Why Your Furnace is Leaking Water

Furnaces provide heat to our homes, and they are not something we think of working hand-in-hand with water. However, while it doesn't use water to heat our homes, water can be a byproduct of regular use in your furnace. Despite this, it is not normal to see water pooling around your furnace or leaking from it.

The water produced by your furnace should be safely ferried away to a nearby drain. However, if your furnace appears to have sprung a leak, there are a few common causes that can be checked. The first should be where the furnace drains. If the drain area has become blocked with debris, it may result in a worrysome puddle. Unfortunately, this is really the only problem that you can investigate and potentially fix yourself. Other causes of leaking in a furnace will want to be left to an HVAC technician who can quickly find the problem and will be able to fix it without harming the furnace.

If the drain checks out, it may mean the pipes leading to the drain are clogged up. As these are located inside the furnace, an HVAC technician will need to investigate it. Usually, you can tell where a clog is happening by where the water is leaking from.

Unfortunately, one of the most problematic causes of a furnace leaking is when it is caused by faulty parts. For example, one of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger can be leaking water. This can be expensive to fix, and if left unrepaired can be dangerous for your home. However, a faulty condenser pump could cause the same issue, which is a more affordable repair.

Both problems needs to be addressed by a professional HVAC technician to ensure that the repair is done correctly. For 24/7 emergency service, we encourage you to contact us today.

3 Most Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC

After many years of providing heating and cooling services, we recognize that pairing your needs with the right HVAC system is the key to cooling and heating your home efficiently. In this article, we'll answer some of the most common HVAC questions people ask.

What Are the Benefits of HVAC?

Professional HVAC installation offers numerous benefits such as an easy, stress-free process, longevity, indoor air quality, moisture consistency, energy conservation, and high efficiency. The longevity and efficiency of your HVAC depend on the quality of the installation. You should, therefore, contact professionals if you need to install an HVAC system.

What Is the Cost of Air Conditioner Repair?

Most AC repairs cost anywhere from $164 to $549. The total cost to repair an entire house, single 3-ton AC, if it's shutting off from poor maintenance, ranges between $175 and $300. The cost per hour ranges between $35 and $200. Prices for this project can vary by company. Most contractors calculate the rates of repairing an air conditioner based on the job, not hourly labor.

Why Should I Hire a Professional HVAC Company?

Professional HVAC repairs are fast; calling a professional HVAC repair technician will ensure that the job is done promptly. There might also be something wrong with your HVAC system, and only HVAC specialists can detect these issues to ensure pre-emptive warnings. Professional fees are undoubtedly worth your money, especially when it comes to securing your safety. You can save a lot when you opt to hire a professional to fix your system when it has issues.

If you are looking for a company that provides HVAC services throughout the Boston area, New England Cooling Towers, Inc. is the most reliable HVAC company to work with. For more information about the services that we offer, feel free to contact us.

4 Ways to Lower Your Commercial HVAC Costs

Running a business is all about keeping costs down. When it comes to your commercial energy bills, your heating and cooling system is one of the biggest contributors. According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted, and cooling accounts for about 15% of the energy that commercial buildings use. Here are four ways to lower costs associated with the HVAC in your commercial building.

Replace Air Filters Regularly

Your air filters play a larger role in your building's energy use than you may realize. Clogged air filters restrict airflow, which places additional strain on your HVAC system and leads to higher energy consumption and lower air quality. Some air filters should be changed every month; others can be replaced every three months. Change your filters according to the recommendation by the manufacturer.

Install Programmable Thermostats

There's no need to keep the air conditioning running when your building is empty. Smart thermostats can save your company hundreds of dollars per year in energy costs. You can program the system to adjust the temperature when your building is not in use. An experienced HVAC technician can recommend the best thermostat for your commercial building.

Keep Vents Clear

Ensure that the vents in your building are not blocked by furniture or other items. According to EnergyStar, "as much as 25 percent more energy is required to distribute air if your vents are blocked."

Schedule Air Conditioning Service

Your commercial HVAC system needs ongoing maintenance in order to perform its best. Having air conditioning service each spring and fall ensures that your heating and cooling system isn't wasting energy. With regular maintenance, your technician will also address any problems before they become more costly. Quality maintenance will keep your HVAC system running as long as possible.

Contact us to learn more and schedule your air conditioning service.

