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Furnace Cleaning

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:02:40 GMT

Furnace Cleaning: What It Involves and How Often You Need It

Most homeowners know they are supposed to get their furnace cleaned – but most are not entirely sure what that actually means. If you have been swapping your air filter every month and calling it done, that is a good habit, but it is not a furnace cleaning. And in New Jersey – where heating seasons run from October through April, January temperatures regularly drop into the low 30s, and nor'easters push sustained cold through the region for days at a time – a furnace that has not been properly serviced is one cold snap away from a problem.

A professional furnace cleaning is a full internal inspection and service of every component that keeps a gas furnace running safely and efficiently through a Jersey Shore winter. Here is what it covers, how often you actually need it, what it costs, and how it differs from air duct cleaning – a service that often gets confused with it.

Key Takeaways

A professional furnace cleaning is a full internal inspection and service and not just a filter swap
Annual cleaning is the right frequency for most homes, early fall is the ideal window before the heating season begins
Manasquan shore homes need annual cleaning more than most as summer dormancy and salt air from the Inlet both accelerate internal buildup on furnace components
Furnace cleaning and air duct cleaning are two different services on two different schedules
Warning signs that your furnace needs cleaning now include short cycling, rising energy bills, reduced airflow, and a burning smell when the heat first turns on

What Is Furnace Cleaning and What Does It Actually Include?

Here is where a lot of homeowners are surprised. They book a furnace cleaning expecting something fairly quick: a technician comes in, vacuums around the unit, maybe swaps the filter, and leaves. What a real professional furnace cleaning actually involves is considerably more than that.

Think of it as a full physical for your heating system. A technician works through every internal component, the burner assembly, heat exchanger, blower wheel and motor, flame sensor, ignition system, flue venting, gas pressure, safety controls, cleaning what has accumulated over the season and testing each system to confirm it is operating safely and correctly. The heat exchanger inspection alone is worth the visit: a cracked heat exchanger is the primary source of carbon monoxide exposure from a gas furnace, and it is not something you can see without opening the system up and knowing what to look for.

Furnace cleaning is built into Guaranteed Service's annual tune-up and not a separate appointment to schedule on top of it. The full 17-point inspection and service covers every internal component in a single visit, so your system gets a thorough internal clean and a complete safety check in one call. See the full checklist on our annual furnace tune-up page .

How Often Does a Furnace Need to Be Cleaned?

Once a year, ideally in early fall before the heating season begins. Annual service is what most manufacturers require to keep warranties valid, and fall is when problems caught during cleaning can be addressed before the furnace needs to carry a full winter load.

For Manasquan homeowners, annual cleaning matters more than it does in most inland NJ communities, for two specific reasons.

The first is summer dormancy. Shore homes that sit vacant from spring through fall accumulate more dust and debris inside the furnace cabinet than systems that run year-round. A dormant system is not a clean system and the first time the furnace fires up in October is not when you want to discover that.

The second is salt air. The Manasquan Inlet and Atlantic Ocean deposit salt particles on internal furnace components, burner assemblies, flame sensors, heat exchanger surfaces, at a rate that accelerates fouling and corrosion faster than in homes further inland. Annual cleaning catches this buildup before it reduces efficiency, triggers a safety shutoff, or shortens the system's service life.

Filter changes are separate from all of this. Replace your air filter every one to three months regardless of when the annual cleaning is scheduled.

What’s the Difference Between Furnace Cleaning vs. Air Duct Cleaning

These are two different services and they are frequently confused, partly because an air duct cleaning company currently ranks locally in Manasquan for the search term "furnace cleaning." They are not the same thing.

Furnace cleaning covers the furnace unit itself: burners, heat exchanger, blower, flame sensor, ignition system, flue venting, and all internal components. This is what a professional annual tune-up covers.

Air duct cleaning covers the metal ductwork that distributes heated air through your home. It requires different equipment, addresses different contaminants, and runs on a different schedule, typically every three to five years rather than annually.

Both services improve indoor air quality and system performance, but they address completely different parts of your home's heating setup. Guaranteed Service offers both furnace cleaning as part of the annual tune-up and air duct cleaning as a separate service for Manasquan and Monmouth County homes.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Cleaning Now

If your furnace is showing any of these signs, do not wait for the annual visit:

Rising energy bills without a clear explanation
The furnace short-cycles: turning on and off repeatedly without completing a full heating run
A burning smell when the heat first turns on in the season
Reduced airflow from vents throughout the home
Visible dust accumulation on or around the furnace cabinet
The furnace is running louder than usual

If your Manasquan shore home has been vacant all summer, treat the first heating use of the season as a trigger to schedule a cleaning. Do not wait for a symptom.

Schedule Before the Season Starts

Annual furnace cleaning is not optional maintenance. It is what keeps a gas heating system running safely, efficiently, and under warranty through a long Central NJ winter. For Manasquan homeowners with older systems in shore homes that face coastal conditions and summer dormancy, it matters more than most. Guaranteed Service delivers a comprehensive 17-point furnace cleaning and tune-up and other heating services backed by 4,500+ Google reviews at 4.8 stars: upfront pricing, no surprises, and technicians who know what coastal homes actually need.

Furnace Cleaning FAQs

Furnace Pilot Light

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:47:19 GMT

Furnace Pilot Light Out? Here's How to Relight It (And When to Call a Pro)

It is October in Manasquan. You have just reopened your shore home after the summer, turned up the thermostat, and your furnace is not producing heat. Before you assume the worst, check the pilot light. In older gas furnaces, the kind common in Manasquan's pre-1990s shore cottages and bungalows, a pilot light that went out over the summer is one of the most frequent first-of-season problems we see. This post covers what a furnace pilot light is, why it goes out, how to safely relight it step by step, and the situations where you should stop and call a HVAC technician instead of doing it yourself.

Key Takeaways

Furnaces built before the early 1990s typically have a standing pilot light, newer systems use electronic ignition and cannot be relit manually
Always wait at least five minutes after turning the gas valve to "Off" before attempting to relight. Never skip this step
If you smell gas strongly at any point, leave the home immediately and call your gas company before doing anything else
A pilot that lights but will not stay lit usually means the thermocouple needs to be replaced, this is a technician job
Shore homes in Manasquan that sit vacant over summer frequently have pilot lights that go out undetected. A fall tune-up before the heating season catches this early

What Is a Furnace Pilot Light and Does Your Furnace Have One?

A furnace pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame inside your gas furnace that ignites the main burner when the thermostat calls for heat. Most gas furnaces built before the early 1990s use a standing pilot light. Furnaces built after that generally use electronic ignition instead – and if your furnace has electronic ignition, this post does not apply to your system. A furnace repair technician is the right call for electronic ignition issues.

Here is how to tell which type you have. Look for a small viewing window or access panel near the base of your furnace. If you can see a small flame inside, that is the pilot light. If you see nothing, either the pilot is out or your furnace uses electronic ignition. Check your furnace model or the label on the unit, it will typically indicate the ignition type.

If your furnace has a pilot light and it is out, keep reading.

Why Does a Furnace Pilot Light Go Out?

A few things cause a furnace pilot light to go out. Some are minor, some are worth a closer look.

Drafts or air currents . A strong draft moving through the furnace area can blow out a standing pilot. This is more common in older homes with gaps around furnace rooms or poorly sealed vents.

A brief gas supply interruption . Even a momentary disruption to the gas supply can extinguish the pilot. Once the supply is restored, the pilot needs to be relit manually.

A worn or dirty thermocouple . The thermocouple is a small safety device that senses the pilot flame and keeps the gas valve open while the flame is burning. When the thermocouple wears out or gets dirty, it signals the gas valve to close and the pilot goes out. This is the most common mechanical cause.

Extended dormancy . In Manasquan's older shore homes, furnaces often sit completely unlit from April through September. Over months of disuse, the thermocouple can weaken and the pilot can extinguish on its own. A pilot light that goes out over the summer and is not discovered until the first cold night of fall is something our technicians see regularly at the start of heating season.

How to Safely Relight Your Furnace Pilot Light – Step by Step

Read through all of these steps before you begin.

Step 1: Turn the thermostat off. Set it to its lowest setting or switch it to "off." You do not want the furnace trying to fire while you work.

Step 2: Locate the pilot light assembly. It is usually near the base of the furnace, behind an access panel. Look for a label on the furnace itself. Most manufacturers mark the pilot light location. Your owner's manual will also show you exactly where it is.

Step 3: Find the gas control valve. There is typically a knob with three positions: On, Off, and Pilot.

Step 4: Turn the knob to "Off" and wait at least five minutes. This allows any residual gas to fully dissipate before you introduce a flame. Do not skip this step. If you smell gas strongly at any point during or after this wait, do not attempt to relight. Leave the home immediately, call your gas company from outside, and then call us.

Step 5: Turn the knob to "Pilot."

Step 6: Hold the knob down and bring a long-reach lighter or long match to the pilot opening. Holding the knob down opens the gas supply to the pilot. Use a long lighter, not a short match, to keep your hand away from the flame.

Step 7: When the pilot ignites, keep holding the knob down for 20 to 30 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up and signal the gas valve to stay open.

Step 8: Release the knob slowly. If the flame stays lit, turn the knob to "On."

Step 9: Turn the thermostat back up. Listen for the main burner to ignite. If it does, you are good to go.

If the pilot does not light after two or three attempts, or if it lights but goes out when you release the knob, stop and call a professional.

Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit? Why It Keeps Going Out

If you followed the steps above and the pilot went out again shortly after, or if it will not stay lit when you release the knob, the problem is almost certainly mechanical.

Faulty thermocouple . This is the most likely culprit. If the pilot lights but goes out the moment you release the knob, the thermocouple is not generating enough signal to hold the gas valve open. It needs to be replaced by a technician.

Dirty thermocouple . Sometimes buildup on the thermocouple tip interferes with its ability to sense the flame. A technician can clean or replace it.

Draft or venting issue . If the pilot lights but goes out within a few minutes, a persistent air current may be extinguishing it. This requires a technician to assess the venting setup.

Gas pressure issue . Less common, but low gas pressure at the furnace can prevent a stable pilot flame. A technician should check this.

A pilot that will not stay lit is not something to keep forcing. If the thermocouple is failing in an older furnace, it can also be a sign the system is approaching the end of its service life. It is worth having a technician assess the overall condition of the unit while they are there.

Other Reasons Your Furnace Won't Turn On

If you checked the pilot light and it is lit, or if your furnace has electronic ignition, here are other things to look at before calling for service.

