Category: Heating

Benefits of Ductless Heating Systems

Sep 26, 2025

Benefits of Ductless Heating Systems

  • Cooling
  • Heating
  • Indoor Air Quality

Benefits of Ductless Heating Systems

More and more homeowners are switching from in-window air conditioners and space heaters to ductless mini split systems. Ductless systems provide heating and cooling for your home year-round and are relatively easy to install. They boast many benefits from their quiet operation and low maintenance, to helping improve the comfort of your home. Here are some of the key benefits of ductless mini split systems.

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Energy Efficient HVAC Systems

First and foremost, HVAC tends to be one of the biggest contributors to your utility costs. Energy-efficient systems aren’t just great for the environment, but they also pay for themselves over time by decreasing your energy bills. Mini-split systems are energy efficient because they are designed to control temperatures in specific zones of your property, so you are not wasting energy.

No Ducts Needed For Installation

Of course, one of the key benefits of a ductless system is that it doesn’t need ducts. Ductwork can require a lot of maintenance, as leaks in your ducts, especially near joints, can cause issues with energy efficiency. Mini split systems do not require ductwork at all, as units are strategically placed throughout the property and connected to systems right outside of your home.

Heating & Cooling For Year-Round Comfort

Mini split systems provide heating and cooling for year-round comfort, similar to a heat pump. This means you don’t have to worry about converting your home every summer and winter by lugging around window units. Instead, your system can go from heating to cooling with a single touch of a button. In fact, most ductless systems use remote controls or even smartphone apps, which make it easy to set temperatures.

Scalable Opportunities with Zone-Based Temperature Control

Another great element of ductless systems is that you can scale them up over time. A single outdoor unit can be used to supply multiple indoor units with cool or warm air. This means you can easily reconfigure your units as needed over time. Ductless systems use a zone-based temperature control, so it may make sense to add more units in the future, depending on the arrangement of your home. Changing units is relatively easy to do with a contractor’s help, so you do not have to worry about how rearranging rooms in your home or remodeling will impact your comfort.

Quiet Operation

Ductless systems are also designed to be quiet, so they are less disruptive to your daily life. Instead of having to talk over loud fans and air conditioners, you can enjoy temperature control that is non-disruptive.

Schedule an HVAC Consultation in MA, ME, or NH

North Shore Home Energy provides HVAC services for homes and businesses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. If you are interested in learning more about different HVAC options, including ductless mini split systems, heat pumps, or other environmentally friendly options, please contact our team.

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By erick

Should You Replace Your HVAC System

Jul 08, 2025

Should You Replace Your HVAC System

  • Cooling
  • Heating
  • Indoor Air Quality

Should You Replace Your HVAC System

HVAC systems are instrumental to your comfort. Modern systems are designed not just to be more energy efficient, lowering your utility costs, but also to provide better and more consistent results. For example, Mini Split systems do not require ducts but can provide zone heating and cooling throughout the year. These systems waste less energy and are quieter while they cool/heat your building. Of course, for homeowners, this leads to many questions, including whether or not replacing their current system is worth it. In this article, we will discuss some considerations and factors to think about when replacing or maintaining your existing HVAC system.

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When Is It Time to Replace an HVAC System?

There are many reasons to consider replacing your HVAC system. Most commonly, if you are noticing that your energy bill is going up consistently, or you are spending too much money on routine repairs, you might want to consider replacing your system. Just like with any repair or replacement question, you need to consider what the ongoing cost of maintenance/repair is vs the cost of outright replacement.

What Is the $5,000 Rule with HVAC Systems?

Some HVAC contractors use the $5,000 rule to help homeowners and business owners understand the relationship between maintaining an existing system vs replacing the system with a newer, more efficient system. Basically, you multiply the current age of your HVAC system by its repair cost, and if the outcome exceeds $5,000, you should consider replacing the system. So, if you have a 20-year-old HVAC system that costs more than $250 to repair, it is a good time to consider replacing the system.

Should You Schedule an Energy Assessment?