Preparing Your Air Conditioning System for Fall

Fall is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to prepare your air conditioning system for the cold weather ahead. Keep reading to learn some tips for ensuring that your system is in optimal shape once the warm weather rolls around again.

Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit

If you happen to be outside working in the yard, take some time to clean up the area around your outdoor unit. Remove all the leaves, dirt, and debris around the unit to ensure proper air flow and protect the coils and the inside of the unit.

While you're cleaning, check and see if the ground that the unit is sitting is level. Summer rains could have caused the area around the unit to shift and the unit to become unlevel. This may result in damage to the unit that can be expensive to repair.

Inspect Your Air Filters

Your unit’s air filters should ideally be replaced every 90 days. Replacing your filters now will help your unit run more efficiently, reducing your overall energy consumption and saving you money by lowering your electric bills.

Check Your Doors and Windows

Use caulk or weather-stripping tape to seal doors and windows, preventing drafts that will waste your home's energy and increase your utility bill.

Schedule a Maintenance Check

Now is the time to schedule a tune-up for your system with your technician. Your technician will work to ensure that your system is running in tip-top shape and perform checks like:

• Inspecting your ductwork
• Inspecting heat exchangers
• Refrigerant pressure check-up
• Taking a look at your exhaust system
• Performing a treatment on your condensate drain with anti-algae
• Calibrating and testing the thermostat, among other tasks

If you have any questions about preparing your system for autumn or would like to learn more about our services and schedule a tune-up, please feel free to contact us for more information.

3 Problems You Can Avoid by Getting Air Conditioning Service

If you can't remember the last time you got air conditioning service, then it's probably been too long! There are many good reasons why you ought to remember to get your air conditioner serviced. Whether you have central air conditioning or a window unit, regular servicing will help you to make sure that your air conditioner continues to run smoothly without any hitches. It will also help you to increase the life of your air conditioner. Here are some of the problems you can avoid by getting air conditioning service:

1. Your Air Conditioner Breaks Down: Everything is jogging along nicely and you seem to be getting work done. Until, one day, out of the blue, your air conditioner breaks down. You can't remember the last time you got it serviced. If you had gotten it serviced, your air conditioning contractor would have been able to tell you that repairs were needed earlier. But now, you'll have to go without air conditioning for longer, until the repairs are done. Plus, they're also likely to cost you more.
2. Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Replaced: At times, the cost of not getting your air conditioner serviced can be even higher. Your air conditioner might get to such a stage that it can't be repaired. It may need to be replaced altogether. And this means a larger expense. This can be avoided if you get air conditioning service regularly and nip any possible problems in the bud.
3. You Run into Health Problems: Sometimes, if you don't get air conditioning service, you can run into health problems. You may not realize it but your air conditioner might be spreading gas throughout the room or house because of a gas leakage. This can be very bad for your health and lead into a number of respiratory issues. Plus, if the air is not being filtered properly, this can also lead into a number of allergies.

You can avoid a number of problems with your AC and your health by getting your air conditioner serviced regularly. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians.

Central Air Conditioner vs. Evaporative Cooler

If electric fans don't provide sufficient cooling, you might consider installing a central air conditioner or buying an evaporative cooler. Central AC systems refrigerate and dehumidify the air. On the other hand, evaporative units add cool moisture to it. Below are some considerations when deciding between installing a central air conditioner or an evaporative cooler.

Climate

People who live in deserts often favor evaporative cooling because the extra humidity increases comfort under especially dry conditions. This type of equipment costs comparatively little to purchase, install and run.

On the other hand, these coolers can do more harm than good in moist climates. A higher humidity level may cause discomfort and promote mold growth. If you regularly experience "muggy" weather, this cooling method probably won't work well.

Water

Unlike central air conditioning, an evaporative unit consumes a significant amount of water. This makes it unsuitable for any building that lacks plumbing or has an unreliable water supply. The equipment may also increase your water bill.

Capabilities

These two cooling systems are equivalent in some ways. They both come in a variety of sizes that efficiently meet the needs of different buildings. If you install and maintain the filters, both machines will remove unwanted particles from your air.

Maintenance

All cooling equipment requires maintenance, but evaporative units typically need more upkeep. You'll have to clean a greater number of parts and replace worn cooling pads from time to time. Ductless central AC systems demand less maintenance than ducted units.