Thermostat settings. Confirm the thermostat is set to "heat," not "cool" or "fan only," and that the set temperature is above the current room temperature. Check the battery if it is battery-operated.

Tripped circuit breaker. Furnaces run on electricity even when they burn gas. Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker and reset it if needed.

Clogged air filter. A severely restricted filter can trigger a safety shutoff. Pull the filter and replace it if it is visibly dirty. This is a quick check worth doing before anything else.

Gas supply. Confirm the gas valve at the furnace is open and that your gas service is active. If other gas appliances in the home are also not working, contact your gas company.

Electronic ignition failure. If your furnace was built after the early 1990s and does not have a standing pilot, a failed igniter or flame sensor is the likely cause. Guaranteed Service specializes in gas furnace repair. This is a technician job, not a DIY fix.

If you have worked through all of the above and your furnace still will not turn on, call us. Our phones are answered 24/7.

When to Stop and Call a Pro

There are situations where you should not attempt to relight the pilot yourself. Here is when to put down the lighter and call a technician.

You smell gas strongly. A faint gas odor when you first turn the knob to "Pilot" is normal. A strong or persistent gas smell is not. Leave the home, call your gas company from outside, and then contact us. Do not attempt to relight.

The pilot will not stay lit after two or three attempts. This is almost always a thermocouple or gas supply issue. Repeated attempts will not fix it.

You see rust, corrosion, or soot around the burner or flue. In older Manasquan shore homes near the beach, salt-air corrosion on furnace components is common and can indicate a more serious problem than a simple pilot outage. A technician should assess this before the system runs.

Your furnace is 15 years or older and has needed frequent relights. A pattern of pilot outages in an aging system is a sign the equipment is approaching end of life. At that point, a furnace replacement conversation may be more valuable than another repair.

You are not comfortable doing this yourself. That is a completely reasonable call. A technician visit is far less costly than a repair that goes wrong and there is no diagnostic charge for deciding not to proceed.

Guaranteed Service provides heating repair throughout Manasquan and Monmouth County, with phones answered 24/7. All costs are discussed upfront before any work begins.

Got the Pilot Lit? Or Still Need Help?

If you successfully relit the pilot, good work. Before you call it done, consider scheduling a fall furnace tune-up – especially if your system has been dormant since spring. A professional inspection will confirm the thermocouple is in good shape, check for any coastal corrosion on components, and make sure the system is running safely before the heating season. Guaranteed Service offers a flat-rate tune-up and our technicians know what to look for in older Manasquan shore homes specifically.

If you could not get the pilot lit, or you hit one of the "call a pro" situations above, Guaranteed Service is ready to help. We back every job with 4,500+ Google reviews at 4.8 stars, upfront pricing, and a straight assessment of what your system actually needs.

Furnace Pilot Light FAQs

How Long Does a Furnace Last?

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:42:40 GMT

How Long Does a Furnace Last? (And When to Replace It)

The short answer: the average gas furnace lasts 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. But for homeowners in Manasquan, where the median home was built around 1961 and salt air from the Inlet is a year-round factor, the answer often runs closer to the short end of that range. If you are sitting here wondering how long does a furnace last because yours has been making noises it did not used to make, or because your energy bills have been climbing for no obvious reason, this post is for you. We will cover average furnace lifespan by type, what shortens a gas furnace's life, how coastal conditions affect Manasquan homes specifically, and how to decide whether a furnace repair or replacement is the right call.

Key Takeaways

Gas furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years – coastal homes near the Manasquan Inlet often run closer to the short end of that range
Manasquan's median build year of approximately 1961 means a significant share of local furnaces are already at or past their expected service life
Salt air from the Inlet accelerates corrosion on heat exchangers, burner assemblies, and flue vents faster than in inland NJ homes
If repair costs approach 50% of what a new system would cost, replacement is almost always the smarter investment
Annual maintenance is the single most effective way to extend a furnace's lifespan – especially for shore homes that sit dormant all summer

How Long Does a Furnace Last? Average Lifespan by Type

Here is a straightforward reference for the most common residential heating systems:

These ranges assume regular maintenance, so a neglected gas furnace can fall well short of 15 years, while a well-serviced one can push past 20. The gas furnace range is the one most relevant to Manasquan homeowners, since natural gas is the dominant heating fuel in the borough. Oil furnace lifespans are included here as a general reference – Guaranteed Service specializes in gas furnaces and heat pump systems and does not service oil-fired equipment.

High-efficiency gas furnaces, systems rated at 95% AFUE or above, tend to have more sophisticated components, which means they can last longer but also require consistent maintenance to reach that ceiling.

What Shortens a Gas Furnace's Lifespan?

Even a well-made furnace can fail early if any of these factors are working against it.

Neglected air filters . A dirty filter restricts airflow and forces the system to work harder than it should. This is one of the most common causes of premature wear. Filters should be replaced every one to three months depending on your home.

Skipped annual maintenance . A professional tune-up catches developing issues – worn igniter, early corrosion, calibration drift – before they compound into major failures. Furnaces that skip regular service age faster and fail less predictably.

Improper sizing . A furnace that is too large for the home short-cycles – it fires up, quickly overheats the space, shuts off, then repeats. That constant starting and stopping puts more mechanical stress on the system than normal operation and shortens its life significantly.

Low-quality installation . A furnace installed incorrectly – wrong size, poor venting, inadequate gas pressure – will underperform and wear out faster regardless of the brand or efficiency rating.

Ignored warning signs . Strange noises, uneven heating, and small performance changes are often early indicators of component wear. Addressing them early is almost always less expensive than waiting for a full breakdown.

For homeowners near the Jersey Shore, there is one more factor to add to this list.

Why Manasquan Shore Homes Are Harder on Furnaces

Salt air from the Manasquan Inlet and Atlantic Ocean is not just an outdoor problem. It enters homes through ventilation openings and everyday air movement, then goes to work on furnace components – corroding heat exchangers, burner assemblies, and flue vents at a rate that simply does not happen in an inland NJ home. A gas furnace that might run reliably for 20 years in a well-maintained Princeton home may reach end of life closer to 15 to 17 years in a shore property within a few blocks of the water.

Then there is the housing stock. With a median build year of approximately 1961, a large share of Manasquan homes are running furnaces that are original or on their first replacement, systems already at or past the standard 15 to 20 year benchmark. For a homeowner who bought an older shore cottage and has not thought much about the furnace, this is worth knowing sooner rather than later.

Finally, seasonal vacancy patterns put a specific kind of stress on these systems. Shore homes that sit unoccupied from spring through September accumulate dust and debris inside furnace cabinets over the summer. When the system fires up for the first time in October, those conditions, combined with the thermal shock of going from cold to full demand, accelerate wear on already-aging components.

This does not mean every Manasquan furnace is about to fail. But it does mean annual maintenance matters more here than it does inland, and knowing the signs of a system approaching end of life is especially valuable in this community.

Signs Your Furnace Is Nearing the End of Its Life

If your system is showing any of the following signs, it is worth getting a professional assessment before the heating season.

The system is 15 years old or older – once a gas furnace crosses this threshold, the calculus on repair vs. replace shifts meaningfully
Rising energy bills without explanation – a furnace losing efficiency has to run longer to produce the same heat, and that shows up on your gas bill
Frequent repairs – one repair in a season is normal; repeated repairs signal that multiple components are wearing out together
Uneven heating – some rooms comfortable while others stay cold, even with vents open and filters clean
Unusual noises – banging, rattling, or a furnace that cycles on and off without completing a full heating run
A yellow pilot light instead of blue – a yellow flame can indicate incomplete combustion and a potential carbon monoxide risk; this is an urgent safety concern
Visible rust or cracks near the heat exchanger – a cracked heat exchanger is the primary source of CO exposure from a gas furnace and is grounds for immediate replacement
Corrosion around the cabinet or flue venting – for Manasquan homeowners near the beach, salt-air accelerated corrosion on external components is an early warning sign worth taking seriously

Repair vs. Replace: How to Decide

For most Manasquan homeowners, once a gas furnace crosses the 15-year mark in a coastal environment the question is rarely whether to replace, it’s when. Here is the framework we use to help you decide.

Age . If your furnace is under 10 years old and the repair is straightforward, repair makes sense. If it is 15 years or older, replacement deserves serious consideration – not because it is always the answer, but because the math changes significantly at that point. Coastal conditions mean Manasquan systems often start their decline earlier than inland counterparts.

The 50% rule . If the cost of a repair approaches or exceeds 50% of what a new system would cost, replacement is almost always the smarter long-term investment. You are putting significant money into a system that is still aging and the next repair is usually not far behind.

The frequency pattern . One repair in a season is normal. Two in the same season is a signal. If you have been calling for service repeatedly, the system is telling you something. In our experience, aging shore home furnaces that start breaking down tend to accelerate and what starts as one issue in October often becomes two or three by February.

The efficiency gap . A furnace more than 15 years old likely runs at 60 to 80% AFUE. New high-efficiency systems operate at 95%+. That gap adds up over a heating season that runs October through April, and the long-term fuel savings often justify the upfront replacement cost faster than homeowners expect.

If your system is already showing multiple signs from the list above, the more useful next step is getting a furnace replacement estimate so you have real numbers to make the decision with.

How to Extend Your Furnace's Lifespan

If your furnace is in reasonable shape and you want to get the most out of it before a replacement conversation becomes necessary, these steps make a genuine difference.

Schedule an annual furnace tune-up . This is the single most effective step you can take. A professional inspection catches early wear, cleans components that accumulate buildup, and calibrates the system to run efficiently. For shore homes in Manasquan that have sat vacant all summer, a fall tune-up before the first cold snap is especially important. A comprehensive inspection and safety check before winter is the most reliable way to know where your system actually stands.

Replace your air filter every one to three months . A clean filter is the cheapest furnace maintenance you can do yourself – do not skip it.

Keep vents and registers clear . Blocked return air vents force the system to work harder and increase stress on the blower motor over time.

Do not ignore small changes . A new noise, a slight drop in performance, or a marginal increase in your gas bill are worth a call. Small issues repaired early rarely become large ones.

When Is a High-Efficiency Replacement Worth It?

If your furnace is approaching end of life, upgrading to a high-efficiency system is worth serious consideration. Modern gas furnaces operate at 95 to 98% AFUE, meaning 95 to 98 cents of every dollar of gas becomes usable heat. Systems that are 20+ years old often run at 60 to 80% AFUE. That efficiency gap adds up significantly over a Jersey Shore heating season that runs from October through April.

