Category: News

Does My Heating System Need Repairs?

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

couple at home in cold house with winter wear Once the cooler weather arrives, most homeowners rely on their heating system in order to stay comfy and warm. Annual heating maintenance is your first line of defense when it comes to your home’s heating system. It ensures your system is operating effectively and efficiently, and that any small problems are handled before they become larger and more expensive ones.


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However, throughout the course of everyday operation, problems can arise with your heating system that need the attention of a qualified technician. Fortunately, there are a few tell-tale signs your heating system will give you if it needs service. In this article, we’ll share some of these signs with you, and tell you how Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help.

5 Signs Your Heating System May Need Repair

Many people don’t realize that their heating system needs repair until it stops working completely. However, there are some signs your system will give you when something isn’t working quite right. Early intervention can help avoid very expensive repairs or, in the worst-case scenario, a full system replacement. If you notice any of the signs below, it’s a good idea to schedule a call with Stafford Mechanical:

  1. System Inefficiency: If your utility bills are on the rise for no apparent reason, your heating system could be using more energy than it should be. Systems in need of repair often use more energy to keep up with the heating demands of your home. Any unusual spikes in energy usage could be due to a problem with your system.
  2. Uneven Heating or Cold Spots: If you’re noticing that some areas of your home are much warmer than others, or there are areas that don’t seem to be getting any heat at all, it’s a good idea to have it checked out. It may not necessarily be a problem with your heating equipment itself, but with the ductwork – and that can cause your system to operate far less effectively.
  3. Unusual Noises: If you’re hearing unusual noises such as banging, pinging, or squealing when your heating system operates, you should call for repair services as soon as possible. This can indicate that a belt or motor in your system needs repair or replacement.
  4. Unpleasant Odors: If you’re noticing any pungent odors when your system operates, it’s a good idea to turn your system off and call for repairs right away. This is especially true if you’re smelling a burning type of odor. Of course, if your system is emitting smoke, you should leave your home and call 911 immediately.
  5. Short Cycling: If your heating equipment is short cycling, this likely means that the heat exchanger is becoming too hot. As a safety measure, the fan limit switch in your system shuts the system down when the heat exchanger becomes too hot – a sure sign that your system needs repair in order to operate safely.

Can Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. help if I need heating repairs?

As a full-service heating contractor, Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. will be more than happy to help you get the heating repair services you need. Our highly-trained technicians are able to troubleshoot virtually any make or model of heating system and make the necessary repairs promptly. And, if you’re in need of a new heating system installation, we proudly install quality Carrier® heating equipment. If you need repair services, you may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with all of your heating needs.

Make Your Whole Home Comfortable with Ductless Heating

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

woman lounges on couch using ductless heatingWith the arrival of autumn, many people start to think about the chilly weather ahead and getting their homes prepared once the cooler weather rolls in. If you have a space in your home that doesn’t have heating, you might be wondering how to make it a room you’ll be able to use all year long. Many people worry about using space heaters in these areas for a variety of reasons.


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While today’s models are safer than their predecessors, you still need to remember to turn space heaters off when the room is not in use, and they tend to use a lot of energy. Fortunately, there’s a great alternative that can help keep your addition or converted space comfortable, even when the outdoor temperatures start to dip down – ductless heating.

What is ductless heating?

Additions, converted attics and garages, and finished basements often do not have access to your home’s duct system, and adding ductwork to those areas can be a costly and messy venture. A ductless heating system operates independently of your home’s heating system, so you can add heating to spaces in your home without a lot of muss and fuss.

Ductless systems typically use heat pumps to operate, and the outdoor and indoor units are connected by a small-diameter conduit. Your heating technician will be able to install your unit quickly, so you’ll have heat for your space in no time.

What are some of the benefits of ductless heating?

