Category Archives: Home Maintenance

Furnace Repair Rumson Requires Professional Knowledge

In the realm of home maintenance, certain tasks demand the expertise and precision that only professionals can provide. One such critical task is furnace maintenance. This job should never be relegated to the untrained hands of a DIY enthusiast or a non-professional. Professional involvement is essential and we’ll find out why, focusing on the specialized services offered by furnace repair Rumson experts. Furnaces, integral to our homes’ heating systems, involve complex components and potentially hazardous materials like natural gas and high-voltage electricity. The risks of mishandling such elements range from gas leaks and fires to significant health hazards. Moreover, the nuanced nature of furnace systems requires a depth of knowledge and experience that surpasses the average homeowner’s understanding. By entrusting furnace maintenance to professionals, homeowners in Rumson not only ensure the safety and efficiency of their heating systems but also uphold the value and integrity of their homes.

Furnace Repair Rumson Professionals Have Expert Knowledge and Skills

Professional technicians have specialized training and experience in furnace maintenance and repair. Firstly, they understand the intricate workings of various types of furnaces. This means they can help any homeowner with furnace maintenance. Secondly, they are equipped to identify and address complex issues that non-professionals might not even recognize. There is a reason that these professionals go through such thorough training. This expertise is crucial for ensuring that the furnace operates safely and efficiently.

Safety is a Big Concern

Furnaces, especially gas furnaces, involve elements that can be dangerous if mishandled. Elements such as natural gas, high-voltage electricity, and hot surfaces can pose a bug threat to people working on them and require expert knowledge to handle. Professionals know how to safely navigate these hazards while performing maintenance or repairs, reducing the risk of accidents. Gas leaks, fires, electrical injuries, and more are all dangers that can occur with inexperienced handling.

Access to the Right Tools and Parts is Essential

Professional furnace repair technicians in Rumson have access to the specific tools and replacement parts needed for various furnace models. Using the wrong tools or parts can lead to improper repairs and can potentially damage the furnace. Allowing someone, even yourself, to perform maintenance or repairs on a furnace can often lead to more extensive issues or even complete system failure.

Efficiency Optimization is a Beneift of Professional Service

Professionals don’t just repair obvious issues. A large part of a furnace repair Rumson technician is to optimize the furnace’s efficiency during maintenance checks. This involves fine-tuning various components to ensure that the furnace is running as efficiently as possible. Although many homeowners delay furnace maintenance calls to save money, it is in fact routine maintenance which saves you money. A furnace that is running at optimal efficiency can save on energy costs in the long run.

Professionals Grant Time and Cost-Effectiveness

As we just stated, hiring a professional may seem more expensive upfront. However, it can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. Professionals can often diagnose and fix problems more quickly and effectively than non-professionals, preventing minor issues from turning into major, costly repairs. Just as with your health, the sooner you identify a problem, the easier it is to fix. The delay of repairs and maintenance only leads to bigger problems later on.

Furnace Repair Rumson Professionals are Ready to Help

Knowing that your furnace has been inspected and serviced by a professional provides peace of mind. You can be confident that your furnace will work reliably and safely, especially during the colder months when it is needed most.

Furnace repair Rumson professional performing routine maintenance on an open furnace

The importance of entrusting furnace maintenance to professionals cannot be overstated. The services offered by furnace repair Rumson specialists underscore the benefits that come from professional care. These range from ensuring safety and efficiency to extending the lifespan of your system. By choosing expert technicians for furnace maintenance, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their furnaces are in capable hands. These professionals not only bring expertise and precision to the task but also guarantee compliance with safety standards. The investment in professional furnace maintenance is, therefore, an investment in the safety, comfort, and well-being of your home. As we have explored, leaving such a critical task in the hands of non-professionals can lead to dire consequences, both financially and in terms of safety. Therefore, always opt for professional care when it comes to furnace maintenance, ensuring that your home remains safe and warm throughout the year.