Don't Wait for a January Breakdown

If your furnace is 15 years or older, getting ahead of the decision now is almost always less stressful and less expensive than reacting to a failure mid-winter. Guaranteed Service has been replacing gas heating systems for homeowners across Manasquan and Monmouth County, backed by 4,500+ Google reviews at 4.8 stars. Reach out for a furnace replacement estimate: upfront pricing, no pressure, and a straight answer about what your system actually needs.

Furnace Lifespan FAQs

Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home in Ocean County, NJ

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 07:35:12 GMT

Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home in Ocean County, NJ

Hard water common throughout Ocean County, NJ accelerates sediment buildup inside water heaters, reducing efficiency and shortening equipment life faster than in areas with softer municipal supplies.

What Types of Water Heaters Are Available for Residential Homes?

Tank-style and tankless water heaters are the two primary options for most homes, each with distinct advantages depending on household size, usage patterns, and available space.

Tank-style units store a set volume of hot water and keep it ready at all times, making them straightforward to install and replace. The tradeoff is standby heat loss, where energy is used continuously to maintain water temperature even when no one is drawing hot water.

Tankless units heat water on demand, eliminating standby loss and providing a continuous supply as long as the flow rate stays within the unit's capacity. They tend to cost more upfront but can reduce energy use over time, particularly in households with high or unpredictable hot water demand.

Homeowners looking to find plumbing help in Ocean County, NJ for a water heater replacement can benefit from discussing both options with a licensed plumber who can assess the home's existing gas or electrical infrastructure before recommending a unit size.

How Do You Know When a Water Heater Needs Repair vs. Replacement?

Age, frequency of problems, and the nature of the fault are the three main factors that help determine whether repair or full replacement makes more sense for your situation.

A unit under eight years old with a single identifiable issue, such as a failed heating element or a faulty thermostat, is usually a good candidate for repair. These are relatively low-cost fixes that restore full function without requiring a full system swap.

Units older than ten years that show signs of tank corrosion, persistent leaks at the base, or repeated failures are generally better candidates for replacement. Continuing to repair an aging tank risks a sudden failure that can cause water damage before you have time to respond.

Can a Sump Pump Protect Your Water Heater During Flooding?

In Ocean County, NJ homes with basements or crawl spaces, a working sump pump helps prevent floodwater from reaching water heaters and other mechanical equipment during heavy rain events.

Ocean County experiences significant storm activity, and low-lying areas near Barnegat Bay and the barrier islands are especially vulnerable to basement flooding. A sump pump that fails during a storm can allow water to reach your water heater, furnace, and electrical panel in a matter of hours.

Pairing a properly installed sump pump with a battery backup system gives your home a second layer of protection when power outages accompany severe weather. Homeowners who want to explore sump pump options in Ocean County, NJ can have a plumber assess the right pump capacity for their basement size and typical water intrusion risk.

Which Plumbing Issues Are Most Common in Ocean County Homes?

Older housing stock near the shore, combined with hard water mineral deposits, makes pipe corrosion, water heater sediment buildup, and slow drains among the most frequently reported plumbing issues in Ocean County.

Many homes in communities like Toms River, Brick, and Lacey Township were built several decades ago and still have original supply lines that are approaching the end of their service life. Proactive leak detection can identify weakening sections before they fail and cause interior water damage.

Hard water also leaves calcium and magnesium deposits inside pipes and appliances over time, gradually narrowing flow paths and reducing water pressure throughout the home. A whole-home water softener can slow this process significantly and extend the life of plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Guaranteed Service handles emergency plumbing, water heater repair and installation, sump pump services, and leak detection for residential customers across the region. Connect with Guaranteed Service to plan the right plumbing solution for your Ocean County home.

Dehumidifiers vs. Humidifiers: Which is Right for You

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:09:20 GMT

If you are anything like most of our customers, you do not know much about how a humidifier or dehumidifier may help you and your family breathe easier all year long. You might have heard about the health benefits of humidifiers if you have ever struggled with chronic chest congestion or asthma symptoms, but what you might not have heard as much about are the countless other benefits of both systems.

The truth is, both humidifiers and dehumidifiers offer countless benefits to your home’s overall air quality. Each different system comes with a different set of pro’s and con’s, however, knowing as much as possible about these machines can help ensure that you are making the right decision for your home and your family’s needs. You might find that you only need one and the benefits from the other system do not address any issues that you struggle with, or you might find that humidifiers are needed during the cooler part of the year while dehumidifiers might help during the spring and summer months. Either way, making an informed decision about humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help save you tons of stress, time, and money.

What’s the Difference Between a Humidifier & Dehumidifier?

They say that names are often misleading but in this case, you can really figure out the main difference between humidifiers and dehumidifiers based on the names. As you might have guessed, humidifiers are used to add moisture to the air and increase humidity levels while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and decrease humidity levels. If you have trouble with humidity levels in your home, keeping individual room units or whole-house units can help vastly improve your home’s air quality.

Types of Humidifiers

While all humidifiers are working to accomplish the same goal–to increase the humidity level in the room or home around them, there are several different types of humidifiers that all work a little bit differently to accomplish this task in different ways. With each different type of humidifier comes different costs and benefits as with any other appliance. Understanding the key differences is the most surefire way to ensure that you choose the right device for your home!

Whole-House Humidifiers

Central humidifiers or whole-house humidifiers are the work-horses of humidifiers. This type of humidifier is directly connected to your home’s heating, cooling, and plumbing systems so that you never have to move a unit around or connect individual units to different outlets.

Though this is the most expensive option of all types, it is designed to effectively and efficiently humidify your entire home. Instead of working only in one individual room, they are able to maintain the humidity levels of your entire house. This type of humidifier system is ideal for homeowners who have a more constant need for air quality control–in each bedroom, and all living spaces. If you or a loved one is sensitive to humidity levels in the home or has major breathing problems, this might be the solution that you need.

Evaporative Humidifiers

Again, sometimes the names really do say it all. Evaporative humidifiers work on the principle of evaporation. These units use a filter, a fan, and water to encourage quick evaporation, creating excess moisture in the air. This moisture is created using water from the reservoir and moving it through the filter and fan located in a different part of the unit. It is then evaporated into the air by passing air steam through the wet source to bring up the humidity level.

Evaporative humidifiers are the most widely popular type of humidifier simply because of how accessible they are. These types of humidifiers come in many different sizes, shapes, and appearances so that they can be more easily integrated with your room as is.

Steam Humidifiers

Steam humidifiers are a very commonly used type of humidifier. They are often referred to as vaporizers because they use heat instead of fans to humidify an area. When doctors recommend patients incorporate a humidifier into their home lives, they typically recommend steam humidifiers because of how effectively they add moisture to the air without compromising air purification. In fact, steam can help improve air purification.

Steam humidifiers use a heating element and a water reservoir. The water is heated, typically to boiling, and the steam that is produced from this heated water is pushed out into the air, increasing humidity levels in its immediate area. While these are the most efficient systems and the least expensive, one major downside of this type of humidifier is that the steam coming out and the unit itself can become extremely hot because of the heating element. These units should not be left in a place where they can be accidentally touched, especially in households with children, as they may damage any skin that it comes in direct contact with.

Types of Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are the opposite of humidifiers but they can offer similar health benefits, based on individual needs. During certain parts of the year, dehumidifiers can improve air quality and help individuals with breathing problems just as effectively as humidifiers can, by removing excess moisture in the air.

Like humidifiers, there are a few common types of dehumidifiers that accomplish the desired effect in different ways and with different benefits.

Whole-House Dehumidifiers

A whole-house dehumidifier is a unit that connects to your heating, cooling, and sometimes your plumbing system, and is able to remove moisture from the air in your entire home instead of just smaller, individual spaces.

Because these dehumidifiers are installed within your other service systems, they are more integrated and are able to send the conditioned air back through your existing ventilation system.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Desiccant dehumidifiers use chemicals to pull out any excess moisture from the air. While it is not as “clean” a process as others, it is highly effective. These machines have something called a desiccant wheel or fan that pulls the air from the room into the device. The desiccant wheel has a special silica gel to keep air dry until it is pushed out of the device into the air around it. These types of dehumidifiers are also highly efficient because the air that is not released as dry air to counteract the moisture in the air is filtered back through as reactivation air.

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers

Refrigerant dehumidifiers, also known as compressor dehumidifiers, use a similar process as both your refrigerator and your air conditioner. These dehumidifiers draw warm air in through a fan and push it through a series of cool coils, removing moisture in the air through forced condensation. The process is similar to how your refrigerator works. The water that is produced as a result drips down to the water reservoir. The dry air reheats and releases back into your room.

Benefits of Having a Humidifier

There are many benefits to having a humidifier in your home, whether you are looking for medical benefits or simply looking to improve your family’s comfort level. Especially when the temperature begins to drop, overly dry air can cause a plethora of problems that can be solved with a humidifier.

Some of the top benefits of having a home humidifier system include:

Moisturize your skin
Break up mucus
Relieve allergy symptoms
Protect against sore throat
Soothe irritated sinuses
Halt the spread of germs
Relieve sleep apnea symptoms
Reduce snoring
Provide asthma relief
Improve overall air quality

For a more thorough or to explore your humidifier and dehumidifier options - check out some of our other blog posts!

Benefits of Having a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are especially helpful if you live in a more extreme climate. New Jersey is infamous for our extremely cold winters and brutal summers. These extreme temperatures are compounded by our close proximity to so many water sources and lead to excessive moisture in the air, particularly in the spring and summer months. Dehumidifiers can help correct many of the issues that come with high humidity levels.

These benefits include:

Relieve allergy symptoms
Stop mold growth.
Alleviate asthma symptoms
Improve overall air quality
Increase your home’s energy efficiency

Which Is Right For You?

The most important factor to consider when deciding which system is the best fit for you and your family is to look at the air quality issues you struggle with the most as well as the time of year that you or your loved ones are having the most difficulty.

If allergies are your biggest issue, for example, a humidifier might be your best option as dry air exacerbates allergy symptoms. If you live near a body of water and experience breathing difficulties during the warmer months, you might be having a negative reaction to excess humidity and can benefit from a dehumidifier.

Who to Call for Your Air Quality Needs

Your home’s air quality and purification are important to you, so it is also important to us. When you call Guaranteed Service you can feel confident that the job is going to get done right the first time, guaranteed! For all of your home’s humidity control needs, give the expert technicians at Guaranteed Service a call today!

