The Importance of Backflow Prevention in South Jersey: What You Need to Know In the world of plumbing, one topic that deserves attention, especially for South Jersey residents, is backflow prevention. Ensuring the safety of your home’s water supply is paramount, and understanding the importance of backflow prevention is a crucial step. In this blog, we’ll delve into why backflow prevention matters in South Jersey, exploring local regulations, real-life examples, and the potential consequences of neglecting this vital aspect of plumbing safety. Understanding Backflow and Its Significance: Backflow occurs when the flow of water reverses direction, bringing contaminated water back into the clean water supply. This can happen due to changes in water pressure, posing a serious threat to the quality of the water we use every day. Significance in South Jersey: With varying weather conditions and potential pressure fluctuations, South Jersey homes are susceptible to backflow incidents. Understanding and preventing backflow is crucial for maintaining a safe water supply. Local Regulations and Guidelines: South Jersey, like many regions, has specific regulations and guidelines in place to ensure the prevention of backflow incidents. South Jersey Backflow Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local regulations governing backflow prevention. Many municipalities require backflow prevention devices to be installed and regularly tested to comply with safety standards. Mandatory Inspections: Some areas in South Jersey may mandate annual inspections of backflow prevention devices. Adhering to these regulations is not only a legal requirement but also a responsibility to the community. Real-Life Examples and Consequences: llustrating the real-life implications of neglecting backflow prevention can drive home the importance of this essential plumbing measure. Health Risks: Backflow can introduce contaminants such as bacteria, fertilizers, and chemicals into the water supply. This poses severe health risks to residents and can lead to waterborne illnesses. Infrastructure Damage: Neglecting backflow prevention can result in damage to plumbing infrastructure. The reversal of water flow can cause corrosion, leaks, and deterioration of pipes and fixtures. Backflow Prevention Tips for South Jersey Homes: Offering practical tips for homeowners to prevent backflow incidents is crucial for maintaining a safe water supply. Install Backflow Prevention Devices: Consider installing backflow prevention devices, such as backflow preventer valves, to safeguard your water supply. Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections and testing of backflow prevention devices to ensure they are functioning correctly and in compliance with local regulations. Conclusion In South Jersey, where the charm of the region is complemented by unique challenges, prioritizing backflow prevention is a responsibility shared by homeowners and the community alike. By understanding the significance of backflow prevention, complying with local regulations, and taking proactive measures, residents can ensure a safe and reliable water supply for their homes. Let’s work together to make South Jersey’s water infrastructure resilient and secure for generations to come.

My Heater isn’t working, what could be wrong? We get this question, often. Because there are so many components that work together, troubleshooting can be complex and requires training and experience. You may notice some things like these: Furnace coming on, then turning off after a brief time Poor or no airflow out of your vents Thermostat isn’t working properly, or screen is black Furnace won’t shut off Working, but high utility bills Motor is rattling or squealing Loud noises, smells or possible gas leaks Here are some common items that go wrong with your gas heater / furnace Failing to ignite: The most common type of failure. Older systems use a standing pilot. Newer systems use electronic ignition and flame sensor technology. Pilot went out – If you have this older style system and pilot went out, it happened for a reason, possibly to a failed thermocouple, gas valve or related parts. Most systems made in the last 20 years use electronic ignition. Flame Sensor – A flame sensor is a safety device in a gas furnace or boiler that detects the presence of a flame. It’s typically a small, metallic rod located near the burner assembly that extends into the flame. The purpose of a flame sensor is to confirm that the gas is being burned properly and continuously. When the gas is ignited, the flame sensor detects the heat and electrical current generated by the flame. If the sensor doesn’t detect a flame or detects an intermittent flame, it signals the furnace control board to shut off the gas valve, stopping the flow of gas to the burner. This safety feature is critical because it prevents the buildup of unburned gas, which can be dangerous and lead to a potential gas explosion. A malfunctioning or dirty flame sensor can cause the furnace to shut down prematurely. The flame sensor gets dirty over time and eventually fails. We don’t recommend that homeowners replace this item on their own. It needs to be replaced with the correct part with the correct resistance and set in the correct position. Remember, this is the part that shuts off the flow of gas if it’s not igniting properly. Gas Valve Failure: The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burners. If there is no ignition, it may be because it’s not getting enough gas to light, because the valve isn’t opening and closing properly. Control board failure: The control board is the brain of the heater, and it regulates all its functions. If the control board fails, the heater may not turn on or may not function properly Blower motor failure: The blower motor moves air through the heater and distributes heat throughout your home. If this fails, you won’t be getting any air flow out of the vents in your home. Blocked air intake or exhaust flue: If the air intake or exhaust vent is blocked. We’ve seen things like a bird’s nest or even ice buildup causes these issues. Exhaust needs to exit the home, if it can’t the system should trip safety limits to turn off the system. Clogged or dirty burners: Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the burners and orifices, preventing them from producing heat or causing the flame to burn unevenly. Something as simple as a spider’s web can cause failure. Thermostat isn’t working: The thermostat communicates directly with your heater and determines when it will turn on and off. When this fails, you may get a black screen, you may have issues like your heater will constantly run or not run at all. Gas leaks A gas leak is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. If you smell gas, turn off the heater and contact a professional to inspect it. Because these parts all work together, the symptoms can seem like they are caused by one another and therefore, the parts need to be tested properly to determine the actual failure so you can operate your heater safely. We will send out experienced technicians, qualified to repair these systems, with fully stocked & insured vehicles to give you the peace of mind and comfort you deserve.