The Best Tree Companies Ocean County Has Beg You Not to Do These 3 Things

When it comes to tree care, there are definitely dos and don’ts. Many people have the set it and forget it frame of mind when it comes to trees. Assuming that trees don’t need regular care and maintenance is a huge misconception. They actually need a small amount of looking after in order to keep them as healthy as possible. The health of trees, especially those on your property, is important because it is directly linked to the safety of the trees. Weak, sickly trees are a danger to your property and to yourself. Falling limbs and tumbling trees can do a lot of damage and cause major injuries. Sometimes knowing what to avoid is as helpful, if not more, when it comes to plant care. If you need help with your trees, one of the best tree companies Ocean County has to offer is Ben Bivins Tree Experts.

Number One Thing Not to Do – Volcano Mulching

Take a walk around your neighborhood and you’ll this this tree sin being committed on a number of properties. Volcano mulching is the practice of building up a mound of mulch all around the base of the tree, leaving no space in between the trunk and the mulch. How it got started or why owners continue to do it is not known. It could be because thick layers of mulch can be very effective at controlling weeds. One may think that piling this much mulch is beneficial for the tree. However, volcano mulching can be very detrimental to the tree’s health for a number of reasons. Mulching can be advantageous to trees if done correctly. The best way to do so is to follow the 3x3x3 rule. Meaning, apply 3 inches of mulch at least 3inches away from the tree trunk in a circle 3 feet wide.

Ways Volcano Mulching is Bad According to Tree Companies in Ocean County

The trunks of trees are not meant to be covered up. Doing so can cause invite a host of problems into your landscape and especially for your tree.

Piling up a large amount of mulch that close to the base and trunk of the tree does terrible things to the roots. It can prevent water from reaching the roots, depriving the tree of nutrients. On the other hand, mulch is also great at retaining moisture. In this way it can also cause roots to rot because the soil may stay too wet.

The moisture that remains due to the mountain of mulch can cause the trunk to rot and be susceptible to diseases. Death and decay are inevitable making the tree very weak and unsafe. The moist conditions are also prime for water-repellent fungi to grow. This oddly enough, forces the tree to exist in drought-like conditions despite there being plenty of water.

Over Pruning is Another Deadly Practice

It can be hard to stop once you start trimming. A branch here, a branch there, and it can quickly get out of hand. Although it may seem like you are doing something good for the tree, over pruning should be avoided. Removing too many twigs, branches, and limbs can seriously harm your tree.

The crown of the tree is very important to a tree. Not only does it provide shade for you, it protects its own trunk as well. When too much of the canopy of a tree is removed, the trunk can suffer from sunscald. Plus, the leaves of the tree are what provides the tree nutrition. The process of photosynthesis is only possible with leaves. Without leaves, sunlight cannot be converted to chemical energy and this starves the tree eventually causing death.

Excessive pruning also provokes uneven and diminished growth. Removing too many limbs on one side of a tree can cause stress on the trunk on the other side. This can cause the tree to topple. Pruning too much, too often can also induce an extreme number of interior sprouts to grow. Both effects make for a visually unappealing and physically weakened tree.

Tree Companies Ocean County Firms Say Neglect Leads to Disaster

While too much work on a tree can be a negative, not doing anything at all is worse. The first step in tree care is selecting the right type of tree for the right location. Planting trees that enjoy shade in the middle of an open field will not end well. The environment will be too stressful for the tree to survive no matter how much care you provide. Once planted, caring for the tree takes work. Visually, you should check your trees for browning leaves, early leaf dropping, imperfections in the bark, and anything out of the ordinary. These could be symptoms of disease or infestations and need to be addressed quickly. Proper pruning techniques can create healthier, more robust trees providing you with optimal benefits.

Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield Defends Against the Enemy

Crabgrass is almost universally hated by lawn owners everywhere. While it does serve a very helpful purpose in the farming community, it is widely attacked on lawns across America. Using products like Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield, turf managers and lawncare workers can defend against crabgrass before it grows. In terms of weeds, crabgrass isn’t actually all bad. The reason most people have an aversion to it is because of the way it looks and feels. It isn’t necessarily harmful to your lawn. But, when it comes to your lawn, we are all striving for perfection. This means no crabgrass. Luckily, there are products like Crabgrass Shield that can safely and effectively control this unsightly growth. How do we know it’s safe? Because the EPA said so! Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of the enemy of every landscaper, crabgrass.

