Conventional storage

These water heaters come with a storage tank that holds heated water. They are economical to purchase and install, and they can give you a good flow rate, which means that you will have plenty of hot water available. However, they can waste energy due to the continual heating of water in the tank; this is known as standby heat loss. They also have a relatively short life span of only 10-15 years.

Tankless

Tankless water heaters heat water when you need it, so there is no standby heat loss. This leads to lower energy bills and savings can go up to 34 percent as compared to conventional systems. Another pro is its longevity — they can last for more than 20 years.

However, tankless systems do have a limited flow rate, but this can be solved with the installation of multiple tankless water heaters. They also cost more than conventional systems, but energy savings can offset the extra costs.

Hybrid

This type uses technology from both tankless and conventional systems. Depending on the model, they can be as efficient as 98 percent. While they cost more than conventional water heaters, the energy savings can help make up for your expense.

Solar

These heaters use solar technology to heat water. The sun, which is free, is used as fuel, so you will save on your utilities bills. Not much maintenance is needed on these systems. However, a back-up system is needed for cloudy days and they may not be able to satisfy high demands for hot water.

Heat pump

These extract heat from the air and use it to heat water. They are highly energy efficient and can be integrated with your existing heat pump. But they’re not as efficient when outside temperatures are below 40 degrees, and they need to be located in a warm space to better facilitate the transfer of heat.

As you can see, there is a lot to know when selecting a water heater. For more information, contact Binsky Home. We proudly serve Central New Jersey.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

Upgrade image via Shutterstock

Compatibility

Manufacturers have developed a variety of programmable devices that work with specific heating and cooling systems, so you need to know what type of HVAC equipment you have to select the right one.

You may have:

• A single-stage system, which heats and cools at one speed
• A dual-speed system, which allows a high- and low-speed
• A multi-stage system, with a variety of heating and cooling speeds

Your home’s wiring will dictate your choice, too. In particular, if you have an older home, you’ll generally need a thermostat that can connect to 110 or 240 direct current (DC). If you’re not sure about your home’s power, call your local contractor.

Lifestyle needs

Programmable thermostats also differ in their programming capabilities, with inexpensive devices generally offering limited options and higher-end models allowing for flexible programming.

There are four basic types of programming options:

• The most flexible, 7-day models let you set a different schedule every day of the week.
• Also offering convenience, a 5-1-1 device allows you to schedule the same daily settings Monday through Friday, and two different programs for Saturday and Sunday
• More limited is a 5-2 model, with just two settings, one for weekdays and one weekends.
• A one-week device offers the most limited programming capabilities, with the same daily schedule seven days a week.

Keep in mind that most models allow homeowners to set four programming variations within a single day. While models that allow for flexible programming can be more costly, investing in them can pay off in the long-term, because it will more likely match your lifestyle.

In order to select the best programmable thermostat to your lifestyle and home needs, why not call the home-comfort experts at Binsky Home Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating? We’ve been serving homeowners in Central New Jersey since 1938.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

With Binsky Home Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating behind your project, you can rest assured that you’ll benefit from not only the highest quality work and reliability, but we also have a wide range of experience and a background in complete home design and build services.

We work closely with your construction contractor to ensure that your home’s design will more than accommodate the plans for your heating and cooling systems. With our expertise in whole-house energy efficiency, we’ll guarantee that your HVAC system will:

• Meet the heating and cooling load of your home – Sizing will be based on industry-standard Manual J calculations and taking factors like insulation, noise levels and the general design of your home into consideration.
• Match your lifestyle – We’ll conduct an in-depth interview to find out how you use your home and to get a better idea of your family’s needs.
• Fall within your budgetary constraints – We always try to keep things affordable.
• Be compatible with your home’s ductwork - We’ll make sure your duct system is sized to match equipment, test the system’s airflow and optimize supply and return grilles.

Our experts are more than familiar with the many factors that can affect home HVAC equipment. As such, we can navigate the ins and outs of your unique situation and ensure that, in the end, you get an HVAC system that meets or exceed expectations, performs to manufacturer specifications, reduces energy losses through a tightly-sealed and well-designed duct system, and has the right amount of airflow to optimize energy savings and comfort.

For the best in home design and build services, contact the seasoned experts at Binsky Home Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating — serving homeowners in Central New Jersey since 1938.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about home improvement and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

Customer Service image via Shutterstock

With government tax credits and affordable lifetime costs, solar energy in particular is a front runner and highly coveted by homeowners across the U.S.

Most homeowners are motivated to explore green HVAC technology for either its low carbon footprint or significant energy-saving potential. Regardless of the motivation, the results are tangible and big.

If you’re interested in pursuing green HVAC technology to power the systems for your Central New Jersey home, there are three general options:

Individual equipment options

Some manufacturers, such as Lennox, are now producing equipment that connects to one or more solar panels, designed to power only that particular piece of equipment. This is a great way to start going green with a small, less-costly investment, as compared to a whole-house solar panel system.

