Category: Seasonal Maintenance

6 Ways to Make Your Home More Efficient This Winter

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Model of a home with a scarf wrapped around itWhen winter arrives, not only does the air become more chilling – so do your energy bills. There are many reasons why the winter months tend to sap energy from our homes. Of course, there’s the need to heat your home, and that is always a large expenditure – in fact, the Department of Energy (DOE) indicates that heating your home accounts for about 45 percent of your energy bill. Add to that the added cost of lighting your home as the days are shorter, and your utility budget can make quite an impact on your wallet.

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Fortunately, there are ways you can save energy during the winter that can help when it comes time for the utility bills. The DOE offers up a few tricks and tips that can keep heating bills manageable, all while helping you keep your home warmer and more comfortable for you and your family. An added benefit? Putting these tips into effect this winter will also help keep your home cooler once Old Man Winter leaves town and the warmer weather arrives again!

Six Tips to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

  1. Make good use of your curtains. During the winter, open your curtains to let the sunshine in during the day, which will naturally provide a heat source for your home. Then, close them at night to help keep the heat inside. (Reverse the process in the summer.)
  2. Install a programmable or smart thermostat. That way, you can set your heater back a few degrees while you’re away or sleeping – a set it and forget it solution! Of course, if you have a smart thermostat, you can easily control temperatures, right from your smartphone or laptop!
  3. Ensure your home is protected against the elements. Many homes need air sealing, even if there are just small cracks or holes. And, if your home isn’t well-insulated, consider increasing the insulation. It can help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
  4. And while you’re at it… Seal your air ducts, too, and make sure they’re properly insulated. This is especially important if they’re installed in an unheated area of your home, like a crawl space or an attic.
  5. Check doors and windows. Often, they’re not completely airtight around their perimeters, and this can cause heated or cooled air to slip out, and cold or hot air from outside to come in. Fortunately, adding some weatherstripping around doors and windows is a simple solution.
  6. Be a fan of your fans. Ceiling fans, that is. By setting your fans to spin clockwise in the winter, they’ll blow the heated air that rises back down. Obviously, you’ll want to set them counterclockwise during the summer months.

And, make sure you have a reliable contractor to help you with any heating concern.

When you choose Stafford Mechanical Services to help with your home heating, we’ll make sure your heating system is running as efficiently as possible, by providing you with annual maintenance and reliable, fast repair services. And, when the time comes to replace your system, we’ll offer you quality, high-efficiency Carrier® heating equipment. So, give us a call today at (860) 684-9485 to learn more about the products and services we provide. We look forward to helping you with all of your heating needs, including installation, maintenance and repair.

When You Need Heating Services, Trust Stafford Mechanical

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Various autumn fruit and vegetables on a wood surfaceThe cooler weather has arrived, and with it, the need to make sure your heating system is working properly. Have you turned your heating system on yet? If the answer is yes, is it keeping you as comfortable as possible? When you need help getting your heating system in good working order, it’s important to find a contractor you can rely on. When you choose Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. for your heating needs, you’ll have no worries.

At Stafford, we offer a complete range of heating services, for all types of systems. No matter if you have an oil, propane or natural gas furnace or boiler, or heat pump system, we’re always happy to help. We can provide you with maintenance and repair on most types of systems, and when the time comes to replace, we’re happy to provide you with quality Carrier® heating equipment for your home.

Learn more about the services we offer and our line of Carrier heating equipment.

  • Heating Repair: Our expert technicians are specially trained to troubleshoot your heating equipment, and get the needed repairs made as quickly as possible. We’re pleased to help you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Heating Maintenance: When you choose one of our maintenance plans, we’ll provide you with annual cleaning and inspection of your home heating system. Your system will operate more efficiently and effectively. And, you’ll get priority service in case of emergency.
  • Heating Installation: Count on Stafford to provide you with the very best heating equipment. You’ll receive professional installation, and no job is ever complete until you’re satisfied with the work we’ve done for you.
  • Carrier Heating Products: We’re pleased to be a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, offering you the very best in heating products and services from the leading brand in the home comfort industry. We proudly provide Carrier furnace, boiler and heat pump systems.

Call us when you need heating system assistance.

At Stafford, we want to make your home a cozy haven, no matter what the weather outside is like. We care about you and your comfort, and you’re always our top priority. We’re ready to assist you with your heating 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 with all of your heating needs.

Get the Maintenance You Need on Your Carrier® Heating Equipment

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Technician working on HVAC unitWhen you invested in your Carrier® heating system like a furnace, boiler or even a water heater you chose quality and craftsmanship. Your Carrier heating equipment is the heart of your home – keeping it cozy and comfortable, no matter how cold it gets outside. Not to mention, if you chose an ENERGY STAR® qualified model, you also selected home comfort that would not only keep you warm, but would provide energy efficiency and lower your utility bills.