What is Good About Crabgrass

Crabgrass isn’t all bad. It does actually have some good characteristics. Perhaps the most important and useful use of crabgrass is in the farming community. Both cattle and horses enjoy a feasting on a field of crabgrass. We are so happy when we hear the words “grass fed beef” and you can thank crabgrass for that. One chink in the armor of crabgrass is that it is only a single-season weed. This means that if you take care of the existing crabgrass before it goes to seed, it will not return. Plus, crabgrass is not a powerful weed that will overtake an entire yard. However, if you do not take care of your lawn, weak and unhealthy spots will readily be taken up by clumps of crabgrass.

Why Does Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield Exist

Visually, crabgrass isn’t the best-looking green ground cover. For one, it doesn’t really cover. This is one of the main reasons that lawn owners hate it. Crabgrass is very clumpy. This means that when there is a lot of it, turf looks patchy and unhealthy. In addition to the way it looks, it has a very rigid leaf structure. No more walking around barefoot in the backyard this summer if you don’t control your crabgrass. Those rigid leaves are pointy and very uncomfortable to walk on. It also grows fairly tall quickly. You may only need to normally mow the lawn once every 10 days or so, but with a lawn full of crabgrass you can expect to have to mow every 4-5 days. Be sure to pick up your supply of Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield at Tech Terra Environmental today.

How Does Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield Work

Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield is a pre-emergent product. It comes in a liquid form. When applied according to the directions on the label, it safely and effectively prevents crabgrass from growing. It should be applied in spring or very early summer in order to be most effective. This product can also be used during seeding because it does not adversely impact germination. If used before seeding, let the application dry completely before planting. It is recommended to do a repeat application five to six weeks after the first. This will ensure a full eight weeks of crabgrass prevention. Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield uses the inert ingredient of Soybean Oil to help keep your lawn crabgrass free, lush, and healthy while keeping your family and pets safe.

Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield is Safe and Effective

For a lush green lawn like this one shown being mowed by a push mower eco-friendly products like Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield are essential.

In the past, homeowners had to rely on dangerous chemicals and toxic poisons to control weeds and pests. Now, thanks to companies like Tech Terra Environmental who supply eco-friendly, non-toxic lawn and turf care products like Branch Creek Crabgrass Shield, there are plenty of effective and safe options. This product, like many other green products, meets the requirements for an EPA FIFRA 25(b) exemption. This means this weed killer is a minimum risk pesticide and contains only ingredients that the EPA lists in 40 CFR 152.25(f)(1). What this means at the end of the day is that these products have been deemed by the Environmental Protection Agency to cause little to no threat to the health of humans and has little impact on the environment. Unlike decades ago, when green products were thought to be expensive and ineffective, there are now plenty of great options for landscapers of every level.

Manasquan Chimney Service & Inspections are Important

As fall arrives and the nights and mornings begin to have that chill in the air, it is the perfect time to start a fire. However, don’t even consider building a fire in your stove or fireplace unless you’ve had your annual cleaning and inspection done. There are few things that are more important when it comes to fireplace safety than an appropriate inspection. There are many parts of a chimney that ensure that it is safe to use. If any of these parts have damage or begin to fail, your fireplace and chimney are no longer secure. You could be placing your home at risk of a fire. To ensure that your home and family remain protected, Manasquan chimney service and annual inspections by professionals, like those at Carlin Chimney & Duct Service, are important.

Signs You Need to Schedule Your Manasquan Chimney Service

Manasquan chimney cleaning; silouhette of chimney sweep inserting large brush into top of chimney

One of the easiest ways to decide if it’s time to have your chimney serviced is how long it’s been since it was done last. If it’s been close to a year, it’s time to call your chimney sweep. If you notice smoke in your home when using your fireplace, you should schedule Manasquan chimney service. This indicates that there may be a blockage in your chimney. If there are any noticeable smells coming from your fireplace or chimney when not in use, a good cleaning may be necessary. In order to operate your fireplace safely, that dangerous substance needs to be removed. The best way to keep your fireplace safe is to keep your chimney clean.

