Author: nshec

10 Warning Signs That a Furnace Replacement Is Imminent

Nov 16, 2020

10 Warning Signs That a Furnace Replacement Is Imminent

  • Heating
furnace replacement

10 Warning Signs That a Furnace Replacement Is Imminent

The winter is fast approaching and when that happens we know what to expect – shorter days and cooler nights.  If you are a homeowner who lives in a snowy climate, chances are you will be checking your furnace for proper performance.  Now would be a good time to troubleshoot it or you may not have heat during the fall and winter. A furnace that hasn’t been tuned up will run you into high energy costs, not to mention the price you must pay for maintenance or repairs. Getting it done now will give you peace of mind, ensure that you have reliable heat for the winter and save you the risk of replacement later, or having to worry about repair costs.  Here are 10 signs that let you know if your furnace needs troubleshooting.

1. Your Furnace Sounds Like a Monster

No furnace is completely soundless, but if it is making noises like a hungry tiger on the prowl for food -groaning, whining, banging – repair may include replacing a loose belt, priming the ignition, or finding the correct component to replace it with.  Troubleshooting as soon as you hear those noises and you will be on your way to to quickly remedying the situation.

2. Turning Up the Thermostat Doesn’t Do the Job Anymore

Your natural reaction to feeling cold is to turn up your thermostat to a temperature where you feel comfortable again.  Lately, however, this just doesn’t work anymore. Now you won’t have the proper heat during the cold season months.  This suggests that the thermostat may be on the blink, or your ducts might be leaking.  For constant, reliable heat, call in a specialist to see if the problem is your thermostat and he will suggest a replacement.

3. Your Electric Bill Skyrocketed

When you’re paying more than you normally do for electricity it means your furnace isn’t working properly.  Rather than doing guesswork , it is best to call a specialist in so that they can remedy the problem.

4. Yellow Pilot Signal

If you notice that the pilot light on your furnace is glowing yellow you probably think everything is alright. This is just as big a warning as the yellow traffic signs on street corners.  A yellow light indicates that the gas balance of your furnace is not in good condition.  What you want is for the flame to be blue, which means that the gases are perfectly balanced.  Yellow means that carbon monoxide is being emitted, which is dangerous, and lethal to you and your family.

5. You Have Difficulty Starting and Keeping Your Furnace On

This is a sure sign that you need furnace repairs.  Problems can range from improper wiring, a broken fan motor or getting a new pilot light.  Most furnace repair companies will provide easy financing provided you catch the problem before it becomes too severe.

6. Your Family is Experiencing Respiratory Problems

When your furnace needs fixing you may notice that it is linked to frequent problems with breathing such as asthma and chest related illnesses.  A system that doesn’t work properly pours dust, mold and other pathogens in the air which circulate in your home. Diminished air quality is an incentive for getting your furnace fixed as soon as possible.

7. Hot and Cold Spots

If you constantly feel a draft while your furnace is on it means that it is no longer strong enough to heat your entire home.  If you find ice forming on your roof this may indicate that the heat from your house is escaping through the attic rather than keeping place in the living section where it is supposed to be.  Getting your furnace tuned-up will provide greater efficiency by getting rid of those cold and hot spots.

8. Air Condensation

You may not need furnace repairs for condensation, but if it keeps up it could mean you’ll be making constant calls for checkups that could lead to a higher risk of replacement. It is best to only allow two minor furnace issues occur in succession before you call for a maintenance person.  

9. Your Furnace is a Dinosaur

The average furnace last between 10 to 20 years with a good unit lasting into the upper level of that range. If you have had your furnace for over 15 years, now is a good time to begin looking for a new one.  A new furnace gives constant, reliable heat, eliminates repair costs and maintenance visits.

10. Your Furnace Gives Off an Unusual Odor

Your furnace is only supposed to have the scent of fresh gas or oil if you are using it for the first time of the season.  If after several consecutive uses, there is still a strange smell during your generator use, then something isn’t normal. Contact a specialist right away to diagnose the problem.  Strange odors are more serious than you might think.  Not only does it mean your unit is not functioning properly, but it also poses safety hazards to your environment.

 

What makes North Shore Home Energy the best choice for a furnace replacement?

