Category: News

Choosing Ductless: The Benefits May Surprise You!

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Living room with ductless unit over a couch

More and more, people are hearing about ductless heating and cooling. However, few people know that there are numerous benefits when it comes to choosing this home comfort technology for their home. Ductless heat pump systems have the capability of keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and with advanced technology, many of these systems are adaptable to the cold climate we experience. You can enjoy comfort all year round with today’s ductless – and much more.

Maybe you have an area of your home like an addition, converted attic or garage, or finished basement that could benefit from heating and cooling. Or, perhaps you’re considering replacing your entire antiquated electric heating system. Ductless air conditioning and heating is the perfect solution in both scenarios. That’s because ductless is just as the name indicates – a system that can keep your home comfortable year round, without the need to install additional ductwork.

And because ductless systems use heat pump technology, they are extremely energy efficient.

Each zone (if you install a ductless mini-split system) has its own thermostat. As a result, temperatures throughout the home can be precisely controlled. Because you’re only conditioning spaces that are being used, energy is saved – and ultimately money on your utility bills. And, according to the Department of Energy (DOE), ductless systems are also more efficient because of the simple fact they don’t use ductwork – the DOE indicate that duct losses can account for more than 30 percent of energy consumption for space conditioning.

But beyond the advanced comfort and energy efficiency these systems can provide, many homeowners love ductless because it’s both quiet and unobtrusive. Because ductless systems are so flexible because they come in a number of styles, including high wall, ducted console, and cassette units. Ductless is also engineered to provide low operating noise. Unlike clunky, noisy window units ductless systems can be streamlined to fit into your home environment seamlessly. All you’ll notice is better comfort.

With ductless, you and your family will breathe easier, too.

A final benefit to ductless is its ability to help with allergen control in your home. Each separate unit has its own filter. That lets the air in rooms that have ductless installed be more comfortable, cleaner and fresher. With ductless, the air is circulated within the confined space of the room. That means no cross-contamination such as fumes, dust and odors from other areas of the home.

Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. is ready to assist you with your ductless heating and cooling needs. 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 get into a new ductless system for your home.

5 Reasons Why You Should Schedule AC Maintenance this Spring

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Technician with gauges and gloves in back pocket

There’s nothing better than turning on your air conditioner on a hot, humid summer day and enjoying the cool comfort it provides. But did you know that in order for it to run its absolute best, it should receive regular maintenance? That’s why we recommend to our customers that they contact us in the spring to schedule their AC maintenance, before the hot weather hits. But many people wonder, is air conditioning maintenance worth the price tag attached?

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According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), proper air conditioning maintenance is crucial. They state, “Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.” That means your air conditioner won’t do as much to keep your home comfortable during the hot weather, but your energy use – and your utility bills – will increase. And nobody wants that! The DOE explains how maintenance can help your system run more efficiently this summer and for years to come.

AC Filter Cleaning & Changing

It seems almost too simple, but the most important maintenance task when it comes to the efficiency of your air conditioner system is routinely replacing or cleaning of the filter. Why? Because once your air conditioner’s filter gets clogged and dirty, the air simply cannot flow through easily. And that reduces your system’s efficiency, making it use more energy to run, and thus hiking up your utility bills.

Evaporator & Condenser Coil Cleaning

Your air conditioner has evaporator and condenser coils, and they collect dirt and debris during their months of use – especially if the filters aren’t changed frequently. When the evaporator coils get dirty, airflow is reduced and they lose their ability to absorb heat. Outside, your condenser coils are at the mercy of nature – especially in environments where there’s a lot of foliage and/or dust getting kicked up. For your part, you can reduce the chance of debris getting into your condenser coils by keeping the area clear of falling leaves, dryer vent discharge and lawn mower clippings. Coil fins will also be checked for bending and will be “combed” back into original position if needed.

Condensate Drains

Part of your annual maintenance includes clearing out your air conditioning unit’s condensate drain channels. If these become clogged, your unit will not be able to effectively remove humidity… and that can lead to excess moisture in your home. Unfortunately, too much moisture can lead to discoloration of walls, carpet and furniture, and can encourage mold and mildew growth.

Refrigerant Concerns

Your technician will make sure your system has the correct amount of refrigerant, and if not, they will test for leaks. Then, they’ll capture any of the refrigerant that needs to be evacuated from the system. (It’s illegal to release refrigerant into the environment, because of the potentially harmful effects.) Any leaks will be repaired, and the technician will make sure your system is charged with the proper amount of refrigerant.

Electrical Checkup

Keeping an eye on your air conditioning systems electrical system is also important – issues with the electrical system can cause your AC to malfunction. Your technician will ensure that your system is operating under the correct electrical control sequence, and that your AC and furnace can’t operate at the same time. They’ll also inspect all electric terminals, and tighten and clean connections.

As you can see, there are many moving parts to your air conditioning system, and making sure they’re all working together in harmony is an important part of keeping your AC running effectively and efficiently. At Stafford, we’re pleased to offer our customers air conditioning maintenance agreements that will help you get comprehensive AC services for your home.