Before considering a replacement, you might want to consider an energy assessment. The best HVAC system in the world isn’t going to do much if your property has countless air leaks. Having experienced HVAC contractors in your home can help ensure you are making the right decisions. They can take a look and predict the potential upsides of replacing or repairing your HVAC system.

Should You Replace A Working HVAC System?

There are some situations where an HVAC system is “working,” but it isn’t really working for you. If your system is loud, or rooms are too hot or too cold consistently, or you notice that you are overspending on utility costs because your HVAC system is cooling/heating your home when no one is there, you might want to consider a replacement. Modern programmable systems are much better at running efficiently, running quietly, and ensuring that you and your other occupants are comfortable year-round.

HVAC Contractors in Massachusetts & New Hampshire

North Shore Home Energy provides HVAC repair and replacement services for homeowners and businesses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Our team of dedicated professionals has helped countless customers make the right choice when it comes to replacement/repair. If you have questions about your HVAC system, please give us a call.

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By erick

How Do You Find & Fix Air Leaks For Your HVAC System?

Jun 11, 2025

How Do You Find & Fix Air Leaks For Your HVAC System?

  • Cooling
  • Heating
A ductwork inspection with North Shore Home Energy can catch invisible leaks, clogged ventilation, and more. Contact us today!

How Do You Find & Fix Air Leaks For Your HVAC System?

Your HVAC is crucial to keeping your home comfortable, but even the best heating and cooling systems will not perform properly when there are air leaks somewhere in the system. While some air leaks will cause your HVAC to use too much energy, others may cause inconsistent temperatures between rooms or even higher utility bills. In this blog, we will be discussing how to identify air leaks in your HVAC system, how to find those air leaks, and how to fix them so that your HVAC runs efficiently all year long.

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A ductwork inspection with North Shore Home Energy can catch invisible leaks, clogged ventilation, and more. Contact us today!

Signs of Air Leaks in Your HVAC System

The first step towards a healthy, functional HVAC system is a quick inspection for possible air leaks. Some signs to watch out for include:

Unbalanced temperatures throughout your home
Higher energy bills than usual
Strange sounds
Weak airflow coming from vents
Excessive dust

How to Find Air Leaks in Your HVAC System

Once you are convinced you have a leak, it’s time to determine where it is leaking. Here are some ways to find where your HVAC system may be leaking air:

  • Visual inspection: Start out by looking at the exposed ductwork and visually inspect it for cracked seams, disconnected joints, and holes in the ducts. The HVAC bends and duct fittings are often suspected of air leaks.
  • Use smoke pencils/incense sticks: While your system is running, hold a smoke pencil or incense stick near duct joints. If the smoke wavers or is sucked into a duct joint, there is a leak.
  • Audio inspection: Turn off all other noises and listen intently around your ducts for whistling, rattling, or hissing sounds.
  • Physical inspection: Run your hand along the ductwork and feel for air movement. Even a little air movement could mean a leak.

How to Repair Air Leaks in Your HVAC

Once you find the leaks, you can perform minor home repairs to restore your HVAC system. These repairs include:

  • Duct sealing tape: When you come across small cracks or loose connections, use a high-quality foil tape meant specifically for HVAC ducting to seal them up. Do not use regular duct tape, as it will lose its adhesive properties with time.
  • Mastic sealant: If you want a more durable seal on top of your leaks, you can apply mastic, which is a thick, paste-like substance, to seal them. Mastic is great for sealing leaks at joints and when you have an uneven gap.
  • Replace the damaged section: If you find portions of your ductwork that are damaged or extremely damaged, it may be more economical to replace the faulty section than to repair it.
  • Call a professional. If you have leaks that are in tight spaces or if there are a lot of leaks, you may want to consider hiring a company that specializes in HVAC duct cleaning and sealing.

HVAC Services in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire

North Shore Home Energy provides HVAC services for businesses and homes throughout Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. If you need help with new installations, upgrades, repairs, maintenance, or tune-ups give us a call! 

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By erick

How Do Air to Water Heat Pumps Work?

