Author: Stafford Mechanical

How Can I Help My Heating System Run Better This Winter?

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hvac technician checks furnaceIf you’re like most homeowners, one of the things you dread is the cost that comes with heating your home. We all know that the price of fuel oil and other utilities has increased, which is why it’s so important to make sure your home comfort system is operating both efficiently and effectively. Your heating equipment has many moving parts, and much like your vehicle requires regular maintenance in order to operate properly.


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As such, the best possible action you can take is to ensure that your heating system receives annual maintenance. Getting maintenance on a regular basis from a professional technician can help keep your heating system running smoothly. Your technician will make sure that all the parts are in good working order, that your system is cleaned and lubricated, and any small problems are taken care of before they become larger and more expensive ones. That being said, there are a few measures you can take as a homeowner that can benefit your heating system, too.

5 Ways You Can Help Your Heating System Operate More Effectively

While getting maintenance for your heating system is vitally important, you as a homeowner can also take some measures to keep your system operating at its best and most efficient this winter, and for years to come. Below are five easy ways to help it along:

  1. Keep the cold air outside where it belongs. That means applying weatherstripping to drafty windows and doors, using heavier drapes, and making sure your home has the proper levels of insulation throughout. Making sure your home is sealed well against the outdoor elements can help you keep the heat inside – and save your heating system from having to work harder than it needs to.
  2. Install a programmable thermostat. If you have an older thermostat, it might not be working properly or to your advantage. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the temperature in your home based on when you’re home, away, or asleep. And, many homeowners are opting to install smart thermostats that can be accessed remotely via an online application.
  3. Consider a home humidifier. In the winter, the air inside your home can become dry, and not hold the heat as well. When you have proper humidity levels in your home, it will feel warmer, and provide additional benefits (such as keeping your skin healthier, preventing nasal and throat dryness, and keeping wooden furniture and fixtures in better shape.)
  4. Change your heating system filter regularly. During the winter months, your heating system likely will operate frequently. That means a lot of air will be moving through your system, as well as more dust and dirt. Your filter’s job is to trap those particles and keep them out of the air in your home. But if the filter becomes clogged, your heating system will have to work much harder.
  5. Check your registers. Like filters, dust and dirt can build up in your registers, too. That’s why it’s important to keep them clean. Wipe the exteriors of your registers down with a damp cloth regularly and vacuum them out on occasion as well. That will help your heating system work more efficiently and will keep the air in your home fresher and cleaner, too.

Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help meet your heating needs.

You can trust Stafford Mechanical to help you get the heating services you need, from annual maintenance, to repair, to system replacement. We’re pleased to provide our customers with expert service, as well as high-quality Carrier® heating products. No matter what your need might be, you can count on us to keep you and your family warm all winter long. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with us, please give us a call at (860)684-9485, and we’ll be happy to help.

Need to Update Your Home Comfort System? Consider Ductless.

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

young woman sits on couch using remote control for ductless systemHomeowners with electric baseboard heat often think they don’t have many options when it comes to updating their home comfort system. They may not have ductwork in their home, and they might have limited space to add ductwork for a traditional centralized system. Not to mention, adding ductwork to a home that doesn’t already have it can be a costly venture. Fortunately, today there is a great option – ductless heat pump systems.

Ductless heat pump systems do not require ductwork to operate, and there is very minimal construction required for installation. Whether a homeowner needs just one ductless unit for a room that is not attached to the home’s duct system or needs multiple units throughout for whole-home comfort, there is a ductless configuration for virtually any need. And the best part? A ductless heat pump system can offer year-round comfort.

How Ductless Can Meet Your Year-Round Comfort Needs

Most people who have baseboard electric heat know that it can be a nuisance, and often inefficient. They also know that if they want cooling in the summer, they’ll have to use window or room air conditioning, which can be cumbersome and expensive to operate. This is where a ductless heat pump system can help.

Ductless heat pump systems not only keep your home warm during the winter but can also help it stay cool in the summer. It does this by transferring heat from the air. In the colder months, it can extract heat from the air outside (yes, there is even some heat even in chillier air) and bring it indoors. Conversely, in the summer months, it can send the heat in the air inside the home outdoors. As a result, ductless serves as a heating system and cooling system in one!

