Custom Built Homes in NJ Stand the Test of Time

We’ve all seen houses go up in a matter of days. Neighborhoods can appear seemingly out of nowhere. One week there is a plot of woods. The next, a full neighborhood of cookie cutter houses. This fast timeline is great for builders. Plus, buyers get almost instant gratification with these pop-up homes. The trouble is, many of these homes don’t last and require almost immediate repairs and attention. This is the biggest advantage to building your own custom home. Building a home in this way addresses each and every step as it happens and while it certainly takes a lot longer, it is worth the wait. When you partner with the right builder, custom built homes in NJ stand the test of time.

Custom Built Homes in NJ Fight Termites by Starving Them

Wood is a well-known building material as well as a well-loved food source for termites. Termites area big concern for every homeowner. To start, custom built homes in NJ have treated soil. This is similar to laying down a barrier that helps to deter termites from encroaching any further. All wood used in building a home should always be pressure-treated. This treatment protects against termites in addition to being resistant to rotting. Consider alternative materials in addition to wood that termites have no interest in. Things like steel, aluminum, and concrete help to reinforce the barrier between the pests and the newly constructed home. Lastly, termite prevention doesn’t stop once construction is over. Yearly inspections by a certified pest control company.

Waterproofing Your Home is a Must

This can mean different things to different builders. For those constructing a home with a basement, it may mean painting the bricks or blocks with a waterproofing masonry paint. Ensuring all gaps and cracks are sealed is a crucial step in waterproofing a home. Even the smallest opening is a place for humidity to accumulate. Custom home builders in Ocean County, however, fight water damage with height. Especially after Superstorm Sandy when flood zones have been greatly expanded, many homes built near the water are raised multiple levels into the air. While this goes a long way towards protecting a home from flooding, moisture and salt in the air in ocean-front counties does significant damage to homes as well. Despite the area, roofing details like flashing and gutters are essential additions for prevent leaks.

Storm Damage is Something Many Custom Home Builders in NJ have to Consider

We’ve already mentioned Hurricane Sandy that ravaged the Jersey shore in 2012. Ten years later and the effects are still obvious. Storms like these are a big consideration for builders that construct custom built homes in NJ along the coast. Along with water, strong winds are a risk for homes in all areas of the state, but especially those close to water. One main way builders attempt to protect their custom homes is by using hurricane-proof glass in all the doors and windows. The roof of a house is especially susceptible to damaging winds. Builders can defend against this in a number of ways including installing a metal roof rather than a shingled roof. The design of a roof, where the pitches are and how steep they are, is also an important detail to consider if you are building a home in an area that experiences high-winds often.

Custom Built Homes in NJ That Last Take Time

Custom built homes in NJ can stand the test of time when you pick the right builder. As tempting as it can be to go with the builder that promises you a new home within the month, that timeline lets many things go by the wayside. A builder worth their price is one that wants to review as many details as possible to ensure you end up with a quality home. In comparison to houses that appear overnight, custom built homes in New Jersey last longer when the building process takes longer. We’ve all had that friend that was excited to move into the new development that just materialized. Next, those same friends complaining about all the problems they have with the construction of their house within a month of moving in. If you want a house that lasts, make sure you find the best builder, not the fastest.

When Duct Cleaning in Monmouth County Should be Scheduled

Deciding whether or not to schedule duct cleaning in Monmouth County can be a tough decision. Many variables can affect this decision and it can be a very confusing topic. When all else fails, it is always best to contact a certified duct cleaning specialist near you. They can answer any questions you have about the service. One key item of note is that no matter what your decision is, be sure to hire only companies qualified to perform a thorough, complete, and rigorous duct cleaning. Many companies make the claim of being able to perform duct cleaning. However, if you are going to spend the money on the service, be sure to spend your money wisely.

Duct Cleaning in Monmouth County Should be Scheduled if There are A Lot of Pets

Pet owners know that pet hair gets everywhere. No matter how much you vacuum, brush, mop, dust, there is always more pet hair. Your HVAC system and duct work are not immune to this problem. Even with proper care of the air filter in your furnace, pet hair can get into your duct work. If left too long, that hair can build-up and accumulate. Those tumbleweeds of fur start impeding air flow which will affect the home in many ways. For one, your HVAC system will have to work harder to force air through the system. This directly impacts your energy bills making them rise and rise. Secondly, pet fur makes perfect nests for pests. Insects and rodents love the insulated comfort of pet fur. Remove the bedding and you remove the pests. Duct cleaning in Monmouth County can do this.  

