Signs That You Should Call an HVAC Contractor

Few things are more frustrating than having to deal with a malfunctioning heater in the dead of winter or a fickle air conditioner during a blazing summer. When worst comes to worst, all you can really do is call the professionals and have them either fix the problem or replace the appliance entirely. However, you can save a lot of stress and money if you catch these issues before they bloom into complete catastrophes. In order to give you the most comfortable home possible, here are some key signs that you should call out an HVAC contractor ASAP.

Your Air Quality Is Low
There are a variety of ways that low air quality can manifest, ranging from increased sickness in the house to a noticeable scent when the air conditioner or heater are turned on. In some cases (and especially if cash is tight), this may seem like a temporary problem and mild inconvenience that will soon pass, but that's not always true. Poor air quality is often a warning sign that things will be getting much worse in the future. The filters could be clogged, which can lead to overheating and damage in the appliances themselves. Mold can grow quickly and spread throughout the home via ventilation, leading to severe health risks.

Your Appliance Is Making Strange Noises
If you hear strange noises coming from your heater or air conditioner while they're running, then those may be indicators of much worse problems. If pieces are loose inside, then they may break entirely. This isn't necessarily a common problem in state-of-the-art models, but it can be a serious issue for older appliances. In the worst-case scenario, this could potentially lead to an electrical or gas hazard that could become a fire.

How a Contractor Can Help
Getting a contractor to your home as soon as possible is one of the best ways to nip these problems in the bud. They can identify what's causing the problem, how serious it is, and determine the best way to go about fixing it. Of course, they can also help you in other ways that people don't often think about. Your air conditioner may be working fine, and the problem may be minor, but it may also be an extremely old model that simply doesn't have the efficiency of modern air conditioners. A contractor can help you decide if an upgrade is worth it and how much you stand to save. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, give us a call today!

Get the Right Type of Heating System Installed at the Right Price

When it comes to heating installation, there are several factors you need to consider.  One factor is the size of your home; the larger the home means the bigger the heating system. Another factor is the type of heating you're looking to install; older homes generally have radiators which are noisy and take a long time to crank up, whereas newer homes have more sophisticated, less noisy heating systems which you can control with the help of a thermostat.

What Type of Heating System Do You Need?

Once you know exactly what you're looking for in terms of heating, be sure to discuss this with your heating contractor and get their input. They'll be able to tell you if the type of heating installation you want to have done is practical or not. The will also be able to suggest alternatives, in case they feel like your ideas are not feasible. Our team of trained professionals here at New England Cooling Towers, Inc. knows all the latest trends when it comes to heating systems and can tell you what your options are.

How Much Is Your Heating System Going to Cost?

Your heating contractor will be able to give you an estimate of how much it's going to cost to get a heating system installed. A good heating contractor will thoroughly check your home in terms of size, number of rooms, vents, drafts etc. Then, only after doing this, will they give you an estimate of how much it's going to cost to install a heating system.

If a heating contractor gives you an estimate based on what you tell them over the phone or after just looking at one or two rooms, you should definitely get another one; just to be sure that they know what they are talking about.

How Good Is Your Heating Contractor?

Once you've decided exactly what you need and gotten an estimate that works for you, be sure to check the credentials of the company you're going with, the reviews they've received and the number of years they've been in business. This way, you can be sure that you've found someone efficient and reliable.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and/or service needs that come to mind. We are here to help.

When to Hire a Furnace Repair Technician

A furnace in your home is a very valuable appliance as it will help to keep your home safe and warm when it is cold outside.  While a furnace is built to last a long time, having access to a qualified furnace repair technician would be very beneficial.  There are several different situations in which you should contact a furnace repair technician.

Routine Maintenance

One situation in which you should hire a technician for furnace repair is when you are in need of routine maintenance.  While a furnace can last for a long period of time, those that are looking to extend its useful life for as long as possible should hire a technician to come once per year before the winter season starts.  The technician will be able to ensure the furnace is working well, is safe, and is operating efficiently.

Increased Heating Bills

Another situation in which you should call a professional for furnace repair is if your heating bills are going up.  While heating bills will fluctuate from one month to the next based on the temperature and other factors, if your bills are much higher than the prior year it could be an indication that your furnace is not working properly.  A technician will be able to diagnose the issue with your furnace and make any necessary repairs to ensure it works efficiently again.

Odd Smells or Noises

The third situation in which you should call a technician is if you notice odd smells or noises.  If your furnace seems to be omitting a smell of gas or a burning sensation, it could be an indication of a more serious problem.  In these cases, you will need to contact your technician immediately.  It would also be ideal to turn off your furnace until the issue is resolved.