At North Shore Home Energy, the experts in furnace replacement and maintenance, work to make the entire process as seamless as possible for your home. Our professionals are trained, certified and only top-notch equipment and industry leading technology to ensure that our customers are satisfied.  Contact North Shore Home Energy today to learn more about how we can equip your home with a new furnace. North Shore Home Energy LLC is a small local dedicated HVAC & Refrigeration service company in the North Shore providing excellent service to homes, businesses, and restaurants. With over 25 years in the industry, North Shore Home Energy is here to educate our customers on maintenance and strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Our attention to detail, on-demand service, and fair pricing will keep you running smoothly year after year. We are a proud participating contractor with the Mass Save program.

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today!

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

By nshec

8 Signs You Need A Ductless Heating System Repair

Oct 30, 2020

8 Signs You Need A Ductless Heating System Repair

  • Heating
Ductless Heating Repair

8 Signs You Need A Ductless Heating System Repair

The winter season is almost here, which means we’re all thinking about the same thing… our ductless heating systems. Well, maybe you’re thinking about holiday treats, family time, and gift-giving, but don’t forget that this is the best time to prep your heating too. Your heating appliances are used the most during the holidays so it’s crucial to tune up and repair any damages. Ductless heating systems can be a popular choice for homeowners because of their energy efficiency and low maintenance, but they can still be prone to damages. Nothing makes for a miserable winter than a busted heater, which is why it’s crucial to check for potential damages and schedule a ductless heating system repair.

When A Ductless Heating System Repair Is Needed

Just like any major appliance, your ductless heating system is prone to a variety of problems. The average lifespan of a ductless heating system is usually up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Over time, your heater breaks down from use and damages. You may also be dealing with more problems if your ductless heating system is nearing the end of its lifespan. It’s best to catch and repair the problems early, as that ensures your heater will work effectively this winter. To stay warm this winter, here are a few problems to watch out for.

  • Leaking fluids. Your ductless heating should never leak any fluids, but if it is, your heater could be leaking refrigerant. In order to transfer heat throughout your home, your ductless heating system is equipped with refrigerant. Refrigerant is toxic for your health and a heater empty of refrigerant is nothing more than a fan. If your ductless heating system is leaking fluids, it’s time for a repair.
  • Ice buildup. Whether it’s in the middle of the summer or in the dead of winter, your ductless system can experience problems. If something is wrong with the air conditioning portion of your ductless system, it will affect your heating. Ice buildup on a ductless system might seem harmless when you’re using the air conditioning, but it’s usually a sign that there’s something wrong with the evaporator coil. A dirty coil prevents your ductless system from functioning properly.
  • Lack of efficiency. Starting from day one, your ductless heating system’s efficiency gradually starts to decline. If you start to notice that you’re ductless heating system is cycling more often to keep up with your heating demands, it could be time for a repair.
  • Higher utility bills. As your ductless heating system ages, it wears down and loses its efficiency. A ductless heater usually lasts for 20 years with the proper care, but it’s full of components that can break apart from use and needs repair. The older the heater, the longer it runs to keep your house warm which results in higher utility bills.
  • Unusual sounds. If you start hearing loud or unusual sounds coming out of your ductless heating system, it could be time for a repair. Inside are several different moving parts, and if damaged, they’ll make noises. Squealing indicates that there could be a problem with the fan motor belt. A hissing sound could mean a refrigerant leak.
  • A lack of heat. It sounds obvious, but if you don’t feel any heat coming out of your ductless heating system, it’s in need of urgent repair. The problem could be a clogged air filter or an electrical malfunction. If your ductless system isn’t properly conditioning your home, it’s best to call an HVAC technician.
  • Foul smells. If you start to smell something funky coming out of your ductless heating system, the culprit could be somewhere inside the unit. Foul odors could be caused by the evaporator coil clogged with mold or bacteria. The condensate line could also be clogged, and the water in the pan has mildew. Mold is toxic to your health. If the ductless heating system starts to smell, you’ll want to repair it immediately.
  • The outdoor unit doesn’t work. Everything inside your house may be functioning fine, but your ductless heating system has an outdoor unit that can wear down as well. If you notice something is off with your outdoor unit, it’s time to call an HVAC technician.

What makes North Shore Home Energy the best choice for a Ductless Heating System Repair?