But first, make sure you check out our unmatched coupons before you call to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible! If you do have a system already, but it has not been serviced in more than 6 months, give us a call today so that we can check in and make sure that your system is running as efficiently and effectively as possible.

You’ll Become a Customer for Life- Guaranteed!

If you are a New Jersey resident with any kind of humidity-related issues, check out our humidifiers & dehumidifiers services today! Our highly-trained service experts are the best in the business, and we have a reputation for excellence that is always upheld! Call us today at (732) 201-5726 or visit online to make your appointment and keep your family safe and comfortable!

Home Repair Financing To Fit Every Budget

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:05:38 GMT

Let’s face it: your heating system is not going to call you ahead of time and check when the most convenient time for you is to deal with a major malfunction. Unfortunately, major repair needs tend to pop up when you least expect them and are least prepared to deal with the aftermath. Home repairs can be extremely costly and putting them off can do further damage to your system, create an uncomfortable living environment for you and your family, and could even put everyone in your home at risk. This is why understanding your home repair financing options before anything bad happens is so essential.

Benefits of Home Repair Financing

Home repair financing is a crucial part of maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment. It allows homeowners like you to access the funds they need to make necessary repairs and upgrades to their homes without having to come up with the full amount of the repair cost upfront. This can include anything from fixing a broken pipe to upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system.

Home repair financing can also play an important role in promoting economic growth and stability. By investing in home repairs and upgrades, homeowners are able to increase the value of their homes, which can lead to increased property values throughout the entire surrounding area and a stronger housing market.

What Makes Guaranteed Service Financing Options Different?

When it comes time to look at home improvement loans, we know that you have all the options in the world. Here at Guaranteed Service, we want to ensure that you are having the best experience possible. That’s why we have worked tirelessly to optimize our process for your convenience.

Your One-Stop-Shop for Home Repair Financing

Our convenient financing plans give you the flexibility to get the energy-efficient, reliable comfort that you are looking for; whether it’s a new installation or AC repair services . Getting your home repair loan in-house with a trusted HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company like Guaranteed Service instead of going through independent lenders not only offers you a more convenient avenue to shop around, but it can also save you time and money in the long run!

One of the main benefits is that it eliminates the need to go through the traditional lending process, which can be time-consuming and require extensive paperwork. Instead, in-house financing is often offered by the contractor or company performing the repairs, and the application process is typically much more straightforward.

In-house financing also offers more flexibility in terms of repayment options. Because the financing is provided directly by the contractor or company, homeowners are often offered terms that work best for them as a thank-you for their loyalty to the company. This might look like longer repayment periods, interest-free payments, or more flexible loan qualification requirements. This can be especially beneficial for our customers on a tight budget or with a limited credit history.

Another advantage of Guaranteed Service’s in-house financing is that it allows homeowners to begin repairs or upgrades immediately rather than having to wait days or even weeks for loan approval. In fact, when you apply for a home repair loan with Guaranteed Service, we will have your approval results ready for you within just a few minutes and you can get started that very same day! This can be especially beneficial for our customers in need of urgent repairs, such as a leaky pipe or broken furnace, that need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Here at Guaranteed Service, we know that applying for any kind of loan can be stressful and we strive to remove as much of that burden from you as possible. That is why we are dedicated to complete transparency and ease of communication with every one of our customers. We handle all communication directly with the financing company and your service team so that you can focus on making the necessary decisions about your home’s service needs.

Get Your Project Done When It Needs To Get Done

Delaying home repair projects can have serious consequences for you and your family. One of the biggest risks is that what started off as a small issue can quickly become major problems if not addressed in a timely manner. For example, a leaky pipe can lead to significant water damage if it is not repaired, which can result in costly repairs and even mold growth which is why addressing such issues with professional plumbing services is so important. Similarly, a faulty electrical circuit can be a fire hazard if it is not repaired and a malfunctioning furnace can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. These kinds of repairs should always be a priority, regardless of your current financial situation.

In addition to the potential health and safety risks, delaying home repairs can also lead to increased costs. The longer a problem goes unaddressed, the more extensive and costly the repair will likely be. Putting off necessary repairs will never make the problem go away. You are delaying the inevitable in the best-case scenario, and risking the safety and/or costing yourself thousands of dollars in additional repairs in the worst-case scenario.

We Have Options to Fit Every Budget

Guaranteed Service has partnered up with the best lending partners in the business and we are proud to offer a wide variety of payback options to fit every budget. We offer short-term options with little to no interest on top of your capital costs for homeowners who prefer not to pay a ton of money down the road with balloon interest payments. For customers who need a little more time to pay off their repairs in full, we also offer longer repayment periods with smaller payments and everything in between.

Financing your home’s necessary improvements should be as personal a journey as the repair process is and we have worked hard to ensure that you have as many options as possible.

Interest-Free Financing

Who doesn’t love the phrase ‘interest-free’? We know we do! Here at Guaranteed Service, we have worked tirelessly with our financing company to lock in interest-free financing for qualifying customers.

We know that interest-free payments can provide a number of benefits for homeowners, the biggest of all being the simple fact that it allows customers to have the necessary repairs or upgrades done to their homes without having to pay any additional interest fees on top of their home repair costs. This can save homeowners a significant amount of money over time, as interest charges can add up quickly. Additionally, interest-free financing can make it easier for homeowners to budget for the cost of repairs, as they know exactly how much they will need to pay back.

Another added benefit of interest-free financing is that it can make it more affordable for homeowners who might not qualify for traditional loans due to credit or income constraints. With many traditional loans, a huge part of every payment is dedicated to paying back the interest accrued. Without that additional cost, lower payments can mean the difference between a base-level repair that will need to be replaced in the near future, or the ability to install an entirely new, energy-efficient system that will last your family years to come.

Flexible Payment Plans

There is never a convenient time for your home service systems to break down, but thanks to Guaranteed Service’s flexible payment plans, you can choose the most convenient time to pay back your home repair loan. Whether you prefer shorter, low-interest plans or need more time to pay everything off, our team of customer service specialists will help you find the repayment schedule that works best for you and your family.

Home repairs are stressful enough. Don’t add any more undue stress on yourself by having to worry about whether or not you can make your next loan payment.

Satisfaction GUARANTEED!

When it comes time to make major home improvements, you can trust Guaranteed Service to get the job done right the first time around. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out our stellar reviews and feedback to see what our current and past customers loved about the service they received from Guaranteed Service. With well over 800 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 stars, it’s clear that we are doing something right!

Our locally owned and operated service team is renowned for our superior work and quick response. We pride ourselves in our expert knowledge of all things HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, and we know that our team of highly trained technicians can deliver the best results for you every time.

Are you ready to say goodbye to stressful financing situations and talk to a Guaranteed Service representative today? Give us a call at (732) 201-5726 or visit us online to find out more about our industry-leading home repair financing options!

Who To Call For Boiler Repairs In New Jersey

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:56:09 GMT

New Jersey winters can be harsh. No one knows how cold a home can be without proper heat better than the experts at Guaranteed Service, New Jersey’s top HVAC provider. Here at Guaranteed Service, we believe that you and your family deserve reliable heat all season long and we work hard to make that possible. One of the ways that you can get this done is to keep your boiler system running smoothly.

As all homeowners come to discover eventually, repair services can happen when you least expect them and are the least prepared to handle the damages. Whether or not you are keeping up with your system’s preventive maintenance needs, emergencies can happen. Preparation is the only way to get through these repairs without putting too much undue stress on you and your family.

How Do Boilers Work?

While it may not seem like it, having a basic understanding of your boiler system is essential in keeping it in the best shape possible and can help you extend the service life of your unit by years! Knowing how your boiler heats your home can help you understand its maintenance needs and recognize repair needs before they become major issues. Yet many homeowners do not know the first thing about how their boiler system works.

The most important function of the boiler is to heat your home. Though there are many different types of boilers that all work slightly differently, most boilers accomplish this task in much the same way. First, your boiler will begin by heating water within the main unit. It may do so using gas, oil, electricity, or coal, depending on the system. Once your water is heated, it is either turned into steam or kept in liquid form depending on the type of boiler you have. Regardless of the form this water might take, it will then be sent through your pipes and to a series of radiators throughout your home, which will put off warmth, heating the surrounding area.

Boilers Vs. Furnaces

Boilers and furnaces are the two most common heating systems for homeowners today. Whether your current system is in need of repairs, or approaching the end of its service life, you have likely considered having an entirely new system installed. One of the biggest questions, if this is a route you are putting thought into, is whether or not a boiler system is right for you and your family.

There are a couple of factors to consider when determining what kind of heating system will best meet your needs. Things like energy efficiency, cost, and maintenance needs.

Efficiency

Boilers are almost always more energy efficient than furnaces, but several factors can affect the efficiency of your heating system, such as age, condition, and fuel type. The age of your boiler or furnace, for example, can have a major impact on how efficiently it runs. Older boiler and furnace systems were unable to convert as much of the fuel needed to power them into usable energy to heat a home. Modern boilers can use as much as 98% of fuel to heat your home directly. If your boiler is more than 10-15 years old, chances are that it is not heating your home as efficiently as it once did or as a newer system would.

Boilers are typically much more energy efficient than furnaces, simply because of the less complex mechanics of a boiler system. Boiler systems heat homes by heating water and sending the steam from the hot water through pipes running under floors or around baseboards. Forced air systems like furnaces have more components, motors, secondary machines, and other places for energy to be lost.

Cost

When it comes to the price of installing an entirely new heating system, the cost can vary greatly depending on the type of system you are interested in and what is needed for your home. Since furnaces are easier to produce and install than boilers, they are typically less expensive, sometimes even by half as much as the price of a boiler.

Despite the more complex mechanical structure of a furnace heating system, installation is typically quicker, easier, and less expensive than boiler systems. One of the reasons that the installation is so much simpler is because of how much less complex the ventilation system has to be, and the lower risk factors associated with potential leaks. If you already have a ventilation system installed the cost to simply replace a boiler and not the full system should cost you much less as ventilation installation is a very involved process that can take several days to complete.

Maintenance

While all systems are going to require maintenance and upkeep, some units require more attention than others. Heating systems are machines, like any others, that can lose efficiency and break down over time. Keeping up with your system’s maintenance needs can help you avoid costly repairs down the line.

Boilers typically require less annual maintenance than a traditional furnace system and their lifespan is typically much longer. This is because boilers are mechanically simpler than furnace heating systems. Boilers have very few moving parts that may break down.