How Ductless Helps You Save Money

Of course, most homeowners want to know that they’ll enjoy some energy savings when they install a new home comfort system. The good news is, ductless heat pump systems are highly efficient. In fact, ENERGY STAR estimates that ductless systems can reduce heating costs by 60 percent in comparison to an electric-based heating system, and can cut air conditioning costs by 30 percent when compared to window or room AC units. So, with ductless you’ll not only be more comfortable year-round, you’ll save on your energy bills as well!

Another way a ductless system helps homeowners save money is by providing targeted comfort from room to room. Generally speaking, each room (or zone) of a house is equipped with its own ductless unit. And since each unit is easily controlled via its own remote, you’ll have a much easier time maintaining your home’s temperature from room to room. And unlike traditional systems, ductless units do not take a long time to warm up or cool down a space.

Finally, some homeowners are concerned about the up-front cost of ductless heat pump systems versus electric baseboard systems. While ductless is a bit more expensive to install initially, there are often many rebates and incentives available on systems that can help bring the cost down. And, the overall energy savings usually quickly recoup any of the additional expense of installing a ductless system.

How to Get Ductless Heating & Cooling from Stafford Mechanical Services

If ductless heating and cooling sound like a good option for your home, the next step is to call Stafford Mechanical Services. Our ductless heat pump systems are of the best quality and installed in your home by our professional technicians. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with us, please give us a call at (860) 684-9485, and we’ll be happy to help.

Need Heating Repair? What to Do While You Wait.

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

young couple sitting on couch with holiday decorationsNobody wants to think about the heating system in their home breaking down on a chilly winter night. Unfortunately, that’s when it seems like it most often happens – and that can mean a few hours without heat in your home. While your HVAC contractor will be doing their best to get to your home and get repairs made for you quickly, it’s still likely that you will need to endure some less-than-cozy indoor temperatures for a bit.


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Of course, your best bet to avoid a breakdown is to get regular preventive maintenance for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. Usually, during the annual check-up, your HVAC contractor will find any small problems with your system that could lead to a breakdown down the road. However, if you find yourself with a heating system failure, there are a few ways you can keep your family more comfortable while you wait for help to arrive.

5 Pointers for Staying Warm While You Wait for Help to Arrive

Before you do anything – even before you call your HVAC contractor for repair services – make sure your heating system is not posing a danger to you and your family. If you smell or see smoke, or if your heating system is emitting any foul odors, the best thing you can do is exit your home immediately and contact your local fire department. Do not remain in your home.

However, if you’re just experiencing an old-fashioned heating system breakdown, there are a few things you and your family can do to stay warmer while you wait for your HVAC contractor.

  • Dress in warm clothing. Layers are your friend – consider thermal underwear, sweat pants, thick sweaters, hoodies, socks (the thicker the better), and maybe even knit hats. This will help keep your body heat in.
  • Enjoy some snuggle time. Why not catch up on that show you’ve been wanting to binge on? Make some popcorn and cocoa, gather some warm blankets, and snuggle with the family in front of the TV while you wait for your technician.
  • Gather for a family exercise session. Physical activity will help you stay warm, so why not work out to an aerobics video or put on some favorite upbeat music and dance? Moving around will warm you up, and warm the room up slightly as well!
  • Use your kitchen appliances. Now is the time to fire up the stove and make a delicious pot of soup, and use the oven to bake some bread, cakes, or cookies. This will help generate a little bit of warmth, and keep your tummies full too!
  • Keep the heat from escaping. You’ll want to make sure that the heat already generated in your home can’t escape. Close any rooms that aren’t in use, gather in a common area, and make sure your doors and windows are kept closed as much as possible.

Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help you in a heating emergency.

As soon as you notice anything going on with your heating system – even if it’s still running – give Stafford Mechanical a call. Our technicians will be able to troubleshoot your heating system and make the necessary repairs, so you won’t have to endure the cold. And, we’re pleased to offer 24/7 emergency service. Just give us a call at (860) 684-9485, and we will be more than happy to help. We look forward to helping you with all of your heating needs.

Is a Cold-Climate Heat Pump Right for My Home?

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

family walking to a home decorated for the holidays during winterFor many people living in the Northeast, winter weather means an increase in home heating costs. While we all need heat in our homes during the cold weather, most people would like to save money if possible. Rising fuel prices have left some homeowners wondering if there are any alternatives to traditional heating that can help them save money once the chilly temperatures return. Fortunately, there are more options than ever when it comes to home heating.


