How to Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Posted on September 11, 2024 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

Fall is right around the corner. This season brings colder temperatures and more time spent indoors.

Although, being inside makes you feel protected, it carries its own risks. Fall is the start of heating season. If the heating system isn’t properly maintained it could lead to smoke, fires, or Carbon Monoxide in your home.

Without regular testing of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you put your family in serious danger including death. Unfortunately, these life saving devices are often forgotten about.

Here at Landry Mechanical we want you to be comfortable and safe in your home.

Here is our guide on how to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

House on fire — Smoke detectors alert you when fires start. Testing saves lives!

How Often Should I Test My Smoke Detectors?

According to the U.S Fire Administration smoke detectors should be tested on a monthly basis.

However, other sources will tell you to check it twice per year.

Usually, we recommend checking your smoke detectors at the beginning of Spring and the Beginning of Fall.

This helps ensure your smoke detectors are running properly year round without having to check every month.

Testing Smoke Detector — Testing your smoke detector keeps you safe if a fire starts

How to Test my Smoke Detectors?

To test your smoke detectors you’ll first need to find where they are in the home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association you should have a smoke detector on every level of your home. Additionally, they are often located outside of bedrooms.

First, you’ll need to grab a stool or chair to stand on. Make sure the chair is stable and is capable of supporting your weight.

Next, press the test button to sound the alarm. Afterwards, take of the smoke detector cover and check the battery connection.

If there is corrosion on the battery contacts it means you need a new smoke detector.

Finally, if the alarm doesn’t sound when you press test it also means it’s time for a new smoke detector.

Luckily, Landry Mechanical’s Electrical experts are hear to help with smoke detector installation.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning kills 1200+ people per year.

How Often Should I Test My Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Just like smoke detectors, Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors should be tested on a monthly basis. However, twice a year works well too since CO detector batteries usually last 6 months on average.

According to mass.gov, you are required to have a CO detector on every level of your home that features a living space (Living room, den etc.).

Carbon Monoxide detectors usually have test buttons on the outside of the unit.

How to Test My Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Once you find the CO detectors, hold down the test button until you hear the alarm or beeping.

If the alarm doesn’t sound, or you notice physical damage to the unit, it’s probably time for a replacement.

Our team at Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric offers prompt and reliable carbon monoxide detector replacement services.

That way, your detectors are always in optimal working condition.

Conclusion

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms prevent injury, death, and keep your home safe. These detectors are usually reliable, but don’t last indefinitely.

That’s why the Electrical Experts at Landry Mechanical are here to help.

From detector installation to routine safety checks “We Take COMFORT in YOUR comfort!”

How to Know If You Have A Heat Pump

Posted on August 15, 2024 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

When it comes to home heating and cooling, understanding what kind of HVAC system you have is crucial.

Among the various systems available, heat pumps are becoming popular in the U.S for their efficiency and versatility.

However, many homeowners aren’t sure if their system includes a heat pump or a more traditional furnace and air conditioner setup.

So, here’s how to know if you have a heat pump.

Heat Pump Exterior Unit — An Example of an Exterior Heat Pump Unit

Check the Exterior Unit

The easiest way to determine if you have a heat pump is to inspect the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. If your home uses a heat pump, the exterior unit will look almost identical to a standard air conditioner.

However, there are a few key differences:

Labeling: Look for labels or markings on the unit that say “Heat Pump,” “HP,” or mention heating functions. Some manufacturers explicitly label their units as heat pumps.

Mitsubishi Heat Pump Label — Look for stickers like this on your exterior unit. It will tell you if it’s a heat pump system

Brand and Model Number: If the unit isn’t clearly labeled, jot down the brand and model number and search online or refer to the user manual. The manufacturer’s website can confirm if the unit is a heat pump.

Ecobee Heat Pump Wi-Fi Thermostat — This Ecobee Wi-fi Thermostat is designed for Heat Pump Systems

Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat can also provide clues about whether you have a heat pump system. Modern thermostats are usually designed to work with various HVAC systems, including heat pumps. Look for the following:

“Heat” and “Cool” Modes: If your thermostat has separate settings for “Heat” and “Cool,” this isn’t necessarily conclusive, as both heat pumps and conventional systems have these. However, a heat pump will often have an additional setting labeled “Emergency Heat” or “Auxiliary Heat.” This setting activates the backup electric resistance heating, which is unique to heat pump systems.

Operation Behavior: During winter, switch your thermostat to heating mode. Then, go outside and check the exterior unit. If the unit is running while your home is heating, you likely have a heat pump. In contrast, a traditional system would use the indoor furnace to provide heat, with the exterior unit only running during the cooling season.

Landry Team Repairing Heat Pump System During Snow Storm — We Install Heat Pump Systems, even in Stormy Weather

Observe the Unit’s Behavior Throughout the Year

A heat pump operates year-round, providing both heating and cooling. If you notice that your exterior unit is active in both summer and winter, it’s a strong indicator that you have a heat pump. On the other hand, if the outdoor unit only operates during the summer months and remains dormant in winter, it’s likely that you have a conventional air conditioning system paired with a separate heating system, such as a gas furnace.

