Burlington HVAC Contractor reaches Mitsubishi's Highest Contractor Achievement Level

For Immediate Release

BURLINGTON, Mass. - Dec. 1, 2016 - PRLog -- Total Comfort Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning Specialists have attained the distinguished Elite Diamond Contractor status from Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., a leading manufacturer of Zoned Comfort Solutions™ and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) cooling and heating systems.

"We have been proud to be a part of Mitsubishi's Diamond Contractor Program for many years now," said Total Comfort Mechanical General Manager Wendell DePaiva, "but we are absolutely thrilled to achieve the best–in-class Elite Diamond Contractor status. With over 3,000 other HVAC contractors in the Diamond Contractor Program nationwide, it's truly a distinguished honor to be considered the best of the best."

Mitsubishi Electric enhanced their Diamond Contractor Program earlier this year with three new achievement levels: Diamond Contractor, Preferred Diamond Contractor and Elite Diamond Contractor.

Several criteria are included in each contractor classification, such as the tracking of warranty registrations for each system a contractor purchases, as well as five performance indicators – marketing, training, service, sales and customer satisfaction.

Founded by DePaiva in 2009, Total Comfort Mechanical serves the Massachusetts cities of Burlington, Bedford, Lexington, Winchester and surrounding MA locations. The company offers a wide range of heating and cooling services and specializes in energy-efficient indoor climate options, with a focus on ductless heat pump and air conditioning installation.  For more information, visit the company website at www.totalcomfortmech.com.

Everything you wanted to know about Air Conditioning

HVAC (Heating - Ventilation - Air Conditioning) can sometimes be overwhelming.  Here we'll break down some of the most commonly used terms in the business, so the next time you call your heating and air conditioning service specialist for help, you'll impress the expert!

Air Conditioning, HVAC for Dummies

• Air conditioner: A mechanical device used to control temperature and air movement in a confined space.
• BTU/H: (British Thermal Units per Hour): A measure of cooling or heating capacity.
• Capacity or Load: A refrigeration rating system usually measured in Btu/h.
• Compressor: A refrigeration or air-conditioning system pump that circulates refrigerant through pipes between an outdoor and indoor unit using pressure.
• Ductless Mini-Split: Ductless systems consist of one or more outdoor compressor units and indoor air-handling units, called “heads”, linked by a dedicated refrigerant line. There is no ductwork required.
• External Static Pressure (ESP): Measure of static pressure losses from ductwork, fittings, dampers, grills, and any other devices located in the airstream.
• Freon: See Refrigerant.
• Heat pump: An air conditioning system that provides either heating or cooling - because it can reverse the direction of refrigerant flow.
• HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor): A rating of the seasonal efficiency of a heat pump unit when operating in the heating mode.
• Indoor unit: The air handler of the air conditioning system.  It contains a heat exchange coil, filters, remote signal receiver and fan.
• Outdoor Unit: A component of the air conditioning system which contains the compressor, fan, circuit board, and heat exchange coil. It pumps refrigerant to or from the indoor unit.
• Refrigerant: Many people commonly refer to refrigerant as Freon, which is actually a 'brand' name (much like Kleenex).  Refrigerant is a gas/liquid substance that is used to provide cooling, by direct absorption of heat. The most environmentally-friendly refrigerant at this time is R410A.
• Refrigerant lines: Insulated copper tubing through which refrigerant flows to and from the indoor and outdoor unit.
• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): The rating of the seasonal efficiency of air conditioning or heating units.  The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit is.
• Split-Ductless System: A system comprised of a remote outdoor condensing unit connected by refrigerant pipes to a matching, non-ducted indoor air handler and a remote controller. Special cases for introducing ventilated air may call for limited ducting to air handler from outside.
• Split-zoning System: A system comprised of a remote outdoor condensing unit connected by refrigerant pipes to a matching, indoor air handler that conditions single or multiple room space that is conditioned to a set temperature and is independent from other rooms within the same structure.
• Zone (zoning): A single or multiple room space that is conditioned to a set temperature and is independent from other rooms within the same structure.

A trained and licensed HVAC contractor can help you determine the appropriate options for your home's air conditioning. For more information, contact the Total Comfort Mechanical Heating and Air Conditioning Service  website or call us at (781) 697-9016.

Save money on your summer energy bill with these HVAC Tips

Did you know that about half of the energy consumed in the United States is for heating and cooling alone?

Keeping your Massachusetts home air-conditioned and comfortable can be expensive, especially when everyone is trying to beat the sweltering summer heat and energy consumption is high.  The good news is there are actually some very simple things you can do to stay cool without having to empty your wallet for energy bills!

1) Don’t forget the Filter

This is one of the easiest things to do yet one of the most commonly overlooked. Filters should be replaced regularly, so make it a habit by keeping a supply of filters on hand. Actually, the number one reason for HVAC system failure is dirt. Properly maintained equipment lasts longer and keeps the system running more efficiently.  Filters should be changed every:

• 3 months on a 1" pleated filter 
• 6 months on a 5" media air cleaner 

It's also helpful to invest in a HVAC Maintenance plan, as many include free filter changes with membership. 

2) Get in the Shade

Burlington MA is located in the "temperate" area on the US Dept. of Energy's climate region map. Unlike the hot and arid Southwest and hot and humid Southeast, energy-saving landscaping strategies for this area must be balanced - keeping heat out in summer and keeping it in during winter months. 