Construction Zones Require Lots of Clean-Up

On one hand, if your home is in an area where construction is regularly occurring outside, you should definitely consider scheduling duct cleaning in Monmouth County. Even if you keep your windows shut, lots of dirt and debris ends up in the air in construction zones. If building goes on routinely, homeowners in the area should research duct cleaning and services.

On the other hand, buildings that have recently had renovations done should also think about scheduling duct service. Even if you keep vents and registers covered, as with outside construction, particles in the air often still make their way into the duct work. Although this type of debris may not build-up and block air flow, it can settle in the ducts and cause other issues.

A Resident Has a Respiratory Ailment

If your ducts are dirty enough, every person in the home can be affected by it. However, even in an average home, those with a respiratory affliction can suffer greatly. Take for instance a person who suffers from allergies. Even the slightest amount of dust can send them into a sneezing and coughing fit that takes their breath away. To alleviate the most amount of dust and irritants from the air, duct cleaning is the way to go. This is because the duct work in your home is what transports air from one room to another. Even though it gets filtered as it is pulled into the furnace, the filters are not 100% effective. If anyone living in the home has asthma, COPD, or any other breathing complication and you have recently had construction or own multiple shedding pets, now is the time to consider duct cleaning in Monmouth County.

Duct Cleaning in Monmouth County is Highly Debated

There is a lot of information available for homeowners regarding whether or not they should schedule duct cleaning in Monmouth County. We’ve given you some information regarding the service, but ultimately, every person should do their own research and make their own decisions taking into account their own situation. When speaking with prospective duct cleaning companies in Monmouth County, be sure to ask them to review their entire process. Some businesses will include services like sanitizing and deodorizing. If you have anyone at home that is sensitive to smells or chemicals, make sure you can opt-out of that service. Another key step that should have a lot of attention paid to it is the preparation. The cleaning of your ductwork should not result in a giant mess inside your home.

In short, whether or not you should schedule duct cleaning in Monmouth County is a personal choice and entirely dependent on your particular set of circumstances. Regardless, be sure you only get your information from a reliable source on the topic.

ITM Service Can Transform Your Branch

If you are a branch manager or an employee at a community financial institution, this article is for you. Is your branch filled with antiquated fintech? Do your customers constantly complain about your lack of convenience? Are your machines often out-of-order? Sounds like you are ready to refresh and renew your branch. A branch transformation that includes modern automation from NCR's line-up of ITMs along with industry leading service can bring your branch from the vintage age to the modern age. The key detail in that statement is that in order for a branch transformation too be successful, you need expert ITM service. The easiest way to find that? Do your research prior to your purchase and find a supplier that is an NCR or brand partner that also provides maintenance and additional services.   

First-Rate ITM Service is the Key to Success

Adding new machines and implementing new services is great. It expands your business, keeps you relevant in the customers eyes, and attracts new clients. However, no part of that sentence remains factual if the technology doesn’t work. Only with exceptional ITM service does adding these machines remain beneficial. With lackluster maintenance comes below average service. The only thing that follows that is a huge loss of clientele. Finding an ITM maintenance company that provides remote service, has its own warehouse of parts, and has manufacturer trained technicians is the first step in a successful branch transformation. Without just one of these key elements, your branch transformation will certainly be a flop. First-rate ITM service is the number one key element that makes improving your branch a worthwhile cause.

A Stocked Warehouse is Your Branches Best Friend

If you’ve ever taken your car to the mechanic for service an been told it will take up to three weeks to get the part in, you know what we mean when we say a stocked warehouse is your branch’s best friend. A service company that can’t fix a problem immediately is of little to no use. When it comes to fintech, time is literally money. Every minute that passes when your ITM is out of service is money lost. Industry-leading ITM service should include a fully loaded warehouse. This ensures all of your repairs that require more than a remote log-in can be taken care of as quickly as possible. One of the best ITM service companies in NJ boasts that they can help you achieve 99% uptime out of your fintech. That is entirely achievable for your branch with the right ITM service company.

Manufacturer Trained Technicians are a Must

One thing you should look for when researching ITM supply and service companies is a note about them having manufacturer trained technicians. There is no substitute for knowledgeable, expertly trained, technicians. They are a crucial part of any fintech service. Just any old technology technician is not good enough. These workers must be educated by the ITM manufacturer in order to be effective at their jobs. We believe you’ll find there is no one better to fix an NCR ITM than a technician that was trained by NCR. There isn’t a better resource for information on the maintenance and service of any piece of fintech than the company who made the product. This is why manufacturer trained technicians are a must when researching ITM service companies.

