Boston Plumbing and Heating Blog

Lots of things get better with age. Central air conditioning and heating is not one of those things. In fact, the federal government recommends that homeowners consider replacing air conditioners that are more than 10 years old. That’s because heating and cooling systems now have significant advancements to save money and energy, and they are more environmentally friendly while improving comfort.

Here are five ways that newer HVAC systems outperform older ones:

Energy efficiency. The purchase of a high efficiency system can help save up to 50% or more on energy bills.

Comfort. Newer systems can better moderate temperature throughout the home. Homes with a multi-stage operation and variable speed blower technology use a “cruise control” type of system that can “accelerate” slightly to avoid temperature swings.  Newer systems also offer the option to “zone” the home, so individual rooms are heated or cooled based on your needs.

Replacement of R-22. R-22 is a refrigerant (also known by the brand name Freon(R)) and has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pumps and AC systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately, R-22 is also harmful to the environment and is therefore being phased out, causing the price to skyrocket. Service and repair of AC systems is becoming very costly for existing units. New systems now include R-410A refrigerant, a much more environmentally friendly alternative.

Less noise, better looks. No one likes the sound of the A/C running. Luckily, systems today are engineered to run almost silently. The design of the systems are also becoming more attractive. Furnaces have become smaller and more attractive.

High Tech. New systems can now be operated via WiFi so the system can be controlled with a smartphone, tablet or computer. They even give you guidance on how much energy you’re using every day.

For more information on replacing your homes central air conditioner, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Daily Markets

Allergy season is here in Boston! If you or anyone in your home is an allergy sufferer, protect your inside air. Did you know that in a typical six-room house, everyday living creates up to 40 pounds of dust every year? Your heating and air conditioning system pulls in a sizeable amount of that dust and contaminants. It even may re-circulate irritants five to seven times a day.

Consider your air conditioning system to be the heart and lungs of your house. It breathes air in and out. The cleaner the lungs, the cleaner the air in your home, and the fewer allergy triggers in the air. This is why quality HVAC service and maintenance should be done on a regular basis.

However, AC service does not just make it easier to breath, it helps you save money too. Dust in your HVAC system can make it work harder, using more energy, which costs you more money and may shorten its life. So the benefits to regular service are twofold. Despite filters, the central air conditioning system in your home gets dirty with normal use. When it is clean it does not work as hard, and you save money…and breathe easier.

For AC system maintenance, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Excerpts - Journal Sentinel

Right now is the right time for preventative maintenance on your central air conditioning system.  Air conditioning condensing units that are on the ground or roof need to be cleaned.

The cost is minimal to have your AC unit inspected annually. The cost of not having it serviced or inspected could be too much. If you wait to have your AC serviced when it’s hot and you need it you may be in for a surprise and for some heat! Once the weather turns hot, too many people need service. If you have an issue with your air conditioning, you could end up spending a few days sweating and waiting for service.
 
To ensure that your AC is running efficiently and effectively, you should replace your air filter monthly as well. A dirty air filter will restrict the airflow, and the performance causing your electric bill to go up and your system to work too hard.  

To keep your home cooler and your energy costs down, you should also close the blinds or curtains to keep out the sun. Believe it or not, this will lower the temperature in your home by a few degrees. Additionally, installing a programmable thermostat, or keeping your thermostat above 78 will also keep your costs down. Every degree lower than 78 degrees adds 5% to your energy costs in summer.  

Long term investments, like replacing an old air conditioning unit, one that is older than 10 or even 20 years will save you money.

For more information on service and maintenance of your home air conditioning in Boston and Worcester, contact Greater Boston Plumbing.

As the summer season approaches, many homeowners in Boston and Worcester are starting to think about their air conditioners.  With warm weather on the way, the AC will soon be used quite a bit. This makes it important to ensure that your central AC is in top working condition. Increasing electricity bills, inconsistent temperatures, loud noises, and leaking are all signs that you need AC maintenance or repairs.

Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating offers full service maintenance and repairs to home air conditioning.  We can handle all of your service, maintenance and upgrade needs on your central air system or mini split unit. With the most qualified professional technicians you will have peace of mind when your AC is serviced by us.

It is always highly recommended that checkups for air conditioning units are scheduled before the summer heat starts. This ensures that your central AC system will be fully operational and that it iwill run efficiently before it is used daily. Proper air conditioning maintenance also helps you savings on electricity bills which can be the largest expense in your home.  

To schedule your AC service appointment or for more information, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

It may be April, and it may be cold, but this is the time in Boston and Worcester to make sure that your air conditioning system is ready for the warmer weather. You know how it works around here, we are cold and then we are hot. You don’t want to find out that your AC doesn’t work when you turn it on to use it for the first time.
 
When the weather gets warm your air conditioning is all of a sudden the most important possession in your home. But, more than 3 million AC systems fail every year. Now is the time to maintain, repair or replace the air conditioning system in your home.

The air conditioning is one of your largest expenses every year in your home. It is important to maintain such an expensive system to ensure that it runs properly and efficiently. Even if your system is running and cooling your home, if it has been serviced, it could be running poorly, in turn costing you more money than it should.
 
Air conditioning is a big investment in your home. Keeping it well maintained and keeping up on repairs keeps you comfortable all summer long. Whether you have a central air system or mini split unit Greater Boston Plumbing & Heating can handle all of your service, maintenance and upgrade needs on your cooling system. Contact us.