Furnaces, on the other hand, are run by several small machines and motors that force air through the ventilation system to warm your house. Any number of these components may break down and need repairs, but the best way to prevent that is to stay on top of your regular maintenance.

Types Of Boilers

Boilers come in many different varieties, each having specific characteristics, functionality, and fuel sources. Different systems can also benefit your home differently so knowing a little about each type of boiler can help you make the right choice for your home and your family. For the most part, all boilers work similarly but use different power sources. The type of fuel that your home is already connected to might determine the type of boiler you need. For example, if your home is outfitted with a natural gas connection, installing an oil boiler would be exponentially more complicated and expensive than a gas boiler.

The 6 main types of boiler systems are:

Steam Boiler
Natural Gas Boiler
Electric Boiler
Oil Boiler
Water Boiler
Condensing Boiler

For more information on each type of boiler and which system might be right for you, give the experts at Guaranteed Service a call today!

Common Boiler Repair Needs

Because boilers have fewer moving parts than other heating systems, they typically require much less maintenance and repairs. Mechanically, boiler systems are typically simpler and, thus, less expensive both in installation and upkeep costs. As a general rule, the fewer moving mechanical parts, the less wear a unit is going to see over the years.

Some common issues that you might see from your boiler system include:

Leaks
Overheating
Corroded or rusted parts
Broken circulator pump
Sediment or debris build-up
Burnt-out heating elements

Who Can Repair Your Boiler?

It is important to keep in mind that all boiler repairs should only be performed by a licensed, trusted HVAC professional. If you already have a company that you depend on for your system’s preventive maintenance, they can likely also handle any repair needs you may have.

Because there are so many different types of boiler repairs and so many types of boilers that require it, choosing the right service professionals as well as creating the best maintenance plan are vital to keeping up with your boiler’s needs. Give Guaranteed Service a call today at (732) 201-5391 or visit us online to check out what some of our past customers have had to say about the outstanding services they received!

New Jersey’s Top HVAC Company

If you’re looking for reliable and trustworthy home service, look no further than Guaranteed Service! We provide comprehensive heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, water treatment, and indoor air quality services all over Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore. Our trained and knowledgeable technicians are some of the best in the business.

On top of all of that, we also offer exceptional same-day repair services–guaranteed! Backed by hundreds of positive online reviews from satisfied customers who were able to get their repairs done when they needed them, you can rest assured that when we say today, we really mean today . We know that your boiler system is not going to wait for normal business hours or for a team to finish all of their scheduled customers for the week if a serious repair is needed. Guaranteed Service is backed by years of industry experience, and our dedicated service team works hard to be available to you 24/7/365.

Call Guaranteed Service TODAY!

Ready to talk to one of our licensed HVAC experts about your boiler needs? Give Guaranteed Service a call today at (732) 201-5391 or visit us online. With our industry-leading customer service and high-quality repairs, you’ll become a customer for life–guaranteed!

Top 7 Ways To Lower Your Heating Cost This Winter

Akhil.Talla@townsquareinteractive.com (Akhil Talla) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:52:45 GMT

Winter is here and with it comes the dreaded increase in your utility bills. Running the many systems that keep you and your family comfortable during the long winter months can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Don’t worry, we’re not here to tell you to bump your heat down to 50 degrees in the middle of January to cut some extra money off your bill. Keeping your home warm and comfortable is important and heating costs should not break the bank. Luckily, there are many other things you can try that can have a major impact on your heating costs!

Replace Your Filters

If you find that it is taking longer for your system to heat your home than it usually would, you might want to check your air filters. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump system, it likely involves filters to ensure that the air you are receiving is as clean as possible. If you're experiencing issues or need professional help, consider heating service and repair from our licensed experts. While every system is a little bit different, most professionals recommend having your filter cleaned or replaced at least once every 3 months.

Some filters are made so that homeowners can easily replace them without needing to call a professional HVAC technician out, but some filters are not so easily accessible and should be changed only by a licensed professional. Make sure that you are as educated on the type of system and air filters in your home so that you can make the most informed decision. If you aren't sure about the answers to these questions, you should schedule a heating inspection or tune-up with an HVAC professional to evaluate your system and recommend next steps.

Bump Down Your Water Heater Temperature

Before you panic, this does not mean that you have to take cold showers to save money on your heating bill. Most hot water tanks are set to max out at around 140 degrees, which is too high to be in direct contact with a person’s skin for any prolonged amount of time. If you do not regularly turn the sink’s hot water knob all the way up and leave the cold water off entirely, it is safe to say that your hot water heater temperature can afford to be turned by 10-15 degrees.

When your hot water heater is set to heat its entire tank to a temperature so much warmer than most people actually need, it is wasting energy and money getting the water to that temperature. Decreasing the temperature of your hot water heater can save you hundreds of dollars every year!

Check The Seals On Your Doors And Windows

Whether you are aware of them or not, most homes do have small spaces where cold air can get in. These air leaks allow cold air from outside of your home to get in and lower temperatures. Even the smallest air leak could cost you a ton of money on your heating bill.

The best places to look for air leaks are around any wiring and piping that goes outside, dryer vents, and old window frames. Identifying these problem areas can be the more time-consuming part of this task, but once you know where the air is getting in you can fix the problem fairly easily.

With the leaks found, you can go ahead and seal them up. You can use caulk or insulation from any hardware store to keep the cold out as long as the leak is less than two inches wide. Larger leaks should be temporarily closed off with a towel or blanket and sealed off by a professional contractor as soon as possible.

Use Thermal Curtains Or Coverings On Older Windows

Unfortunately, if your windows are more than 7-10 years old, you are likely losing a large percentage of the heat moving through your home through your windows. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, homeowners may be losing about 30 percent of a home’s heating energy through aged windows.

The long-term goal for all homeowners should be to replace all older, drafty windows with new, energy-efficient windows. Unfortunately, replacing windows can be an expensive project. If you are not quite ready to commit to whole-house window replacement, you might want to consider insulating your windows with thermal curtains or coverings. Window coverings are secondary products that can be attached to windows either internally or externally. These coverings are mainly used to improve energy performance, trap more conditioned air in your home, reduce glare, and provide more privacy for homeowners everywhere. You can find many different kinds of coverings – most are not easily identifiable but can add multiple layers to your windows that will help you lower your heating bill while also maintaining the same look as your older windows. Window coverings, while still less expensive than window replacement, can be a bit expensive, especially if bought for every window in your home.

Another less expensive option is to hang thermal curtains. Thermal curtains are easy to find and purchase and they are a relatively inexpensive option. These window coverings typically have several layers of fabric, including a center panel of insulating foam that can help block cold air from seeping out through your windows. Like any other curtain set, you can find these curtains in different colors and prints to best fit the design of your home. You can also pull back these window coverings for a few hours on sunny days to let the natural light help heat your home.

Close Doors Behind You

As a general rule, keeping doors, especially doors to rooms that are not used as frequently as others, closed behind you is a great way to conserve energy and cut down on your utility bills. When doors are left open, the air that is meant to be heating that room ends up flowing into different parts of your home. This makes it more difficult to reach the desired temperature of each individual room and leaves your heating system running for longer periods of time. Remember, the longer your heater is actively running, the more you are paying.

Install A Smart Thermostat

If you do not already have a smart thermostat in your home, you should consider installing one. These thermostats are an inexpensive way to closely monitor your home’s heating and air conditioning systems, even when you are not home. Smart thermostats allow you to make more changes to the way your air conditioning system works, from how often it kicks on to keep different areas of your home at different temperatures, smart thermostats give you more options that can save you a ton of money!

Installing a quality smart thermostat in your home can take your energy savings to a whole new level. In fact, smart thermostats can reduce energy bills by up to 25%. That can translate to hundreds of dollars in savings every year, back in your pocket.

Some of our favorite smart thermostats include:

Nest Thermostat E
Honeywell Lyric T5+ Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat with Built-In Amazon Alexa
Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat ST75

Keep in mind that replacing your thermostat is a job that should always be done by a service professional. Improper installation can lead to major problems with your entire HVAC system down the road. Have Your Heating System Cleaned & Serviced Regularly

Whether you have a furnace, a boiler, or a heat pump, regular maintenance is important to keep them running as they should. Keep in mind that, although these systems have different maintenance needs, all heating systems require maintenance and upkeep. These are complex machines, after all, and they will lose efficiency and break down over time without proper maintenance. Keeping up with your unit’s maintenance and cleaning needs will help ensure that your system is operating at its peak efficiency, saving you money on your energy bills.

While the amount you’ll save on your heating bill depends on a number of factors, including the efficiency and age of your heating system and the size of your home. Still, the average American household spends $2,200 a year on energy bills and about half of that cost is from heating and cooling alone. Heating system tune-ups have the potential to save you up to 30% off of your energy bill every single month. That adds up to several hundred dollars every year that you don’t need to give to utility companies.

All maintenance, tune-ups, and cleaning should be done by a licensed professional. If you would like to learn more about how regular maintenance can improve your unit’s efficiency or if you are ready to book an appointment today, give Guaranteed Service a call at (732) 201-5391 or visit us online.

Guaranteed Service

At Guaranteed Service, we get the job done right the first time, guaranteed. Our licensed and experienced staff is always ready to bring you the knowledge, guidance, and on-target solutions that you need to get the job done.

To implement some of these changes and get your home on the road to maximum efficiency, call Guaranteed Service at (732) 201-5391 or contact us online today!

Everything You Need to Know About Hydro Jetting

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:49:54 GMT

Nobody wants to wake up in the morning to a clogged drain. This common problem is one that many homeowners experience and try to remedy themselves, often making the problem worse than it was before. Clogged and blocked drains can be a huge inconvenience to your day-to-day life. Don’t keep dealing with the same problem day in and day out.

A chronically clogged drain may seem like the end of the world with a huge bill tacked on for good measure, but it is likely not as serious as you fear. Typically drain clogs are localized to a single drain or bathroom and can be remedied quickly and inexpensively by a trained professional.

If you are a New Jersey homeowner and you find yourself in this situation, give Guaranteed Service a call today! We are New Jersey’s leading plumbing and sewage service experts. We have the tools and experience necessary to take care of your drain cleaning and flushing needs the right way, every time. Guaranteed!

There are a few different ways we clean drains out, however, one of the most common methods is known as hydro jetting. This process is fast, thorough, effective, and all-natural. Not to mention it is totally safe for your drain lines. Having your system regularly cleaned and flushed is an essential part of your home’s maintenance needs and for main lines, hydro jetting is the best way to do so.