Whole-house systems

Want to provide power for your entire home, including electricity for lighting as well as your HVAC equipment? Then you should investigate solar panels, generally installed on the roof. Your solar technician will help you assess your site for its solar potential and calculate the number of panels you’ll need to have installed on the roof. Additionally, these systems are still eligible for generous government tax credits.

Energy Star

If you’re not convinced that renewable energy is the way to go, or your budget can’t accommodate it yet, choosing Energy Star-rated HVAC equipment is an easy, familiar way to get “green” results, because these systems consume less energy and are therefore kinder to the environment and to your budget than non-rated systems.

Get the edge over energy bills. Use green HVAC technology to improve your home comfort and boost savings. For expert advice or a free consultation, contact Binsky Home Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating, serving homeowners in Central New Jersey since 1938.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about green HVAC technology and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

To be sure your whole-house ventilation system functions at peak performance, here are few operating tips to follow:

Your system can be set to operate at low speeds.

This is ideal for homes that are airtight, with minimal air leaks that could compromise the supply and exhaust process, and for homeowners with concerns about air quality. This setting will ensure that you get an adequate supply of fresh air, while exhausting an equal amount of stale indoor air.

Intermittent settings are also possible.

This setting will work to effectively improve indoor air quality for homeowners with low minimal air leaks and low sources of pollution within the home. You can also use this setting if your home is going to be unoccupied for a long period of time.

You can also set your HRV to function at high speeds.

Certain scenarios will call for higher speeds, particular if pollution is high, including:

• Humidity-generating activities in the bathroom or kitchen
• Home projects that include the use of strong chemicals, cleaning products or paints
• When there are strong odors in the home
• If you have a large gathering in your home
• If you have a smoker in the home

High-speed operation can also be helpful if you have a newly-constructed home. Experts generally advise that homeowners set the HRV to a high speed over the course of the first year of living in a newly-constructed home; this helps get rid of humidity and pollution that building and construction materials have released.

Get the whole-house ventilation advantage that an HRV affords. Contact Binsky Home Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating if you have questions, or would like to schedule a consultation. We’ve proudly served homeowners in Central New Jersey since 1938.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about whole-house ventilation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

Ventilation image via Shutterstock

Spot ventilation—the placement of localized exhaust fans at the source of pollutants or heat—is the front line of home exhaust systems. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) sets recommended rates for continuous or intermittent exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.

Kitchen

Cooking activity in kitchens generates indoor pollutants like smoke, aerosol grease, odors and water vapor. These can lead to allergy complaints, require excessive cleaning and provide an environment for mold and bacteria growth. ASHRAE recommends an exhaust fan above the kitchen range with a rating of 25 cubic feet per minute for continuous operation or 100 cubic feet per minute for intermittent. Kitchen exhaust fans require installation of a dedicated duct all the way to the exterior of the house.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are a source of warm, foggy air that condenses in cracks and crevices and on walls and ceilings. Water vapor commonly migrates into adjacent spaces such as the attic, too, encouraging mold and mildew and damaging insulation. Exhaust water vapor out of your home before it condenses with a bathroom exhaust fan that meets ASHRAE standards of 20 cubic feet per minute for continuous operation and 50 cubic feet per minute for intermittent.

Attic

While most homes are designed with passive attic ventilation, in the heat of summer it may not be enough. Home exhaust systems include electric attic fans that enhance passive ventilation by boosting the natural flow of air from existing intake vents to the exhaust vent on the roof. Because many attic fans operate on solar energy, your utility savings won’t take a hit.

To clear the air on home exhaust systems, consult the experts at Binsky Home Services in Piscataway, NJ. We’ve kept homeowners comfortable in Somerset, Hunterdon and Middlesex counties for over 70 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about exhaust systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

On-call services

Plumbing problems generally require immediate service, and Binsky technicians operate with fully stocked service vehicles in order to respond to service calls around the clock, every day of the week.

We are well versed in troubleshooting a range of emergency plumbing services, including:

• Gas lines
• Sewer lines
• Backed up sewers
• Hoses that have burst
• Frozen pipes
• Clogged drains
• Stopped up toilets

But you not only get a quick response to your service call; you also get highly-trained, experienced plumbers ready to solve your problem.

Plumbing services

While our emergency plumbing services are unparalleled, we also offer other plumbing services like:

• Sump pump installations, and backup systems, designed to protect your basement from flooding, even when the power goes off
• Drain cleaning, helping homeowners with tree-root problems and buildup using high-tech drain-cleaning equipment
• Kitchen and bathroom remodeling, specializing in design renovations and remodels
• Gas line connections, which eliminates the need for a separate propane tank when your grill connects right to your main gas line

Binsky’s technicians also have extensive experience with water-heating systems, from inspection and service to repairs and installations. We service all makes and models, as well as the newer, highly-efficient tankless water heater models.