Even the very best home comfort equipment benefits from maintenance, however. Think about it – you wouldn’t want your luxury automobile to go without oil changes, new tires every so many miles, or its yearly tune-up. Your heating system is just as important. So, when fall arrives, you should schedule your heating maintenance – so your system will stay its most effective, efficient best.

Stafford can help you get the maintenance you need on your Carrier® equipment.

When you choose heating maintenance for your Carrier furnace from Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc., you can keep your heating system running smoothly and efficiently all winter long. We provide the expert preventive maintenance you need to help ensure your system will run great this winter, and for years to come.

We’re proud to help our customers get the most out of their home heating system. By choosing one of our comprehensive maintenance plans, you’ll receive an annual cleaning and inspection on your furnace. Additionally, you’ll get priority service in case of emergency. You can count on your system operating more efficiently, and you’ll reduce the chances that it could experience a costly breakdown.

Count on us to help you with all your home heating needs.

At Stafford, we’re pleased to provide you with maintenance on your Carrier heating equipment, including gas, oil and propane systems, delivered by our expert technicians. And, we proudly offer a complete range of services for you, including new furnace installations and furnace repair. You can rely on us to not only install the very best Carrier heating equipment in your home, but keep it running beautifully for you for years to come.

Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. is ready to assist you with your heating maintenance 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 with all of your heating needs.

Why Getting AC System Maintenance Is Important

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Technician speaking with a man next to a central AC unitAccording to the U.S. Department of Energy, making sure your home’s air conditioning system is properly maintained is important. They inform us, “neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.” Getting your air conditioning system’s fins, coils and filters maintained regularly helps your unit run effectively and efficiently over its lifetime. But what if you don’t get maintenance? How will your system be affected? Is it really necessary?

3 Ways Your AC System Benefits From Maintenance

Filters: Your air conditioning system’s air filters allow air to flow freely through your system, and help keep dirt and debris from entering the air in your home. If your filters are dirty, though, they’ll block the normal airflow – and that can greatly impact your AC system’s efficiency. Not to mention, if your filter is too dirty to do its job, that dirt and debris can build up in evaporator coils and cause even more issues. Changing your filters is easy, and can lower energy consumption by up to 15 percent.

Coils: The evaporator and condenser coils in your home’s air conditioning system are kind of dirt magnets, and even with the proper filter changes, they can accumulate dirt easily. Condenser coils that are in the outdoor part of your unit are especially subject to collecting dirt – especially if you live where it’s dusty, or if there is a lot of foliage around your unit. Falling leaves, lawn mower clippings, and even dryer vents can lead to debris concerns. As a result, it’s important to have a technician maintain your system yearly.

Fins & Drains: The aluminum fins on your evaporator and condenser coils can very easily get bent. As a result, the airflow through the coil can get blocked. And, your condensate drains can get clogged easily, too, causing excess moisture in your system. Your technician has the right tools to remedy both bent fins and clogged condensate drains – helping your system work more effectively and efficiently.

Getting preventive AC maintenance yearly ensures your system is getting the checkup it needs.

When you call Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. for your system check-up, we’ll look at a number of different factors that could affect system performance. Here’s what we’ll check for:

  • Refrigerant amounts and potential leaks
  • Check for duct leaks
  • Measure system airflow
  • Inspect and evaluate system electrical components
  • Oil motors
  • Check belts
  • Check thermostat accuracy

Call Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. to schedule your spring air conditioning maintenance.

Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. is ready to help you with your spring air conditioning maintenance needs. We proudly service Carrier® and many other brands as well. Just give us a call at 860.684.9485, and we’ll be happy to help you get preventive maintenance for your AC system.

Give Your Home Comfort System The Love It Needs

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Read heart with a small white home infront on a white backgroundIt’s easy to take your home comfort system for granted. It works quietly in the background, helping you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As long as you and your family are comfortable, you might not pay much attention to it at all. But, when something goes wrong, you’ll likely find yourself in a frustrating predicament either requiring costly repairs or potentially, even system replacement. But there’s good news – a little love goes a long way when it comes to your home’s heating and cooling equipment.

And the best way you can give your home comfort system the love it needs is by choosing annual maintenance. When you count on a qualified contractor to provide you with the preventive maintenance you need for your heating and cooling equipment, you’re helping to ensure that your system operates effectively and efficiently all year long. What’s more, getting preventive maintenance can help prolong the life of your system as well. And, that can help you save money now and in the long run, too.

Annual maintenance from Stafford is one of the best gifts you can give your home comfort system.

