Author: nshec

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

Feb 09, 2023

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

  • Indoor Air Quality
improve indoor air quality north shore home energy

Indoor air quality is a critical aspect of health and comfort for building occupants. Poor indoor air quality can cause a range of health problems. They include headaches, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. If severe enough, poor air quality can lead to more serious health problems like heart disease and cancer. Therefore, it is important to take steps to improve indoor air quality in homes, offices, and other indoor spaces. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective DIY solutions and professional solutions to improve indoor air quality.

DIY Solutions to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Indoor to Outdoor Ventilation

One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to increase the amount of fresh air coming into the building. Improve indoor air quality yourself by:

  • Opening windows regularly to let in the fresh air.
  • Using fans to circulate air in the room.
  • Installing screen doors to keep insects out while still allowing fresh air to circulate.
  • Venting or using a fan when cooking to remove indoor air pollutants generated from cooking.

Change Furnace & AC Filter

Furnace and air conditioning filters trap dirt, dust, and other particles in the air. Over time, these filters become clogged, reducing the effectiveness of the heating or cooling system and recirculating pollutants back into the air. Regularly changing or cleaning the filters can help improve indoor air quality.

We recommend changing the filters every three months, or more often if you have pets or if someone in the household has allergies. 

Vacuum & Clean Up After Pets

Pets can contribute significantly to indoor air pollution through their dander, hair, and droppings. Vacuuming regularly and cleaning up after pets can help reduce pollutants in the air, improving indoor air quality.

In addition to regular vacuuming, consider using an air purifier that is designed to remove pet dander from the air.

Professional Indoor Air Quality Solutions: REME Halo Air Purifier System

The REME Halo is an advanced air purification system that uses ionization and photocatalytic oxidation to remove indoor air pollutants. The system lives in the ductwork of the HVAC system and purifies the air as it circulates through the building. The REME Halo is effective in removing a wide range of pollutants, including viruses, bacteria, mold, and odors.

Benefits of the REME Halo system 

Improved indoor air quality: The REME Halo system effectively removes pollutants from the air, making it a great solution for those with allergies, respiratory issues, or who simply want to breathe cleaner air.

Energy efficiency: The system helps to maintain the efficiency of the heating and cooling system, which can reduce energy costs and extend the life of the HVAC system.

Easy to maintain: The REME Halo system requires minimal maintenance and can be easily installed and maintained by a professional HVAC technician.

So, whether you choose DIY solutions like regular ventilation and cleaning, or professional solutions like the REME Halo air purification system, the right solutions will allow you to breathe easier and live in a healthier indoor environment. Call North Shore Home Energy if you’re interested in installing an air purification system in your home! Don’t forget to check out our Google reviews!

By nshec

Dangers of Electric Space Heaters

Jan 27, 2023

Dangers of Electric Space Heaters

  • Heating
dangerous electric space heater in use

Electric space heaters can be a convenient way to heat a small area, but they also come with a number of dangers if not used properly. In this blog post, we’ll go over the appropriate uses of space heaters, the dangerous uses of space heaters, and how energy-efficient space heaters are compared to furnaces. We’ll conclude by discussing why space heaters should be avoided in the long term.

Appropriate Uses of Space Heaters

When used correctly, electric space heaters can be a great way to quickly heat a small area, such as a bedroom or home office. They’re also useful for providing extra warmth in a drafty room, or as a backup heat source in case of a power outage. However, it’s important to only use space heaters in well-ventilated areas and to never leave them unattended.

Dangers of Electric Space Heaters

Unfortunately, many people use space heaters in ways that can be dangerous. For example, some people place space heaters too close to flammable materials, such as curtains or furniture. Others use space heaters in damp areas, such as bathrooms, which can lead to electrocution. Additionally, many people leave space heaters on for too long, which can lead to fires.