Aside from the fact that a ductless heating system can make your home more comfortable throughout, there are a few other benefits you’ll enjoy when you install a ductless heating system in your home:

  • Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps generally are highly energy efficient, which means you can add ductless heating to your home without worrying that your energy bills will go through the roof. In fact, it can even help your current heating system operate more efficiently because it won’t have to work so hard delivering heat to your entire home.
  • Clean Heating: Ductless heating systems don’t require fossil fuels or gas in order to operate, which can eliminate the potential release of carbon monoxide that can occur with gas or kerosene space heating.
  • Improved Year-Round Comfort: As an added bonus, your ductless heating system will allow for cooling in the summer. That’s because ductless heat pumps transfer heat from one space to another. In the winter, they extract heat from the outdoor air and pump it into your home, and do the opposite in the summer. So, it’s like having a heater and an air conditioner in one!
  • Quiet Operation: Ductless heating and cooling equipment provides whisper-quiet operation, making it the perfect choice for a guest bedroom or home theater room.
  • Longevity: Heat pumps last a long time with minimal maintenance. Keeping the filter clean and calling Stafford Mechanical Services for yearly maintenance is pretty much all you’ll need to do to keep your ductless system in good working order.

I’m interested in ductless heating. How can Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. help me?

At Stafford Mechanical Services, we’re pleased to provide our customers with complete ductless services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. We can help you choose the best ductless configuration for your home, and our professional technicians will install your new system promptly. 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 assist you.

Should I Get Heating Maintenance Every Year?

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

tree lined street in the fallNow that the summer months are over and the fall season has arrived, many people are preparing their homes for the cooler weather ahead. Most homeowners use the autumn season to make improvements to their homes, including getting their lawns ready for winter, making small repairs to their homes, and cleaning dirt and debris that has accumulated in their home’s gutters during the summer.


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Most homeowners also shut down their air conditioning systems for the season by cleaning up around their outside units and getting their AC covers in place before the snowy weather returns. This is also the time of year when you’ll want to ensure that your heating system is ready, and the best way to do that is by getting it the annual maintenance it needs.

There are a few reasons why getting fall heating maintenance is important.

Sometimes, homeowners wonder if it’s really necessary to get heating system maintenance each year. They may think it’s an unnecessary expense or may feel that their heating system is running just fine. However, there are a few good reasons to call your HVAC contractor for heating maintenance every year.

  • Better Records: Annual maintenance gives your HVAC contractor the opportunity to keep a running record of your heating system’s performance year after year, as well as any repairs that have been made. It allows for better troubleshooting should something go wrong with your heating system.
  • Improved Performance: When you get annual maintenance for your system, it will be thoroughly cleaned and tuned up. That will allow your heating system to operate more effectively and efficiently, helping you stay more comfortable and potentially save money on your energy bills.
  • Safety: Many people grew up in a home that used fuel oil as the energy source for their heating equipment. Seeing a service tech carrying a vacuum and brushes to the heating system basement was a yearly thing. Now, many homes are heated using propane or natural gas fuel for their energy-efficient systems. The vacuum and brushes are no longer necessary on this equipment. The scope of yearly maintenance has changed to checking the safety controls within the heating equipment, checking the integrity of the internals, and checking the gas pressures along with the air intakes and exhausts in order to keep your system operating safely and efficiently.
  • Longer System Life: Maintenance helps your heating system last longer. Imagine if you never changed the oil in your vehicle, or replaced worn-out tires or wiper blades. You probably wouldn’t expect your car to last very long. As a complex machine, the same goes for your heating system.
  • Cleaner Indoor Air: Through normal operation, dirt and dust collect in your heating system. When you don’t have your system and filter cleaned regularly, those particles have nowhere to go except in the air of your home. They get circulated through your duct system time and time again, reducing your home’s air quality.
  • Warranty Maintenance: Most equipment manufacturers require regular maintenance in order to keep your system’s warranty intact. Failure to get the required maintenance for your heating system can result in the warranty becoming void – and that could mean out-of-pocket expenses for you should you need repairs or a replacement.

Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. is ready to help you with your fall maintenance needs.

At Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc., we’re pleased to offer our customers the heating maintenance they need to keep their equipment running smoothly. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your annual heating maintenance. You may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with all of your home comfort needs.

How Can I Keep My Indoor Air Cleaner this Allergy Season?

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

woman sneezing into a tissue as a result of fall allergiesWhile most people look forward to all that the late summer and early fall months have to offer, it can be a less-than-comfortable time for seasonal allergy sufferers. Fall allergies are generally caused by a number of things, but the biggest culprits include mold, ragweed, and other weed pollens. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot to do when it comes to the air outside during this season, but you can make a difference where the air inside your home is concerned.


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There are a number of indoor air quality, or IAQ, products on the market today that help keep allergens at a minimum inside your home, helping you and your family enjoy fresher, cleaner air. In this article, we’ll talk about how some IAQ products can help clear the air in your home. Keep reading to learn more!