There are Different Levels of Inspections Depending on What is Necessary

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are 3 levels of chimney inspections. Be sure to disclose any changes made to your fireplace since the last inspection. This helps to ensure the appropriate service is done. Also, it is crucial to report any issues, no matter how small you may think they are, to your chimney service technician so they can inspect your chimney properly to ensure your safety.

Level 1 Inspection

This is the lowest level of inspection a homeowner can have for their chimney. This inspection is . No special tools are necessary to do the inspection. What it does include is a good visual inspection of all easily observed parts of your chimney. If you have made no changes to your fireplace and if your planned usage will be similar to past years, this level of inspection is sufficient. This type of inspection normally occurs during your annual cleaning. The technician will visually look at your chimney, flue, cap, crown, damper, and structural reliability.

Level 2 Inspection

A second level inspection is required when any changes are made to your chimney or system. This type of inspection is also necessary when there will be a transfer of ownership as in a home sale. No matter what the changes are, if there is anything different about your chimney from one year to the next, a second level inspection is recommended. This will cover everything done during a first level inspection, but uses a camera in addition. A technician uses a specialized camera to take a closer look at the entire chimney. This allows them to see spots of the chimney and flue not otherwise easily examined. There should be no dismantling of your chimney during this inspection. However, it is more comprehensive than the previous level.

Level 3 Inspection

As the most intense inspection level, it is also the most thorough. If you have had any problems or issues with your fireplace, this level of inspection may be warranted. As the top-most level, a Level 3 inspection includes inspection practices included in the previous two levels, but also may demand certain parts of your chimney to be dismantled, opened, or removed. This class of inspection is normally only necessary when there is a concern of damage or a safety issue.

Importance of Annual Manasquan Chimney Service

Manasquan chimney service keeps your fireplace safe, fire burning in stone fireplace with fuzzy white blanket in front and firewood on side.

No matter what, your chimney needs to be inspected every year. Homeowners typically have a cleaning and inspection done at the same time. Schedule your Manasquan chimney service in the fall prior to first use. If your fireplace needed a new liner this year, schedule your level 2 inspection as soon as possible. On the other hand, if you had no problems during use and there have been no changes to any part of your chimney, a thorough cleaning and visual inspection will be sufficient. If at any point during the past season, there were any problems, a top-level inspection will be done. A level 3 inspection should also be done if your chimney required any major repairs. All these inspections are designed to keep your home and family safe while you use your fireplace or stove.

Read about another important home maintenance chore here!

Custom Home Builder in NJ Discusses Types of Homes

Custom home builder in NJ, family sitting on porch steps of white house with black shutters

When you begin the journey of building your own home, there is an almost endless list of decisions to be made. But decision number one is what type of home you want. From ranch to Tudor, colonial to contemporary, there is a home design for everyone. The key to building your own custom home is selecting the right builder. The best thing about working with an experienced custom home builder in NJ like Monetti Custom Homes is that you’ll be able to customize just about everything in your home.

Select the Right Custom Home Builder in NJ

Make sure when you are deciding on which builder to go with that the builder is going to listen to your ideas and desires. Some builders only like to build certain types of buildings and may try to push your decisions one way or another. The only time a builder should try to talk you out of something is if it is not structurally sound or they have experience in why what you want would not work. We would suggest having multiple conversations with each builder that you are researching to give you a good idea if you will work well together. Also, review their portfolios to see if their designs and tastes mesh with yours.

Types of Homes

The list of home design types is nearly endless. We’ve chosen a dozen types for this article and we’ll give a brief overview of each.

Ranch

Also known as rancher, this style home is very popular in the US. A few of the key characteristics are being a single story, having a long, low-pitch roofline, attached garage, and having an asymmetrical rectangular, L-shaped, or a U-shaped design.

