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Terminology Matters – Boilers Purging, Bleeding, Venting, Draining

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Boilers and Hydronic Systems Terminology There are many terms used loosely for boilers and hydronic systems to describe activities. Here we attempt to put these terms into a context and better describe them. 1. Draining Definition: Draining is a general term that refers to removing ALL fluid from a system, and it's often used interchangeably with purging. Since Draining means emptying the whole system, it is usually specific to performing maintenance such as braising or soldering. Purpose: To empty the system for maintenance, cleaning, replacement of components, or winterizing (in some cases). Method: A drain valve or hose connection at the lowest point of the system is opened to allow water to exit. Gravity or a pump may assist in removing the water. Use Case: Performed during major maintenance, when replacing antifreeze, or before making plumbing changes. 2. Purging Definition: This process involve...
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Top 5 Boiler Issues for Passaic County NJ Residence 2024

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As the cold mid-November embarks on the Northeast, keeping your home warm is a must. For households with boiler systems, understanding the essential components and recognizing potential issues is vital for maintaining both comfort and efficiency.  With over 20 years of HVAC experience in Northern NJ, these are the 5 top common issues we face in Passaic, Essex, or Bergen County NJ. Whether you’re troubleshooting or scheduling boiler repair , this guide provides practical advice to help you address common problems effectively.  Below, we highlight 5 frequently encountered boiler issues, focusing on the components involved and offering actionable solutions. 1. Zone Valves: Boilers with Targeted Heating Zone valves play a pivotal role in directing heat to specific areas or “zones” in your home. They function by regulating hot water flow: When a thermostat signals a need for heat, the end-switch closes the circuit, the zone valve opens, allowing hot water to circul...
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Frozen AC: A Cool Guide to Thawing a Frozen Unit

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How to Fix Frozen Air Conditioner Fellow cool cats for you here! So, your air conditioner decided to take an unexpected ice bath, huh? Don't sweat it (pun totally intended)!  We've all been there, feeling like we're living in an igloo instead of our cozy abode. But fear not, because I'm here to guide you through what  causes an air conditioner to freeze up  situation with style, a bit of humor, and a whole lot of chill vibes. Picture this: You walk into your home, ready to escape the scorching heat outside, only to find that your AC has turned into a popsicle. It's like a scene straight out of a winter wonderland – in the middle of summer! But before you start panicking and reaching for the hairdryer (trust me, that never ends well), let's chat about how to handle this chilly conundrum like a boss. Let's address the burning question: to thaw or not to thaw? Well, my frosty friend, that depends on a few factors. If you're abso...
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Location: Fairfield, NJ, USA
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Understanding R22 Legality and R22 Phase out: Update 2024

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The Truth About R22 Legality Contrary to common misconceptions, R22 (also known as HCFC-22 or Freon-22) is NOT illegal to use in existing systems as discussed in R22 Phase-Out article. While new production and imports were banned after January 1, 2020, existing systems can continue to operate and be serviced with recovered or previously produced R22. What Exactly Is R22? R22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant that was widely used in air conditioning systems and heat pumps for decades. While highly effective for cooling, it was phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties. The refrigerant is manufactured by Chemours (formerly DuPont) under the trademark "Freon." The EPA Phase-Out: What You Need to Know The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented the following changes: Banned production and import of new R22 after January 1, 2020 Prohibited use in new equipment manufacturing Allows continued use of existing R22 supplies for servici...
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Air Conditioner Replacement vs. Installation: The Ultimate Showdown

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The Ultimate Showdown: Air Conditioner Replacement vs. Installation So, you're in the market for a cooler home, huh? Well, buckle up, because we're diving into the epic battle of air conditioner replacement versus installation. It's a clash of the titans, folks, and we're here to break it down for you. Let's kick things off with a little comparison, shall we? Picture this: your old AC unit wheezing its last breath, struggling to keep up with the summer heat. It's like watching a tired marathon runner trying to finish the race—it's just not pretty. On the other hand, you've got the shiny promise of a brand-new AC installation, ready to swoop in and save the day. It's like getting a fresh start, a clean slate, a chance to chill out in style. Now, before you get too carried away dreaming of ice-cold bliss, let's talk about the nitty-gritty details. You see, air conditioner replacement is like giving your old buddy a facelift—it's all a...
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Location: New Jersey, USA
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Understanding Air Venting in Hydronic Boiler Systems

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Air in Hydronic Boiler Systems: A Comprehensive Guide Air trapped in hydronic boiler systems can severely impact efficiency, performance, and reliability. When air enters the water loop, it can cause noises, reduce heat transfer, and disrupt the circulation of water. In this comprehensive article, we'll cover: Symptoms of Air in the Boiler System Impact of Trapped Air on Boiler Performance Types of Air Venting Devices Techniques for Troubleshooting and Resolving Air-Related Issues Preventative Measures to Avoid Air in the System 1. Symptoms of Air in the Boiler System Air trapped in the system can manifest in several ways, including: Gurgling or Hissing Noises : As water flows past air pockets, it creates these distinctive sounds. Cold Spots in Radiators or Baseboards : Uneven heating is often due to air preventing water from reaching certain sections. Erratic Pressure Gauge Readings : Fluctuations in system pressure may indica...
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Location: Nutley NJ
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Thaw or not thaw? Fix your frozen AC or Call an HVAC Technician

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Can Unfreezing Help a fix Frozen AC? So, your air conditioner has decided to turn into an ice cube, and now you’re wondering—can unfreezing it actually solve the problem? Well, before you jump into action, let’s break this down and figure out what’s going on.  A frozen AC might seem like a quick thawing some ice fix, but there’s more to it than just melting the ice. Why Does Your AC Freeze in the First Place? An AC freezing up can be caused by several issues, including: Restricted Airflow: Dirty air filters or blocked vents can restrict airflow, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. Low Refrigerant Levels: A refrigerant leak can drop the pressure in your AC, leading to freezing. Thermostat Problems: Setting the thermostat too low can overwork the AC and cause ice buildup. Does Unfreezing Solve the Problem? Thaw or not to thaw? Well, my frosty friend, that depends on a fe...
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Location: Needham, MA, USA
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