Combat seasonal allergies with indoor air quality products.

As we mentioned above, there are many IAQ products that can help you and your family enjoy better indoor air this allergy season. These include:

  • 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? Air filtration is beneficial because they trap pollutants, allergens, and other pathogens that can cause poor indoor air quality.
  • Air Purification: Air purification systems offer advanced air cleaning that can help rid your home’s air of odor, air pollutants, chemical odors, smoke, mold, bacteria, and viruses. For instance, the Air Knight, one of the most advanced air purification systems on the market today, 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.
  • Humidification: Overly dry indoor air is often associated with forced-air heating, and can exacerbate symptoms for allergy sufferers. It can cause dryness in the eyes, nose, and throat, making allergies feel even worse. Whole-house humidifiers help deliver moisture throughout your home, helping you enjoy better comfort.

Make sure your heating system is ready for cooler weather, too.

A dirty home heating system can contribute to poor indoor air quality as well. That’s because dirt, dust, and other particulates can accumulate in your system. This can be especially problematic if you have a forced air heating system (such as a furnace). When your heating system runs, these particles are distributed into the air you and your family breathe.

Fortunately, getting proper annual heating maintenance can help keep this concern at bay. During maintenance, your technician will make sure your heating system and your furnace filter are clean. They’ll also check to make sure your heating system is operating effectively and efficiently so that you’ll be able to rely on your system once the cooler weather arrives.

Can Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. help me with IAQ and heating maintenance?

At Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc., we’re pleased to offer our customers a number of indoor air quality products, and services. You’ll breathe easier with products that help clean your home’s air, making it fresher, cleaner, and more allergen-free. We can help you get the air filtration and humidification you need for greater home comfort, as well as schedule an appointment with you for your annual heating maintenance. You may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with all of your home comfort needs.

Keep Your Whole Home Cool with Ductless

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

woman relaxing on couch using remote to control ductless unitMost people enjoy the fun in the sun that the summer months have to offer, but they also like being able to escape the heat in a cool, comfortable home. Some may find, though, that there are areas of their home that are simply not as cool as they’d like once the outdoor temperatures start to rise.


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If you have an addition, a space that has been converted into a living area (such as a garage or attic), or a finished basement, those areas may not be connected to your central air conditioning system. If that’s the case, ductless cooling may be the right solution for you. In this article, we’ll talk about the advantages of adding a ductless air conditioning system to your home.

How can ductless improve my comfort and help keep my home cool?

Ductless cooling offers many benefits, whether you choose it to keep a single area in your home cool, or the entire house. For people who don’t have ductwork in their homes (for instance, homes with radiant or baseboard heat), ductless air conditioning is a great option. And, as we mentioned above, it also works well in areas of the home that don’t have access to the duct system like additions or converted spaces. Here are a few reasons why you might consider ductless for your home cooling needs:

  • Energy Efficiency: Ductless cooling is a very efficient air conditioning choice. It is much more efficient than window air conditioning, and when used in conjunction with a central air conditioning system, it can help keep your home cooler and help your existing AC system work more efficiently as well.
  • Ease of Installation: If your home doesn’t have ductwork, a ductless system will be far easier to install than a system that needs ducts to cool your home. Adding ductwork is often impractical or even impossible. Fortunately, a ductless AC system can be installed with minimal construction, as a small-diameter hole to connect the indoor and outdoor unit is all that is needed.
  • Targeted Comfort: Because you can easily control your ductless unit via remote (or even by a smartphone application for some units), you’ll be able to keep your room at the exact temperature you’d like, simply by the push of a button.
  • Quiet Operation: Unlike window units that can be very noisy, ductless air conditioning systems are whisper-quiet, so you’ll only notice that you’re more comfortable. And, they won’t obstruct your view, as they’re usually mounted high on a wall or in the ceiling.
  • Year-Round Comfort: Many ductless systems are operated via a heat pump, so they not only can provide air conditioning during the summer months but heating during the winter. This makes them the perfect option for people who are considering replacing their old baseboard heating system.

Can Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. install ductless cooling in my home?

We can! We are pleased to offer complete ductless air conditioning services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. We can help you choose the best ductless configuration for your home, and our professional technicians will install your new system promptly. 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 assist you.