At North Shore Home Energy, the experts in split system heating unit installation and maintenance, work to make the entire process as seamless as possible for your home. Our professionals are trained, certified and only top-notch equipment and industry leading technology to ensure that our customers are satisfied.  Contact North Shore Home Energy today to learn more about how we can equip your home with a ductless-split system heating system. North Shore Home Energy LLC is a small local dedicated HVAC & Refrigeration service company in the North Shore providing excellent service to homes, businesses, and restaurants. With over 25 years in the industry, North Shore Home Energy is here to educate our customers on maintenance and strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Our attention to detail, on-demand service, and fair pricing will keep you running smoothly year after year. We are a proud participating contractor with the Mass Save program.

By nshec

5 Reasons to Call For a Furnace Inspection

Oct 15, 2020

5 Reasons to Call For a Furnace Inspection

  • Heating
furnace inspection in Kingston by North Shore Home Energy

With your AC properly shut down, it’s time to consider how you’ll stay warm this winter. You might have a furnace, but there’s a good chance you haven’t been using it and it has built up a bunch of dust. If you worry it might not work its best, you can always call us to perform a furnace inspection. By calling North Shore Home Energy for an inspection, you’ll be sure that your furnace will run through the winter!

Here are five reasons you should call us for a furnace inspection:

 

Extend your furnace’s life

We all know that ignoring the needs of your appliances and systems never leads to any good. Not getting regular maintenance for your furnace will hurt its energy efficiency and overall lifespan. Also, poorly-maintained furnaces are much more prone to breaking down.

 

Cheaper than full repairs

Furnace inspections cost money, but they’re a lot cheaper than repairing a broken furnace. If you call us for an inspection and we find any small problems, we’ll fix it up right then and there. This will protect your furnace from problems that could break your furnace in the future.

 

Ensure your furnace’s health

Sometimes you may not be sure whether your furnace needs to be replaced. When you get your furnace inspected, you’ll get a good idea of whether you need a replacement. If you’ve scheduled your inspection early in the season, you’ll have plenty of time to find a replacement.

 

Avoid dangerous gas leaks

Gas furnaces that aren’t properly cared for can be serious dangers for your family and home. They’re capable of creating carbon monoxide, a gas which is deadly to people and most animals. Also, damaged gas furnaces can leak flammable gasses that can ignite and cause a house fire.

 

Better energy efficiency

Running a furnace can take up a good part of your energy bill – about half of it annually, in most cases. Fortunately, regular inspections can reduce this percentage. Many mechanical problems can hurt your furnace’s efficiency, but they can be fixed or prevented with regular maintenance. Well-tuned furnaces can use about 30% less energy than usual.

 

What makes North Shore Home Energy the best choice for checking on my furnace?

North Shore Home Energy LLC is a small local dedicated HVAC & Refrigeration service company in the North Shore providing excellent service to homes, businesses, and restaurants. With over 25 years in the industry, North Shore Home Energy is here to educate our customers on maintenance and strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Our attention to detail, on-demand service, and fair pricing will keep you running smoothly year after year. We are a proud participating contractor with the Mass Save program. Ask us about rebates up to $3,500 and 0% financing for 7 years. Call North Shore Home Energy today to learn more about keeping your furnace working well!

By nshec

How To Shut Down Your AC This Fall

Sep 30, 2020

How To Shut Down Your AC This Fall

  • Cooling
shut down AC in Kingston by North Shore Home Energy

We’re already into fall! The leaves are changing and soon enough, winter will be on its way. As homeowners prepare their preferred heating sources, they should also be worried about keeping their AC units safe. You won’t be using your AC all winter and you need to shut it down and protect it from bad weather. The last thing you want is to bring out your AC next year and discover it’s broken beyond repair. If you follow our advice, you can keep your AC from being ruined by the winter weather.

Here’s how to properly shut down your AC for the winter:

Finish your last-minute repairs

Before you start shutting down your AC, you should make sure your AC doesn’t need any repairs. Letting an AC problem linger over the winter can only make it worse. If there are any problems, call us to repair it before you shut it down.

Turn off the outside power

Turning off your AC unit’s power requires more than shutting off the indoor unit. Your outdoor condenser also needs to be cut off from the electricity. If the condenser still has power, it can turn on if there’s a warm spell and suck in snow and ice, damaging it. To shut off your condenser, look on the side of your house or under a flip-up lid nearby your condenser. Turn off the switch, and your AC is shut off (don’t forget to turn it back on when you want to use it.) However, there’s still more to do.

