Master License
#13385

Dependable, High Quality,
Expert Plumbing & Heating Service

Boston Plumbing and Heating Blog

Reasons to Replace Your Central Air Conditioning – Boston, Worcester

24 Jul 2013

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

Tips on Finding a Plumber - Boston, Worcester

18 Jul 2013

If you are a homeowner or landlord, then there have probably been numerous times that you have needed a plumber. But, finding a reliable plumber in Boston can be challenging. And, when you need a plumber, you need one fast! Here are some tips on how to find a reliable plumber.

Ask Around

By asking your social network, friends, family and associates, you may get some good recommendation. You can also get referrals from real estate agents in the area as well as your local home improvement store. You’re looking for plumbers who know how to keep their existing clients happy.

You may also find plumbers that people did not have good experiences with. Stay clear of those.

Ask for a license

Only hire a qualified plumber who has a license and insurance. After you have found a few reputable plumbers, the first steps in the process is to check to see if the plumber has a license to operate in the state. In states that require a plumbing license, the state will typically finger print the plumber, check his background and test him for general competency in plumbing.

Look for reviews

More and more homeowners are leaving reviews and feedback online of their experiences with contractors and plumbers. It’s a great idea to look for reviews and feedback online for any plumbers you are interested in hiring. Looking for plumber testimonials, reviews, and by looking at sites like Angie’s list and Better Business Bureau (BBB) can also give you good recommendations.

Check for Complaints

When you start to move along in the process, at some point you’ll want to check to see if the plumber you’re considering hiring has had complaints filed against him. A great place to check for complaints is with your state’s licensing board. Your state’s licensing board is one of the first places disgruntled homeowners will go to to file a complaint about a bad experience they had with any licensed contractor.

Ask for and Check References

Before you hire a plumber ask them for references. Any good plumber should have several references. It’s really important that you check and call the references,  these are people vouching for the quality of the plumber’s work, so take the time to see that they are real and legitimate. Checking references is one of the best things you can do to prevent the hiring of a bad plumber.

For information on Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating, contact us.

Excerpts - Quizzle.com

AC System Maintenance and Replacement Keeps Homes Cooler – Boston, Worcester

10 Jul 2013

As the heat and humidity arrive in Worcester and Boston, there are some tips you can use to keep your home cool, conserve energy, and reduce energy bills according to the Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources.

The following tips will keep you cool, save money, and help prevent unnecessary power outages by easing high demand of electric power this summer.

Replace inefficient air conditioning systems with high efficiency, ENERGY STAR models (www.energystar.gov). For central air conditioners, look for a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 14.5 or more.

Maintain HVAC Systems. Heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems need to be inspected annually to ensure they are working efficiently. Change furnace and air conditioning filters regularly, and keep air conditioner coils clean and free of dust and dirt to increase efficiency and lifetime use.

Seal Air Leaks. Over half of our home’s energy is used to heat and cool our homes. Keep the cool air in by reducing air leaks in attics, walls, windows and doors.

Use a Programmable Thermostat. Install and use a programmable thermostat with your central air conditioner and set it to 78 degrees F.

Keep the Cool Air Inside. Keep shades pulled and doors and windows closed during the daytime when temperatures are at the warmest. On cool days and nights—when the outdoor temperature is cooler than indoors—open windows to let cool air in.

Use Fans. Use fans to pull cooler air in through windows at night or to cool your body. Ceiling fans will create a wind-chill effect that can make you feel cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning.

For more information on replacing HVAC and maintaining your air conditioning systems, contact Greater Boston Plumbing.


RECENT POSTS

ARCHIVE

TAGS