Energy Efficiency Compared to Furnaces

When compared to furnaces, electric space heaters are not as energy efficient. Furnaces heat the entire house, while space heaters only heat the area they’re placed in. Additionally, space heaters often use more energy than they need to, as they’re often left on for longer periods of time than necessary.

The Dangers of Electric Space Heaters Aren’t Worth It

While electric space heaters can be a convenient way to heat a small area, they come with a number of dangers if not used properly. Additionally, they are not as energy efficient as furnaces. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid using space heaters in the long term and instead invest in a more efficient heating system for your home.

If you have considered using a space heater to heat your home, think again. If your heating system needs maintenance, repair, or replacing, we would be happy to help. Call North Shore Home Energy for all your heating system needs, and don’t forget to check out our Google reviews!

By nshec

Furnace Replacement Process: Everything You Need To Know

Jan 16, 2023

Furnace Replacement Process: Everything You Need To Know

  • Heating
HVAC technician replacing a furnace

If you’re in the market for a new furnace, you need to know what to expect during the furnace replacement process. From selecting the right size and type of furnace to having it installed, each step of the process is important.

Here are a few tips on what to expect when replacing your furnace.

Do You Need a Replacement Furnace?

Before jumping into the furnace replacement process, you should be sure that you actually need one. An HVAC technician on North Shore Home Energy’s team can help diagnose any problems with your current system and repair them if necessary. If the issue is severe enough, however, a replacement may be the best option for maintaining comfort in your home. Sometimes, even if the issue is repairable, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit, but it’s important to look at your options before making the final decision.

Choosing the Right Type and Size Furnace

Once you’ve decided that replacing the furnace is the way to go, there are a few things you need to get in order. The first step in the furnace replacement process is selecting one that fits your home’s needs. Not every furnace will work for every home, so you need to be confident in the one you pick!

To do this, you’ll need to consider several factors, such as:

  • Size of your home
  • Energy efficiency
  • Fuel type
  • Features
  • Price

 A professional HVAC technician can help you determine which type and size of furnace will best suit your needs. This step is extremely important and shouldn’t be rushed.

The Furnace Replacement Process

Once you’ve chosen a new furnace, it’s time for installation. The technician will go through the following steps:

  1. Disconnecting any gas lines or other connections from your old furnace, 
  2. Remove it from the space where it’s located. 
  3. Install your new furnace
  4. Make any necessary connections or adjustments before testing it out to ensure that it works properly. 

Steps to Furnace Maintenance

Once your new furnace is installed, it’s important that you keep up with regular maintenance in order to ensure its longevity and performance over time. 

This includes things such as: 

  1. Changing air filters regularly (at least once every three months), 
  2. Scheduling annual tune-ups with an HVAC technician
  3. Monitoring energy bills for any sudden spikes or drops in usage which could indicate an issue with the system itself. 

Address any issues with a technician as soon as possible in order to prevent any further damage or costly repairs. 

The Bottom Line

The furnace replacement process can seem intimidating, but if you take the time to research properly and hire an experienced HVAC technician like North Shore Home Energy for installation, it doesn’t have to be! Knowing what to expect before beginning the process will help make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible when replacing your old furnace with a new one. With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way toward finding the perfect furnace replacement for your home! Call North Shore Home Energy for all your furnace-related needs, and don’t forget to check out our reviews!

By nshec

Carbon Monoxide: Why You Should Have Your Furnace Inspected

Dec 13, 2022

Carbon Monoxide: Why You Should Have Your Furnace Inspected

  • Heating
carbon-monoxide-detector-smoke-detector-furnace-maintenance

While furnaces can be a convenient and efficient way to heat your home, they can also be hazardous if not properly maintained or used. One of the main hazards associated with furnaces is the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, or oil are burned. If a furnace is not properly vented or maintained, carbon monoxide can build up in your home and cause serious health problems – even death. The risk of CO poisoning is the number one reason why you should have your furnace regularly inspected and maintained by North Shore Home Energy.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to detect because the symptoms are often similar to other common illnesses, such as the flu. Some common symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. More serious symptoms may include shortness of breath, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. If you think you or members of your household may have been exposed to CO, it is important to get fresh air and seek medical attention immediately.