Examine and clean your condenser

Since you’re working with the condenser, you should give it some attention. Clean away any debris around or on your condenser with a broom before washing down the outside cabinet with a low-pressure spray from your hose. While it dries off, check the condenser for any damage or broken seals. If you see any problems, let us know the next time we help you out. Also, you should make sure the filter doesn’t need replacing.

Cover up the condenser

The last thing you need to do is cover up your condenser with a waterproof cover. Your local hardware stores likely sell them, but a waterproof tarp will work if it covers the entire condenser. Make sure to use some bungee ropes to secure the cover or tarp down so it doesn’t get blown away.

Why get North Shore Home Energy to keep my AC working its best?

North Shore Home Energy LLC is a small local dedicated HVAC & Refrigeration service company in the North Shore providing excellent service to homes, businesses, and restaurants. With over 25 years in the industry, North Shore Home Energy is here to educate our customers on maintenance and strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Our attention to detail, on-demand service, and fair pricing will keep you running smoothly year after year. We are a proud participating contractor with the Mass Save program. Ask us about rebates up to $3,500 and 0% financing for 7 years. Call us today to learn more about our services!

By nshec

7 Common Causes of Home Heating Loss

Sep 14, 2020

7 Common Causes of Home Heating Loss

  • Heating
home heating service by North Shore Home Energy

With the cooler months quickly arriving, maintaining heat in your home is essential to cut down on costs and energy waste. It’s also vital to avoid becoming a human popsicle.  Feel as though you are turning up the heat too often? There are quite a few common causes of home heating loss that quickly lead to significantly higher bills and energy waste. Even small drafts of cold air from an open window can have a major effect on upcoming bills. It’s also likely to cause long-term poor furnace efficiency, increased chance of illness exposure, and discomfort in cooler weather. 

Open Doors and Windows

Leaving doors and windows open is a quick way to deplete heat from the home, accounting for a surprising 10-11% of all heating loss each year. Be sure you caulk and repair spaces in the home prior to the winter and check for weather-stripping to patch up windows and doors before kicking on the heat. Check door window glass and screens, replacing them if they are not fully intact or secure. Additionally, check for dents or other possible openings of exterior doors in your house.

Electrical Outlets

In some homes, cold air is able to seep through electrical sockets, causing a 2% heating loss. Not all electrical outlets are easy to spot, so be sure to check more than once when entering each room in your house. Ensure you check all outlets in your home for unwanted cool air coming in and install foam gaskets as a solution for those that are causing a draft. 

Basements

Checking your entire basement for potential leaks within vents and fans can save you up to 4% of household heat loss during the wintertime. Because basements are sometimes neglected (and may even going unused for periods of time), it’s highly advisable to conduct a thorough inspection before you begin running your heat. If you are unable to check vents and fans yourself in your basement, professional companies are available to review and repair any leaks prior to winter.

Recessed Lighting

One of the lesser-known causes of heat loss includes recessed lighting, which can take a massive 13% of your total heat. Having recessed lighting installed in your ceiling can be detrimental to budgeting if you have a plan in place, and can be resolved with effective weather stripping to properly prepare. 

Air Conditioners

At times it seems the winter arrives just as summer is ending. Even so, it is important to remove current window air conditioning units swiftly to keep cold air from freely flowing into the home, especially when running your heat. Some homeowners prefer keeping window air conditioning units in place throughout an entire year, which, over time, is likely to cause cool air drafts from surrounding areas of the unit. Properly store your air conditioner away in its original box or in a safe, dry space to keep your windows closed at all times. This will help you to save as much energy as possible while cutting back on overspending on heat.

Ceiling Openings

If you have any ceiling openings, leaks, or cracks in your walls and floors, you run the risk of losing up to a whopping 31% of heat when you are running your heat regularly to keep warm. Sealing leaks and cracks, replacing ceiling tiles, and properly insulating all rooms in your home will cut down on energy waste and heat usage. Checking your roof prior to cooler months is another way to spot any potential openings that you may have been previously unaware of in past years. It is also recommended to check on attic insulation if you have not done so in a few years.

