Category: Heating

Air Filtration: Common Holiday Items That Cause Mold Growth

Dec 15, 2020

Air Filtration: Common Holiday Items That Cause Mold Growth

  • Heating
air filtration

Air Filtration: Common Holiday Items That Cause Mold Growth

Everybody wants to be happy and healthy during the holidays. And if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or respiratory disease, then you likely go to extra lengths to ensure that your home provides a healthy environment. However, did you know that there are some common holiday items that can bring mold spores into your home and cause mold growth? 

Christmas Trees

According to a recent study, live Christmas trees can bring a significant amount of mold indoors. In fact, the mold count that originated from a tree can rise as much as 500 percent of the normal level after 14 days of bringing the tree indoors. That leaves us vulnerable to mold, especially if a mold allergy is present. Green Decorations

Wreaths, garlands, and other decorations made from live trees come from the same areas as Christmas trees. That means they can also bring a lot of mold into the home. 

Decorations From Storage

If, like most of us, you keep your holiday decorations in storage, then it’s important to understand that they might have mold spores on them. This is especially true if the decorations are stored in cardboard boxes (not plastic) in a dark environment that’s not 100 percent dry.

How Mold Causes Mold Growth

So how exactly do mold spores cause mold growth? 

When an item, such as a wreath, has mold on it, it releases mold spores onto the surfaces of your home, as well as into the air. Those that are released onto the surfaces can start to grow, eventually creating mold colonies. These in turn release mold spores that become airborne. Airborne mold spores travel throughout the home, in addition to being breathed in by you and your family, and can settle on surfaces throughout the home — and this is precisely what makes mold so difficult to contain.

What You Can Do 

There are some precautions you can take to limit the number of mold spores released into your home, however:

  • If anyone in your family has allergies or a respiratory condition, then it’s always best to use plastic decorations, not live ones. Fortunately, there are many very realistic-looking trees and wreaths available — or you could just have fun with some bling artificial decorations! Plus, you can always have a live tree in your yard.
  • Carefully clean any items that have been in storage. Use a damp cloth and a household cleaner to remove dust and mold spores. Remember to allow at least 24 hours for any lights or other electricity-powered items to dry out.
  • If you do want to use live decorations, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter. This will remove the majority of mold spores from the air.
  • Remove green decorations after 10 days. This helps limit the number of mold spores they release.
  • Give your home a thorough cleaning after taking all the decorations down to remove any remaining mold spores.

If you keep these tips in mind, you can greatly limit the chances of mold growth and instead, have peace of mind that you and your family will have a healthy home for the holidays and into the New Year.

Clearly, having a good air filtration system in your home during the holidays can be a significant boost for you and your family’s health and well-being. Contact your local air filtration specialist to learn more about the available options and to find out what system is best for you.

What makes North Shore Home Energy the best choice for a indoor air quality & air filtration?

North Shore Home Energy should be your go-to company if you want to improve indoor air quality in the North Shore. In addition to equipping you with a working HVAC system, we also have a wide range of indoor air purification services including effective air cleaners and ventilation systems. We want to see you breathing comfortably in your home, especially if you or any members of your household suffer from asthma and allergies. Our solutions can keep your air clean, and the whole family happy!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Our professionals are trained, certified and only top-notch equipment and industry leading technology to ensure that our customers are satisfied. North Shore Home Energy LLC is a 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

Ways That Air Filtration Can Help You and Your Family During the Holidays

Nov 30, 2020

Ways That Air Filtration Can Help You and Your Family During the Holidays

  • Heating
air filtration

Ways That Air Filtration Can Help You and Your Family During the Holidays

During the holidays, we decorate our homes, cook festive dinners, and host fun parties for friends and family. Yet when it’s cold outside, the indoor air quality can suffer more than during other times of the year. Read on to learn why — and to find out how air filtration can help you and your family breathe a sigh of relief.

Why Indoor Air Quality Suffers During the Winter

We already spend most of our time indoors, and when it’s cold out, we’re even less inclined to go outside. In fact, plenty of us don’t like to open a window to let some fresh air in during the winter. That means there’s no circulation of fresh air inside our homes during this time. 