As the sun’s rays intensify and temperatures rise, staying cool and comfortable indoors becomes a top priority for many. While air conditioning is a lifesaver during the scorching summer months, it can often lead to dreaded energy bills. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between comfort and cost. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a series of practical and energy-efficient tips to keep your home comfortably cool while reducing your energy expenses. Adjustable Thermostat Settings: When you’re away from home or enjoying a good night’s sleep, consider adjusting your thermostat a few degrees higher. While it might sound counterintuitive, even a small change can make a significant difference in energy consumption. Smart thermostats make this task even easier by allowing you to program temperature adjustments according to your daily routine. Use Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to enhance comfort and improve air circulation. By utilizing ceiling fans, you can create a gentle breeze that makes the room feel cooler, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the room to conserve energy. Block Sunlight: During the hottest part of the day, sunlight streaming through windows can quickly heat up your home. Keep blinds and curtains closed to block out the sun’s heat and prevent your living spaces from turning into ovens. Consider investing in heat-reflective window coverings for even more effective temperature control. Cook and Grill Outdoors: Cooking can generate a significant amount of heat indoors, causing your air conditioner to work overtime. Embrace outdoor cooking alternatives like grilling or utilizing a microwave for meals. By minimizing indoor heat sources, you’ll reduce the strain on your cooling system and save energy. Seal and Insulate: Proper insulation and sealing are vital for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Inspect your windows and doors for drafts and seal any gaps or cracks. Additionally, ensure your home is adequately insulated to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. Proper insulation not only keeps your home cooler but also contributes to long-term energy savings. As the summer sun continues to shine, you can keep your home comfortably cool while cutting down on energy expenses. By following these energy-efficient tips, you’ll not only enjoy a refreshing indoor environment but also contribute to a more sustainable and budget-friendly lifestyle. So, as you embark on your summer adventures, remember that a few simple changes can make a world of difference for your comfort and your wallet. Stay cool and save while making the most of this vibrant season!