Fireplaces

Although fireplaces can be wonderful to cozy up to on bitter and freezing nights, it’s important to inspect them in order to avoid potentially costly mistakes. If you have a fireplace in the home, be sure to check the unit out itself before running your heat this year. When you have missing or improperly installed fireplace dampers you allow cold air to move up and out of the chimney freely, costing you more in heating bills while not sufficiently heating your home enough, especially on extremely cold nights.

Doing a thorough sweep of your home and checking all potential areas of energy loss is a great way to gain greater peace of mind during cold months. Taking the time to properly prepare your home for the colder months of the year is beneficial not only to help cut back on heating bills but also to better avoid potential illness by allowing more cold air in when unnecessary. By taking care of potential risks of home heating loss in your home this winter, you can relax by saving money on your heating bills, extending the life of your furnace, and enjoying a healthier atmosphere indoors.

By nshec

Signs That Your AC May Be Harming Your Air Quality

Sep 02, 2020

Signs That Your AC May Be Harming Your Air Quality

  • Cooling
air quality service by North Shore Home Energy

Did you know that a cooling system that is damaged, outdated, or running inefficiently can negatively affect your air quality? This can lead to several, potentially harmful situations in your home. Because bad air quality can be so hazardous, it’s important that you know the potential causes and symptoms. Here are some AC problems that may affect air quality and how they can affect you:

AC Problems That May Affect Your Air Quality

  • You have a dirty filter. Your filter is responsible for literally filtering out impurities in your airflow before its delivered and dispersed throughout your home via a central air system. Your air filter should be changed often, every few months is best. This is especially important during periods of extended use, as the summer months. When the filter becomes dirty and clogged with dust, hair, dander, pollen, or any other debris that may make their way in, your air quality can be compromised.
  • Excess water. If your air conditioner is leaking any excess fluid or it has more condensation than usual, it may be harming your indoor air quality. Leftover liquids can leave you with mold or mildew growth. These spores can grow and spread at a rapid rate. If in or around your air system, they can easily be blown into your home.
  • Duct problems. If your duct system is compromised in any way, it’s possible for debris to build up inside. Because your ducts deliver air directly through your vents, whatever may be built up inside will be delivered as well.
  • Loud noises and strange odors. These are signs that your system may be broken or running inefficiently. In an effort to prevent the problem from worsening, you should have a professional fix the problem.
  • Old or inefficient equipment. Any system that is old, outdated, or running inefficiently has the potential to damage the air quality in your home. If your air conditioning system is out of date, you should consider a replacement. Newer technologies are more efficient and will help to keep the air in your home safe and breathable for years to come.

Warning Signs

You may not know immediately that your AC is harming your air quality. If you suspect that your cooling system may be affecting you, it’s important that you call a North Shore Home Energy professional immediately. Here are some signs to watch out for:

  • Increase in respiratory illnesses
  • Worsened asthma symptoms
  • Increase in allergy symptoms
  • Reduced lung function
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches

Importance of Routine Maintenance

In order to keep your HVAC systems running safely and efficiently, routine maintenance is absolutely necessary. Not only will it save you from expensive repairs down the line, but it will also help to protect against dangerously low air quality. Symptoms may vary depending on the level of air pollutants present in your home, but you should never ignore the signs – no matter how small they may be.

At the first sign of an issue, call North Shore Home Energy!

By nshec

8 Causes of HVACR Problems in Kingston

Aug 17, 2020

8 Causes of HVACR Problems in Kingston

  • Cooling
  • Heating
HVACR problems in Kingston by North Shore Home Energy

When it comes to your home or business, there are few systems more important than your HVACR. This system consists of your home or business’s heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. However, it’s easy for problems to creep up and render some of these systems inefficient or unusable. Some of these problems include hot and cold spots, air pressure problems, poor airflow from your vents, or warm air from your AC. Fortunately, if you know what to look for, you can prevent any major HVACR problems in your Kingston home or business.