Summer Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Small Wooden House In Green EnvironmentNow that summer has begun, the chances are pretty good you’ve been running your air conditioning system. We all can appreciate coming in out of the heat into a cool, comfortable home. However, it can also mean a spike in our utility bills. In fact, the Department of Energy suggests that about 6% of the electricity produced in the United States is used by air conditioning. So how can you reduce the amount of energy your AC system uses as a homeowner?


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Fortunately, there are quite a few different ways you can help your air conditioning system operate more effectively and efficiently. One way is by making sure you call a professional for preventive maintenance each year. If you don’t get proper maintenance, your AC system will likely not perform as well and use more energy than it would otherwise. And, there are a few measures you can take as a homeowner to help your air conditioning system operate more efficiently.

5 Ways You Can Help Your AC Use Less Energy

  • Keep the Outside Unit Clean. When grass, weeds, and shrubbery grow up around the outdoor portion of your air conditioning system, it can cause it to have to use more energy to work properly. Keeping the outdoor unit free of vegetation, pests, and debris can help it operate better and more efficiently.
  • Check the Filter Regularly. Once summer is in full swing, your AC system probably is being used on a constant basis. As a result, the filter can become dirty more often, making your AC work harder and use more energy. Clean or change your filter as soon as you notice that it’s dirty.
  • Take Advantage of Ceiling Fans. Set any ceiling fans in your home to turn counterclockwise in the summer months. That helps to push the cool air down into your living space, creating a comfortable breeze.
  • Keep the Sunshine Out. Of course, we all love beautiful, sunny days. But when the sun is at its highest, draw the shades to help keep the heat at bay. Direct sunlight can quickly heat up your home, making your air conditioning system work that much harder to keep your home cool.
  • Make Sure Registers are Clear. Keeping your registers clean, and not obstructing them with furniture, rugs, and other objects allows the cool air to flow freely throughout your home. That helps your AC system deliver cooled air easily, and helps keep living areas at a more consistent temperature.

Not sure if your air conditioning system is as efficient as it should be?

Suppose you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills, your home is not as cool as you’d like, or your indoor air seems more humid than usual. That means your air conditioning system is probably not operating at peak efficiency. It may need a cleaning and tune-up in order to operate at its best, especially if you haven’t had it maintained yet this season. If you’re concerned about your system’s efficiency, Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help.

At Stafford Mechanical, our expert technicians can provide you with any air conditioning services you may need, from maintenance and repair to new system installation. 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 assist you.

Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

HVAC contractor giving thumbs upWhen you need home comfort solutions from a qualified HVAC professional, it’s important to do your research. Today, there are many HVAC contractors advertising their businesses, and it can be hard to know who to trust to help meet your home comfort needs. You want a professional company that understands heating, cooling, and indoor air quality equipment inside and out, and that can provide you with a range of services including installation, repair, and maintenance.


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There are a few key factors you should consider when choosing an HVAC contractor to help meet your cooling and heating needs. Remember, you’re inviting this company into your home, and putting your family’s comfort in their hands! In this article, we’ll discuss those factors, and how Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. stacks up.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an HVAC Company

How long has the company been in business?

In today’s world, many HVAC providers come and go, and that can leave you in an unfortunate situation if you have problems with the equipment they’ve installed or repaired. That’s why it’s vital that you check and see how long the company you’re choosing has been in business. The longer they’ve been in business, the more likely it is they’ve earned a reputation for customer satisfaction. At Stafford Mechanical, we have been providing customers a complete suite of heating and cooling services, including sheet metal duct fabrication, since 1991. That’s more than 30 years of helping customers stay comfortable!

What range of services does the contractor provide?

When choosing an HVAC contractor, you want a company that can help meet your home comfort needs, no matter what the weather outside is like. You’ll want to know they can help you if you have an emergency and can provide you with the services you need to help your heating and cooling system work effectively and efficiently. Stafford Mechanical proudly offers complete HVAC services to our customers, including:

  • Air Conditioning Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
  • Heating Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
  • Ductless System Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
  • Indoor Air Quality Solutions

In addition to our residential services, we provide water heating products, gas piping, sheet metal fabrication, commercial services, and even HVAC systems for your indoor pool.

What licenses and affiliations does the contractor possess?