Adding more trees and bushes to your home's exterior not only provides a more beautiful landscape, but can considerably block the amount of solar heat beaming on the roof and through the windows. All that heat makes your air conditioning system work harder. Strategically place vegetation so that it shades the roof, east and west facing walls.

If the outdoor air conditioning unit itself receives some shading from trees and shrubbery, it can also improve your HVAC system effectiveness up to 10%!

3) Upgrade your Thermostat

If you are reading this article on a smartphone and you don’t have a digital programmable thermostat yet, you should be embarrassed!  Advanced technology can help you save energy and reduces costs by giving you precise control over temperature, humidity, air treatment, scheduling and more.

Smart and relatively inexpensive, Digital Programmable Thermostats allow you to adjust the settings for a higher temperature when no one's home or during cooler parts of the day.

On the go and want to change the settings? You can even connect to your system from almost anywhere via Wi-Fi.

4) Turn off ceiling fans when not in use

Keeping a ceiling fan running all the time, even when the room is unoccupied really doesn’t keep the room cooler.  Though they do help circulate air, ceiling fans have no effect on the temperature of the area. They simply redistribute already conditioned (or unconditioned) air and make it feel cooler because it's creating a breeze against your body. Prevent wasted electricity by turning them off when leaving a room.

5) Go Underground

Naturally cooler than the rest of the home, a basement can provide instant relief on a hot day.  If your home has a basement, why not convert it into a summer family room or hangout?

Be sure to keep basement windows and doors closed during steamy summer weather to avoid excess condensation which increases indoor humidity.  Humidity levels however can be controlled with a number of whole-home humidity control solutions that are designed to work together to use energy as efficiently as possible.

6) Make sure vents are clean and open

It may be obvious but it is truly remarkable what you may not notice about your own home. Vents can be accidentally shut for cleaning purposes and never reopened. If you notice an unusually warm room or area in your home, don’t forget to check the vent.

7) Replace old air conditioning units with newer, efficient models

If you have an older unit that has not been properly maintained, investing in a new and more energy-efficient model. The replacement costs are well worth it in the long run. See this guide to determine if you should repair or replace your heating and cooling system.

When you’re faced with the choice between replacing and repairing part or all of your heating and cooling system, rely on a trusted HVAC contractor like Total Comfort Mechanical to help you find a solution that’s affordable, keeps your family comfortable and makes sense in the long-term.

8) Get a Tune-up!

Regular maintenance allows minor repairs to be caught before they become major, costly replacements. To be absolutely certain you are obtaining optimal efficiency from your home's central air conditioning system, schedule an AC tune-up. This includes a check of multiple factors to ensure all air conditioning system components are operating properly and that the system is meeting the manufacturer’s expectations for efficiency. Failing parts can be identified in advance to prevent unexpected equipment breakdown.

Think of your central heating & air conditioning system as your home's lungs. It breathes in air and contaminants and then breathes those pollutants back out again all day (and night) long.

These hazards include pollen, mold, smoke, chemicals and gases such as radon and carbon monoxide.

Air quality problems within the home attribute to an alarming number of health risks, affecting your family's comfort and well-being. Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of poor indoor air quality. 

According to the EPA, indoor air health problems are present in 8 out of 10 homes, and indoor air pollution is listed as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. In fact, there are two to five times more contaminates contained in indoor air than outdoors.

Millions of Americans suffer from allergies caused by pollen which often aggravated by poor indoor air quality, including pollen trapped indoors. Mold is another common toxin that triggers health problems. Excess humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth. If you can see condensation on your windows regularly, then the humidity level needs to be addressed.

There are many different areas of the home that these invisible pollutants reside - all filtering through the same system. Indoor air pollutants produce the same symptoms as many illnesses, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, scratchy throat and nasal irritation. 

A healthy home is attainable

A healthy home (and office) is attainable with safer products and better indoor air quality.  A number of energy-efficient products can help you manage more than just the temperature of the air within your home. 

A qualified HVAC contractor that specializes in Indoor Air Quality solutions and testing can help you determine the best solution - whether you require a system to manage humidity or reduce harmful airborne particles for better air freshness and purity.  Some options include:

ERV - Energy Recovery Ventilation

Energy Recovery Ventilators, or ERV systems deliver fresh air to the home's interior, bringing equal amounts of healthier, fresh air into your home while exhausting the same amount of air out. 

Unlike opening a window, an ERV system helps keep the air fresh without introducing pollen and other allergens inside. During summer, the system pre-cools and dehumidifies while humidifying and pre-heating in the winter months.

ERV products are available in many convenient sizes and a qualified HVAC contractor can properly size a unit that precisely meets your needs.

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

BURLINGTON, Mass. - Jan. 17, 2016 - PRLog - Total Comfort Mechanical, Inc. of Burlington, MA has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2015. The company also was awarded this honor in 2013 and 2014.

“Having won this award for the third year in a row makes us extremely proud,” said General Manager Wendell DePaiva, “…as not only meeting but exceeding the customers’ expectations is our ultimate goal”.

“Only about 5 percent of the Heating and Air-Conditioning service companies within Middlesex County (MA) have performed so consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a really high standard.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2015 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

To set up an appointment with Burlington's favorite heating and air conditioning service, call (718) 697-9016. For more information, visit their website: http://totalcomfortmech.com.

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Angie's List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than three million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly rated service providers in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of more than 10 million verified reviews of local service, Angie's List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

Source Total Comfort Mechanical, Inc.

Original post:  http://prlog.org/12525524