Some problems with heating and cooling can be solved by making repairs to your furnace or air conditioning equipment. Others require full-scale replacement of the cranky systems. Sometimes the problem isn’t the furnace itself, but the insulation or ductwork.Carefully assess the source of your heating woes to uncover the best solution for your Boston-area home […] The post Furnace Problems? A Guide for Bostonians Before Winter Arrives appeared first on Home Mechanics ..read more

Staying cool (and warm) is what matters most when it comes to mini-splits. But for some, aesthetics play a major role in home design. If that's you, and you're worried mini-splits won't fit your vision, fear not! We have some tips to make them a stylish addition to your Boston-area home or for your Boston-based clients. A Quick Primer on the Language in this Article A mini-split HVAC system works (mostly) just like a regular “split system” does — there is an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The “mini” part refers to the fact that the components are smaller and more compact than traditio ..read more

Unless you were on vacation, you probably noticed the extreme heat which dropped into the Boston area last week, especially in the Merrimack Valley. While the blast was 2024’s first foray into 90-degree days, it probably won’t be the only one. Here’s what to know about staying cool in Eastern Massachusetts (head to the Cape!) and how you can be more comfortable at home (more likely than a midweek escape), even when your air conditioning is pushed to the brink. Learn how to beat the heat. Hot weather in Boston (and surrounding areas) Last year’s El Niño meant a cooler and wetter summer, but a ..read more

As temperatures rise during hot summer months in Boston, homeowners often think about how to keep their homes cool while managing their energy costs. There are all kinds of things to consider, and options for every budget. Here are our favorite ways to make home more comfortable in the hottest part of the year. Inexpensive solutions to keeping your energy bills low: Close blinds and drapes in the west-facing parts of your home. If you don’t have any, we suggest getting black-out drapes which significantly dent the heat created by solar radiation. Stick to low-energy activities. Avoid clean ..read more

At the end of the day, any heating or cooling system needs to make your home base more comfortable. You want every room, for every person, at any time of day to be the right temperature. In an area like New England which has increasingly hot summers and cold winters, your HVAC system is mission critical. Choosing between traditional solutions like ducted HVAC (also known as central heating & air conditioning) and modern options like ductless HVAC (also known as mini-splits and sometimes heat pumps) doesn’t need to be complicated, especially when you put comfort first. Both systems have s ..read more

The hottest thing in HVAC, especially here in Massachusetts, is heat pumps. You are forgiven if you don’t really know what a heat pump is and you’re even more confused about why the words ductless and mini-split sometimes come up in the same breath. HVAC is indeed a little confusing, so it’s not unusual for people to use the shortcut “heat pump” when they really mean a ductless mini-split heat pump. Let’s break it down. First, a super quick physics lesson. There is no such thing as Hot or Cold, there is only a difference in how we perceive Heat or No Heat (and degrees therein). This is be ..read more

When it’s warm outside, air conditioning is what makes indoor life comfortable. If you’re here because you’re considering installing AC in your Boston-area home this summer — maybe you live in an older home which doesn’t have it, or maybe your current system just isn’t working for you — this guide is all about a newer, energy-efficient method of cooling your home: the ductless mini-split (a.k.a. as a heat pump). Is your current AC system efficient? If you’re lucky enough to have Central AC pumping ice cold air throughout your home, you may not give much thought to whether or not your HV ..read more

Many homeowners dream of transforming their attic into a usable living space. This could be a home office, a guest room, a playroom, or even a gym. However, before you start moving furniture, you'll need to consider how to heat and cool this new space. Climate Control for Your Attic Attics are notorious for fluctuating temperatures, making them uncomfortable throughout the year. To ensure year-round comfort in your new attic space, proper insulation and heating and cooling systems are essential. Attic Insulation Before you choose an attic-friendly HVAC system you’ll need to take a good ..read more

Ductless mini-split heat pump is a mouthful, but it’s actually a pretty simple concept.  A heat pump passively transfers heat from inside to outside, or vice versa — even when it’s cold outside — no ductwork required.  The “mini” part is the unit inside your house and the “split” part is that the heat pump is outside while the temperature is controlled inside. The Primary Benefits of Mini-Split Heat Pumps Energy Efficiency Cost Savings Increased Comfort at Home Flexible & Easy Installation Almost any home can upgrade to this all-electric, energy efficient ..read more

Feeling a little cramped in your house? Thinking of converting your garage into something more than storage for cars, bikes, and boxes? Then it’s probably time to start thinking about getting the temperature in your garage to a more liveable place. Boston area weather requires both heating and cooling in a garage Everyone has their own idea of what room temperature is, but assuming you like your living spaces in the 70-72 degree range, you’ll need a heating and cooling plan to adjust the temperature in your garage most of the year. In the Boston area, the average outdoor temps only match ..read more