Boston Plumbing and Heating Blog

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.

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

Homeowners who are looking to spend less on energy bills this summer will find a solution by ensuring the proper installation and service of their home air conditioning.

It is estimated that nearly half of all heating and cooling equipment in U.S. homes never performs to its advertised capacity and efficiency due to incorrect installation, which means homeowners pay higher operating costs over the life of the equipment. Older heating and cooling systems waste energy, create a bigger carbon footprint, and ultimately cost you more money.
 
Fortunately, North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation's largest industry-endorsed, certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning technicians, recommends some steps you can take to maximize your home's efficiency while also being environmentally friendly.

• Look at your current energy bills to identify inefficiencies. Or call a plumber help you decide if your current system should be replaced.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR air conditioners. High-efficiency systems reduce your impact on the environment and can also save you money. You may also be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit.
• Compare the SEER or AFUE of your cooling or heating system with newer models. If it's below 13, you may want to consider a new, more efficient system. Remember, the higher the rating, the less wasted energy and reduced carbon footprint. Use our energy savings calculator to help determine the efficiency of your current cooling or heating system as compared to a more efficient HVAC system.
• Look into geothermal heating systems. By using the earth's natural heat, these systems are among the most efficient and energy-conserving heating and cooling technologies currently available.
• Change your air filters monthly.
• Ceiling fans can help delay or reduce the need for air conditioning.
• Plant more trees on your property. By doing so, the shade it gives off will make your home feel cooler in the warmer months. In addition to climate control, trees also improve air quality.
• Install a programmable thermostat to keep temperatures regulated all year long.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated--drafty windows and doors waste energy.
• Have your AC system serviced regularly for optimal performance by an HVAC professional.

For AC service or installation in Boston and Worcester, contact Greater Boston Plumbing.

WSJ

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.