So don’t hesitate – give us a call at 860.684.9485 to get your spring maintenance scheduled today!

5 Reasons to Choose a Ductless Heat Pump System

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Ductless unit over a couch in a living roomIf you’ve been considering updating your home’s heating and cooling system, you should know there’s a way you can do it all – with just one system. Ductless heat pump systems have the capability of heating and cooling your home, and at the same time offer energy efficiency. And, with advanced technologies, just about anyone can choose a heat pump to effectively heat and cool their home.

Here are five reasons why a ductless heat pump system is a great choice for your home:

Energy Efficiency 

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Because heat pump systems move heat rather than generate heat, they can provide the same space conditioning at a fraction of the cost of older heating and cooling systems. The Department of Energy estimates that modern heat pumps can reduce electricity use by nearly 50 percent compared to furnaces and baseboard heat.

Air Conditioning Capabilities

A major benefit of a ductless heat pump system is that it not only can heat your home in the winter, but it can provide air conditioning in the summer months as well. Not to mention, they provide excellent dehumidification. As a result, your home will be cooler in the summer and less damp – and that means you and your family will enjoy better comfort.

Targeted Comfort

Is adding ductwork to your home is either impractical or impossible? With a ductless heat pump system, you won’t have to worry. Mini-split heat pumps offer targeted comfort to every room in your home, without the need for additional ductwork. And because you have a separate unit in each area, you can control the amount of heating and cooling in each space to create the perfect indoor climate.

Quiet Operation

Because of the type of compressor heat pump systems use, they offer quiet operation as well as a longer operating life. That way, you and your family can enjoy home comfort without the noise you might get from traditional heating systems and window air conditioners – year after year.

Cold Climate Capabilities

Many people who have researched heat pump systems think that they won’t work in the colder climates of New England. That’s because in the past, it’s true that heat pumps were more effective in milder climates. But with advanced technologies, ductless heat pump systems are now a viable alternative, even in chillier locales.

Stafford Mechanical can help you get the ductless system you need.

Think you’re ready to consider a ductless system for your home? Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. is ready to assist you! To learn more, please contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with all of your ductless heat pump needs!

Top 5 Reasons Why Seasonal Heating Maintenance is Important

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Most people make sure their vehicles have the proper windshield wipers and tires before the winter weather hits. They likely take their car in for a tune-up, inspection and oil change before the snow flies, too. Yet, many of us don’t think of our home comfort equipment the same way. But, the furnace in your home needs proper care in order to run its very best, just like your automobile does. You may have heard about seasonal maintenance, but you may not understand the importance of it.

For seasonal heating
maintenance information
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At Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc., we think it’s important to do more than simply tell our customers that they need a product or service. That’s why we take the time to explain to you the benefits of the services we provide. That includes seasonal heating maintenance. Choose us to help you get the maintenance you need for your furnace. You’ll quickly see the advantages every time the heat kicks on.

Here are five reasons why seasonal heating maintenance is good for your furnace:

Energy Efficiency

When you maintain your furnace properly, it enjoys better energy efficiency. That’s because mechanical components are lubricated and work more efficiently, requiring less energy to get the job done. And, cleaning or changing out the filter helps with efficiency, too, as your furnace can easily circulate air through your home – instead of trying for force it through a clogged, dirty filter.

Life of Equipment

Seasonal maintenance helps to prolong the life of your equipment. All the important inner workings of your equipment are checked, cleaned and maintained, so It also helps to find any tiny issues and remedy them before they become larger ones that are more difficult to fix.

Air Quality

Think about it – when your furnace isn’t clean, how can the air moving through it be? A well-maintained system allows for freer airflow – and keeping your filters changed or cleaned on a regular basis is an important part of that. Your filter will trap many of the common allergens that plague your home, including pollen, dust, and pet dander. Getting furnace maintenance helps you breathe easier – literally!

Savings on Repairs

Even with preventive maintenance, sometimes you may need repair services. Usually, annual maintenance helps keep the repairs on the smaller – and less costly – side. When you have a maintenance plan from Stafford, you will save money on your repairs, should you need them. Plus, many warranties indicate that annual maintenance is necessary for the warranty to remain valid.

Better Home Comfort & Safety

When your furnace is running properly, your whole home will be more comfortable. As mentioned above, you’ll have better indoor air quality. And, it’s less likely that your furnace will experience any fires or carbon monoxide emissions, so you can feel a whole lot safer when your furnace is maintained. Helpful hint – coincide checking and/or changing smoke and CO detector batteries with your annual furnace maintenance for an added layer of protection.

Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. provides the seasonal maintenance you need for your home.

As you can see, seasonal maintenance is an important part of staying comfortable all winter long. To get the furnace maintenance you need for your home’s comfort and safety, simply contact Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. at (860) 684-9485, and we will be more than happy to help you get the maintenance you need.