Feb 24, 2025

How Do Air to Water Heat Pumps Work?

  • Cooling
  • Heating

How Do Air to Water Heat Pumps Work?

One of the most environmentally friendly advances in heat pump technology is the air to water heat pump system. Air to water heat pumps are hydronic systems that involve heating up a refrigerant and using the heat it emits to heat a property. It is an endless cycle of a refrigerant getting heated up, emitting that heat, and then condensing and cooling down before beginning the cycle again. If you are interested in learning more about these systems or in getting a new system installed for your home or business in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, please contact our team. 

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How Do Air To Water Heat Pumps Heat A Property?

Air to water heat pumps rely on outdoor air and basic heat transfer technology. A fan pulls in air into a system with refrigerant. Even if the air is cold outside, it will cause the refrigerant to vaporize, which is then put into a compressor. As the refrigerant cools down and returns to its liquid form, it emits heat which can be used to heat water or can be passed through a property’s underfloor heating or radiators. Once the refrigerant is in liquid form it goes through the process again. 

How Can Air To Water Heat Pumps Cool Your Property?

The normal sounds are all usually pretty quiet and might be noticeable if you are in a different room from the boiler. If your boiler starts making loud banging sounds, this could be a sign you need maintenance. Limescale can build up in a boiler which stops the water from flowing. This can cause the water to get to a much higher temperature than it should. Alternatively, if the thermostat is not working correctly, the water could also end up getting heat past the point it needs to. 

What Are The Benefits of Air To Water Heat Pumps

Above everything else, these systems are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible. While they do require electricity to operate, they use significantly less energy than traditional heating systems or air conditioning systems. This reduced energy cost leads to reduced cost savings. While there is an initial investment to install the system, the system is designed to decrease your utility bills long term. Another great aspect of these systems is that they provide year-round comfort. Many homeowners and business owners have been converting their property’s HVAC systems to systems that both heat and cool so that there is less complexity throughout the year. 

Air To Water Heat Pump Installation in Massachusetts

North Shore Home Energy works throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire to provide new installations, tune-ups, repairs, and maintenance for homeowners and business owners. We work with many different types of systems, so we are always happy to help our customers pick the right equipment for their property based on their needs, their budget, rebates, and other key factors. To get started with our team, please contact us. 

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By erick

Is It Normal For My Boiler To Make Noise?

Jan 30, 2025

Is It Normal For My Boiler To Make Noise?

  • Heating
boiler inspection in Kingston by North Shore Home Energy

Is It Normal For My Boiler To Make Noise?

Boilers can make noise as they heat your home. However, if your boiler is suddenly much louder than normal, or making strange sounds that you are not used to hearing, you might want to schedule maintenance at your property. Ideally, when your boiler is working correctly it should not make much noise when it is heating or off. In fact, depending on where your boiler is located in your property, it is pretty common to not notice it at all. In this article, we will cover a few different noises boilers can make, what they signify, and when to call a repair team to take a look. For homeowners and businesses in the North Shore area here in Massachusetts, our team is happy to help with repairs, maintenance, and replacement services. 

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boiler inspection in Kingston by North Shore Home Energy

What Boiler Sounds Are Normal?

Like any machine, a boiler has moving parts, so it is very rare that it should be 100% silent when it is working. There is often a quiet whirring sound that you might hear when you are close to your boiler. A rumbling sound is also normal. Rumbling is caused when the water in the boiler is heated and moved around. Clicking sounds can also occur as well. Many modern boiler systems have thermostats that can automatically flip switches to turn the boiler on or off. 

Why Is My Boiler Making Banging Sounds?

The normal sounds are all usually pretty quiet and might be noticeable if you are in a different room from the boiler. If your boiler starts making loud banging sounds, this could be a sign you need maintenance. Limescale can build up in a boiler which stops the water from flowing. This can cause the water to get to a much higher temperature than it should. Alternatively, if the thermostat is not working correctly, the water could also end up getting heat past the point it needs to. 

Are Grinding Noises From A Boiler Normal?

