Is there something I can do to increase the efficiency and lifetime of my HVAC system?
Thanks for asking. Change the air filter. Change the air filter. Change the air filter at least every 90 days and sooner if you find it's dirty in that interval. Use at least a 1" pleated filter--not the cheaper fiberglass ones! Wash down your outdoor air conditioner at least monthly for as long as your outdoor water is on. Squirt from the top out through the fins as much as you can reach and then a good squirt through all the sides from the outside. You can do this whether it's running or off. Covering your air conditioner with a cover that allows it to breath (not a blue tarp) will minimize debris getting in during the off season. Careful, don't forget and turn it on in the spring with the cover still on! Have your equipment professionally tuned up annually. That's the only way to ensure it is running as efficiently as it was designed, and helps premature breakdowns. Change the air filter regularly!!!

How much and what do we get with a yearly service contract?
Good morning, thanks for the question. Information on our plans can be found here. Give us a call at 609-493-0994 with any additional questions. To schedule service or maintenance, you can call or use the "Schedule Now" link at the top of the page.

Hi, my heating stopped working last night, but I think it’s like 15 years old. Should I consider replacing it or repairing the part? Another company was out, and they wanted $1200 plus for the blower wheel repair. That doesn’t seem smart.
Typically, on a 15-year-old system, you're at the point of replacement because the national average is around 15 years. If you live on an island, it could be less than that because of salt air corrosion. We are more than happy to send one of our service technicians today to inspect the system and see what the real problem is. If it's something small, it might be worth replacing the small part today, but we can also give you a free estimate, so you at least know where you stand in the future. We appreciate you reaching out to us.

I have a dirty sock smell or musty smell coming from my ductwork/vents when I turn on my air conditioning system. What is it?
The typical cause is a specific type of growth buildup on evaporator coils, often caused by moisture and bacteria. Schedule a seasonal HVAC tune-up — especially important in salt-air environments where corrosion can accelerate odor issues. We also recommend coil cleaning and UV lights on the coil and on the supply air side to prevent recurrence.

How can I extend the life of my HVAC system near salt air?

  • Use corrosion-resistant materials
  • Apply protective coatings
  • Perform routine maintenance
  • Install sacrificial anodes (zinc or aluminum)

Will salt air reduce HVAC efficiency?
Over time, yes. Corroded coils and blocked fins reduce airflow and heat exchange, making the unit work harder. Which ends up costing you more money on utility bills, and you will see your comfort levels decrease.

Does salt air damage HVAC units?
Yes. Salt accelerates corrosion of metal components, especially the outdoor condenser coil and housing. We offer Salt Shield and a Carrier Coastal Condenser that can help get an extra 1-5 years out of your outdoor system.

What is the typical lifespan of an HVAC system?
The average lifespan of an HVAC system ranges from 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance can help extend this lifespan, while neglect or heavy usage may shorten it. - In our salt air environment systems tend to not last as long. That why we at Comfort Now recommend you replace your system with a Carrier Coastal condenser or our Salt shield condensers. They will give you the bump you need to help keep your system running in the salt corrosive air.

How can I improve the energy efficiency of my HVAC system?
Enhancing energy efficiency can be achieved through several measures:

  • Regular maintenance to ensure the system operates efficiently.
  • Installing programmable or smart thermostats to optimize temperature settings.
  • Ensuring proper insulation and sealing of windows and doors to prevent air leaks.
  • Upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC equipment when necessary.
  • Using ceiling fans to improve air circulation, reducing the load on the HVAC system.

There are get financing programs through our local utilities currently up to $25,000 0% for 10 years with up to $6000.00 in rebates.

What size HVAC unit does my home require?
The appropriate size of an HVAC unit depends on various factors, including the size of your home, insulation quality, and the number of rooms. Our HVAC professionals can perform a load calculation to determine the best unit size for your specific needs.

How often should my HVAC system be serviced?
Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. It's advisable to schedule professional HVAC maintenance with us twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, to prepare for the heavy usage periods of summer and winter.

I live in Ocean City New Jersey and the Salt Air kills my A/C system every 7 to 12 years. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? Are there salt systems?
Hi, yes there are many ways to prevent salt air corrosion. We have a product that we treat our outdoor condensers it's called Salt Shield 🛡️. This must be applied on a new system before we install it, but it can get you 5 years or longer from the outside condenser. You can also use covers to help prevent corrosion in the winter months. We recommend gently spraying down your system with fresh water once a month and if it in rough shape down spray it at all. Finally get regular maintenance done so they can spray coiling on it to get the grime off. Thanks for the question.

Hello, I am looking to purchase a home which is about 15-year-old, and I need to replace heating and cooling. It is a 2300 sq. ft. home. What will be a high-level cost estimate to replace both heating and AC unit? It is a gas forced unit?
Vipul, we’ll assume you currently have 1 gas heating system. Sight unseen a very broad budget from top to bottom would be $6-15k. That's a big spread but there are a lot of variables & a lot of features that impact final cost. We'd be happy to look at it and discuss the options. 609-493-0994 Thanks for asking.