At Stafford, our professional technicians provide homeowners with the very best annual maintenance available. When you choose one of our comprehensive maintenance plans, you’ll receive an annual cleaning and inspection of your home comfort system. What does this mean for your system? Here are just a few benefits:

  • Moving parts are cleaned and lubricated. This helps your system operate more effectively and efficiently. It also allows our technicians to take note of any small problems. That way, they can them repaired before they become larger, more costly issues down the road.
  • Filters are changed. Believe it or not, changing the filter in your home comfort system is one of the best ways you can improve its operation and efficiency. Equipment has to work extra hard when pushing heated or cooled air through a dirty filter. Not to mention, your home’s air will be cleaner, too.
  • Maintenance helps keep your warranty intact. Many people don’t notice it, but often in the fine print of their equipment warranty is the requirement of annual maintenance. And, if they don’t get maintenance as outlined, this can often mean that the warranty on the equipment becomes void.
  • Your equipment will last longer. Think about it this way – what if you never got your car inspected, or the oil changed, or installed new wipers or tires when needed? It probably would not last very long. Furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and air conditioners are mechanical like a car, and require maintenance in order to run optimally, and keep running that way for years to come.

Show your home comfort system the love by getting preventive maintenance and taking a few simple steps.

While we can’t emphasize enough the importance of annual maintenance, there are a few things you can do yourself to keep your comfort system running smoothly. As we mentioned above, changing the filter is important, and a part of annual maintenance. But, when your furnace or AC is running continually during the very cold and very hot times of the year, your filter probably should be changed monthly for the maximum benefit. You can do this quite easily yourself, but if you’re not sure how to, our technicians will be happy to show you or do it for you.

Also, a programmable thermostat can work in harmony with your home comfort system, helping maximize your heating and cooling, which in the long run provides greater equipment efficiency. There are even smart thermostats available that actually “learn” homeowner habits and adjust temperatures accordingly. These can be controlled easily from your phone or computer, even when you’re away from home.

Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. is ready to help you show your home comfort system the love it deserves. We proudly service Carrier® and many other brands as well. Just give us a call at 860.684.9485, and we’ll be happy to help you with your preventive maintenance needs.

Need Air Conditioning Services? Count on Stafford!

Posted on by Stafford Mechanical

Woman and child reading a book on a couchThe summer weather has arrived, and with it, the warmer temperatures. In fact, you might have already used your home’s air conditioning system this June. Hopefully, you’ve had it serviced for the year by one of the expert technicians at Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. (If not, you still can give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.) At Stafford, we take great pride in offering our customers a complete listing of air conditioning products and services, because their comfort is one of our top priorities. But what does it mean to be a full-service AC contractor? Can you really rely on us for all your cooling needs?

The answer to that is, simply, yes! We proudly provide some of the best home cooling options available on the market today. We’re always looking out for the latest technologies, and we’re pleased to provide our customers with some great options like ductless and heat pumps that not only offer optimal comfort, but also incredible energy savings. Our professional team of technicians is licensed and trained to provide the best service, whether they’re making repairs or installing a brand-new system in your home. Your satisfaction is very important to us, and we work to ensure your every need is met.

We’re pleased to offer a full array of air conditioning products and services for your home.

We’ll help you decide on which of these great AC products is right for your home:

  • High-Efficiency Air Conditioning: As a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer, we proudly install high-quality, high-efficiency Carrier air conditioning systems. They help you and your family stay cool, while offering energy savings that will help keep your utility bills in check.
  • Ductless Air Conditioning: Do you have a room in your home that could benefit from air conditioning, but where ductwork is either impractical or impossible? No problem! You can count on Stafford to provide you with efficient, simple-to-install ductless AC.
  • Geothermal Air Conditioning: Heat pumps are becoming more and more common, since advanced technologies have allowed heat pumps to be used even in colder climates. Geothermal AC uses heat pump technology to make cool, dehumidified air for your home – at a significant operating cost savings!

Stafford also provides expert air conditioning services, including:

  • Air Conditioning Repair: If your AC system breaks down, you need to know you can rely on your contractor to help you right away. Stafford offers 24-hour emergency repair services, so you can trust you’ll get expert repairs on your equipment. That way, you’ll get back to enjoying cool comfort in no time.
  • Air Conditioning Maintenance: If you want to ensure that the AC system in your home provides effective, efficient cooling now and for years to come, getting annual maintenance is important. We’ll make sure your air conditioning system is running smoothly, helping you and your family stay comfortable.
  • Air Conditioning Installation: No matter what type of air conditioning you use in your home – central air, ductless or geothermal – Stafford can provide expert AC installation. Our technicians are licensed and trained, and as a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we offer you the best in AC solutions.

When you need air conditioning services of any kind for your home, trust the professionals at Stafford Mechanical Services to help. We can help you with your Carrier AC, or any other brand. You may contact us via phone at (860) 684-9485. We look forward to helping you with all of your air conditioning needs.

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!

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.

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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.