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Heat pumps have been around for quite a while now, but they haven’t always been a viable choice for home heating in colder climates. However, advanced technologies now allow heat pumps to operate effectively and efficiently, even in places where temperatures dip down below freezing during the winter months. Keep reading to learn more about heat pumps, and if one might be an ideal choice for your home.

What is a heat pump?

Heat pumps are home comfort systems that transfer heat using a heat exchanger, a compressor, and refrigerant-filled pipes. Heat pumps extract the heat from the outdoor air and bring it indoors. As an added bonus, heat pumps can also act as air conditioning systems, by reversing the process in the summer months. Cold-climate heat pumps are engineered to work even in sub-zero temperatures and can work as a stand-alone system, although many homeowners in very cold climates choose to have a traditional heating system as a backup.  That being said, even with a traditional, fuel-burning system, a heat pump can greatly improve energy efficiency and reduce oil consumption – and the subsequent costs.

What are my options when it comes to heat pump systems?

Heat pump systems are available in either ducted or ductless configurations. Ducted heat pumps work great in homes where people are choosing to replace an old fuel-burning system. Ducted heat pumps use the existing ductwork in the home to deliver heated air throughout your home. Ductless heat pumps, more commonly known as ductless or mini-split systems, are a great choice for homes that do not have existing ductwork and have used baseboard or radiant heat throughout the home. They also can help balance out cold spots, and heat areas of the home that may not have access to the home’s ductwork, such as additions or converted spaces.

How can a heat pump system make my home more comfortable?

There are several benefits for homeowners that heat pump systems can provide, including:

  • Better Home Comfort – Heat pump systems can offer homeowners more consistent comfort during the winter, as well as air conditioning during the summer months. Because of the all-in-one nature of a heat pump system, homeowners can look forward to better comfort year-round, all from one system.
  • Energy Savings – Most people are amazed at the energy savings they can enjoy with a heat pump system. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that heat pump systems, when compared to fuel-burning systems, can reduce the home’s energy consumption by up to 40 percent.
  • Ease of Installation – Because they don’t require ductwork, or can be used with your current duct system, heat pumps can generally be installed by a qualified professional within a day under usual circumstances, and with minimal construction.
  • Quiet Operation – The indoor and outdoor components of both a ductless and ducted heat pump system operate very quietly – as quiet as a whisper. And, a heat pump system delivers a steady supply of heated air throughout your ductwork, so you won’t have the noise of expanding and contracting ductwork to contend with.

I’d like to learn more about cold-climate heat pumps. Can Stafford Mechanical help me?

We sure can! We’re pleased to offer heat pump systems in both ductless or ducted configurations, and we can help you choose the right system for your home. We proudly service Carrier heating equipment and many other brands as well. You may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with all of your heat pump needs.

What You Should Know About Heating Maintenance

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

a technician performs furnace maintenanceNow that the fall season has arrived, many people are starting to think about heating their homes. With fuel prices on the rise, most homeowners are concerned about the cost of home heating. In general, heating your home uses a good portion of your home’s energy budget each year – around 29 percent, according to the Department of Energy. And, when fuel prices spike, it can be an even greater expense. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your home heating system is operating both effectively and efficiently.


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One of the ways you can do that is by making sure it is properly maintained. It’s easy to look at heating maintenance as yet another household expense to avoid. However, not getting annual maintenance can actually end up costing homeowners far more in the long run. In this article, we’ll explain the main benefits of getting annual maintenance on your heating system, and how Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Five Benefits of Annual Heating Maintenance

Your home’s heating system is comprised of complex machinery that works hard to keep you and your family both comfortable and safe once the chillier weather arrives. As such, it needs the proper care in order to ensure that it’s working its best. Annual maintenance helps to achieve that, and provides many benefits to you, the homeowner. These benefits include:

  • More efficient operation. Whether you own a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, your heating system works non-stop during the cold months to keep your home warm. In the course of operation, dirt and dust can accumulate in your system, making it have to work even harder to provide you with the heat you need. Annual maintenance provides a thorough cleaning of your heating system, allowing it to operate more easily and use less energy.
  • Cleaner indoor air. As we mentioned above, your system can get dirty over time. Unfortunately, that dirt and dust can end up circulating throughout your home if your system doesn’t receive the cleaning it needs. It’s important to change your filter and get annual maintenance to help the air inside your home stay fresh and clean.
  • Longer lifespan. Without proper maintenance, any type of mechanical equipment can falter. Think about it – what if you never changed the oil or replaced the tires on your vehicle? You probably wouldn’t expect it to last very long! The same goes for your heating equipment. Fortunately, annual maintenance can help keep your system running smoothly this winter and for years to come.
  • Warranty maintenance. A lot of people don’t realize this, but often, receiving regular maintenance is required by HVAC equipment manufacturers in order to keep the warranty intact. Failure to do so can void the warranty – which can cause the homeowner costly out-of-pocket expenses should the equipment require repairs. Annual maintenance helps keep your warranty in good standing, so you can rest assured parts and accessories will be covered in the instance of a breakdown.
  • Record of service. When you choose annual maintenance from your HVAC contractor, they’ll keep a record of service. The efficiency and condition of your system, and any small repairs made, will be noted. That will help troubleshoot your system should any issues arise – helping you save time and money in the instance a repair is needed.

Stafford Mechanical is pleased to offer heating maintenance to our customers.

At Stafford, we provide our customers with the heating maintenance they need to ensure their system is operating at its best, year after year. We offer comprehensive maintenance agreements and our highly qualified technicians are able to provide service on most makes and models of heating equipment – we proudly service Carrier heating equipment and many other brands as well. You may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with all of your heating needs.

How Can I Help My Hot Water Heater Use Less Energy?

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shower with flowing water and steamMost homeowners rely on their hot water heaters every day. From cooking and household chores to laundry and hygiene, having reliable hot water is important for the comfort and health of you and your family. However, you might be surprised to learn that heating your hot water takes up a fair share of your home’s energy usage – around 18 percent, according to the Department of Energy. So, how can you keep the hot water flowing while saving energy in the process?


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In this article, we’ll share with you some helpful tips on reducing the amount of energy your hot water heater uses, which ultimately will help you save money on your utility bills. Some of these tips are completely free or low-cost, while others may be a bit more expensive, but can pay for themselves in energy savings in the long run. Keep reading to learn more!

7 Ways You Can Help Your Hot Water Heater Save Energy

  1. Use less hot water. You can accomplish this in several ways, some of which are discussed in more detail below. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth, taking cooler showers, and using the energy saver cycle on your dishwasher can help.
  2. Turn down the thermostat. You can start saving energy today by setting your water heater thermostat to 120ºF. Plus, it’s safer for the people in your household to keep your hot water heater at a lower temperature, especially if there are children or elderly family members.
  3. Set your washer on “cold.” Washing your clothing and other laundry items in cold water can help you use much less hot water and it won’t cost you a thing! Not to mention, most laundry detergents and fabric softeners are formulated for cold water wash now, so you won’t have to worry about your laundry getting fresh and clean.
  4. Fix leaky pipes. The energy costs associated with dripping pipes can add up over time and can cause damage to your home and belongings on top of everything else.
  5. Insulate your water heater tank and pipes. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, or call on your hot water heater installer to help.
  6. Invest in low-flow showerheads and faucets. You can likely find them at your local home improvement store for as little as $10, and they can provide you with a water savings of anywhere from 25 to 60 percent!
  7. Time to replace? Choose an energy-efficient water heater. At Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc., we can install a new, energy-efficient hot water heater in your home.

Stafford Mechanical Services is happy to help with your hot water heater needs.

We’re pleased to provide our customers with a complete range of hot water heater products. Click the links below to learn more about the different types we provide:

And, should you need any repair services, we’ll be happy to get your water heater back up and running for you with expert hot water heater repairs, performed by our highly skilled technicians. Whether you need a new and more efficient hot water heater for your home, or hot water heater maintenance or repair services, we’re ready to help you. Just give us a call at 860.684.9485, and we’ll be pleased to assist you.

It’s Almost Fall Allergy Season – Are You Prepared?

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young girl blowing her noseSummer is winding down, and before you know it, autumn will arrive. While there are so many things to look forward to in the fall – changing leaves, crisp, sunny days, and pumpkin spice everything – there are unfortunately some culprits that can make the fall season a less than exciting thought. For many people, allergens are on the rise, and that can make autumn a sniffly, sneezy, and uncomfortable time of year.