Before the cold and chill of the New Jersey winter arrives, you need to ensure your heater/furnace is working efficiently. That’s why it’s crucial to have your annual furnace maintenance tune-up from certified and experienced technicians. There are many benefits to getting heater or furnace maintenance done, such as: Ensures top efficiency of your furnace Saves heating costs Decreases the risk of furnace/heater failure Extends the system’s lifespan through Helps maintain the unit’s product warranty Keeps your family comfortable and safe during the winter months Here are some tips to follow to keep your heater and furnace system functioning well this winter: Replace Air Filter Air filters in heaters and furnaces will need replacement at least a couple of times each year, but this is not a thumb rule. The frequency of replacement will also depend on the level of use the system sees. Some systems have air filters that only need cleaning and not a replacement, and you need to check the type that your system has before you replace them. It’s also essential that you purchase the right kind of air filter for your specific furnace or heating model when replacing it. Check Blower Motor The blower motor needs to be in peak condition for the rest of the components to function well. Check whether it is working without a glitch. Signs that there is an issue with this component include: Poor Airflow from Air Vents No airflow from vents Excessively high energy bills Strange sounds when you switch on the furnace or heater Weird smells Overheating blower Clean Exhaust Flue An exhaust flue that doesn’t vent properly can become clogged with dangerous, sometimes even deadly, vapors. These vapors will ultimately leak back into your indoor areas. Therefore, you must get the exhaust flue cleaned thoroughly at least once a year. Clean Vents and Ductwork If there are blockages or debris, dirt, and dust buildups in the vents and ductwork, it will prevent the proper flow of air into your home. In turn, this will stress your furnace or heater, causing it to become overworked, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. It’s a good idea to check the ductwork and vents at least twice each year. Clean them well, ensuring there is no lingering buildup, so you also have fresh and clean air to breathe in. Expert Maintenance Check If you have noticed any issues with your heater or furnace, do not ignore them. Leaving them unaddressed for too long can cause permanent damage to the unit. If you are not comfortable with handling the basic checks yourself, contact a professional for an expert maintenance check of the system. All these checks are crucial to keeping your heater or furnace always working in peak condition. With winter fast- approaching, now is the time to conduct these checks, so you have peace of mind that the system is working well. These steps also help reduce the chances of a breakdown of the system. Experienced repair technicians will carefully examine the appliance to understand the problem and recommend repairs or replacements of specific components if necessary. They will explain everything you need to know about these systems and immediately handle the maintenance or repair work. For additional information about how we can help with your furnace and heater repairs and maintenance, call Professor Gatsby’s Heating and Cooling at 856-885-2231. We provide professional and cost-effective heating services. You can also send us your queries via our online form, and we will respond soon.

When’s the last time you had your unit serviced? We ask this question when a new customer calls in. Most of the time the answer is, “I can’t remember when or the last time the unit broke down, we had it fixed.” Like cars and other major types of equipment, your Heating & Cooling system needs to be maintained regularly. You’re heating and cooling system is one of the most sophisticated and most expensive systems in your home so you will want to service and make sure your equipment is in factory condition. For heating and cooling equipment, we recommend once before cooling and once before heating seasons. The ultimate goal of maintaining equipment is to prevent breakdowns during freezing temps or extreme heat situations. Some common misconceptions customers have: “But I have a warranty, I don’t need a maintenance yet” A: We get this a lot. Warranties are very important. The HVAC maintenance plans are designed to keep equipment in as close to factory condition as possible so that your warranty is intact. A common example of this is with your car, you need oil changes even though your car is under warranty. If you don’t maintain your system, the warranty manufacturer may have an issue with a claim. The maintenance plan gives you the peace of mind. “I don’t want an additional payment” A: We understand that it may seem like you are paying more for your system, but studies have proven that maintaining your equipment over its life leads to lower costs of ownership. HVAC contractors cannot performance maintenance profitably. We do it so we can keep homeowners cost of ownerships lower and maintain a rapport with our customers. “I can do the maintenance myself” A: Many homeowners are very skilled and could possibly do this type of maintenance, but performing maintenance on this complex equipment requires the use of very expensive tools to inspect proper operation. The most valuable resource is the experienced technician that has years of experience identifying issues that someone less qualified wouldn’t have learned yet. Money isn’t actually being saved by doing it yourself. “I’m going to sell my home soon” A: When selling a house, potential buyers want to see that the equipment has been maintained by a professional with records. We get calls daily to “certify” a system for a selling party. The unit must be 100% safe and working properly for us to certify the condition. Think about it, if you were buying a home, wouldn’t you want to verify the condition of one of the homes most expensive systems before you bought? “My system is running “fine” now, why do I need maintenance?” A: Only a qualified technician could actually verify that the system is operating properly. The system could be running longer than it needs to or you could be minutes or days from your preventable breakdown, saving you hundreds/thousands on an expensive HVAC repair. What do I get with your maintenance plan? One Complete maintenance before summer and winter seasons 15% discount on any part replacement No additional emergency charges for breakdowns during after hours 5% discount on new system replacement Most of our Smart Plan members decide to pay just $26.86 monthly to protect themselves and give them the peace of mind of having us reach out to them to schedule their maintenances. You can also pay annually or quarterly as well. Read more about our Maintenance Plans