Bungalow

Typically, a single-story home, but may have a half or partial second story built into the sloped roof. This is one of the smaller designs of homes with a limited number of rooms which makes them easy to maintain

Cape Cod

There can be a few variations of this style. You can have a full, half, or three-quarter cape. No matter which type of cape you have there are a few standard features. The Cape Cod design is symmetrical with steep roofs, gable dormers, and a simple exterior.

Colonial

One of the key characteristics of a Colonial home is symmetry. They are most often multi-level homes in a rectangular shape with steep, side-gabled roofs.

Federal Colonial

Sometimes also called an Adam style home. This is a large style home with wings extending off both sides of the main structure and commonly has more decorative accents than other colonial styles.

Georgian Colonial

A strict box shaped home. Typically has a line of 5 shuttered windows across the second floor. Normally has a paneled front door with a decorative crown adorned by columns. This style home is always symmetrical.

Dutch Colonial

A bit different than other colonial styles, a Dutch colonial has a broad gambrel roof. Typical of the colonial style though, the front of the home is symmetrical on either side of the front door which is often covered in a decorative portico. Sometimes referred to as a barn home due to how much it resembles a barn.

Spanish

Not very popular in New Jersey, Spanish style homes are more prevalent in desert areas like Arizona and New Mexico. Typically, they are covered fully in stucco with flat, clay tile roofs, have extended patio areas that extend the living area, and contain lots of arches in the design.

Tudor

When you see a Tudor home, you know it. It is a very distinctive design. Most known for having steep, pitched roof with multiple dormers with varying heights, a majority of the exterior is covered in brick, but with decorative half-timber details, and tall, narrow, multi-pane windows.

Craftsman

The craftsman style is similar to the bungalow style in that use’s natural materials like wood and stone. They commonly have low pitched roofs and large front porches.

Victorian

The design of a Victorian home is based solely on beauty, not function. A Victorian home is asymmetrical with a lot of architectural details, large porches, and bright colors.

Log Cabin

Ok, this one hardly needs a description. Most often found in wooded areas, the log cabin is a very specific type of home that very few are looking for. They are very rustic in appearance and the interior walls look just like the exterior. Size and design are totally up to the homeowner

Knowing What You Like Helps You Choose a Custom Home Builder in NJ

That’s really only a handful of home designs. Having a general idea in your head before you talk to a custom home builder in NJ is a good idea. This gives you and the designer a jumping off point. Having some solid starting points will make your conversations a lot easier and much more productive. If you have a preference for something as specific as a log cabin, this will certainly limit the builders that you can work with. Knowing what you want will help you narrow down your choices of builders. A lot can be learned from perusing a builder’s portfolio. If all the homes look the same, they are maybe not the best custom home builder. You want your custom home builder in NJ to be open to your ideas, your wants, and your needs.

We have tips and information on all sorts of subjects so be sure to check out our other articles. Come back often to see what’s new!

South Brunswick Gutter Cleaning is Necessary

South Brunswick gutter cleaning, yellow house with lots of windows and well kept gutters

We all know what gutters are, why we have them, and how they work, but why do they need to be cleaned? South Brunswick gutter cleaning is so important because if your gutters are clogged, they can no longer effectively do their job. When gutters are unable to adequately guide water away from your home, major damages may not be far behind. While gutters may seem like an insignificant item on your home, it is vital to keep them clean. They are an important line of defense for your home.

What Clogs Gutters

It may seem odd that something whose job is to transport water needs to be cleaned. When it comes to unprotected gutters, however, they can collect a variety of items other than water.

Debris – Let’s say that you don’t have a single tree on your property. What could possibly clog your gutters? Dirt and debris. Whether it is asphalt shingle debris or dirt run-off, anything that isn’t water can clog your gutters. One of the other bad side-effects of clogged gutters is that they can become home to mold, birds, and pests. Not only can these cause damage to your actual gutters, but they also hold the potential to cause damage to your home’s roofline which can lead to leaks and water damage inside.