Do you have questions? Please contact us here at New England Cooling Towers, Inc. so that we can provide you with answers and/or service.

Is Your Heat Pump Running?

Your air conditioner is going to act differently throughout the seasons, no matter what system you have. But if you've recently moved into a home with a heat pump instead of a more traditional model, then it's important to take note of which behaviors are typical and which are not.

How often should your heat pump be running in the winter?

Once the temperatures start staying below freezing, your heat pump will be running almost constantly. They don't work like furnaces, which generate heat in cycles once the internal temperature dips below your thermostat's setting. Instead, they pump air between the inside and outside until the temperature reaches the right point. Heat pumps are often also matched with an auxiliary heat source -- a furnace, a heat strip, or a stove -- that can make up the difference when air exchange doesn't provide enough heat. However, as a general rule, heat pumps work slower and less dramatically than furnaces; they will be working almost constantly, and that's fine when it's cold.

How often should your heat pump be running when it's warmer out?

Warmer in this context means above the low- to mid-thirties. Above this range, heat pumps should be able to pull enough heat from the outside air to keep your home comfortable, and it shouldn't be a constant effort for the pumps to maintain that internal temperature.
Then again, if the heat pumps aren't turning off, something is wrong with your unit. The most common culprits are:

1. an outdoor unit that's icing over
2. too much demand for your unit, which is usually caused by poor insulation or a pump system that's too small for the property
3. lack of tune-ups; since every air conditioning system needs a quick look-through, cleaning, and filter replacement.

If you have any questions or service needs, please feel free to contact us at New England Cooling Towers, Inc.

Benefits of Hiring a Heating Contractor

Your home furnace is a very important appliance as it is responsible for keeping your home warm and safe. Due to the importance of it, having access to a heating contractor to provide repair and maintenance services is extremely important. There are several important services that a heating contractor in Lowel MA can provide to you and your furnace.

Improve Efficiency

One of the services that a heating contractor can provide to you is to ensure it is running efficiently. While a furnace will be able to last well over a decade, they do tend to break down and run less efficiently overtime. If your furnace is not running as efficiently as possible, this could lead to higher energy bills. The contractor will be able to complete a check of your furnace and determine why the furnace is not working as efficiently as possible.

Ensure Safety

Another valuable service that a heating contractor can provide is that they can help to ensure the safety of your furnace. While furnaces are relatively safe appliances, they do pose a number of potential risks to you and your home. Some of the biggest risks can include leaking carbon monoxide, leaking gas, and the potential for a fire occurring. A heating contractor will be able to complete a range of different tests on the furnace to ensure it is running safely and will be able to fix any issues that they find.

Installation and Consultation

If you are in need of a new furnace, a heating contractor will also be able to help you by finding and installing a new furnace for you. The contractor will be able to help you to determine what type of furnace best meets your needs. Once you decide on a furnace, the contractor will be able to make sure it is properly installed and working correctly.

If you are looking for a reliable heating contractor, make sure to contact New England Cooling Towers, Inc for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Should Your New Heater Have a Humidifier?

One of the rules we all grew up with was that electricity and water don't mix; even if we never learned more than that, that primary safety rule governs how we use and store appliances. But sometimes there's no separating the two: both good coffee and good air quality break the rule. It's becoming more and more common to combine a heater in Tyngsboro MA with a humidifier.

Is it safe to have the two right next to each other?

New furnace models are being made available with furnace humidifiers. Because the two separate devices are built together, they're safe to run. Modern furnaces are undergoing a lot of changes, such as changing from standing pilot lights to electric ignition and the addition of several safeties cut-offs and sensor, and using an in-built humidifier can make the air much more pleasant.
But if your central heating system isn't built to accommodate a humidifier, give the two a bit of space. Humidifiers don't soak the surrounding air with moisture or create areas of standing water, but they can develop leaks. If you only recently considered adding a humidifier to your home's air system, start with a room unit. You can adjust it to different levels, see if it increases the comfort level, and then decide if you want a larger unit or to go room by room.

Why do people use humidifiers in winter?

Winter air is relatively dry, especially if you have severe winters. Heating that already dry air will make it even more parched, and that can worsen winter illnesses, skin conditions, or respiratory conditions. Dry air is also more expensive to heat: because it doesn't have moisture to help hold the heated temperature, you have to replenish the energy more frequently.

If you need a heating service contact New England Cooling Towers, Inc for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Save Energy at Home

Save Energy at Home! Click here for information on high-efficiency heating hot water equipment rebates for residential customers of Massachusetts.