DIY Furnace Maintenance Tips

While it is important to have your furnace regularly inspected and maintained by qualified technicians here at North Shore Home Energy, there are some things you can do to inspect your furnace yourself. Here are a few steps you can take to inspect your furnace:

  • Check for any visible signs of damage, such as rust, cracks, or holes in the furnace or its venting system.
  • Ensure the furnace and its venting system are properly installed and securely attached to the building structure.
  • Check the furnace’s flame sensor, which is a small metal rod that helps control the flame. If the sensor is dirty or damaged, it may cause the furnace to shut off or not operate properly.
  • Additionally, you should install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to alert you to its presence.

It is important to note that inspecting your furnace yourself can be dangerous if you are not familiar with the components and operation of the furnace. If you are unsure about how to safely inspect your furnace to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it is best to contact North Shore Home Energy to do it for you. Be sure to check out our reviews!

By nshec

Why A Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Makes Sense For Your Home

Nov 21, 2022

Why A Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Makes Sense For Your Home

  • Heating
ductless mini split heat pump installed above doorway

If you have an older home, it may not have the ducts necessary for central heating. This can be a problem if you consider updating your heating to a more modern furnace and duct system. However, you don’t need to worry about ducts with a ductless mini-split heat pump. Here’s why a ductless mini-split heat pump makes sense for your home.

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Benefits

No ducts required

As mentioned before, the lack of central ductwork is no problem for a ductless mini-split heat pump. This means they are great options for older homes with non-ducted heat systems such as radiators, wood stoves, and others.

The fact that they are ductless also means they are great for adding heat to rooms where ductwork isn’t possible. This may be a small room, or for additions where it doesn’t make sense to try and extend the ductwork, such as a garage.

Flexibility

One of the luxuries of ductless mini-split heat pumps is that you can have up to four zones per outdoor unit. Typically, an indoor unit can be as far away as 50 feet from the outdoor unit. Indoor zones are also independently controlled. This means you can be more intentional about the temperature in individual rooms, saving you money.

These systems can also be tied into a room’s design much easier than other add-on systems. Because of their size, they are able to be installed on walls or even hidden within the wall or ceiling in some applications. This means you don’t have to worry about it disrupting your room’s design. 

Ease of installation

Conduit with the electrical framework, necessary tubing, and condensate drain connects the outdoor and indoor units. This conduit usually only needs a three-inch hole to pass by so installing one of these systems into your home is much less invasive than central ductwork.

Energy savings

The lack of ductwork works to your benefit again. Without it, you save the 30% energy loss you otherwise would with central ductwork. Along with Mass Save rebate incentives of up to $10,000, it just makes sense to replace your heating system with a ductless mini-split heat pump.

If you’re interested in one of these systems, please call North Shore Home Energy today, and be sure to check out our awesome reviews!

By nshec

7 Affordable Ways To Stay Warm In Your Bedroom This Winter

Nov 07, 2022

7 Affordable Ways To Stay Warm In Your Bedroom This Winter

  • Uncategorized
7 affordable ways to stay warm in your bedroom this winter

With the chill of winter descending upon us, now is the time of year when many of us like to curl up under a blanket and warm up. We tend to rely heavily on our HVAC systems and furnaces in order to remain cozy during the cold season. However, with the increased use of these heating systems come higher bills come to the end of the month. Fear not! Here are somw cheaper alternatives to give your furnace and heating system a vacation. With any luck, these affordable ways to stay warm in your bedroom this winter can yield practical results for your home.

Use Warmer Bedding

Instead of turning your thermostat up during the winter, try using warmer bed sheets. Remove sateen sheets and substitute a down-filled comforter. In addition, you can employ the use of an electric blanket. If you decide to use the electric blanket, make sure that it is on top of the other blankets when in use. Electric blankets can be serious fire hazards if improperly handled. As a surrogate, consider using an electric mattress pad, which warms the bed from underneath the sheets. It is a safer alternative to the electric blanket.

