Cooling Unlimited, Inc. Blog

Running All Summer Means an AC Breakdown is More Likely

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.

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How Do Dehumidifiers Help Your Air Conditioner?

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.

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3 Signs of Trouble with Your Water Heater

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.

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How to Prep Your Generator for a Crisis

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.

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Use Your Thermostat Wisely

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.

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Get a Sump Pump to Protect Your Home

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.

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How to Spot a Breach in Your Ducts

July 25th, 2016

Summers in Boston, MA is no picnic, and this year is no different. If your air conditioner isn’t ready to do its job every day without fail, you have a problem that needs solving fast. And repair calls don’t always need to involve the air conditioning system itself. Sometimes a breach can appear in the ducts, either because two sections of duct have broken apart or some external force (such as raccoons or repairs on other parts of the house) causes them damage. A good repair service can take care of the problem for you, but first you need to be able to spot the signs of a breach. They can include:

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How to Stop AC Breakdowns Before They Start

July 18th, 2016

Summers in Andover, MA are no time to deal with an air conditioning breakdown. Unfortunately, the strain of cooling your home day after day can take its toll and most breakdowns occur just when we need our systems to be there for us. Luckily, we can provide swift AC repair services to get your system up and running again. But better than reacting to a give problem is anticipating it and taking steps to prevent it. We have three basic steps we use to advise our customers on the best way to stop AC breakdowns before they start. We’ve presented them below for your edification.

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How to Flush Your Water Heater

July 11th, 2016

Water heaters tend to do their jobs without much fuss, and when they’re tucked away in the basement or garage of your Concord, MA home, you can easily forget about them. That can actually cause big problems, because many of the breakdowns suffered by water heaters could have been prevented with timely servicing and care. We recommend scheduling a maintenance session for your water heater at least once a year. In addition, you can help your own cause out by flushing your water heater every 2-3 months. This prevents sediment from building up on the bottom of the tank: a major cause of stress and trouble if it gets out of hand. Flushing your water heater is very easy and takes just a short amount of time. Simply follow these steps:

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3 Things to Consider When Buying a New Generator

July 5th, 2016

A new generator can be a huge boon to homes in the Andover, MA area. Our civic grid can withstand a lot, but Mother Nature always has the final word. A generator can be perfect for keeping your home safe and comfortable in a crisis, and if you’re decided to add one to your home, we can install it and keep it serviced so that it’s ready to go whenever you need it. But once you’ve made the decision to install one, you need to consider a few things carefully before determining which system is right for your home. We’ve laid out the three most important below.

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