Here are eight common HVACR problems in a Kingston home or business:

 

Clogged filters

Various filters work to keep dust and other contaminants out of your sensitive HVACR equipment and ducts. If they get clogged, the HVACR can have trouble blowing air, making the air stuffy, hurting the equipment, and creating hot and cold spots. You can prevent these problems by regularly replacing the filters. When you should change the filters depends on how much you use the system and the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Duct damage

Another problem with clogged filters is that more contaminants can get into your ducts. If the ducts are already too small, they can wind up clogged. The duct walls are also capable of developing cracks and holes that let the air out, lowering their efficiency. Also, rodents and other small animals can sometimes make their homes inside your vents. Always have someone inspect your ducts every once in a while to see if anything needs fixing or cleaning.

 

Slower fan

HVACR systems use blower fans to move air throughout your home or business’s vents. If these slow down, this can weaken your system’s heating and cooling. Oftentimes, the problem is that grime has built upon the fan blades. It’s fairly simple to fix this problem by turning off the system and cleaning the fan.

 

Low refrigerant levels

Low refrigerant levels are common in older, poorly-maintained HVACR units. In more worrying cases, the HVACR may be leaking refrigerant, which can be poisonous to people. One of our HVACR technicians can test the unit’s refrigerant levels and possibly fix the leaks if there are any. If the problem is a leak, then there’s a decent chance you’ll have to replace the system.

 

Blocked vents and registers

This is a relatively simple problem that you can fix even if you don’t have any handyman skills. If anything is blocking the vents in your rooms, you won’t be able to experience the full heating or cooling from the HVACR. Simply make sure nothing is blocking the vents. Common obstructions include furniture, rugs, and carpets.

 

Dirty coils

The condenser coil in your HVACR’s system is designed to release the heat it removes from your home. If it gets too dirty, it’ll be unable to release heat and can break. Because of this, you should clean it once or twice a year.

 

Obstructed condenser

An obstructed condenser unit is another common HVAC problem you can fix yourself. The AC part of HVACR systems has a condenser unit that is often located outside or in a mechanical room. Any sort of outdoor debris or storage equipment can crowd the unit, causing it to overheat. All you need to do is clean out anything crowding your condenser.

 

Thermostat problems

If your thermostat is causing problems, there are usually two things it can be. It can either be a low battery, which is easy to fix, or the thermostat could be faulty. In that case, we’d suggest calling for a professional.

 

What makes North Shore Home Energy your best choice for HVACR work?

North Shore Home Energy is a company with over 25 years of history and experience in the HVACR industry. Our family-owned business has been working hard to keep food cold and people comfortable. If you call us today, we can offer a free quote on your purchase. We’re also proud to be participating in the Mass Save program. As a participant of the Mass Save program, you may be able to score a rebate up to $3,500 with 0% financing for 7 years! North Shore Home Energy can help you find refrigeration that meets your needs, the needs of your customers, and the needs of your employees. Contact us today to get started!

By nshec

Why You Should Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

Jul 31, 2020

Why You Should Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

  • Cooling
Adjusting a programmable thermostat

Thermostats are so small and yet so useful. We use them year round as we experience the heat of blazing summers and the extremes of snowy winters here in New England. The little thermostat does so much to keep our homes comfortable and cozy throughout the year in every season. You might have been thinking for a while about when and why to switch from a manual thermostat to a programmable one. Here are a few reasons why you will want to make the switch sooner rather than later.

Although it works, a manual thermostat can be a real headache. First of all, you have to adjust it constantly throughout the day with the changes in temperature – when you wake up, leave your home, come back, or go to sleep. Trying to adjust your manual thermostat to just the right temperature throughout the day can take time away from other more important tasks. With a manual thermostat you have much less control over the overall temperature and how long it is set to that temperature. Probably most importantly, manual thermostats can cost you a lot of money due to their inefficiency.

There are a lot of great reasons why people choose to upgrade to a programmable thermostat. When you switch to a programmable thermostat you can save a lot of money on utility bills. This is because instead of having to set it to one temperature and constantly changing it throughout the day (or not), you can set it to go on at a certain time of day and set it to the ideal temperature that will keep you comfortable and help reduce your utility bill. A programmable thermostat gives you complete control over your HVAC home system. People also enjoy the increased comfort in their homes with ideal temperature settings throughout the day and night.

1. A penny saved is a penny earned.

 For most American households, 42% of the energy bill goes to paying for heating and air conditioning. For each degree Fahrenheit that you lower the household temperature for 8 hours, you will save 1% of your energy bill. How much you save really depends on your comfort level and how eager you are to save money. You could save nothing by keeping the temperature the same, or you could save as much as 50% in one energy bill. Imagine what you could do with that extra 50% in savings?