High standards are important when it comes to the company you choose to help keep you and your family comfortable. A reputable HVAC contractor is licensed to provide the services you need and has certifications above and beyond those licenses. At Stafford Mechanical, we possess numerous credentials, so you can put your trust in us, including:

  • State of Connecticut Unlimited Heating & Cooling Contractor’s License S1
  • State of Connecticut Unlimited Sheet Metal Contractor’s License SM1
  • State of Massachusetts Sheet Metal Contractor’s License – Masters
  • Certified IGSHPA Geothermal Installer
  • Certified NATE-Trained Technicians
  • EPA-Certified Service Technicians

Does the HVAC contractor have a positive rating?

Nowadays, people are looking to the internet and social media to check out reviews and ratings when it comes to choosing an HVAC contractor. Does the business you’re researching have a social media presence? A website? What do their Google reviews look like? At Stafford Mechanical, we invite our potential customers to check out our reviews and our Facebook page. You’ll find we have a 4.6/5-star rating on Google, a 4.8/5-star rating on Facebook, and a 5/5-star rating on Review Buzz. Check out our reviews for yourself!

Does the HVAC contractor offer emergency service?

When looking for an HVAC contractor for your home, you want to find a company that can help you in an emergency situation. Equipment breakdowns don’t happen on a schedule, and a good HVAC contractor understands that. Stafford Mechanical’s service department is available 24-hours for emergency customer service and is here to assure our valued customers that even after the job is done you will be well taken care of in event of any unforeseen emergency heating or cooling repairs.

Learn more about how Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help you.

Stafford Mechanical wants to help you and your family with all of your home comfort needs. As you can see, we work hard to provide you with the best professional services available, as well as quality Carrier® products that are built to provide effective, efficient heating and cooling, for years to come. Just give us a call at (860) 684-9485 and we will be happy to assist you!

Do I Need a New Hot Water Heater for My Home?

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

man helps child wash hands at sinkYou may not think about it very often, but you and your family rely on hot water more than you might think. There are many times during the course of the day when homeowners use hot water, such as for laundry, hygiene, dishes, and meal preparation. When the hot water is flowing freely, it’s easy to take for granted how often you might use it. But if there’s a problem with your heater, you’ll likely quickly realize just how much you use hot water in your home.


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According to the Department of Energy, your hot water heater takes up about 20 percent of your home’s energy use. It can be even more if your tank is older and is not working at maximum efficiency. While there are many factors that can determine how long your water heater will last (such as water hardness and amount of hot water used daily), on average you can expect your water heater to last 10 to 15 years. If yours is at that age or beyond, it may be time to consider a replacement.

5 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Replacing

While nobody wants to think of having to replace their hot water heater, there are signs it may give you that it’s time. Here are five things to look for if you think it could be on its way out:

  1. Water is leaking from the tank. If you see water dripping from the tank, water under or around the unit, or notice pipes dripping, then you definitely should call for repairs. It may be as simple as valves or connections that need tightening. If the problem is with the tank itself, it will likely need to be replaced.
  2. Hot water seems to run out quickly. If this is happening, it is probably because your tank isn’t holding the maximum capacity of water. This usually happens in homes with harder water because sediment collects in the tank and builds up. If you have a lot of sediment in your water, you should flush your tank regularly.
  3. The water temperature is inconsistent. If you notice a fluctuation in temperature each morning when you shower or do dishes, there is likely a problem with your hot water heater. It could be as simple as a thermostat issue, but if there are problems with the heating elements in the hot water heater, it is likely you will need to replace it.
  4. Water is discolored and doesn’t taste good. If your water appears to be rusty, it’s probably because your tank is rusty, too. This is especially true if water tank maintenance, like flushing the system regularly, has been neglected. Once the tank starts to corrode, it’s only a matter of time before it needs replacing.
  5. Your water heater is making strange sounds. If you notice unusual noises coming from your hot water heater, it could be a sign that there is trouble brewing with your water heater. Strange noises usually accompany other signs of breakdown, such as poor water flow or fluctuations in water pressure. You will likely want a professional to give your water heater a checkup.

When you work with a professional water heater contractor, they’ll check out your water heater and see if repairs are possible or feasible. If you need to replace it, they’ll help you choose the best type of water heater for your home, and will make sure it is the appropriate size for your home and household hot water needs.

How can I replace the old hot water heater in my home?

If you think it’s time to replace the old water heater in your home, all you need to do is give Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. a call. We are ready to help meet the hot water needs of your household and help you choose the best type and size for your home. You may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with your water heater needs.

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

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

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.