplemental heat and summertime cooling. But what are heat pumps, and how do they work?

Heat pump basics

A heat pump is a fully electric comfort system installed outside your home. It moves heat between the inside and outside of your living space. There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source.

  • Ground-source heat pumps (also called geothermal heat pumps) transfer heat to and from the ground.
  • Air-source heat pumps transfer heat between your indoor and outdoor air.

Far and away, air-source heat pumps are the more popular and affordable option on the market. JW Pierson Co. proudly installs and repairs air-source heat pumps for households in Essex, Passaic and Bergen Counties.

Installing a heat pump in your home

Air-source heat pump installation is a quick and straightforward business.

There are two basic parts to any heat pump. An outdoor compressor/condenser connects to an indoor air handler via a thin pipe through your wall. You can connect multiple air handlers to one compressor/condenser.

In cooler months, the heat pump compresses air from outside and pumps heated air into your home. During the summer, the process reverses, and hot air inside your house gets drawn out, with cooler air pumped back in.

The benefits of a heat pump

There are many significant reasons that heat pumps are so popular abroad and growing more common in the U.S. Consider these benefits you receive from having a heat pump in your home:

  1. Combined heating and cooling. Heat pumps provide an all-in-one solution for cool weather and hot. They also offer zoned comfort: you can keep different rooms at different temperatures.
  2. No need for ductwork. Heat pumps are a great option if you have a home with radiators and no ducts. Their ductless cooling feature is a fabulous alternative to central A/C.
  3. Discreet, versatile placement. Your indoor air handlers can go virtually anywhere.
  4. Lower fuel use. Heat pumps are especially helpful in fall and early winter. You can hold off running your furnace or boiler for several weeks, reducing fuel consumption.
  5. Heating and cooling difficult spaces. Do you have an attic, garage, sunroom or guest room that seems impossible to heat and cool? A heat pump is a low-cost, effective solution!
  6. Long-lasting comfort. Heat pumps have a long lifespan, usually around 10 to 15 years.

JW Pierson is your one-stop heat pump company

The trustworthy home comfort team at JW Pierson Co. can get your heat pump set up in as little as one day. And we’ll be there for years to come when you need a heat pump repair or yearly maintenance. Your family’s comfort is our number one priority!

Get in touch with the JW Pierson team today for an estimate.

Backup power generation has many benefits for your home

propane generators new jersey Here’s some unfortunate news: Americans are facing the longest power outages since the government began tracking blackouts. And New Jersey residents live with some of the longest stretches without electricity.

For JW Pierson customers in Essex, Passaic and Bergen County, losing power is more than an inconvenience. It can be a matter of safety for people who rely on electricity for mobility and medical equipment. And when the grid goes down in the winter, every homeowner faces the prospect of a frigid home.

However, households that invest in a whole-house generator (also called a standby generator) can rest easy knowing they have dependable backup electricity powered by propane or natural gas. Here are four significant benefits of a whole-house generator.

1. Automatic backup power

Whether you’re at your home or away from it, your generator will provide dependable backup power. Whole-house generators automatically switch to generator power when grid electricity fails. Even if you’re away on vacation, your climate control and security systems will keep running without interruption.

2. Versatile power supply options

Standby generators offer an adaptable backup power solution. When JW Pierson Co. prepares for a generator installation, we work closely with you to identify the right-sized product. We account for the size of your home but also consider your personal backup electricity needs. Some households just need the lights, heat and refrigerator running. Others need to keep WiFi working. Whatever your personalized needs, we can set up your generator to satisfy them.

3. Reliable fuel to keep the generator running

The natural gas and propane whole-house generators we install have significant advantages over portable gasoline generators. To begin, gasoline has a short shelf life, and you could be out of luck getting fresh gas in a blackout since service stations won’t be running. When your generator is connected to a propane tank or a natural gas utility, you have steady, dependable fuel to keep your home powered.

4. Protection against damage to your home

Whole-house generators offer peace of mind that your home and belongings will be safe even during inclement weather. A generator helps you avoid the following:

  • icy or burst pipes in freezing weather
  • damaged electronics during power surges
  • losing food and medication that requires refrigeration
  • water damage because your sump pump stops running

Trust JW Pierson for your generator needs

Freezing nights and snowstorms are right around the corner. For more than a century, JW Pierson Co. has kept northern New Jersey homes safe and warm. A standby generator guarantees maximum confidence in the comfort of your home.

We have experience installing whole-house generators and will help you find the size and capacity needed to keep your family, house and pets safe during a power outage. We’ll even help you with financing and can provide expert generator maintenance for years to come!

Don’t be at the mercy of an overburdened, untrustworthy electric grid. Contact us to explore your whole-house generator options.

Today’s heating oil cuts emissions & is better for your equipment

bioheat provider new jersey What do you imagine when you think of heating oil? For many people, the image that comes to mind is the fuel their grandparents used. Maybe they remember the black smoke and soot that it could produce when burned.

The households in Essex, Passaic, Union and Bergen Counties that JW Pierson Co. serves know that today’s heating oil is cleaner, more sustainable and easier on heating systems than ever before. That’s because they receive Bioheat fuel.

What is in Bioheat fuel?

Bioheat fuel is a heating fuel that blends ultra-low sulfur heating oil and organic biofuel.

The heating oil component of Bioheat fuel contains 99 percent less sulfur than the oil of decades ago. Biofuel is a one-to-one replacement for petroleum, produced using renewable feedstocks. These include plant matter, animal fats, inedible corn oil, soybean oil, algae and even the used cooking oil from restaurants!

How does Bioheat fuel reduce emissions?

Bioheat fuel is one of the most effective tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Consider these facts:

  • A blend with 20% biofuel (B20) can reduce sulfur oxide emissions by as much as 80 percent.
  • A B20 blend reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by about 20 percent.
  • In terms of carbon emissions, B20 Bioheat fuel is cleaner than natural gas.
  • There’s also a significant reduction in mercury and particulate matter emissions.

And biofuel production diverts food wastes away from landfills, putting them to good use, sustainably heating homes!

In the debate about how best to reduce the negative effects of climate change, many potential solutions are promoted. Bioheat fuel is available today. It’s already used in countless homes in New Jersey and nationwide, warming families in an environmentally responsible manner.

Can all homes use Bioheat fuel?

You can use Bioheat fuel in any oil-fired heating and hot water equipment. No modifications are necessary. And you don’t sacrifice comfort with an eco-friendlier fuel. Bioheat fuel produces the same powerful heat as traditional heating oil. You can count on this green fuel to keep your home toasty warm.

What do you lose with Bioheat fuel? Wear and tear on your equipment! Since it burns cleaner, it leaves fewer deposits in your heat exchanger. This reduces the need for frequent cleanings, lowers the risk of breakdowns and extends your system’s life expectancy.

JW Pierson Co. is your partner for eco-friendly heating oil.

At JW Pierson Co., we want you to be proud of the fuel you use to heat your home. That’s why our heating oil delivery customers receive Bioheat fuel from us.

To us, Bioheat fuel is a no-brainer. It’s similar in price to traditional heating oil, but it’s better for the planet and our customers’ home heating systems. Plus, the biofuel that goes into this blend is U.S.-made. Using Bioheat fuel supports American farmers and fuel producers.

When you become a Pierson customer, you can get clean-burning, efficient Bioheat fuel for your home. Reach out to us today to get started!