Question 1

What does a heating contractor do?

Accepted Answer

A heating contractor installs, repairs, and maintains heating systems including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and radiant systems. H. Hofmeister & Co. is a licensed NJ HVAC contractor (License #19HC002574) that has been servicing Bergen County homes since 1966. We handle everything from emergency repairs to full system replacements, including permits and inspections.

Question 2

Should I repair or replace my heating system?

Accepted Answer

If your heating system is under 12 years old and the repair cost is reasonable relative to the age and condition of the unit, repair usually makes sense. If the system is over 15 to 20 years old, needs frequent repairs, has rising energy costs, or cannot keep your home warm, replacement is typically the better investment. We assess your system and give you an honest recommendation.

Question 3

What is the difference between a furnace and a boiler?

Accepted Answer

A furnace heats air and distributes it through ductwork and vents. A boiler heats water and distributes it through radiators, baseboard units, or radiant floor systems. Many older Bergen County homes have boilers with steam or hot water radiators, while newer construction often uses forced-air furnaces. We repair and install both.

Question 4

How often should I have my heating system serviced?

Accepted Answer

We recommend annual maintenance before the heating season, ideally in early fall. A seasonal tune-up includes cleaning burners and heat exchangers, checking gas pressure, inspecting electrical connections, testing safety controls, and verifying system performance. Annual maintenance catches problems before they leave you without heat in January.

Question 5

Do you offer emergency heating repair?

Accepted Answer

Yes. H. Hofmeister responds to heating emergencies including no-heat situations, gas leaks, boiler pressure problems, and furnace failures. We are available nights, weekends, and holidays. When your heat goes out in a Bergen County winter, call (201) 666-1118.

Question 6

Do you handle permits for heating system installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Heating system installations in Bergen County require permits and inspections. We handle the complete process -- pulling the permit, performing the installation to code, scheduling the inspection, and ensuring everything passes.

Question 7

What heating systems do you service?

Accepted Answer

We service gas furnaces, oil furnaces, steam boilers, hot water boilers, heat pumps, ductless mini-split heating, radiant floor heating, and baseboard heating systems. All brands, all manufacturers. If it heats your home, we can repair and maintain it.

Question 8

What areas do you serve for heating service?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Bergen County from our shop at 115 Bergenline Ave in Westwood, NJ. This includes Westwood, Emerson, Closter, Hillsdale, River Vale, Township of Washington, Paramus, Ridgewood, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Montvale, and all surrounding towns.