When you have a programmable thermostat, you can pre-set the temperatures for different times of the day and night. You can discover what the ideal temperatures are, and never have to worry about forgetting to change the thermostat again, thus saving even more on HVAC costs.

2. Programmable thermometers have a touch screen which makes it very easy to use.

With just a touch of a finger, you can set temperatures for different times of the day, see if filters need changing, or a problem that needs servicing. It’s all within your control.

3. When you purchase a programmable thermostat, make sure it comes with a zoned system. 

A zoned system allows you to have different temperatures for different areas of a house. If one room of your house is less used, or not used at all, you can lower the temperature in that one space while keeping the other areas of the house at an ideal temperature. Another good reason to have a zoned system is to accommodate for different family members’ temperature preferences. If your teenager likes their room nice and warm, while you prefer sleeping in a cooler climate, both of you can have the temperatures you want without any complaining.

4. Another great feature of programmable thermostats is the ability to have the temperature change automatically. 

If it is connected with your smartphone, you can change the temperature from anywhere. If you decide to come home early from work because of a snow day, you can have the house be perfectly warm by the time you arrive. You also don’t have to worry about being responsible for changing the thermostat right before you go to sleep if you have already programmed it to go down at night, which will save you a lot of money in the long run.

5. A good programmable thermostat gives you a lot of information that would otherwise be inaccessible to you. 

It will tell you what temperature your house is currently at in each space. You can find the programmed settings for various times of the day and night, along with a weekly or daily schedule, which can be changed with the touch of a finger. If your filter needs changing or you need HVAC servicing, you will have all the information at-a-glance. With a good programmable thermostat, you will always know what is going on with your energy usage.

Call North Shore Home Energy Today

If you want to enjoy all the benefits of a programmable thermostat in your home, call North Shore Home Energy today!

By nshec

6 Signs You Need a Central AC Replacement

Jul 15, 2020

6 Signs You Need a Central AC Replacement

  • Cooling
central AC replacement in New Hampshire by North Shore Home Energy

As any smart homeowner knows, it’s important to give your AC annual maintenance. However, sometimes some maintenance won’t be enough to get it through the summer. Nothing lasts forever, and losing your air conditioning can be a major loss, even up here in New Hampshire. If it is still working fine, maybe you’re just being cautious and planning ahead. Whatever the case, North Shore Home Energy can tell you the signs that you’ll need a central AC replacement in New Hampshire.

Here are 6 signs you should get a central AC replacement in New Hampshire:

 

The AC reached retirement age

How long have you owned your current AC? If your AC has reached this point and isn’t working like it used to, it might be time to retire it. It may seem like a major cost, but don’t worry! You can use this opportunity to purchase a modern unit that’s more energy efficient.

The AC has a refrigerant leak

A refrigerant leak is a serious problem with your AC. The leaking coolant can pose a health risk to your family and the water leakage can damage your home. Sometimes it’s possible to fix serious leaks by getting a new coil. However, a leak can generally be a sign you should get a new AC.

A repair would cost too much

Sometimes replacement parts and repairs for your AC don’t justify their high costs. It gets more unappealing when you’re talking about a unit with an expired warranty. If this is the case, you should pick up a new unit and get a new warranty.

The AC is making strange noises

Is your AC operating louder than it normally does? AC units are supposed to run quietly, so any grinding, banging, or rattling noises are a major concern. These noises can represent something like a slipped belt or broken motor bearings. If these issues aren’t fixed quickly, you’ll have a costly repair or replacement on your hands.

The AC air isn’t cold

If you turn on the AC and cool air doesn’t come out within a few minutes, there’s a problem. A wide variety of issues can cause this problem, like low Freon levels or a broken compressor. Whatever the case may be, it’s an obvious sign that your AC has an issue.

The AC needs frequent repairs

You may want to keep an AC operational for a good while through repeated repairs. However, doing this may eventually lead you to spend more than you would from getting a replacement. This is more likely if your warranty has expired and isn’t helping with repair costs.

Why is North Shore Home Energy my best choice for AC services?