Temperature

If your home is often exposed to bright sunlight or you favor particularly cool temperatures, you may prefer a central air conditioner. These systems have the ability to achieve lower indoor temperatures than other equipment.

To sum it up, evaporative coolers offer an appealing and cost-effective option in particularly dry climates. Central AC delivers better results in humid regions. It also requires less maintenance and doesn't need a source of water.

If you have questions about which type of unit is right for you, contact our team of experts at New England Cooling Towers, Inc. today.

7 Tips to Find a Good Contractor for Air Conditioning Installation

Many people postpone their air conditioning installation. After all, it's a big job and likely to take a few days to get done. Plus, you want to make sure that it gets done right the first time around. So it's important to find a good air conditioning contractor i.e., someone who will not overcharge you and will do a good job. You don't want your air conditioning breaking down a few months after you've installed it. Here are some things you can look for in a good air conditioning contractor:

• 1. They'll Give You an Estimate: No good air conditioning contractor is going to start working without giving you an estimate of how much things are going to cost.
• 2. They're Detail-Oriented: They'll make sure that they understand the specs of your house—its square footage, the height of the ceilings and the amount of usage that can be expected—before starting work.
• 3. They're Efficient: A good air conditioning contractor isn't going to start the work one day, then leave it pending for several days. They understand that you need to live in the house. So they'll focus on your job for as long as it takes and get it done before moving on to another job.
• 4. They're Reasonably-Priced: A good air conditioning contractor isn't going to charge you the moon for a small job. On the other hand, they're not going to undercharge you and do the job badly either.
• 5. They're Pleasant to Work With: They're professional and courteous. They have answers to all your questions. And they're punctual too.
• 6. They'll Be Available for Repairs and AC Service: After all, getting an AC system is not just about installation. It's also about maintenance.
• 7. They Understand Your Needs: Air conditioning doesn't work on a one-size-fits-all basis. Each house is different and each customer's needs are different. Your air conditioning contractor will understand that.

Contact our team at New England Cooling Towers, Inc. a call today to schedule a maintenance check, installation, repair, or anything else you need. We’re here to help!

4 Effective Ways to Reduce Allergens this Spring

It's that dreaded time of year again, when spring allergies have got you feeling at your worst. Most people who deal with springtime allergies know exactly when the pollen is in the air. Here are four effective ways to reduce allergens this spring and improve your quality of air inside your home.

Get Your AC Unit Serviced by a HVAC Technician

Schedule an appointment to have your air conditioning unit serviced. AC units need regular maintenance to operate properly. The best time to schedule maintenance is the beginning of spring. However, it's better to do so late than to not get it serviced at all. As the months get warmer, the need to run your air conditioner grows. Keeping your air conditioning unit free of dust and other allergen particles will help reduce allergy symptoms. However, waiting until the last minute could have you sniffling, sneezing, and overall feeling poorly. It could also lead to an AC unit that stops working in the dead of summer.

Change AC Filters

Check your AC filter to see if it is clogged with dust and needs changing. Filters get dusty quickly; they become clogged with particles that travel through the air. Changing a filter is easy and will improve the air flow and quality in your home. However, be sure you are using the most effective filters. Ask your New England Cooling Towers, Inc. technician for their recommendations.

Keep Windows Closed

Keep windows closed on days the pollen count is extremely high. On low count days, you can crack a window, but remember to check window sills just to be sure nothing is blowing inside. Sometimes, it is best to avoid opening windows in bedrooms to keep pollen away from your bed linen and mattress.

Clear Out Debris Around Outdoor AC Unit

Keep your outdoor AC unit free of debris and dust. If debris is kept around the unit, unwanted dust particles will eventually end up in your home. Usually, while an HVAC technician is servicing your unit, they will make sure debris and other items are not clogging the system and interfering with proper air flow. Preventative maintenance care for your system is a healthy way to manage your air quality and reduce allergens throughout your home.

To find out more about keeping your air conditioner operating at its best, contact our team today.

Need a New Heating System? Read This Before Installing

Did your heating system just break down? Or, do you need to replace your old one? Whether the pilot light won't stay lit, the heater smells like it's burning, or the system makes frightening noises, it's probably time for an upgrade. With cold weather still upon us, it's natural to rush the buying process. However, it's best to take things slow and do your research first. Here are four things you should do before installing a new heating system:

1. Research Different Options

When it comes to heating, you have options. Don't be so quick to settle on the first one you see. There are furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, fireplaces, old-fashioned wood-burning stoves, and even radiant floor heat. Another option is to invest in a few electric space heaters. For more information about your options, speak with a qualified heating installation technician.