But you should know, there are products available on the market that can help keep fall allergens at bay in your home, helping you to create a safe haven. In this article, we’ll talk about the two most common autumn allergens, how they can affect you, and the products available that can help keep them out of your indoor air.

First, let’s talk about fall allergy symptoms and the two most common culprits.


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Most of the time, people who have allergies are well aware of the fact that there is some particulate in the air they’re breathing that’s causing a problem. The Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America describes symptoms that include:

  • Sneezing
  • Nasal symptoms – itching, congestion, runny nose
  • Itchy mouth, ears, and eyes
  • Irritated eyes (red, watery, swollen)

They add that mold allergies often produce similar symptoms. Mold, however, can also get into the lungs and cause an uptick in asthma and other respiratory concerns.

Mold

While most people enjoy watching the leaves on the trees change to all sorts of beautiful colors, that also signals that those pretty leaves will soon be falling to the ground. Once there, leaves and other organic materials that are beginning to die off become the perfect place for mold to grow. Of course, you might be thinking, “How does that affect my indoor air quality and cause allergies once I’m inside?”

Unfortunately, mold can enter your home on your shoes and clothing. And, because fall tends to be a damp season, areas of your home prone to moisture, like bathrooms and basements, may grow mold more easily this time of year. If you suffer from a mold allergy, it’s important to take all the measures possible to keep mold out of your home – and out of your respiratory system!

Ragweed

Ragweed is one of the main causes of allergic rhinitis in North America, mainly because this plant can grow anywhere. From rolling meadows to cracks in the pavement, where there’s a patch of dirt, there’s an opportunity for ragweed to take root. Ragweed produces about one billion grains of pollen per plant per season, so you can see that anyone with an allergy to it is bound to suffer once it starts blooming – usually late summer throughout the fall season.

Ragweed pollen is also highly mobile and travels easily through the air. That means it can land on your clothing, your hair, and even on your pets! It can enter your home easily that way, as well as through an open window or door. While keeping ragweed pollen out of your home may seem like an impossible feat, there are fortunately some products that can help.

What types of products can help me keep my indoor air free of allergens?

Fortunately for allergy sufferers, there now are several types of products available on the market today that can help you improve your home’s indoor air quality. Learn more about the products offered by Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. below:

Air Filtration: Did you know one of the easiest ways you can keep the air in your home cleaner and fresher is simply by making sure your system’s filter is changed regularly? Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. is happy to help with your air filtration needs. Air filters are beneficial because they trap pollutants, allergens, and other pathogens that can cause poor indoor air quality.

Air Purification: Stafford proudly offers our customers indoor air quality (IAQ) products that keep the air in their homes fresh, clean, and contaminant-free. We offer the Air Knight, one of the most advanced air purification systems on the market today. The Air Knight system uses a unique new indoor air quality process to naturally produce ionic oxidizers that proactively seek out and purify pollutants in the air AND on surfaces.

Okay, I want to learn more about better indoor air quality. What’s next?

Fall allergies don’t have to get the best of you this year – you can count on Stafford Mechanical Services to help you get the products you need to keep mold and pollen at bay. You may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with all of your comfort needs.

How Can I Help My Air Conditioning System Operate More Efficiently?

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grass cutout in the shape of a houseHaving an air conditioning system in your home is one of the best ways you can help your family stay comfortable during the hottest months of the year. Of course, your AC system relies on energy to operate, and you’ll probably see an increase in your energy bills during the summer months. In fact, the Department of Energy notes that average homeowners can attribute 6 percent of their annual energy costs to home cooling.

As a result, it’s important to ensure that your home’s air conditioning system is operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. But what can you do to keep your home nice and cool, all while keeping your energy usage as low as possible? Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help with your air conditioning system’s efficiency – today!

5 Steps You Can Take Today for Better AC Efficiency

As you know, your home’s air conditioning works hard to keep the air in your home cool and comfortable for you and your family. And, the hotter it gets, the harder it has to work. That’s why it’s so important to minimize the amount of heat in your home, especially when the temperatures outside are soaring. Below, we’re sharing five easy things you can do right away to help keep the heat out – and your air conditioning system running as efficiently as possible.