However, indoor air is full of contaminants such as dust, paint particles, chemicals from cleaning products, and much more. During the summer, a steady supply of fresh air removes these contaminants from the home. During the winter, however, there’s no supply of fresh air. This means that the contaminants build up and the indoor air quality diminishes. This can cause or aggravate respiratory issues, worsen colds, and even impact your skin.

How an Air Filtration System Can Help During the Holidays

During the festive season, the indoor air quality can get even worse for several reasons. Trees, wreaths and other green decorations can bring mold into the home. Holiday decorations that are used only once a year are often covered in dust. And cooking smells can linger for a long time, creating an unpleasant living environment. Fortunately, an air filtration system can help with all of this by:

  • Removing regular air contaminants: An air filtration system — especially if it has a HEPA filter — is specially designed to remove airborne contaminants. 
  • Removing mold: When we bring trees and other green decorations into our home, we’re often also bringing mold spores with them. These get into the air and can aggravate our airways. An air filtration system filters them out.
  • Removing dust: An air filter eliminates any dust from ornaments, decorations or other items that are usually in storage.
  • Eliminating smoke: If you’re hosting a party and one or more smokers attend, the smell of smoke can linger for days. At the same time, passive smoke inhalation is unhealthy and can even make healthy people feel sick. A good air filtration system will remove smoke particles from the air.  
  • Eliminating cooking smells: Whether it’s fried onions or garlic pasta sauce, nobody wants to smell yesterday’s cooking when they wake up in the morning. An air filter can eliminate stubborn cooking smells so the only thing you smell when you get up is your morning coffee!

 

Clearly, having a good air filtration system in your home during the holidays can be a significant boost for you and your family’s health and well-being. Contact your local air filtration specialist to learn more about the available options and to find out what system is best for you.

What makes North Shore Home Energy the best choice for a indoor air quality?

North Shore Home Energy should be your go-to company if you want to improve indoor air quality in the North Shore. In addition to equipping you with a working HVAC system, we also have a wide range of indoor air purification services including effective air cleaners and ventilation systems. We want to see you breathing comfortably in your home, especially if you or any members of your household suffer from asthma and allergies. Our solutions can keep your air clean, and the whole family happy!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Our professionals are trained, certified and only top-notch equipment and industry leading technology to ensure that our customers are satisfied. North Shore Home Energy LLC is a 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

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

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

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

Heat Pump: How Can It Benefit You?

Feb 15, 2020

Heat Pump: How Can It Benefit You?

  • Heating
force air system in Kingston by North Shore Home Energy

Is a Heat Pump Right for You?

In common terms, it functions like an air conditioner in reverse. Heat pumps move heat from one space to another by means of a compressor and circulating structure of liquid/gas refrigerant where heat is extracted from outside sources and pumped indoors. 

For climates with moderate heating and cooling needs, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. During the winter, heat pumps absorb heat from the outdoors (even in cold weather) and move it into your house. During the summer, heat pumps move heat from your house and push it outdoors, thus cooling your home down. Because they move heat rather than generate it, heat pumps can provide equivalent space conditioning at as little as one quarter of the cost of operating conventional heating or cooling appliances.

Benefits of a Heat Pump

  • Low Running Costs: Heat pumps are cheaper to run in comparison to those who run on combustion. An electric heat pump can cost $500/year to run, while an electric furnace will cost upwards of $900. 
  • Less Maintenance: Heat pumps require far less maintenance in comparison to combustion heating systems. Approximately once a year certain details of the system have to be checked, which could easily be accomplished by yourself. If you are a bit hesitant, consider hiring a professional from [Company] to check on the system.
  • Safety: Heat pumps are far less likely to cause problems than other combustion heating systems. They are not generating their own heat by flame or combustion, lessening the chance of fires or gas leaks.  
  • Reduced Carbon Emissions: Heat pump systems reduce your carbon emissions and it has an efficient conversion rate of energy to heat. For example, water source heat pumps reach reasonably high efficiencies. 
  • Provide Cooling: During the warmer months of the year, heat pumps are able to reverse the flow process. Because of this, the heat pump can serve a similar function to an air conditioner. Air to air heat pumps can conveniently be switched to cooling mode during the summers. 
  • Longevity: The life span of heat pumps is relatively long. In most cases the average lifespan of a heat pump is somewhere around 14-15 years, while a furnace can burn out around 10 years after installation.