Proper home cooling has health benefits that family members can enjoy, plus the fact that a cool interior not only makes one comfortable but also productive. Additionally, cooling the home can dramatically cut down your monthly energy consumption and help you save huge dollars in the long run. Simply put, there are far too many great benefits of proper home cooling for you to ignore. If you want to enjoy these benefits, you have to adopt a sensible maintenance plan or follow these proven 10 tips for cooling your home. 10 Home Cooling Tips You Should Follow Who doesn’t want a home that’s really cool during the summer? The good news: it’s perfectly achievable. However, there are certain things you must do to have a cool temperature inside of your home. Some of them are DIY-tasks so you can easily perform them without any professional help. For other alternatives that require technical knowledge and expertise, you have to find an experienced service provider to get positive results. Take a look at these 10 tips for cooling your home to enjoy a comfortable indoor all year-round: Install home insulation. Insulating the home interiors is a proven way to slash energy bills by as much as 50%. Just remember to go for insulation materials with a high R-value since they are indicative that the materials have a high insulation effectiveness. Home insulation is best installed by a professional. Use energy efficient windows and doors. They may seem like an awful expensive investment, but choosing energy efficient windows and doors will pay for themselves in the long run. They help keep outdoor heat out of the interiors and contain the air conditioning and heat inside. Mind the location of your furniture and curtains. If your furniture and curtains block the vents of your air conditioning units, you are doing yourself a disfavor since you’re not fully enjoying the cold air from the A/C units. This is easily resolved by simply removing or relocating whatever is blocking the A/C vents so you can fully benefit from the cold air that they produce. Among the 10 tips for cooling your home, you will surely enjoy doing this task since it is the easiest to implement. Use window films. For those who want a cost-efficient way of cooling their homes, they should try using window films. These materials effectively block heat and UV rays that don’t just make the interiors hotter but also cause potential damage to interior furniture pieces. Go for LEDs or CFLs. These days, a great majority of homeowners are shifting from incandescent bulbs into light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). These types of lighting emit as much as 50% less heat and consume lower amount of electricity. This makes them truly energy-saving alternatives to the power-guzzling incandescent bulbs. Install a cold air return unit. Basements are naturally colder than most parts of any home, which is why a lot of property owners with basements install cold air return units. What these things do is recycle the cold air from the basement and take it to strategic areas inside the house. It’s better to ask the help of professionals when installing this unit since they have the knowledge and the required tools for the installation job. Go for light-colored roofing. It’s basic science: light-colored roofing take in much lower amount of heat than dark-colored ones. You can specifically benefit from light-colored roofing during the summer, when the heat outside can seep into the roof especially if they happen to have a dark color. Create shade. Having a sort of natural or artificial source of shade close to your home will greatly help maintain a relatively cool indoor temperature during summer months. You can install man-made structures such as pergolas, awnings, and porches, or go for natural shade-giving elements like trees. These shade structures will improve the functionality and appeal of your home. Trees are also great additions to your landscaping. Use dehumidifiers. HVAC experts generally recommend installing dehumidifiers inside homes since they greatly aid in toning down the level of humidity. This results in considerably cooler indoor spaces that offer exceptional comfort to occupants. Choose trusted brands to get top-quality dehumidifiers. Get your cooling system regularly checked and maintained by experts. Most property owners forget that their A/C systems should be maintained on a regular basis. Over time, your home’s air conditioning units could encounter problems and perform below normal. This could spell a disaster especially if it happens during the summer when outside temperatures greatly affect the temperatures inside homes. You can avoid such negative scenario by having your home cooling system checked and maintained by HVAC experts. Get the Best Heating and Cooling Services You can easily improve your cooling system’s efficiency by following our 10 tips for cooling your home. And don’t forget to consult professionals when it comes to technical issues and maintenance tasks. At Professor Gatsby’s Heating & Cooling Services, we make homes comfortable and highly energy-efficient with our professional services. We provide affordable installation, maintenance, and repairs of various heating and cooling systems. We can handle air conditioning units, furnaces, and heating systems. Best of all, we provide our services on a 24/7 basis, so you can call someone quickly when your cooling system suddenly bogs down. Our client base covers owners of residential properties across Turnersville, NJ and nearby cities such as Sewell, Cherry Hill, Marlton, and Glassboro. Call us today at 856-885-2231 to know more about our cooling and heating services. We look forward to hearing from you and proving to you first-hand why we are one of the state’s finest cooling service providers.