  1. Minimal use of appliances that heat up your home: This includes home appliances like ovens, stoves, and dryers. When you run these appliances, they naturally cause your home to heat up – and your AC to work harder.
  2. Turn off ventilation fans when not in use: Your ventilation fans in the bathroom and kitchen do a great job of drawing the heat out of your home when you’re showering or using the stove. But, they can also draw the cool air out, so make sure they’re off when you’re not using them to remove heat from your living space.
  3. Close windows and doors: Open windows and screen doors can let the heat into your home, and allow the cooled air to escape. When your air conditioning system is running, closing windows and doors will help keep the cool air in where it belongs, and your AC won’t have to work so hard to do its job.
  4. Change the direction of your ceiling fans: Set your ceiling fans so they turn in the counterclockwise direction. This allows the cooled air to be pushed down into your living space, rather than be drawn up to the ceiling.
  5. Consider dehumidification: Humid air holds the heat. Your air conditioning system removes some of the humidity from your indoor air, but if it’s especially humid inside your home, you can help your AC system operate more efficiently by installing a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture.

Call Stafford Mechanical Services if you’re concerned about your AC’s efficiency.

If you’re concerned that your air conditioning system is using more energy than it should be, it may be time to have a professional check it out. You may need air conditioning maintenance, or possibly a repair. At Stafford Mechanical Services, we work hard to make sure our customers enjoy the greatest level of home comfort possible. Our skilled technicians are able to troubleshoot virtually any make and model of air conditioning system, including Carrier® products. We’ll thoroughly diagnose your system and get to the bottom of any issues, including system inefficiency. Just give us a call at (860) 684-9485, and we’ll be glad to schedule an appointment with you.

Do You Have Pets? Then You Might Need These HVAC Products.

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Woman and dog on couch next to a ductless unitFor many people, sharing their home with a pet is a rewarding experience. While there are all types of pets in homes across the country, in the United States, people are most likely to own dogs, cats, or both. Of the approximately 85 million households with pets across the country, more than half of them call a canine or a feline a member of their family.

With pet ownership comes responsibility, of course. Most pet owners will tell you that they view their four-legged friend as a member of the family. As a dog or cat parent, there are a few things you can do to help your pet enjoy better comfort – and help the humans in your home in the process!

Keeping Your Pet Comfortable at Home

Most families can’t spend their entire day at home with their pets and often choose to contain them in a specific area of their home while they’re away at work or school. It’s important to keep those areas comfortable for your pets, especially during the summer months. This is especially true if you need to crate your pet for any length of time. If the room you keep your pet in while you’re away from home isn’t air-conditioned, it can get uncomfortably hot for your dog or cat. Fortunately, there is an easy way to make this space in your home more pet (and human) friendly – ductless air conditioning.

Unlike window air conditioning, a ductless unit won’t block out your furry friend’s window view, because ductless systems are attached high on your wall or ceiling. You also won’t have to worry about any cords being chewed, pulled, or unplugged like you might a window unit. And, ductless is easy to control – some systems can even be attached to your Wi-Fi, so on those days when the temperatures might get unexpectedly hot, you can turn the ductless unit on for your pet remotely. What’s more, ductless AC is energy-efficient, so you’ll use less energy than you would with a window air conditioner. And, it makes the space it’s installed in more comfortable and accessible for your entire family – furry or human!

Cutting Down on Pet Fur, Dander, and Allergies: 5 Tips

Of course, sharing a home with a dog or a cat also means sharing your home with their fur and dander. And, for pet owners who may suffer from some allergies, this can cause some discomfort. Here are a few tips to help you keep your home as free from fur and dander as possible – and a few ways Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help, too.