Snow and Ice – Yes, products made of water. The major component of ice damming your gutter is proper attic ventilation. When an attic is not properly ventilated, it will be warmer than it should be. If your roof is covered in snow, the warmth of the attic melts the snow. It then flows into the cold gutters where the sudden change in temperature freezes the melted snow, ultimately jamming your gutter. The weight of snow also poses a problem. Heavy snow can pull gutters away from the roof and misshape them allowing snow and water to leak along the fascia boards potentially causing interior water damage.

Leaves are an obvious one. If your home is surrounded by trees, leaves in your gutters is a common problem for you. When there is an abundance of leaves clogging your gutters, rainwater has nowhere to go other than over the sides instead of down the downspout. This waterfall effect can have a number of negative effects on your home. It can destroy your landscape with flooding and erode the soil in your gardens. Following this comes possible damage to your foundation which can put your home at risk of structural damage.

South Brunswick Gutter Cleaning is a Necessity

One way to avoid all of these problems is to have your gutters cleaned out thoroughly by a professional. You can certainly attempt the task on your own, but when you hire someone to do it, they will also be inspecting your gutters for damage. A professional gutter cleaning company is familiar with early warning signs that could lead to trouble down the road. They are able to bring these potential issues to your attention before they become a real problem. It is recommended to have your gutters properly cleaned at least twice a year. If your home is encompassed by trees, however, you may have to perform this task more often. When you hire a well-qualified company to provide South Brunswick gutter cleaning, you are ensuring the safety of your home for years to come.

Furnace Repair Rumson

Given that it is that time of year when turning on the heat is really a necessity, not an alternative, it’s time to have a closer look at your furnace. While there are some things you are able to verify yourself, there are lots of parts of one’s furnace and HVAC system that demands a professional. We’ll deal with a couple of troubleshooting things that you can do on your own along with some challenges that might call for you to definitely get in touch with a technician from a company that does furnace repair Rumson.

Things you are able to check yourself to troubleshoot furnace repair Rumson

Verify and replace your air filter if necessary – The air filter in your furnace needs to be checked to make sure that it truly is clear and will not need to be changed. When you have a clogged air filter, it could very seriously affect the performance of your furnace. Should you need to change your air filter, be sure to turn the furnace off first.

Check your thermostat to make certain that it is on and it is set on heat – Though this may possibly look like a silly suggestion, you would be shocked how several furnace repair calls are just a matter of a wrong setting. This is definitely the equivalent to any technology professional telling you to be sure your computer is plugged in also to flip your personal computer off and to turn it on again. To totally examine your thermostat yourself you must guarantee your thermostat has functioning batteries, be sure it really is free of dust and debris inside the cover, and ensure the date and time are correct so that any programmed options are scheduled appropriately.

Verify any and all safety switches – Most furnaces possess a safety switch around the front panel so that the fan and blower can not turn on once the panel is lacking. Making sure the front panel is seated properly and not triggering the safety switch is a very easy step to rule out.

Check circuit breakers to be sure no fuses have been tripped – Another easy item for you personally to check on your own is to ensure any breakers related with your furnace are set to the ON setting and are able to remain on. If any in the fuses seem faulty or you have got an ongoing difficulty immediately after resetting the circuit, it is time to call in a technician who does furnace repair in Rumson.

Lastly, make sure location around your furnace is clean and unobstructed – Related to the air filter challenge, for those who have a lot of things encompassing your furnace, it may impact the proficiency of the furnace. You want to be sure the location in and around your furnace is clear of particles and that you find no obstructions. One essential factor to be one hundred percent confident in is the fact that there’s nothing flammable anyplace near your furnace.

Whilst checking any and all the previously mentioned items is helpful and may assist in narrowing down any possible furnace troubles, the best point you could do is to get in touch with a furnace repair Rumson service organization to care for any issues you might have. It is actually essential to contact the pros in terms of suspected troubles pertaining to electrical challenges, any time you detect the odor of gas, or for those who look in the inspection window and see the indicator light that should be glowing green is actually red. Also, should you detect any odd noises coming from any a part of your furnace, it also could possibly be ideal for you to contact a furnace repair Rumson technician.