What’s The Deal With Hydro Jetting?

If you have never heard of hydro jetting, don’t worry. You are not alone. Most homeowners do not know what hydro jetting is, much less when their drains need it. Hydro jetting is an essential part of cleaning out your backed-up sewage lines and can seriously improve the pressure and quality of your water.

Understanding the process, purpose, and need for hydro jetting and other sewage removal techniques is vital knowledge for every homeowner, despite the seemingly mysterious nature of the topic. It is important to remember that sewage is not–no pun intended–a dirty word. Keeping an open mind and being receptive to learning new things about your home servicing needs can help keep your plumbing and sewage systems running as efficiently as possible.

How Does It Work?

Hydro jetting is a process that utilizes high-pressure angled sprayers to break up and remove obstructions from your sewage lines. Essentially, you are pressure washing your pipes, but with an extremely limited space that centralizes and intensifies the water pressure delivered. This technique is so powerful that it is often used to break up tree roots that have grown into pipelines – Though this is a sign that your pipe has cracks in it, which calls for a much larger repair. The water pressure coming from specially designed hoses is strong enough to clear out nearly any blockage that your system might take on.

When you call to have a plumber come out to clean your main sewer line, they will likely suggest hydro jetting, though there are a few steps that your contractor will have to go through first to properly de-clog, flush, and thoroughly clean your system. First, they will have to find the problem. This is typically done with a CCTV video camera that is snaked down a section of your piping system called the cleanout. This pipe is capped off and not connected to any outlets but is connected to the rest of the internal systems. They will move this camera around until the blockage is found.

This feed will also help them confirm that your pipes do not have any cracks or other damages that could be made worse by hydro jetting. Older pipes are prone to rust and breakdown which can make them too sensitive for hydro jetting. If they find any areas of your drainage system that have collapsed, they will need to go in and repair that damage before any hydro jetting is done. This video feed is one of the most important steps in the sewage removal process and should only be done by a licensed professional.

After your pipes have been assessed, the hydro jetting can begin. The hydro jetting system is made up of 4 parts: a hose, nozzle, water connection, and a machine that pressurizes the water. One of the great things about hydro jetting is that it does not use any harmful chemicals that can cause water quality issues down the road. Nothing is put into the hydro jetting system except water.

From here, your service professional will put the nozzle and hose into your system through the cleanout. They will feed in the hose until they find the blockage again. When the nozzle meets the blockage, a stream of angled, highly pressurized water will shoot out and remove the obstruction. This could take a few minutes of targeted jetting if the object causing your system to not work properly is large or overly hard. Things like calcium and grease buildup can typically be removed in a matter of seconds whereas other harder deposits can take much longer to break down.

Signs That Your System Needs Hydro Jetting

While hydro jetting is an extremely useful technique used by most plumbing and sewage removal professionals, how do you know when you need to call in the big guns versus when Drain-O might get the job done?

First and foremost, you should not be using Drain-O or snaking your own drains regularly. If clogs and back-ups are happening frequently in your home, it is best to call a licensed professional to come out, inspect the pipes, evaluate the issue, and talk you through the best solution. Some signs that your drains might be in need of hydro jetting are:

Poor water pressure
Bad smells coming from your drain
Slow draining
Frequent clogging
Clogging in multiple plumbing fixtures (more than one toilet, sink, tub, etc.)
Water/sewage backing up into any fixture
Off noises like gurgling or wheezing coming from your drain

Sewage Removal

So, where does all that grime and gunk go? Well, when your lines are hydro jetted you do not have to worry about sewage backing up your system again. The hydro jetting process obliterates all blockages into small enough pieces that they can travel through any sewage treatment route the same way other wastewater does.

In the rare case that a customer has a blockage that might be too hard to break down, or is otherwise not suitable for hydro jetting, our trained service professionals are able to remove the section of the drain with the obstruction in question and replace it with a clean section of pipe if that is what’s necessary. This is the exception, though, not the rule. Most blocked drains simply need to be thoroughly cleaned, and then any obstructions can travel through the line and into the sewage treatment plant with the rest of your gray water.

How Often Should You Have Your Pipes Professionally Cleaned?

Though every home and every system is different, experts recommend that you have your pipes professionally cleaned at least every other year. Regular drain cleaning is one of the most effective ways to keep them free of any blockages, helping to prevent problems. Blocked drains can be a nightmare to deal with, so keeping your general plumbing system and maintained is essential.

Over time pipes will inevitably accrue build-up of different types such as calcite, roots, waste, and other materials that could potentially block, clog, or slow down the flow of water through your pipes. Even if your drains are not showing signs of a blockage, getting your drains professionally cleaned every once in a while is an important part of keeping your home’s plumbing and sewage lines running properly.

Who Should You Call For Your Hydro Jetting Needs?

Hydro jetting is not a DIY job. Just because it is similar to pressure washing in some ways, that does not mean that anyone with a pressure washing and a free afternoon should attempt to hydro jet their own pipes. Not only is this not likely to work, but you could also cause serious damage to your pipes. Replacing the plumbing and pipelines for your entire home could cost you quite a bit of money, so it is always better to play things safe and call a professional plumber or sewage removal specialist to ensure that the job gets done right.

An experienced hydro jetting contractor can make all the difference in completing your project as successfully and efficiently as possible. They know how to use the equipment and manipulate the camera system to find the blockage. They know the amount of water pressure necessary to break up and dislodge different types of obstructions without damaging the pipes. They know how best to remove the debris after it is broken up without it negatively impacting your sewage system. This is why we stress to every homeowner that hydro jetting is not a DIY project. Only experienced contractors should be brought in to meet your hydro jetting needs.

Guaranteed Service

At Guaranteed Service, we understand the stress of having a chronically clogged drain. We know how scary it can feel to worry about extensive underlying damage to your pipes and we are here to make that stress disappear!

Using our decades of experience and state-of-the-art tools, our team of friendly technicians will work quickly to resolve your issue and keep you and your property protected. We know you demand the absolute best for your home, and that is what we deliver to every customer, every time. We are New Jersey’s leading HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and sewage removal experts and we can help you find that peace of mind again.

To schedule your consultation or your regular drain cleaning, give Guaranteed Service a call at (732) 201-5748 or visit us online today!

How To Avoid Costly Electrical Repairs?

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:47:10 GMT

Can You Avoid Expensive Repairs?

If you have ever had to pay for an unexpected electrical repair, you know that most electrical issues are rarely cheap or simple to fix. Electrical problems can seem unpredictable to the untrained eye, but if you know what to look for and how to properly maintain a system most of these issues can be avoided or, at the very least, delayed.

How can you avoid these costly electrical repairs? This is a problem we coach our customers through every day. The desire to maintain your electrical system properly is there but the know-how is not. Because of the specialized nature of your electrical system, the average homeowner has little to no knowledge of the inner workings of their electric panel , wires, or any other part of the system. To help you avoid some common and costly mistakes that can damage your electrical system, we put together a comprehensive guide to all things electrical maintenance and best practices.

How Do You Know If Your System Needs Electrical Repairs?

One of the most effective things you can do to help keep your home’s electrical system running as efficiently and dependably as possible is to watch out for early warning signs that there might be an issue. Luckily for us, most electrical problems that you might face are fairly easy to recognize before the damage is too extensive. Keeping an eye out for these warning signs can help you catch a problem early on or even avoid it altogether.

Some problems are, unfortunately, unavoidable but they can be fixed quickly and inexpensively if caught early on before damage has been done to the connected systems and wiring.

Common Signs:

Flickering or Muted Lights

Though there could be any number of reasons why your lighting is not working properly, it could be a deeper electrical issue that requires professional attention. If you have recently replaced or checked all bulbs to ensure that they are not blown, it could be a wiring or power supply issue. Before you try to make any repairs or replace any light fixtures, call an electrician in to check your wiring, connections, and power sources for any issues.

Your Breaker Trips Often

While it is common enough for breakers to get tripped occasionally when too many things are plugged in, you should not be constantly losing power and having to flip a breaker. If this is happening more than a couple of times per year, call an electrician to check the wiring and connections for damaged lines.

Dead Or Sparking Outlets

Dead or sparking outlets could be a simple connection problem or a sign of bad wiring. Either way, catching the issue early on and having a service professional come out and check things out can help you avoid expensive electrical repairs. This is especially important if your electrical outlet is sparking or shocking you when it is used. Sparking outlets increases the risks of fire and should be inspected immediately.

Early Bulb Burnouts

Another common sign that your electrical system is in need of repair is frequent and early bulb burnouts. If you find yourself replacing lightbulbs after just a few weeks this is likely a sign of a deeper problem.

Small things like changing the brand or wattage bulb you are buying is a good indication of whether or not the bulb is the issue or if the power source is malfunctioning. If bulbs continue to have a short lifespan, calling an electrician out to inspect the problem can help you save a ton of money on your electric bill and bulb replacement.

Regular Maintenance

Your electrical system delivers all of the power in your home to you while also keeping you safe and comfortable. As you can imagine, that is often a huge workload, which means this system should be inspected and tuned up regularly. Experts recommend that you have your electrical system professionally inspected every 12-18 months, depending on your system and how much use your system is seeing. Large families or individuals who work or spend a lot of time in their homes should have their system checked at least once every year, for example.

If that seems like too much, remember that your electric system is what keeps everything else in your home running. Every appliance, your heat and air conditioning, your security systems, everything! A Power outage is more than just a slight inconvenience and your electrical system should be treated seriously.

Furthermore, electrical fires are all too common in New Jersey. In many cases, these tragic fires could have been avoided altogether if the system had been inspected regularly and the issue was addressed rather than being left to fester. It is crucial that your system is checked regularly by a licensed professional and is running as intended. Losing any of the services that your electric system provides would be devastating to your day-to-day routine.

Before you call and schedule your inspection with Guaranteed Service , check out our industry-leading deals and coupons! We never want to see our customers overpay for their service so we not only make these coupons available to everyone, but we encourage customers to apply our discount codes to their bills.

Always Call A Professional

Regardless of how minor or simple you think a repair might be, you should never attempt to make electrical repairs yourself. A licensed electrician can safely diagnose and correct the issue.. While many other home projects might be straightforward enough to be fixed by a handy homeowner, electrical repairs are not only more complex and technical, but they also carry with them a higher risk level.