  1. Groom your pet regularly. Cats and dogs can always benefit from a good brushing and occasional baths. This helps you control their shedding and keep unwanted hair (at least to a larger degree) off furniture and clothing. And, keep in mind that some dog breeds require frequent professional grooming to best keep their fur under control.
  2. Vacuum carpeted areas often. Especially in the spring and fall, when your pets tend to shed the most. You’ll want to vacuum at least weekly, and likely more often during prime shedding months. And, keep tiled and wood floors swept and damp-mopped as well. You may even want to vacuum your upholstered furniture, too, as it tends to be a pet hair magnet.
  3. Keep your pet’s bed – and your bed – clean and fresh. If your pet uses a pet bed, it’s important to keep it as clean as possible if you don’t want excessive fur flying around your home. If you share your bed with the resident kitty or doggo, you’ll want to make sure you regularly wash your bedding, too.
  4. Make sure your HVAC filter is clean. Your HVAC filter gets dirty with use, but when you have pets, it can become clogged more quickly. That’s because pet hair easily circulates through the air in your home – and through your HVAC system. If you know how to check and change your own filter, you’ll probably want to do so more often if you share your home with furry friends. If you’re not sure, just give Stafford Mechanical a call and we’ll be happy to help!
  5. Consider installing indoor air quality products. Many people with pet allergies still choose to keep a cat or dog in their home, in spite of feeling sniffly or sneezy. Very often, people are allergic to the dander – the tiny flecks of skin shed by pets. Certain types of indoor air quality products, like air purifiers, can help to cut down on the amount of dander in your home’s air. Stafford Mechanical offers air purification systems that can help!

Call Stafford Mechanical for the products you need to keep your family comfortable.

Whether you’re looking for a cooling system that can help your entire family – furry and human – more comfortable, or indoor air quality products that can help control pet hair and dander, Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help you. Just give us a call at (860) 684-9485, and we’ll be happy to discuss your options with you!

When Is It Time to Replace My Old Air Conditioning System?

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Technician repairing an AC systemIf you’ve been concerned about the aging air conditioning system in your home, but you’re not sure whether or not it’s time to replace it, you’re not alone. Most of the time, people wait until their air conditioner finally breaks down to replace it. Unfortunately, this can be costlier than replacing it before that final breakdown. But how do you know that your AC needs to be replaced? The good news is, there are a few telltale signs you can be on the lookout for.

In this article, we’ll explain what those signs are – and we’ll also tell you how they can sap money from your wallet over time. And, we’ll share with you how Stafford Mechanical Services can help you get the air conditioning you need – for less. Keep reading to find out the five signs that you can look out for that could indicate that it’s time for an air conditioning replacement in your home.

5 Signs Your AC Needs Replacement

  1. Your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old. When air conditioning equipment reaches a certain age – usually around 10 years – its efficiency levels start to decrease, especially if it hasn’t received the maintenance it needs. Often, there are new technologies within that time frame as well, that make newer equipment operate more efficiently. An inefficient system will have a direct impact on your energy bills, so if you notice an unusual increase, it could be that your older equipment is simply not operating as efficiently as it should.
  2. You’re calling for repairs more often than you’d like. Often, an increase in the need for air conditioning repair calls and an increase in your energy bills go hand-in-hand. This is due to inefficiency, and also due to your system simply having to work harder to effectively keep your home cool.
  3. There are hot spots and cold spots throughout your home. There are a few culprits that could be causing this, including duct issues, poor insulation, and improper equipment operation. If your duct system is in good working order, and you have the right levels of insulation throughout your home, it’s likely that your older AC system is just not working as well as it used to.
  4. Your home is very humid. Part of an air conditioning system’s job is helping to remove humidity from the air. If it isn’t doing that efficiently anymore, then chances are it needs replacement. Because humid air tends to hold the heat, it takes more energy for your AC to cool the air to the temperature you’d prefer, and your home comfort level is probably not where you’d like it to be, either.
  5. Your air conditioning system is noisy. All air conditioning systems, new or old, obviously make some noise when they operate. That’s to be expected. But if your AC is making a loud, unusual noise, it could indicate that your air handling unit needs replacement, which unfortunately can be costly. If your system is older and out of warranty, many times it is more cost-effective to replace the unit rather than the coil.

When you need air conditioning services, Stafford Mechanical can help.

At Stafford, we understand that nobody wants to think about having to replace their air conditioning equipment. We know new air conditioning installation can be costly, but we also know an older, inefficient system that needs frequent repair can often cost you more in the long run. When you schedule a consultation with us, we’ll provide you with an honest assessment of your current system. If you don’t need new equipment or simply need a couple of cost-effective repairs, we’ll tell you. But, if you should consider replacement, we’ll explain to you why, and how we can help.

Right now, we can help you save up to $1,650 on a new system with manufacturer rebates, with additional utility rebates available to you on some models. This special offer is only available through June 30, 2021, so call us today at (860) 684-9485 to learn more. We look forward to helping you get the comfort – and energy efficiency – you and your family deserve.