If you hear the sound of grinding coming from your boiler you should turn it off immediately. Grinding sounds are frequently a sign that your boiler has an issue with its pump. A boiler that has a faulty pump can lead to serious problems including overheating. You should call an HVAC professional to help fix the boiler and replace parts as needed. 

Contact North Shore Home Energy For Boiler Repairs

North Shore Home Energy works with homes throughout Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Southern Maine to provide HVAC maintenance, repairs, and replacements. If you need help with your heating system this winter, please feel free to give us a call so we can help. 

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By erick

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

Dec 27, 2024

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

  • Heating
Troubleshooting and solutions for Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air. Stay warm and cozy with expert tips from North Shore Home Energy!

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

On average a heat pump is designed to last about 15 years without needing replacements. Of course, that number is an average. Many homeowners have used their heat pumps past 15 years and some people need a replacement earlier. Getting tune-ups, maintenance, and routine services can help ensure that your heat pump lasts as long as possible and that issues are found and addressed early. That said, it is important to know the signs that your heat pump needs maintenance or repairs. Here are the common signs that something is wrong with your heat pump. For repairs and maintenance in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, contact the team at North Shore Home Energy! 

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Troubleshooting and solutions for Heat Pump Blowing Cold Air. Stay warm and cozy with expert tips from North Shore Home Energy!

Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

The most obvious problem something is wrong is when your heat pump will not turn on at all. There are a few reasons this could happen, and a few of them are easy to fix on your own. For example, there could be an issue with your heat pump’s connection to the thermostat leading the heat pump to stay inert even as it gets colder. A tripped breaker can also lead to your heat pump not turning so make sure to check your circuit breaker. But if it is not either of these obvious issues, you should consider calling repair crews who can take a look for you. 

Heat Pump Is On But Not Making Heat

If your heat pump is not moving hot air there could be a problem with a clog or your air filter. Replacing your air filter can help, but generally speaking, if your heat pump is on but failing to heat your home it is recommended to have an HVAC crew come through to make sure your heat pump is working properly. 

Your Heat Pump Is Constantly Running

Generally speaking, your heat pump should come on, heat your home, and automatically shut off. If there are extremely cold temperatures it could cause your heat pump to stay running. But if your heat pump does not turn off there could be something wrong with your thermostat or other parts. 

There are Strange Sounds/Smells Coming From Your Heat Pump

If your heat pump is making strange sounds like a rattle or screech it could be a sign that something is loose inside your heat pump or something is out of place. Similarly, if you notice a strange smell from your heat pump it could be a sign that there is mold somewhere inside your unit. Additionally, a burning smell from your heat pump could indicate that there are wiring or electrical problems. 

Heat Pump Maintenance in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

If you live in Massachusetts or New Hampshire and need help with your heating system we can help. We provide tune-ups, repairs, and replacements. 

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By erick

Benefits for Upgrading your HVAC

Nov 22, 2024

Benefits for Upgrading your HVAC

  • Heating
  • Indoor Air Quality

Benefits for Upgrading your HVAC

There are many reasons to upgrade your home’s HVAC system. Whether you are looking to help the environment, decrease utility costs, or simply improve energy efficiency in general, investing in your HVAC system can have long-term benefits for decades into your property’s future. But, it is important to understand how to upgrade your HVAC system and to consider the cost of upgrading vs the savings you will receive in order to make the right decision. 

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How Much Money Are You Losing With An Outdated HVAC System

While it is impossible to give an exact figure (different people use their systems more or less, and different environmental factors will determine how often you need your HVAC system seasonally), there are some general stats that can help put this figure into perspective. According to the United States Department of Energy, they believe that upgrading an HVAC system can reduce monthly energy costs by 20-40%. Of course, those numbers are heavily influenced by different factors. One of the things homeowners need to consider is how they should approach upgrading their HVAC systems. 

How Do Air Leaks Impact HVAC Performance?