Improperly installed or repaired electrical elements are high fire hazards. Something as simple as replacing a dead outlet is still a dangerous task that should not be performed by any person not trained in electrical repair. The nature of electrical systems puts you and your home in danger of electrocution and fire damage, so it is vital that you call a professional for all inspections and repairs that your system needs.

Avoid Overworking Your Unit

One of the most common mistakes that many homeowners make is putting too much strain on their electrical system. Plugging in too many appliances and devices puts additional strain on a home’s electrical system. Houses’ electrical systems are made to deliver a certain amount of electricity, depending on the size and breadth of your electrical system. Going above this recommended power usage is not good for your system or your wallet.

One of the most common ways that homeowners over-work their electrical systems is by plugging in extension cords to every outlet. Extension cords should be used in rare cases and only when the other surrounding outlets are not full. This is going to help you avoid power loss due to an over-extended breaker and many of the increased safety risks associated with extension cords. You should also avoid “daisy-chaining” extension cords, regardless of the need for outlets in one place. Plugging one extension cord into another puts additional strain on the main electrical elements of the extension cord. This can cause many other issues if it happens too often such as blown fuses, tripped breakers, and even electrical fires.

Who Should You Call With Your Electrical Needs?

The most important thing that you should learn from this list is that you should never attempt to make electrical repairs yourself. Live wires and connections hold a huge risk of electrocution, electrical fires, and frying the existing wire system. Not only could these cost you a ton of money in the long run, but they could also put you and your family in danger.

Instead, you should always call a trusted professional to handle all electriccal maintenance and repairs. Electricians are trained on how to properly handle electrical systems and how to identify potential problems that homeowners would likely not recognize.

Doing your part in keeping your electrical system running as smoothly as possible is important, but make sure that you always call on a professional, like the fast and friendly experts at Guaranteed Service in New Jersey.

Guaranteed Service

If you are ready to take back control of your electric system, it’s time to give Guaranteed Service a call. Guaranteed Service is New Jersey’s premier HVAC, heating, air conditioning, and electric service company. We have a reputation for excellence that is unmatched, and our skilled technicians are available to you 24/7, 365 days a year to ensure that you are getting the service you deserve.

To schedule your free consultation or your annual maintenance, give Guaranteed Service a call at (732) 201-5748 or visit us online today!

What Makes Guaranteed Service Different?

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:43:54 GMT

Considering Calling The Experts At Guaranteed Service?

If you are a New Jersey homeowner looking for a new service company to trust with your home repairs and projects, you have come to the right place! Guaranteed Service provides comprehensive heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and indoor air quality services all throughout New Jersey. We are proud to serve our customers with by decades of industry experience, highly trained and knowledgeable technicians, and same-day service available to you 24/7.

We are confident that we can help you resolve all of your problems the day you call, and we stand behind that same-day service guarantee! When you trust Guaranteed Service with your home servicing needs, you can rest assured that today really means today. Whether you are having issues with your plumbing, HVAC, AC service and repair , heating systems, generators, indoor air quality, hard water, remodels, and everything in between, Guaranteed Service can help!

Our continued success in this competitive industry is no accident. We got here through decades of hard work and consistently delivered results. It doesn’t hurt that we also offer some of the best incentives in the business to our loyal customers.

Industry-Leading Experts

If there is only one thing we want every customer to know about Guaranteed Service, it is that our technicians are the best in the business! We take pride in employing only the best, most experienced service technicians for our teams. We also prioritize continued learning opportunities for our employees so that all of our service workers are learning the latest and greatest techniques and products as they emerge.

Our technicians are sure to impress you from the moment they arrive at your home until they are driving away. Our team is trained to take every detail of your service into consideration. From asking if they are parked conveniently for you and putting shoe covers on before they enter your home, to keeping you informed throughout the visit and helping you understand every step of the process, our technicians are dedicated to keeping you happy and providing service in a way that makes it easy for you to maintain your systems long after we leave. At Guaranteed Service, our customers are like family and we strive to always treat them with the same level of respect that we give our closest friends and family members.

24/7/365 Friendly Customer Support

When you call Guaranteed Service, no matter the time or day, you can rest easy knowing that you will have a pleasant experience. Calling for maintenance or repairs on your home servicing systems can be stressful. At Guaranteed Service, our team of customer service representatives is always friendly and knowledgeable to help you find the right solution for you.

From the initial greeting, to scheduling your appointment, our customer service professionals are guaranteed to go above and beyond to schedule your service at your convenience. After making your appointment, we keep you notified every step of the way. We also provide you with a picture of your technician as well as a biography about them so you know exactly who is coming to your home!, an interactive map to track their location, and regular reminders for your appointment so that nothing gets missed!

Same-Day Guarantee

Many companies advertise same-day service, but here at Guaranteed Service, we live by that promise! Our trained staff is on call for you all day, every day. We are here to help you resolve your most pressing service problems when you need them, no later. We stand behind our same-day service guarantee, so you can rest assured that today really means today when you are working with Guaranteed Service.

We also know that emergencies happen on holidays, nights, and weekends too, so we make sure that our services are available for anyone in need whenever that need arises. We will not leave you in a lurch without the systems that keep your home running.

Energy Efficient Options

Energy efficiency is something that many people do not think about, but is something we are passionate about! Providing energy-efficient systems and maintenance for every customer is not only great for the environment, but also for your wallet! If your cooling system is outdated or beyond repair, explore our energy-efficient AC replacement options designed to help you save more in the long run. Getting maximum efficiency out of your HVAC, electrical, and plumbing choices, from effective systems, to newer, smarter thermostats, is a great way to cut your energy bill significantly every month.

Here at Guaranteed Service, we are dedicated to helping our customers find solutions that fit their budget, while still maintaining our focus on energy savings. Whether your existing system has broken down and you need heating service and repair , or you are simply being proactive, we would be pleased to work with you to find your solution.

Flexible Financing Options

Here at Guaranteed Service we know that emergencies pop up when you least expect them and sometimes our rainy-day funds are not as well-padded as we want them to be. When major expenses pcrop up unexpectedly, you should not have to compromise on quality or timeliness. With flexible financing options available through Guaranteed Service, you have more purchasing power than ever so you can stress less.

We offer several options, including no-money-down payment plans and interest-free options. With a financing plan to fit every budget, you can have exactly what you need now and pay later with no extra fees or charges. Our financing plans are fast, reliable, confidential, and trustworthy. Prequalify today by filling out an online application.

Comfort Club Memberships

Here at Guaranteed Service, our customers know us for our upfront pricing and high-quality service, but we are also making a name for ourselves in another aspect of our business: our exceptional maintenance plans! We have been serving our community for decades and we know how difficult it can be when emergencies with your home servicing systems pop up. To help you avoid the need for emergency repairs and to keep your systems working as efficiently as possible, we have set up a series of maintenance plans to meet every customer’s service needs. Our Comfort Club memberships offer our loyal customers low monthly costs to keep up with their systems’ maintenance needs.

No matter which package you sign up for, you are guaranteed more than just routine maintenance. You will receive thorough inspections to ensure that everything is running smoothly, a comprehensive warranty, discounts on any repairs we make, and more! Your family’s comfort and safety is our first priority, so if we find anything throughout your routine maintenance that could lead to a potential problem in the future, we will alert you immediately.

Below is a breakdown of all of our Comfort Club Membership packages and the cost for each.

Gold Membership- $24.98/month

Full inspection and 63-point detailed report
Priority service for all plumbing, heating, air conditioning & electrical calls (routine or emergency)
10% discount on all repairs
No additional charge for overtime or emergency calls
A lifetime warranty on repairs

Silver Membership- $19.08/month

Covers the following for your choice of any 3 of 4 trades (plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical)
Full inspection and 42-point detailed report
Priority service for any routine or emergency calls
A 10% discount on all repairs
No additional charge for overtime or emergency calls
A lifetime warranty on repairs

Bronze Membership- $12.41/month

Covers the following for your choice of any 2 of 4 trades (plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical)
Full inspection and 21-point detailed report
Priority service for routine or emergency calls
10% discount on all repairs
No additional charge for overtime or emergency calls
A lifetime warranty on repairs

Give Us A Call Today!

Still need more convincing? Check out our stellar reviews and feedback to see what our current and past customers loved about the service they received from Guaranteed Service. With well over 800 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 stars, it’s clear that we are doing something right!

When it comes time to decide on which company to trust with your home projects and repairs, you can rest assured that our service technicians are the best in the business and our reputation for excellence is always upheld! Give us a call today at (732) 201-5726 or visit us online to schedule your consultation with one of our in-house experts.

5 Signs That You Need Your Generator Repaired

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:40:15 GMT

How To Know If Your Generator Needs Repairs

Your generator is an essential part of your home’s power system, even if it does not see as much action as some of your other systems. When the time comes and you need that backup power, your generator should be fully prepped and ready to meet those needs. This is why monitoring your generator for signs that it is in need of repair is so important.

Because generators are used infrequently, it can be easy to miss when they have fallen into disrepair until it is too late. The last thing you want to be doing when the electricity is out in your home is inspecting your generator by flashlight in an attempt to fix whatever issue has popped up. Instead, you should be getting regular inspections on your generator to ensure it is not in need of any repairs. Most manufacturers recommend that, along with getting regular maintenance done by your trusted electrician, whole-house generators should be tested monthly to keep them running as efficiently as possible. This small task that will only take you a few minutes every month is going to help you avoid the undue stress of being without electricity and save you money on potentially pricey emergency repairs down the road.

So, what are you looking for when you perform these monthly tests? There are quite a few signs that might indicate that you need your generator repaired.

Slow To Start

One of the earliest and most telling signs that your generator is in need of repair is a slow or delayed start. While this could be the result of something as simple as your unit needing gas, it could also indicate a larger problem that could limit its functionality.

Keep in mind that your generator system should start up pretty quickly. It should only take 1-2 seconds for your machine to take over during a power outage. When you test your system, it should have the same reaction time. If your generator does not turn on right away, it could be due to any number of problems. A delay in power may indicate an engine or battery problem, low oil, level clogged fuel valve or carburetor, or a bad spark plug.

Worn Wires

Like any other device with external wires, your generator wires are subject to regular wear and tear. Most of the electrical components for your system are going to be either visible or easily accessible so that you can keep an eye on the state of them.

Frayed or overly worn wires and cables can keep your unit from performing at its peak efficiency, and they can also increase your fire risk. While there are always precautions to be taken when working with a generator, any time you can see past the protective outer coating and into the active electrical elements, there is an even higher risk of electrocution and fire.