Buy a Space Heater

On those cold nights, instead of turning up the central heating system, why not use a space heater. When choosing one, make sure that the heater is suitable for the size of the room. The typical capacities of these units tend to range between 10,000 and 40,000 Btu’s. These units tend to be powered by electricity as well as gas, propane and even kerosene.

Make sure the heater is not in contact with any bed sheets or anything flammable. Check out the following link for 9 reasons to invest in a space heater.

Relocate Your Bed

If your bed is located close to a window, it is beneficial that you move it to another location away from the window in your bedroom. Glass, even if it is multi-paned, it is still prone to cooling down thus making your room colder as well.

Cover the Windows

Outside temperatures often are transferred between glasses; heavier window shades during the winter would be ideal to maintain any sort of heat within the home and to keep the cold at bay.

Lay Down a Thick Rug

If you have hardwood flooring in your room at home, chances are that the temperature will affect it. Consider placing a thick throw rug or even a sheepskin to keep your feet warm when waking in the morning.

Wear Socks and a Knit Hat

If your significant other likes it on the cool side, but you’re shivering at night, warm yourself up by slipping on thick socks before climbing between the sheets (as a bonus, you’ll sleep better when your feet are warm) and add a knit cap to keep your head cozy. After all, there’s a reason those old-time illustrations show people sleeping in long, pointed caps.

Use a Heated Water Bottle

Instead of utilizing an electric blanket or using heavier comforters, why not use a heated water bottle? If placed under your sheets on a cold night, it can provide a very affordable way to stay warm in your bedroom this winter.

If you find your house too cold though, you may need a furnace inspection, repair, or even a replacement. Be sure to contact North Shore Home Energy today, and check out our awesome reviews!

By nshec

How Often Should I Get My Furnace Serviced?

Oct 19, 2022

How Often Should I Get My Furnace Serviced?

  • Uncategorized

The summer’s behind us and the cold of the winter months is approaching, which means most homeowners find themselves asking this question eventually: How often SHOULD I get My furnace serviced? Common sense dictates you should have an HVAC professional come in regularly to assess your system, but how regularly? Yearly? Biannually? Once every few years? If you want to properly understand how often your furnace needs service, it’s important to know the reasons why it needs service to begin with.

Type of Furnaces

There are four main types of furnaces you can find in the average American home: gas, oil, electric, and propane. Each of these furnaces offer different pros and cons, but the vast majority of them only require annual servicing. Propane furnaces, on the other hand, require some TLC twice a year; every six months ideally. Most HVAC professionals will tell you to get the service in the shoulder seasons during the fall and the spring; before and after it gets the most use.

Detect Potential Problems

The biggest reason you want to get service is to get professional eyes on the furnace; eyes that will be able to see red flags that the average homeowner can easily miss. Cracks in the heat exchanger, worn out parts, internal rust and decay, and other signs of imminent system breakdown. It’s a lot like going to the doctor: the more often you go, the easier it is to catch warning signs of a larger problem down the road. And, like health problems, catching them early makes fixing them a lot easier and a lot cheaper.

Keep A Valid Warranty

Most manufacturers require homeowners to keep up with regular maintenance to maintain a valid warranty. If your furnace breaks and the problem falls under the warranty, the manufacturer will likely ask you for the maintenance records. Without them, they can claim negligence on your part and void the warranty, making you pay for the repair within the warranty period. In the event of a major emergency, you want the peace of mind knowing that your warranty will cover any massive unexpected breakdown of your system.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

One of the worst case scenarios for your furnace is to start leaking dangerous carbon monoxide gas. While it may sound similar to the harmless carbon dioxide we breathe out, don’t be fooled. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an insidiously harmful as without any sort of odor. Prolonged exposure to the gas can cause fainting and even death. Specialized detectors can find it in your home, but the obvious preference is for it to stay out of your home entirely. Furnace leaks are one of the most common sources of CO in homes. Cracks in heat exchangers are the main culprit. Regular maintenance can identify the early warning signs of CO leaks in your furnace and help you act before it’s too late.