The most modern HVAC system in the world can be a waste of money if the problem is with your property in general. Air leaks can cause a huge waste in energy efficiency. For this reason, it is recommended that if you are worried that you are either overpaying for your HVAC system or that your home is not staying at a consistent temperature, you should hire contractors to provide an energy assessment. During their assessment, they can look for the key reasons or factors that are leading to energy inefficiency in your home. Instead of changing out your HVAC system, they might recommend starting by improving insulation or providing other sealing solutions for air leaks throughout your property. 

Should You Replace Your HVAC System?

After an energy assessment, your contractor might recommend switching out old outdated systems for something more modern. More modern systems have many unique benefits that translate to savings over time. For example, most modern solutions are designed to heat or cool zones of a property so you are not overspending to heat or cool an entire property. Additionally, modern systems can integrate with smart technology to further improve how much energy you use to heat and cool your home throughout the day. 

Get HVAC Installations, Upgrades & Maintenance in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

North Shore Home Energy works with businesses and homeowners in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to provide HVAC services. From tune-ups and maintenance to new construction and upgrades, we can help you with all your HVAC needs. 

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By erick

What Is Aeroseal?

Oct 23, 2024

What Is Aeroseal?

  • Cooling
  • Heating
  • Indoor Air Quality

What Is Aeroseal?

One of the largest costs of being a homeowner or property owner is heating and cooling your property. A large factor that contributes to the high costs is energy inefficiency. When warm air or cold air can easily escape your property through holes and other air leaks you waste both energy and money heating/cooling your space. No matter how high-tech or advanced your HVAC system is, small holes around your property can render it extremely inefficient. Luckily there are services like Aeroseal that can ensure that homeowners and other property owners are able to identify and solve any potential air leaks around their property. 

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How Does Aeroseal Work?

Aeroseal is a relatively new technology that HVAC contractors use to identify air leaks and plug them. Aeroseal is an aerosol-based sealant that adheres to any gaps, cracks, or other damage throughout the air vents in a property. Aeroseal provides AeroBarrier which involves pressurizing a property’s interior before spraying AeroBarrier particles into the air. These particles are inherently pushed towards any air leaks due to the air pressure, as they find the leaks they accumulate and seal the openings. A team of contractors monitors this entire process to ensure that the property is properly sealed. 

What Are the Benefits of Aeroseal?

Air leaks can cause serious problems for your HVAC system. Not only does it cost more to heat or cool a building when air can easily escape, but it also decreases the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. For example, if you have a mini split ductless system, it should be able to heat or cool different areas of the property effectively and quickly. But if you have air leaks it can cause issues where it takes longer to cool or heat a space or to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the day. By removing any air leaks with Aeroseal technology your system will perform better saving you money and improving the comfort of your home or other property’s occupants. 

Aeroseal Contractors in New Hampshire

North Shore Home Energy is one of the top contractors for HVAC solutions for homes and businesses throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts’ North Shore. Our teams of technicians travel throughout the area to provide their expert services and insurance so that systems run efficiently. Our team provides Aeroseal technology for commercial and residential properties in our service area. If you are interested in learning more about Aeroseal, or the various HVAC systems we install, repair, and maintain, please contact a member of our team. 

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By erick

When Should You Start Using Your Heater In New England?

Sep 29, 2024

When Should You Start Using Your Heater In New England?

  • Heating

When Should You Start Using Your Heater In New England?

Have you ever heard the old expression “no heat ’til trick or treat”. All over New England homeowners often have rules about when they are willing to finally turn on the heat for the first time in the fall or winter. And for the most part, the reason is obvious; any month you can go without needing to spend money on heating or air conditioning can save you a decent amount of money, hence why so many people set their rule to not using their heating systems until November. But when it comes to when you should use your heating system, the best choice is usually to use your heat as soon as you feel cold. Saving money on heating is much easier when you take the right steps. In this article, we will discuss the importance of scheduling a tune-up before the cold season. If you live in the northeast, North Shore Home Energy would be happy to help with tune-ups, installations, and heating services. In fact, we offer special prices for tune-ups during the fall!

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When Should You Schedule A Fall Heating System Tune Up?