If you notice that your wires are beginning to show their age, it is best to call an electrician to take a look before touching anything yourself. If this is the only issue, your electrician will be able to replace the aged wires before you have a real need for a fully operational generator system. These repairs are not typically too expensive or time-consuming for an expert to complete, but can make a huge difference in the performance and safety of your generator.

Fluid Leak

Like your car, your generator needs fluid to run properly. Without enough fuel, your system cannot run. Without proper lubrication, the components of your system will overheat and wear down quickly. Both of these components are essential to maintaining a properly functioning generator system.

If you notice puddles of iridescent liquid under or around your generator, chances are you have a fluid leak. Luckily, these are easy enough to identify that you should be able to recognize the signs even with little to no knowledge of generators or power systems. If your generator has a gas leak you will likely smell it immediately. If you cannot smell gasoline upon further inspection then you probably have an oil leak.

Regardless of what is causing the leak, you should call a service professional to repair your generator as soon as possible. Fluid leaks are not something that should simply be patched at home or left to fester. Besides making powering your system more costly and less energy efficient, fluid leaks are a fire and safety hazard that you do not want anywhere near your home.

Body Damage

This is another one of those very obvious issues that can hinder the performance of your generator. When you go to test your generator every month, make sure that you are doing a thorough inspection of the body and looking for any external damage that it could have accrued.

Like anything else that is stored outside, your generator is subject to the elements. Things like fallen tree branches and wild animals can do serious damage to the body of your generator. While the inside components of your generator are typically well protected by the hard outer shell, damage to that protective cover or the exposed wires can do serious damage to the entire unit.

If you see a dent or hole in the metal body of your generator, or damage to the expired electrical elements, this is a major sign that your generator might be in need of repair. You should call a service professional to check out the problem immediately to ensure that your unit continues to work properly.

Bad Battery

It is hard to know if your generator isn’t up to the task of keeping your home running until it is too late, but there are a few signs that you can look for to know if your generator’s battery will need to be replaced soon. First, you should know that your generator’s battery should be replaced every 2-3 years, depending on how often it is used and how exposed it is to water and other potentially damaging forces. Another sign that you might need a new battery is damage or corrosion to your current battery. Having your electrician Regularly clean the cable connections with a wire brush can help prolong the life of your battery and avoid corrosion. Your electrician should also be checking your battery with a voltmeter to ensure that your battery is putting out enough electricity to power your home if and when the time comes.

If your battery can be recharged, make sure that you are regularly checking the charge level and keeping it charged enough to get you and your family through 24+ hours of a power outage without needing to be recharged. While most power outages do not last this long, we all know it is better to be safe than sorry.

If you believe that your generator’s battery needs to be replaced, you should call a certified technician immediately and have them replace the battery for you. This is not a job that should be done yourself. Improperly installed batteries can cause major damage to your generator system.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

If you learned anything today, let it be that regular maintenance is an essential part of keeping your systems running smoothly. Checking these things every so often to avoid the undue stress of a broken generator in the middle of a power outage is very important. Having a certified technician perform regular cleaning and maintenance on your generator system will ensure that your unit is ready to work at full power at any given moment.

For whole-house generators , regular maintenance is crucial. Every system is different, but this might include changing air and oil filters, changing the oil, replacing old spark plugs, and checking voltage levels. Your preferred local service professional might also need to clean the sediment traps and the rest of your generator system from dirt and debris around it and inside the unit.

Guaranteed Service

When you call Guaranteed Service you can feel confident that the job is going to get done right the first time, guaranteed! There’s no more need to worry about the long power outages brought on by storms and snow because Guaranteed Service has got you covered.

If you do not already have a whole-house generator system , now is the time to take the leap before the worst of the winter weather hits. Check out our unmatched coupons before you call to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible! If you do have a system already, but it has not been serviced in more than 6 months, give us a call today so that we can check in and make sure that your system is running as efficiently and effectively as possible.

If you are a New Jersey resident with any kind of generator-related issues, check out Guaranteed Service today! Our highly-trained service experts are the best in the business, and we have a reputation for excellence that is always upheld! Call us today at (732) 201-5390 or visit online to make your appointment and keep your family safe and ready for the next potential power outage in your area.

Convert Your Heating From Oil To Gas

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:37:22 GMT

Did you know that heating your home costs more money and uses more energy than any other system in your household? According to the US Department of Energy, heating your home makes up about 42% of your utility bill every year.

In the United States, there are a variety of ways to heat your home throughout the colder months. You can use natural gas, electricity, propane, oil, and wood, just to name a few of the options. But have you ever stopped to think about which of these is most efficient and cost-effective?

If you currently use an oil-based heating system, then it might be in your best interest to convert to a gas system. Keep reading to discover all of the ways a gas heating system can benefit your household.

Oil vs. Gas

The first thing you should think about when making your new furnace purchase is the efficiency rating of the system. The efficiency rating will measure the efficiency of the machine’s combustion. A higher rating signifies a more efficient machine.

Next, you need to keep in mind the price of the unit; and finally the price of the fuel for the unit.

Efficiency

Heating Oil

Most new furnaces that use oil to operate have efficiency ratings between 80% and 90%, which is pretty good, especially compared to the oil units from 10 plus years ago. However, because of the dirt and soot buildup, regular heating tune ups and cleanings are required to keep your unit functioning at full capacity.

Natural Gas

While the oil system’s rating is pretty good, a gas heating system efficiency is even better, with ratings between 89% and 98%. Gas systems require virtually no maintenance, and they are quieter than the oil counterparts. One additional thing to keep in mind if you are considering getting a gas-powered heating system is to make sure that you live in an area where gas lines are accessible.

Pricing

Heating Oil

On top of the high-efficiency ratings of oil heating systems, the units themselves are also typically less expensive than natural gas powered systems. However, while the unit may be less expensive, the fuel itself is quite a bit more expensive than the natural gas that powers a gas system heater.

Natural Gas

Like we said above, while the gas unit itself is typically more expensive than the oil counterpart, the gas fuel is far less expensive than the oil that would be used to operate the system. Additionally, oil prices are increasing at a more rapid rate than gas making this a better choice in the long-run. If you're considering upgrading your system, we also offer heating installation and replacement services to help you make the transition.

Overall, before making your decision, you must first figure out whether you live in an area where you can connect your house to a gas line, as not everywhere in the country allows for this. However, if you do live in an area where gas is accessible, then a natural gas-powered heating system would be a more beneficial choice for you. While the upfront cost would be greater, the savings will make up for this in the long run.

For any professional advice on this, don’t hesitate to call Coast Plumbing, Heating & Air. We offer comprehensive heating service and repair and we can assist you with all of your cooling needs, and help guide you in the right direction for your next heating system.

Call us today or check out our website to learn more about the services we offer!

Steps To Take When Your Air Conditioner Freezes

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:33:45 GMT

How Do I Keep My Air Conditioner From Freezing Up

The idea that your air conditioner can freeze over on the hottest days of summer is flat-out ridiculous to some homeowners. When the temperature climbs, how is it possible that your air conditioner, even an outside AC unit can freeze over in the summer? Well, believe it or not, it’s not only possible but actually fairly common for older air conditioner units to ice up and freeze over, particularly during the summer months when they are heavily used.

When your unit freezes over, you’ll usually notice pretty quickly that it starts getting immensely hot inside your home, so you’ll need to know what to do if you run into this problem since frozen ACs do not typically fix themselves. Here are a few steps you can follow that both get your system thawed out and can even prevent you from having to deal with it freezing again in the future.

1. Turn Off Your A/C

A frozen air conditioning unit isn’t going to be able to produce a lot of cold air, so the first thing you’ll want to do is shut it off. This will allow your equipment to thaw out, including letting any frost or ice that has accumulated on your coils melt. Once thawed, it’s a good idea to schedule a seasonal AC tune-up to help prevent future freezing issues and keep your system running efficiently. If you want to speed up the process, you can run the fan on your HVAC system to keep air circulating and flowing over your coils. However, make sure that your system isn’t set to the “cool” setting or else you’ll only exacerbate the problem. If you’re really scrambling for time or you’ve built up a considerable amount of ice on your coils, you can also take a hair dryer and use it to warm the coils to help it thaw faster, but this is pretty intensive work and not something many people usually want to do if their home is already filling up with warm air.

2. Change Your Air Filter

Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of an air conditioner freezing over is a dirty air filter. However, if the issue persists even after replacing the filter, you might be dealing with deeper mechanical problems that require professional AC service and repair . While it may not seem like much, a simple, inexpensive replacement filter can actually go a long way towards preventing your system from freezing over again, particularly if you haven’t changed it in quite some time. A clogged filter suffocates your air handler and leaves your whole heating and cooling system working too hard, so really you should be changing your air filter every six months or so, if not sooner. While you’re waiting for your air conditioner to thaw, pull out a new filter or head to your local hardware store and pick one up to replace your old one and you should notice the problem becomes a lot less frequent.

3. Clear And Open Air Vents in the Home

It’s a common myth among homeowners that if you block the air vents in one room you’ll increase cooling and airflow to the other rooms in your system. In reality, closing a vent actually just causes increased pressure in your air ducts and could lead to all sorts of issues, including your air conditioner freezing over completely. Your HVAC system needs to have the airflow it was designed for to function properly, which is often sized to your home with all vents cleared and opened properly. Just like a dirty air filter can cause it to work harder than necessary and eventually freeze, air vents that are closed or blocked can obstruct airflow and cause freezing and inefficient operation. Make sure to open all air vents in your home and clear away any obstructions like large pieces of furniture that might be causing the airflow to back up in your ducts, freezing your system over.

4. Have A HVAC Tech Inspect Your Unit

If you follow these instructions and your air conditioner still continues to freeze over regularly, then you may be experiencing one of a variety of other problems. In such cases, you might want to consider exploring your AC replacement options, especially if your unit is older or facing recurring issues that could have this consequence. Believe it or not, there are many problems that can cause your air conditioner to freeze, and identifying which one is at fault can be difficult unless you have the knowledge and experience of a central New Jersey air conditioning expert. Once your air conditioner is thawed, you can turn it back on and set it to cool, but keep an eye on it for the first few hours and see if frost is continuing to form on your coils.

If your air conditioner continues to freeze, it’s time to call in a Guaranteed Service professional. Save time by booking online; contact us online by sending us a message or use the coupon code SAVE30 to get an even better discount on our great services!