If you heat heat pump repair or maintenance, or you would like to learn more about installation, call the experts at North Shore Home Energy!

By nshec

5 Benefits of a Heat Pump Installation

Jan 15, 2020

5 Benefits of a Heat Pump Installation

  • Cooling
  • Heating
heat pump installation in Kingston by North Shore Home Energy

Heat pumps are another method of heating or cooling your house, like an air conditioner or furnace. However, it doesn’t heat or cool the air in your house like a traditional system. Instead, it regulates your home’s temperature by moving heat from warmer areas to cooler areas. Getting a heat pump installation from North Shore Home Energy will give you a great alternative from typical heating and cooling options. Read our list below to see why getting a heat pump might be an option for you! 

Here are five reasons you should consider a heat pump installation:

 

No fuel storage necessary

Various heating and cooling systems use different types of fuel, such as oil, propane, or other alternative fuel. Because of this, you’ll always have to keep a supply in your house. With a heat pump, you don’t have to worry about how much fuel you have. Heat pumps use nothing but electricity, and can always operate as long as they have power. 

 

Long lifespan

If you’re diligent about keeping them in good condition, heat pumps can last a long time. On average, heat pumps can last 14 to 15 years if cared for properly. Like many appliances, it’s a good idea to get your heat pump inspected annually and perform maintenance. If you take care of your heat pump, it will take care of you. 

 

Heating and cooling combined

If you want to keep your home temperate, you’ll generally need to buy and manage two different systems. However, like a combined HVAC system, a heat pump can pull double duty by keeping your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

 

Fewer carbon emissions

Heat pumps have a reputation for their high energy efficiency. Because of this, they’re likely to reduce your carbon footprint. For instance, water source heat pumps, which move heat to/from a water source, can reduce your energy usage by 30-60%.

 

Energy efficient

Heat pumps are very energy efficient when compared to similar options like gas furnaces. Not only do heat pumps run on electricity, which is cleaner than gas or oil, but they are also very efficient at using it to move heat. As a rule of thumb, heat pumps operate best when the difference between the source and supply temperatures is very little.

 

What makes North Shore Home Energy one of Kingston’s top heating and cooling companies?

With over 25 years of experience in the cooling and heating industries, North Shore Home Energy is dedicated to providing top-quality service to homes, businesses, and restaurants. Our attention to detail, on-demand service, and fair pricing will keep your home running smoothly year after year. In addition, we’re a proud participating contractor with the Mass Save program. Ask us about rebates up to $3,500 and 0% financing for seven years. Call North Shore Home Energy today to learn more about how we can help you with a heat pump installation.

By nshec

Boiler Maintenance Tips for the Holidays

Dec 23, 2019

Boiler Maintenance Tips for the Holidays

  • Heating
North Shore Home Energy Boiler maintenance

Hot water is essential to your well-being and your health. And during the holidays, you need it for everything from cleaning pots and pans after a festive meal to taking a long, luxurious bath once all your guests have gone home again. But if your boiler is not working properly, then your life suddenly becomes a whole lot less comfortable. That’s why we’ve put together a list of boiler maintenance tips for the holidays.

Boiler Maintenance

  • Check the gas light. The gas light should burn a steady blue. If it’s yellow or some other color or if you notice soot marks around it, then it’s a sign there’s something wrong with the combustion. Call a professional immediately instead of trying to fix it yourself.
  • Remove any clutter. You need to maintain at least two feet of clearance around the appliance at all times. During the holidays, this can be more challenging, especially if you’re looking for extra storage for gifts, decoration boxes or other holiday-related items. Nevertheless, since this is about safety, you still need to keep the boiler free of clutter.
  • Perform a visual inspection. Inspect all sides of the appliance for dings, dents or leaks. If you notice serious damage, corrosion, or a leak, you’ll need to get it fixed. You should also carefully check the valves and pipes for leaks or other damage.
  • Make sure the boiler has the right pressure. While your boiler is properly calibrated for the correct pressure when it’s first installed, it will lose pressure over time. This is completely normal, so there’s no need to worry. However, you do need to maintain correct pressure. The best way to go about doing this is to review the manufacturer’s manual for the correct pressure and follow the instructions on how to adjust it.

Why Choose North Shore Home Energy?

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 dollars and 0% financing for 7 years.

Call Today to see how we can help you with your boiler!

By nshec