While the old adage “no heat ’til trick-or-treat” might not apply to every homeowner, one thing every homeowner should consider is when they should set up their fall tune-ups. If you need a tune-up, boiler maintenance, or are interested in updating/upgrading your overall HVAC system, we highly recommend aiming for early to mid-fall for a few reasons. First and foremost, fall can be a bit of a slower time for HVAC teams, but as the weather starts to dip their schedules get more and more booked. Many people do not think to call their HVAC team until they turn on the heating system for the first time and notice something is wrong. At that point, everyone else is also doing that. So being proactive can save you time and money. In terms of time, you won’t have to wait for your local HVAC experts to have an opening in their schedule. In terms of money, many HVAC teams like North Shore Home Energy provide special pricing for homeowners who set up their tune-up services during the fall season. 

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How Can You Save On Your Heating Costs?

Instead of waiting until Halloween or even Thanksgiving to turn on your heater for the first time of the season, you should really look into ways to improve the efficiency of your system. Tune-ups, upgrades, and understanding how your home keeps in warm air are all vital to decreasing your utility cost each year. One really great thing you can do is work with a team that provides Aeroseal services. Aeroseal is a new technology that involves pressurizing a home to find any and all air leaks and then stopping them up. This systems lets HVAC contractors easily find the areas of your home that are costing you money whenever you heat or cool your home. 

Learn More About Aeroseal

Schedule Fall Tune-Ups For Your Heating System

As we said earlier, the best time to schedule heating system tune-ups is during the fall months. HVAC teams are often less busy so you are less likely to have to wait for someone to come by and help with any needed repairs or maintenance services. If you live in Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire and need help with your home’s HVAC systems, please contact our team for more information or give us a call. 

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By erick

How To Decrease Your Heating Bill

Aug 27, 2024

How To Decrease Your Heating Bill

  • Heating
thermostat tips

How To Decrease Your Heating Bill

Summer is starting to come to a close. This means soon we will be shutting off our air conditioners. And in a few months, we will all be turning on our heaters to keep our homes and businesses warm during the late fall and winter months. The fall season between the heat of the summer and the cold winter is the perfect time to make adjustments to your HVAC system to help decrease inefficiency. Utility costs can often be impacted by simple repairs, upgrades, and maintenance. In this article, we will provide a few ways you can help decrease your heating bill before the winter begins. For homeowners in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, our HVAC team is at your disposal to help with upgrades, maintenance, and new installations. 

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thermostat tips

Sealing Up Holes Around Your Home

The biggest issue with heating a home is often small holes throughout a property that allow heat to escape. Any areas around windows, doors, or in the siding and roofing of your home that allow air to escape can cause you to overspend on heating. There are a few ways to address this. The most effective solution is to work with a team that provides services like Aeroseal. Aeroseal is a technology that involves pressurizing a home to find any and all leaks and then fill them. HVAC teams can also provide duct pressure testing and other inspection services that can help identify and find leaks that are costing you money. Beyond that, as a homeowner, you can perform a DIY inspection for air leaks. For example, some people will light incense or another item that creates smoke and pass it near walls, windows, and door frames to see if there is any area where the smoke suddenly pulls towards a leak. Another method is to dip your hand in the water and pass it around areas and notice if you feel any cool airflow. If you find minor holes or gaps, you could use caulk to fill them. 

Learn More About Aeroseal

Upgrade Your HVAC System

New heating systems are more efficient. With all HVAC solutions, investing in newer technology helps improve your efficiency and will eventually pay itself off over time. Newer systems are designed to be environmentally friendly and use less energy than older systems. Moreover, they are more customizable and can control what parts of your home are heated or cooled. This can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and help both the environment and your utility costs.

HVAC Services In Massachusetts & New Hampshire

North Shore Home Energy provides expert HVAC solutions for properties in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. If your business or home needs maintenance, repairs, new installations, or other HVAC services please contact our team. If you are interested in utilizing Aeroseal technology to make your home or business more energy efficient, please visit our sister website. 

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By erick