Cooling Unlimited, Inc. Blog : Archive for August, 2016

Capacitor Issues with Your Air Conditioner

Tuesday, August 30th, 2016

Late summer here in Boston, MA can wreak havoc on air conditioning systems, as months of heavy use combine with the inevitable pre-Labor Day heat wave to create problems in many units (especially older ones). Among the issues you need to watch for this time of year is trouble with your capacitors, which can become worn through regular use and result in big trouble for your system.

A capacitor requires professional licensing and training to fix, and can be dangerous for the uninitiated to tamper with. But by understanding how it works and watching for capacitor issues with our air conditioner, you can get a jump on any emerging problems as quickly as possible.

Continue Reading

Running All Summer Means an AC Breakdown is More Likely

Monday, August 29th, 2016

It’s far too hot in the summer here in Andover, MA to go without air conditioning. It’s more than a luxury; without it, you run the risk of heat stroke and similar maladies, especially in sensitive family members such as toddlers or the elderly.

And yet all of that activity means that the chances of an air conditioning breakdown are much higher this time or the year than any other, with months of daily use behind it and weeks of high temperatures still to come. The more prepared you can be for the possibility of a breakdown, the better able you are to prevent it, or at least mitigate the damage. Here’s a brief list of some handy steps.

Continue Reading

How Do Dehumidifiers Help Your Air Conditioner?

Monday, August 22nd, 2016

We tout the virtues of whole-house dehumidifiers for clients in Andover, MA and similar cities in the Boston area, and for good reason. Massachusetts summers are as humid as they come, which not only makes your home far less comfortable, but can drastically impact the functioning of your air conditioner as well. A whole-house dehumidifier not only makes your home more comfortable, but can ease the burden on your AC as well: lowering monthly bills and making it less likely that your air conditioner will suffer a breakdown. Here’s a brief bit of info on how it all works.

Continue Reading

3 Signs of Trouble with Your Water Heater

Monday, August 15th, 2016

Your water heater probably sits in the basement, garage, laundry room or other corner of your Concord, MA home: quietly doing its job without much fuss or trouble. It’s easy to ignore in light of more pressing household problems, or the daily juggling act of jobs, commutes and family time. But when trouble arises with your water heater, it tends to leave signs, which you can spot if you know what to look for. This is important because the sooner you address a growing issue with your water heater, the less arduous and expensive the repairs are likely to be. In fact, most water heaters have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and age can be a critical factor in determining if replacement is necessary. Ignoring warning signs like leaks, rust, or sediment buildup can lead to major problems, costly repairs, or unexpected breakdowns. These signs may indicate it’s time to replace your water heater to ensure reliable hot water and avoid further issues. Here are 3 signs of trouble with your water heater that you should watch for.

Introduction to Water Heaters

When it comes to ensuring a consistent supply of hot water in your home, having the right water heater is essential. Water heater installation plays a key role in maintaining home energy efficiency and comfort, especially as modern water heaters are designed to deliver reliable hot water while using less energy. Homeowners today can choose from a range of options, including traditional tank models, tankless water heaters that save space and provide hot water on demand, solar water heaters that can significantly reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, and electric water heaters, which are known for their ease of installation, safety, and compatibility with many home electrical systems.

Selecting the best water heater for your household depends on several factors, such as the size of your family, your hot water needs, and your goals for energy efficiency. Energy efficient water heaters and energy efficient models are engineered to heat water quickly and effectively, leading to significant savings on energy costs over time. By upgrading to a newer, more efficient unit, you can benefit from advanced technology, improved safety features, and reduced long-term costs.

The cost of water heater installation can vary based on several cost factors, including the type and size of the unit, installation complexity, and any necessary upgrades. In 2024, the cost of installing or upgrading a water heater in Boston typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, with the average cost of water heater installation in Boston around $2,850. Many homeowners start by comparing the initial cost of water heaters, but long-term energy expenses can add up. Traditional water heaters often have a lower purchase and installation price, making them attractive for tighter budgets, but the cumulative energy costs over time can result in higher expenditures compared to modern, energy-efficient options.

When considering a Boston water heater replacement or installation, local expertise is essential. Boston residents may qualify for various rebates and incentives when installing energy-efficient water heaters. The Mass Save program offers valuable rebates and incentives that can help reduce the costs of upgrading water heaters in Boston. When replacing a water heater in Boston, key factors include type/size, energy source, efficiency ratings, local codes, upfront/operating costs, warranty, maintenance, and hiring a qualified installer. Boston’s building codes have specific requirements for the installation of water heaters, including ventilation, plumbing, and electrical configurations. Hiring a licensed plumber or technician specialized in water heater installations in Boston ensures that the installation is done correctly and up to code. Massachusetts law requires a licensed plumber to pull a permit for any water heater replacement, and Massachusetts offers aggressive incentives for high-efficiency upgrades, including rebates for heat pump water heaters that can reach $750 or more. In Boston, local codes often require permits for water heater installation, which qualified installers should handle. Professional installation ensures compliance with local codes and safety standards, helps avoid potential hazards and costly mistakes, and is crucial for ensuring safety and passing inspections during water heater installation.

Proper water heater installation is also crucial to ensure compliance with local codes and to maximize the performance and lifespan of your system. While some HVAC or air conditioning professionals may offer general services, water heater installation requires specialized expertise. Whether you’re considering a new water heater installation or looking to replace your current unit, understanding the different types of water heaters and their benefits will help you make an informed decision. With the right choice, you can enjoy reliable hot water flowing throughout your home, improved home energy efficiency, and peace of mind knowing your heating system is both effective and efficient.

Continue Reading

How to Prep Your Generator for a Crisis

Monday, August 8th, 2016

We can’t always tell when trouble is coming, and one of the benefits of a back-up generator is that it responds on short notice when electricity is suddenly lost in your Boston, MA home. But sometimes you get a few days’ warning that trouble is on the way — an ominous weather report for example — and even when the unexpected strikes, you can do yourself a lot of favors simply by checking your generator on a regular basis and ensuring that it’s ready to go when you need it. Here’s a short list to follow if you get a heads up about a potential crisis.

Continue Reading

Use Your Thermostat Wisely

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016

High summer temperatures in Andover, MA mean you’ll need you air conditioner to function at its best all the time. The more you can do to cut down on those costs, the better. Some steps you can take around the home, such as sealing up cracks under your door with weather stripping. And some involve the services of a technician, who can perform maintenance duties once or twice a year to cut down on inefficiency. But another big step you can take is to look closely at how you use your thermostat, then make some adjustments to your cooling habits to help improve the bottom line.

Continue Reading

Get a Sump Pump to Protect Your Home

Monday, August 1st, 2016

Flooding is a common problem here on Concord, MA, as periodic heavy rains can hit us hard. As a homeowner, your ultimate goal in such times is to keep your household safe and undamaged from those floodwaters, and while insurance can cover the damage, it is far better to prevent those damages in the first place.

Continue Reading