ITM Service Should Always Include a Maintenance Contract

Even with a warehouse full of parts and the best trained technicians in the world, the goal for any ITM service company should be to avoid the need for repair. Remote monitoring and maintenance are the number one way to do that. The ITM service company we mentioned previously also has such a great monitoring and maintenance program that most issues in your machines are fixed before you even knew there was a problem. Remote access allows the service company to apply patches for bugs, establish PCI compliance, install upgrades to security details, and overall ensures your fintech is always running its best. Afterall, fintech and all banking equipment is only as good as the service provided to it. With remote monitoring and maintenance, you can avoid most on-site repairs saving you time and money.

  Love business? Into finance? Learn more about ITM service here!

Air Conditioner Repair in Toms River Terms and Definitions

Air conditioner repair uses many terms and acronyms that are a complete mystery to most people. This can make it stressful when you need to call for repair. Many homeowners feel that not knowing anything about their HVAC system makes them an easy target for shady businesses who will take advantage of them due to a lack of knowledge. Just like taking your car to the mechanic, calling for HVAC repair puts you in a position of having to trust what the technician is telling you. Unless you have any knowledge at all about what they are talking about, you have to trust what they say. If you want to feel more comfortable the next time you have to call for air conditioner repair in Toms River? Read on!

Top Five Air Conditioner Repair Terms

If we wanted to cover all the terms you should know about when it comes to a/c repair, this article would take you hours to read. Instead, we’re going to try to cover some broad, general terms to help you feel more comfortable discussing your unit with your technician. Understanding more about the system and how it works is a big benefit for any homeowner.

• Air Handler – The indoor unit of a central air conditioner system. This includes a fan which is what moves the cooled air throughout the ductwork. If a technician asks if you have heard any odd sounds coming from your air handler, you’ll now be able to answer with confidence.

• Condenser – This is the outdoor portion of an a/c system. It is a large unit covered in a louvered cage with a large fan on top. Its purpose is to release heat outdoors so the indoor air stays cool. If there is any damage to this unit, your entire air conditioning system will be affected.

• Coils – There are two important coils in an a/c system. The evaporator coil is found indoors and is what absorbs heat to cool your air. The outdoor coil, or condenser coil, turns the refrigerant from a vapor back to a liquid to finish the cooling cycle.

• Refrigerant – A liquid that easily absorbs heat due to its low boiling point. Without refrigerant, an air conditioning system cannot work. Therefore, a leak or impairment in the refrigerant line will severely impact the efficacy of your HVAC.

• Compressor – Another crucial piece in the cooling process. A compressor increases the pressure in the system circulating the refrigerant through the coils.

Some Other Important Terms Related to Air Conditioner Repair in Toms River

The terms we just discussed are more broad terms in relation to air conditioner repair in Toms River. Within those items are many, many more pieces. Each of these pieces holds the potential to break and be the reason you have to call for repair.

You may hear your HVAC technician refer to zones in your home. They are referring to separate sections of your system that are controlled independently of one another. If your technician for air conditioner repair in Toms River inspects your system and determines you need a new system, you might hear them discuss looking at SEER ratings when shopping for a new machine. This rating is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and determines how energy efficient an air conditioner is. Of course, you can’t discuss HVAC repair without talking about the air filter. If you didn’t know your system had an air filter, that very well may be the reason you need to call for repair. Impeding the air flow within an HVAC system is one of the worst things you can do. Regular maintenance of the air filter is rule number one.

How to Know When to Call?

Even now that you know a few definitions, it doesn’t mean you can diagnose a problem. One of the biggest red flags that you should be calling for service is anything out of the ordinary happening during a cooling cycle. Any odd noises, strange smells, or weird cycle times is cause for concern. Noises that you’ve never heard before is a sign that a part within the system may be broken or impaired. Longer than normal cycling times means your system is not functioning efficiently. This is often a sign that something is wrong. Still not sure if your a/c needs some service? Read this article about air conditioner repair in Toms River and find out!

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Common Misconceptions about Air Conditioner Repair in Toms River

Even with a stronger understanding of basic terms, many homeowners still hold onto misconceptions about air conditioner repair in Toms River. These misunderstandings can lead to costly decisions or unnecessary stress.

One of the most common myths is that if cold air is coming out of the vents, the system must be working properly. In reality, an air conditioner can produce cool air while still operating inefficiently, which can result in higher utility bills.