The Takeaway

“How Often Should I Get My Furnace Serviced?” Probably once a year, if not twice. Spring and fall are the two best possible times for this to happen; right before the opening of heating season and right after it’s over. Being September in New England, we know how quickly the weather can get cold. We got snow last year for Halloween. Make sure your furnace is ready for what’s to come and schedule some furnace service from Dempsey Energy today.

If you have questions about energy efficient plumbing, contact us online or call our office at (617) 668-1086. We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact Dempsey Energy For Expert Heating Maintenance, Repair, and Installation

Read reviews from our many happy customers.

By nshec

5 Tips to Minimize Strain on you HVAC System

Aug 30, 2022

5 Tips to Minimize Strain on you HVAC System

  • Cooling
air conditioner repair newburyport

It’s been one hot summer this year. Temperatures have been hitting record highs almost every day. Our neighbors to the south in Boston saw their hottest day in recorded history just the other week. It’s safe to say that your AC is probably getting a workout this summer. That said, it’s important to remember to take it easy on your HVAC system. Overworked and overused ACs can break down and even in some rare instances cause electrical fires. Thankfully, there are some easy and convenient ways to take the strain off your AC system during this unprecedented heat wave.

Run Your Fan 24/7

This is a no-brainer. Short of an HVAC system, a good fan is one of the best ways to keep cool during a heat spell. By turning off the AC for a few hours here and there and supplementing the your cooling efforts with even a simple, cheap box fan from Walmart can keep you cool for a short period of time. While the temperature obviously won’t match the efficacy of the HVAC system, it’ll get the job done while you give AC unit a break for a little bit.

Don’t Turn off The AC When You Go To Work

This may sound counter productive, but hear us out. When you turn off your AC when you go to work, your house warms up dramatically during the day. That means that when you come home, your system has to work that much harder to get it back to a comfortable level. Think of it as a runner falling behind in a footrace: he has to run twice as hard to catch back up. By leaving your system running for eight hours while you’re out, there’s less catch up to do while you’re home. You can compensate this extra use of the AC by keeping it at a lower power or at a higher temperature. Keeping your blinds, curtains and windows closed during the day will help prevent the heat from entering your home and keep it comfortably cool.

Change Your Filters Regularly

Your air conditioner’s filters take harmful particles and bacteria out of the air you breathe. Over time, these filters get dirty and need to be replaced on a regular basis. Without regular changing, the filters decrease the AC’s efficiency and makes it work harder. This leads to more strain and more breakdowns, which is the last thing you need to deal with when the weather is 100+ degrees out there.

Wash the Outdoor Unit

If you have an outdoor unit, it’s going to get dirty. It’s just the nature of it being outside. Dirt, insects, leaves, water, and other forms of debris are all liable to accumulate on the unit over time and it doesn’t take a seasoned HVAC tech to be able to guess that stuff like that has an overall negative impact on your system. Giving it a good wash down every once in a while helps it work at 100%.

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today for the Best in HVAC Work!

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By nshec

Things to Expect When You Get an AC Replacement

Aug 27, 2022

Things to Expect When You Get an AC Replacement

  • Cooling
ac replacement

So you’ve decided on an AC replacement. That’s great! A new AC system is a great investment in your family’s comfort and your home’s overall value over time. As with any home improvement project, however, there are a few things you should be expecting as you go through the AC replacement process. In the interest of keeping yourself as informed as possible regarding the status of your system, we’re here to walk you through some things you should be expecting in the coming days.