2. Consider Your Budget

Obviously, heating systems aren't cheap. They use lots of energy, and energy costs money. Of course, you must also factor in the price of installation. While you don't need to buy the most expensive heating system on the market, you shouldn't buy the cheapest either. Heating that's less expensive probably won't be as long-lasting as a more expensive system. Try to find a balance between a high-quality heating system and cost-efficiency.

3. Determine Efficiency Level

Different heating systems put out different energy levels. Efficiency is the ability to produce as much heat as possible at the lowest possible cost. When it comes to achieving efficiency, it's best to go with a heat pump as they use less electricity yet are still effective in heating your home. Although a high-efficiency heating system will have a higher initial cost, you'll save more money in terms of gas or electricity usage.

4. Conduct a Heating Load Calculation

Consult with an HVAC technician to perform a consultation to determine the type of heater is best and how much heating is needed based on the size of your home. If you avoid this step, you run the risk of installing a heating system that won't be effective in heating your home.

Contact us today if you have any questions about your existing heating system or would like to learn about installing a new one.

Common Late Season Furnace Problems

Many homeowners prioritize furnace maintenance before autumn comes around, and that’s a good thing! However, it’s important to prioritize furnace maintenance year round. As winter comes to an end, consider the wear and tear your furnace has endured over the last few months.

It’s common for furnaces to manifest late season problems, and it’s crucial that you don’t ignore them until fall comes back and you begin to rely on it to keep you comfortable again. Address any late season furnace problems as soon as possible because if you let a broken furnace sit all summer, it will come out of the season even worse off.

Common late season furnace issues include:

• Dirty Burners – Over a season of use, the burners in your furnace can accumulate a lot of dirt. This makes it difficult for those burners to reignite when needed. Typically this manifests in a "boom" noise that comes with delayed ignition. Delayed ignition takes a toll on a furnace, making dirty burners an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
• Ignitor Failure – Instead of a pilot light, many furnaces have changed to an electronic ignitor to light the gas and run the heat. However, these ignitor often wear out before the furnace itself, making it so they may need replacement. If your heat has stopped turning on late in the season, this could be the cause.
• Motor Failure – If your furnace is igniting, but the air isn't getting into your home, it could be an inducer motor failure. This motor pumps air into your home, and when the motor goes out, that doesn't happen. Typically you will notice a distinct and annoying screeching sound when a motor is going out.

As you can tell, the most common late season repairs come from the items in the furnace that are subject to frequent repeat use. Thankfully, these repairs are usually rather simple to fix. If you think your furnace should be looked at by a professional, contact us today to schedule a time of service.

5 Reasons to Have Your Furnace Inspected This Winter

Now that winter has arrived, you depend on your furnace to keep you warm. An annual inspection and regular maintenance are essential to keep your heating system running smoothly. Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect to have their furnaces inspected each year. Here are five reasons why annual heating service is important.

Catch Problems Early

A number of heating problems can be avoided with routine maintenance. Regular furnace inspections allow you to detect any problems and fix them before they become more serious (and more expensive). Compared to the high cost of an emergency heating repair, regular maintenance is a worthwhile investment.

Extend Your Furnace's Lifespan

Not only will regular maintenance let you address potential problems early, it also ensures that your furnace keeps performing at its best. When your furnace isn't running as efficiently as it should, it creates additional wear and tear. Routine heating maintenance ensures that your furnace will last as long as possible.

Save Energy and Lower Heating Costs

Keeping your furnace in good working order ensures that it's running as efficiently as possible. Heating costs account for as much as 42% of your utility bill. By properly maintaining your furnace, you can enjoy significant savings on your winter energy bills.

Stay Comfortable

Nothing is worse than having your heating system stop working in the middle of a cold night. Annual furnace maintenance ensures that your heat keeps working when you need it most. Your home will stay warm and comfortable all winter long.

Increase Safety

An unchecked furnace carries the risk of a gas leak or a carbon monoxide leak. Gas leaks and carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous. Having your furnace inspected each year will ensure that any potential safety issues are dealt with right away. Contact us at New England Cooling Towers, Inc. today to schedule a maintenance check and you'll have peace of mind knowing that your furnace is working comfortably and safely.