Another frequent misconception is that air conditioners only need attention when something breaks. Much like a car, these systems require ongoing care. Routine inspections and cleanings help prevent problems before they begin. Ignoring maintenance often leads to larger issues that could have been avoided with a simple tune up. Some residents also believe that turning their thermostat way down will cool the home faster. This is not the case. An air conditioner works at a steady pace regardless of the temperature setting, so lowering it too much only makes the unit run longer and use more energy.

Many people are also surprised to learn how much an air filter impacts system performance. A clogged filter restricts airflow, puts strain on the air handler, and forces the system to work harder. This not only shortens the life of the equipment but can also increase the likelihood of repair calls.

Finally, some assume that all refrigerants are the same, but different systems require specific types. Using the wrong one or having an improper amount can cause major damage.

By understanding and correcting these misconceptions, homeowners in Toms River can make smarter decisions about their cooling systems, save money on energy and repairs, and keep their homes comfortable during the hottest days of summer.

MosquitoCure is Just Part of the Solution

It is hard not to want to be outside in the summer. Imagine, you’ve had a long day, but it’s cool outside. You decide to enjoy some fresh air and warm breezes. You’re just starting to relax and unwind. Then you hear it. Buzz. Buzz buzz. It’s mosquitoes. Instantly, you’re annoyed and getting bit non-stop. You can say goodbye to your relaxing evening outdoors. For even the most fervent lovers of summer, insects can ruin everything. Not only are they annoying, but mosquitoes in particular can spread diseases to you and your pets. Thankfully, there are some helpful tips to reduce or eliminate mosquitoes from your yard. Even for organic gardeners and landscapers, there are plenty of great options that help eradicate pests. Making your yard non-hospitable to mosquitoes is important, but so is using a product like MosquitoCure.

Prevention Works Best

One of the best defenses against mosquitoes is removing breeding grounds and preferred habitats. The one thing that fits both these categories is standing water. No matter the size or the source, still water is a beloved mosquito hangout because this is where they reproduce. Just a few inches that is around for a few days will attract these pests. You may think your yard is free of standing water, but we’re willing to bet if you take a closer look, you’ll find some somewhere. Even things like bird baths, ant moats for hummingbird feeders, and wheelbarrows are home to hundreds of mosquitoes and their larvae. It is easy to store your wheelbarrow in a shed or upside down and to remove lawn ornaments that hold water, but sometimes it is impossible to remove it all. That’s why a multi-pronged approach is best. Landscape care and MosquitoCure boost your defenses.

Keep Lawn Well Maintained

Another place that mosquitoes like to congregate is in tall grasses and shrubbery. Where removing standing water reduces the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, keeping grass to five inches or below decreases the hang out areas. You probably notice that you get swarmed by mosquitoes as you walk through your yard in the areas of longer grass. This is because they like to rest in taller landscaping and as you step through the area you are rousing them. Additionally, getting rid of piles of dead leaves and decomposing landscape material helps to knock out the habitat for other pests like fleas and ticks.  Eliminating still water and keeping your lawn mowed and manicured will help immensely in controlling mosquito populations. But, in most circumstances, additional steps need to be taken. Using a product like ICT Organics MosqutioCure sold by Tech Terra Environmental reduces mosquitoes and other pests.

MosquitoCure

Step one, remove breeding grounds. Step two, eliminate habitat. The last step is to attack the pests themselves. Keeping safety in mind, MosquitoCure uses plant-based extracts. The essential oils used are Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Citronella, Rosemary, Garlic, and Red Thyme. These ingredients attach the nervous system of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes without the addition of any chemicals. Most pesticides are made of toxic substances and are required to be registered with the EPA because of the potential of harm. The EPA does not require registration for MosquitoCure because it poses such little threat to humans. Products like this are called biopesticides. This product is so safe that there are no reentry requirements and it can be used around people, pets, fish, and water. With all these positive characteristics, when you add in that it is effective for around four weeks, it’s hard to understand why anyone wouldn’t use it.

Use MosquitoCure as Part of Your Defense

Insects are termed pests for a reason. Not only are they annoying, many of them can transmit deadly and harmful diseases. They are popular for ruining many a party. In order to control them in the best way, you need to perform multiple steps. It is crucial to reduce or remove their preferred breeding and nesting habitats. These are pools of standing water low in oxygen and long, unkempt grass and landscaping. However, in order to fully eradicate these nuisances, you need to go on the attack. Using a biopesticide like MosquitoCure gives you peace of mind that your family and pets are safe and that you’ve removed the threat of mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks for four weeks.