As an HVACR company with over 25 years of experience, North Shore Home Energy is a company devoted to helping their customers. In order to best help our customers, we not only help our customers with their home service issues but also educate them on how to maintain a healthy house. As a proudly participating contractor in the Mass Save program, we can help you save plenty of money on your next purchase. Ask us about our rebates, which can go up to $3,500 with 0% financing for up to seven years! Call North Shore Home Energy today to learn more about replacing your central AC!

By nshec

Split System Air Conditioners: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?

Jun 29, 2020

Split System Air Conditioners: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?

  • Cooling
split system air conditioner installation by North Shore Home Energy

Keeping up with home maintenance, especially during the winter season can be overwhelming, but the holidays are the perfect time of year to take stock of your appliances. Your HVAC system works especially hard when the snow falls, and it may be time for a replacement. The older your HVAC unit gets, the less effective it is. Outdated air conditioners are more than just a nuisance; they can cause a variety of safety hazards such as mold, gas leaks, and electrical fires. If it’s time to replace your air conditioner, you might want to consider a split system air conditioner.

When it’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Eventually, it will get to the point that your air conditioner just can’t function as well as it used to. An air conditioner on its last leg not only affects your comfort, but your wallet, and the older it gets, the harder it works. Replacing your air conditioner can be expensive, but a damaged air conditioner can wind up costing you more in repairs and damages, damages which can be dangerous for your home and your health. Luckily there are plenty of warning signs when your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life. Here’s what to watch for.

  • An air conditioner that’s over 10 years old. Most air conditioners have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. If your AC unit is in the double digits, it might be time for a replacement.
  • Your home feels warm and stuffy. It might sound obvious, but if you start noticing that your home feels uncomfortable, the problem might have something to do with your air conditioner. Feel around your AC unit, if you feel little to no cool air, it might be time for a replacement.
  • Your home is dusty. An air conditioner on its deathbed will have a hard time filtering the air in your home, which can result in excessive dust everywhere. If your home seems dustier than usual, it might have something to do with your AC unit.

Why a Split System Should Be Your Next Air Conditioner

The difference between centralized air conditioning and a split system air conditioner comes down to ventilation. A split system doesn’t use air ducts to heat or cool your home which can be ideal for small homes or homeowners planning on adding to their home. As the name implies, a split system has two units, one indoors and one outdoors, and are built to efficiently cool your home. Don’t wait if your air conditioner needs a replacement, here is how a split system air conditioner can benefit you.

  • It’s easy to install. One great perk for a split system air conditioner is the lack of an air duct system. Packaged or centralized air conditioners are limited by the air ducts in your home, which means you have to install around your air duct system. Instead of connecting the unit to the air ducts, a split system only needs two holes drilled in the wall for the copper tubes and wiring. As long as both units are within 100 feet of each other, you can install a split system air conditioner just about anywhere.
  • They’re energy efficient. One of the best perks of a split system is its energy efficiency. Since there are no air ducts, there is no energy wasted, because the chilled air or heat is delivered directly into each room. A split system air conditioner gives you more control over which rooms you want to be cooled or heated, meaning you don’t have to run units in rooms that are unused.  
  • It’s quiet. If you want some peace and quiet, rest assured you can with a split system air conditioner. The noisiest parts of an air conditioner, such as the fan and the condenser, are located in the outdoor unit, meaning there is minimal noise when your split system air conditioner is in use.
  • It’s easy maintenance. There’s enough inside your home that requires routine maintenance, and luckily your split system is easy to maintain. There’s less to maintain because there are no ducts, and split system air conditioners have washable air filters, and easily accessible outdoor units.
  • You save money on your utility bills. Since a split system air conditioner is built to be energy efficient, it means you can save money on your utility bills. Unlike a centralized air conditioner, a split system  is built to speed up or slow down the compressor instead of shutting it down entirely, which can save up to 30% on your utility bills. Some split system air conditioners may also qualify for a tax rebate.

Don’t Wait Until the Air Conditioner Busts

Investing in an energy efficient appliance may be a lot cheaper than the upkeep of an older air conditioner. If it’s time to replace your AC unit, a split system air conditioner is the right alternative, as it’s easy to install, cheaper in cost, and easy to maintain. No homeowner wants to deal with a busted air conditioner. Call North Shore Home Energy today!

By nshec