Area Preparation

Once the technician gives you their initial estimates, the best thing you can do to help the process along is to clear the area where the system will be installed. Clear it of any and all debris or trash. It it’s an outdoor unit make sure the grass around it is properly cut, and if you’re installing an indoor unit like a mini split, make sure the installation area is clear of household furniture or clutter. If there are inordinately heavy objects in the way life sofas, refrigerators, or the like, consider covering them in such a way to protect them from any dust that may result from the installation process.

Know the AC Replacement Lingo

When you’re going through the process of getting a new system, you’ll need to know two terms in particular:

  • Heating Season Performance Factor or HSPF refers to how effective a heat pump is during the heating season. A critical rating to keep in mind if you’re getting a heat pump installed, the industry standard for new products is a minimum rating of 7.7.
  • Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER notes the efficacy of the cooling system. the bare minimum for all new systems is 13.

It’s worthwhile to note that the higher a system is rated for HSPF and SEER, the pricier it will be. However, you do get what you pay for, as these units typically have a much better performance and are longer lived than their cheaper counterparts.

Testing Your New Unit

Once the installation technician has come to your home and completed the installation process, they’ll have to test the new system to make sure it’s up to the task of cooling your home. Numerous tests are conducted to ensure that the pressure and vacuum systems are working before loading the unit with the refrigerant that makes it run. After it’s been filled, another test is carried out to ensure everything is still in working order.

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today for the Best air conditioner replacement in Newburyport and the surrounding area!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC.

ac failure

By nshec

Air Conditioner Repair in Newburyport

Jul 22, 2022

Air Conditioner Repair in Newburyport

  • Cooling
air conditioner repair newburyport

Do you need air conditioner repair in your Newburyport home or business? You’ve come to the right place. North Shore home energy is equipped to handle any ac repair project you have for us. Take one of our most recent customers in Newburyport. This digital marketing company had recently suffered a system failure and had gone several days without any air conditioning whatsoever. With the recent humidity in the area, this was something of a major issue, so we dispatched Donny, one of our expert-level technicians out to resolve their issue quickly.

The Issue

Once we were on the scene, it was a pretty quick, diagnosis: the unit’s compressor had died. These components typically buckle under years of wear and tear, but this one appeared to have some sort of defect from the factory that negatively impacted its performance. After the initial assessment, we came back the following day with a brand new compressor for the outdoor unit, which was itself a little larger than an average unit, due to the fact it was cooling a much larger, commercial office space.

The Job

Once we got back to the site with the appropriate replacement hardware, we got to work replacing the faulty compressor. Donny started by unscrewing the unit, loosening it so that he could easily take off the top and get inside. But before anything else happened, we needed to drain the entire system of all it’s refrigerant as a safety precaution. When it had all been extracted, there was about 33 pounds of refrigerant; for perspective, your home probably only has between five and ten pounds, just to further display the differences between commercial and residential HVAC projects. Once the drain was complete, Donny was able to get into the the unit itself and install the new compressor  hardware. Quarters were tight between the various other units and the surrounding walls, but getting in and around the unit was no problem whatsoever.

Before we could resupply the system with fresh refrigerant, a cleanse was in order. The outdoor unit was a considerable distance away from the office itself; about 100 feet of tubing and pipes connect them. Even after the refrigerant drain, there was still a significant buildup of moisture in those pipes. Mostly consisting of water, oil, and leftover droplets on refrigerant. Using a vacuum-style device hooked up to the lines, we began the process of removing these elements from the system, leaving it bone dry and free of any debris. Afterward, all that was left was to resupply the system with new refrigerant. Once the refrigerant was replaced, all that was left was to put the unit back together again and seal it up.  When it was all said and done, the job took about two hours and most of that time was spent emptying and refilling a large amount of refrigerant.

When you need air conditioner repair in Newburyport, North Shore is the only company to call. We get it done fast and we get it done right. Whether it’s commercial or residential, whether it’s a blown compressor or a bent fan, we can handle air conditioning repairs of all shapes and sizes.

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today for the Best in HVAC Work!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC. air conditioner repair newburyport air condtioner repair newburyport air conditioner repairtioner repair

By nshec