Preventive maintenance plans

At Binsky, we recognize the value of your home plumbing systems, and we know that going without service for any period of time is a huge inconvenience. Our preventive maintenance plumbing plan is designed to offer homeowners an affordable way to stay on top of the health of their plumbing system and keep the equipment free of buildup, which helps to ward off wear and tear and early system failure.

If you need emergency plumbing service, contact the best. Binsky Home Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating provides full-service plumbing installations, repairs and maintenance. Call us today for more information.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about plumbing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

Best Choice image via Shutterstock

High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filtration is a truly special kind of filter, for several reasons:

• The filter’s design is very dense, able to trap the smallest of particles and allergens.
• These systems receive the highest efficiency rating, trapping 99.97 percent of all particles in the air that move through the system.
• HEPA systems effectively target all three classes of contaminants, including bioaerosols, particles, and odors and chemical vapors (the system must be installed with an optional carbon filter to remove odors).
• Unlike other filters, HEPA filtration permanently traps particles and pollutants, so there’s no chance of them being released back into your home’s air supply.

While HEPA filtration works to effectively rid the air of nearly all troublesome pollutants, you can’t and shouldn’t go out and buy a HEPA filter and install it in your HVAC equipment. That’s because HEPA filtration significantly restricts airflow, and your HVAC systems need a proper amount of airflow to work effectively. If this airflow was restricted, your equipment would eventually break down.

HEPA filtration systems must be installed alongside your HVAC equipment, and they work in combination with your system’s air filter, which you’ll still need to protect your HVAC systems from dirt buildup.

This standard filter is generally installed downstream of your HVAC equipment, filtering the air before it enters the equipment. HEPA systems are installed upstream of your HVAC equipment, so once the air is heated or cooled, it then passes through the HEPA filter. So there’s no risk of decreasing the airflow into your system.

A HEPA filtration system can help to purify the air in your home and alleviate allergies and asthma. For help selecting and installing a system, contact Binsky Home Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Heating, serving homeowners in Central New Jersey since 1938.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about HEPA filtration and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

A heat pump system can reduce energy costs by 25–60 percent because it uses the free laws of thermodynamics to heat and cool the air instead of massive amounts of electricity and expensive fossil fuels. Let us explain.

How it works

Air-source heat pumps have two main parts: an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor one. In the summer, your indoor heat exchanger cools the air in your home with a maze of refrigerant-filled coils. As the air handler moves air across the coils, the liquid refrigerant grabs heat from the air and evaporates. Once the air cools, it is circulated throughout your home. The heated refrigerant then flows to the heat exchanger outside where it releases its heat and condenses back into a liquid. The now-liquid refrigerant is ready to flow back inside and repeat the process.

In the winter, the process is reversed, not surprisingly, by a reversing valve. The valve changes the flow of the refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger can now pull heat out of the air — even air as cold as 15 degrees. This heat causes the refrigerant to heat up and evaporate. When the boiled refrigerant flows inside to the indoor heat exchanger, its pent up heat is released and warms the air inside your home. This warm air is circulated by the air handler to keep your home toasty on chilly winter nights.

Learn more

Interested in learning more about the savings you can expect from a heat pump? Contact the heat pump experts at Binsky Home. For over 70 years, customers across New Jersey have relied on us to keep their homes comfortable, and our technicians will be glad to answers any questions you may have about a heat pump system that’s right for your home.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pump systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

Heat Pump image via Shutterstock

Designing ductwork is a job best left to the experts. Someone trained in the development and installation of this network will understand how to fit it together to get efficient airflow and eliminate temperature fluctuations. To understand the complexity of the process, you need to look closer at some of the key features that go into creating proper ductwork design:

• The airflow distribution system should sit inside of conditioned areas of the home where possible, and placing ducts in exterior walls should be avoided.
• Keep duct lengths short by placing the supply outlets near the interior walls. This makes for a more efficient system.
• Return ducts should be set up in each room (excluding he kitchen and bathroom) if possible, or a return grille can be placed in a central location of each floor of the home.
• Ducts must be sealed and insulated to prevent leaking. A leaking duct will not work efficiently.
• Ducts must be properly sized to prevent expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Improperly sized ducts will bang and clatter.

This is just a sampling of things that must be taken into consideration when installing ducts in a home. Poor ductwork design can lead to a HVAC system that does not provide the most effective and cost-saving performance. With today’s economy, this can mean a substantial increase in your energy bill. An expert is the way to go to get the most out of your system.

If you have questions about ductwork design or need assistance with your heating and cooling system, call Binsky Home today. For more than 70 years, we’ve provided homeowners of central New Jersey the highest quality and standards in service and installation.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ductwork design and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Binsky Home services Central New Jersey. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!