Burlington MA Heating and Air Conditioning Blog

Winter Storm Heating Tips: How to stay warm

Winter Storm Tips for MA residentsWinter storms often come with extremely low temperatures and also strong winds, icing, and sleet. This makes them hazardous and dangerous.

Regardless of how severe an expected storm might be, you should always be prepared.

Know the Difference

Regardless of the severity of a winter storm, you should be prepared in order to keep you and loved ones safe.  According to the Red Cross, winter storm preparedness advisories include:

Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

Winter Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

Winter Storm Warning - Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Winter Storm Tips

When heavy snow and ice is in the forecast, remember these tips to help keep you and your loved ones warm:

  • Change your filters now, before your system goes into overdrive. This also helps with airflow putting less stress on your system.
  • Use space heaters and ceiling fans to further disperse heat throughout your house.
  • Clear all snow and ice off of your outdoor units if you can, as this allows for much better air flow.
  • Close off rooms that are not being used, and place door draft stoppers under the doors to further contain the heat in your home. A rolled towel can also act as a draft stopper.
  • Consider buying a protective cover for your outdoor faucet; these are often the cause of frozen lines.
  • Keep all indoor plumbing lines running at a drip - a burst pipe is no fun to deal with.
  • Bundle up; layering is very effective.
  • Nothing is worth having a an accident in inclement weather. Stay off of the roadways as much as possible.

If you find yourself in a heating emergency without heat, contact Total Comfort Mechanical for assistance. We will get your system running and get you back in Total Comfort.

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This entry was tagged Heating, Heat, Storm, Winter and posted on February 15, 2016

Total Comfort Mechanical Earns Esteemed 2015 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

angiesListssa2015L.pngBURLINGTON, 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

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This entry was tagged Heating, Air Conditioning, Heat, Angie;s List, Award and posted on January 17, 2016

TCM Awarded Annual Super Service Honor Once Again

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For the second year in a row, Total Comfort Mechanical Heating and Air Conditioning Specialists have earned the coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting another exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review group.

“It’s a mark of consistently great customer service and value,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks, “only about 5 percent of the HVAC companies in Massachusetts are able to earn the Super Service Award.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners must meet 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, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List (www.angieslist.com). Service Providers are graded on an A through F scale in various areas, including professionalism, affordability and even punctuality.

“I am absolutely thrilled that Total Comfort Mechanical is being honored with this accolade from Angie’s List,” said HVAC expert and owner Wendell DePaiva. “When we hear that our customers are satisfied beyond their expectations, we have fulfilled our goal.” Total Comfort Mechanical has been serving the cities of Burlington, Lexington and surrounding New England areas since 2009.

To contact Burlington’s “people’s choice” heating and air conditioning service, call (718) 697-9016 or visit: http://totalcomfortmech.com.

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This entry was tagged Burlington MA, Heating, Air Conditioning and posted on December 31, 2014

HVAC for Dummies - Heating and Air, HVAC for the Average Joe

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!


HVAC-for-Dummies

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-SplitDuctless 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.

 


 

Burlington MA Heating Air Service Area

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.

 


 

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This entry was tagged AC, Ductless, Tips, Heating, Air Conditioning, MiniSplit and posted on August 29, 2014

Reduce your Heating Bill without Freezing

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You don’t have to freeze to save on your heating bill this winter.

Did you know that heating and cooling your home uses more energy than any other system in your home and accounts for approximately 56% of your total utility bill or more? With recent forecasts for a spike in this winters’ fuel costs – it’s a wise decision to prepare for the colder weather ahead. Following a few small steps can help you to save big on your home heating costs.

Why Massachusetts residents should pay attention

According to energy.gov:

  • Natural Gas customers will pay an average of $679 this winter for heating, up 13% from last year.
  • Electricity customers will pay $909, up 2 %
  • Propane customers in the Northeast US will pay $2,146; an increase of 11%
  • Heating oil customers will pay $2,046, down 2%.

Here are a few strategies for reducing your heating bill this winter:

  1. Use a programmable thermostat. Save money by simply setting your thermostat 10 degrees lower when you’re away from home or asleep.
  2. Keep air vents clean and uncovered so heat can easily flow throughout your home.
  3. Use natural sunlight to your advantage. Open drapes when you are getting direct sunlight, then close them at night to keep heat from escaping. Think of the sun as a heater and your drapes as a blanket.
  4. Make sure the damper in your fireplace is closed when not in use.
  5. Replace the air filter at least once a month.
  6. Schedule a heat system check-up with a reputable heating contractor. Regularly scheduled maintenance of your heating system keeps it running most efficiently and increases the life of the equipment.

Many states, including Massachusetts, offer rebates for homeowners who invest in Energy Star products which utilize the latest technologies designed to consume less energy. These incentives being offered are above and beyond Federal Tax Credits for installing approved heating and cooling systems. For example, Massachusetts utility customers can receive up to an additional $300 mail-in rebate from Cool Smart on qualifying installations. Check with your local HVAC contractor experts at Total Comfort Mechanical for more information.

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This entry was tagged Heating contractor, Energy, Heating, MA, Massachusetts, Heat and posted on October 31, 2013

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