Inspect Your Utility Bills

Heat pumps tend to use electricity for heating rather than natural gas or oil. If your heating bill is mostly electric and you don’t have a separate electric furnace, this could suggest you have a heat pump. Keep in mind that heat pumps are generally more energy-efficient than traditional electric heating systems, which might result in lower heating costs during milder winter months.

Our knowledgeable Comfort Advisors are experts at making your home more energy efficient. We partner with the Mass Save program to ensure you can get the best rebates possible on high-efficiency systems.

Pay attention to your utility bills. High Electrical bills may be from operating the heat pump

Just Call Landry!

If you’re still uncertain, it’s always a good idea to contact an HVAC professional. Our HVAC experts at Landry Mechanical will inspect your system, confirm whether you have a heat pump, and provide advice on maintaining or upgrading your system for optimal efficiency and comfort.

Knowing whether your home is equipped with a heat pump can help you make informed decisions about energy use, maintenance, and potential upgrades. By checking the exterior unit, thermostat settings, and your system’s behavior, you can quickly determine if you have a heat pump. If in doubt, “Just Call Landry” and our skilled technicians will bring comfort to your home.

How to Winterize Your Air Conditioner

Posted on August 6, 2024 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

How to Winterize Your Air Conditioner

HVAC Exterior Condenser covered in snow — Snow build up can cause rust to form on HVAC units. Leading to expensive repairs.

Hard to believe that Summer is almost over. The fun, warm summer days will soon give way to autumn colors and cooler temperatures.

That means it’s time to winterize your A/C system so that it works properly next summer.

If you don’t it could lead to expensive repairs that could de-rail next summer’s plans.

Why Winterize?

Winters in New England are often cold, long, and feature harsh conditions like blizzards. This weather can lead to corrosion inside your unit or damage from falling ice or tree limbs.

Small animals like Squirrels, Mice, and Chipmunks may also make your A/C unit their home if it’s not properly covered.

Rodent Nest inside HVAC Electronic Controls. Covering your unit properly could save you thousands in repairs

What Steps Should I Take Before Winter?

Listen To Your Compressor

Run your A/C system as you do normally.

Notice any grinding or unusual noises?

Noisy A/C Unit — Notice any unusual sounds coming from your A/C units? Time for a repair!

Probably time to “Just Call Landry” because you’ll need our expert Air Conditioning Repair services.

Change Your Air Filter

Change your air filter at the end of each cooling season. If you’ve ran your A/C this summer the filter is probably dirty from pollen and other allergens. A new filter protects system components and ensures acceptable indoor air quality.

Dusty Mini-Split Unit — Does your filter look like this? Time for a replacement

Are you looking for a new filter for your A/C?

Check out our online store to order the filter directly to your home.

Cover The Unit

New England winters can cause snow to build up on the unit.

This build up can cause many problems with the unit come next spring.

In addition, small rodents often invade A/C units and make nests inside.

Properly Covered HVAC Exterior Unit — Properly Covering Your Exterior HVAC Units saves $ and increases lifespan of the system

Use a specially designed A/C cover that fits over the unit.

The fit shouldn’t be too loose or too tight as the unit will need some room for ventilation.

You may also use a tarp and bungie cords as seen in the photo above.

Call The Experts

If you are unable or confused about winterizing your A/C Landry Mechanical is here to help. Our home Cooling Experts are ready to assist you.

We offer a variety of Air Conditioning services including repairs, general maintenance, installations, and replacements.

How to Prepare Your Plumbing For Summer Time

Posted on July 12, 2024 | by arketing | Leave a Comment

Summer is a season of warm weather, family barbecues, and time spent in the outdoors. The kids are off from school, and that means more stress on your plumbing system.

With all the summer fun, it’s easy to forget about the importance of seasonal pipe inspection and preparation.

Pipe problems often arrive when you least expect them.

Here are just a few of the common problems we see in homes.

-Low Water Pressure

-Pipe Burst or Crack

-Running Toilet

-Clogged Toilet, Garbage Disposal, or Drain

-Leaky Faucets or Spigots

You can save money by preparing your plumbing system for Summer.

Here’s how to prepare your Plumbing for Summer Time:

Make Sure Your Sump Pump Works Properly

Power up your sump pump and make sure it turns on.

Then pour a bucket of water into it.

If the pump is working it will process the water.

This is important because of summer thunderstorms and flooding.

If you don’t have a sump pump you should consider having us install one. If any part of your home is below ground level you will need one.

Thankfully, Landry Mechanical specializes in sump pump installation, repair, and replacement.

Inspect For Leaks

Long, harsh New England Winters can create massive plumbing problems you may not notice. Checking for leaks before or during Summer can give you the chance to fix problems before Winter returns.

You should inspect all appliances and equipment that use water inside or outside your home.

Here are some common areas/equipment you should check for leaks:

-Toilet

-Bathroom & Kitchen Faucets

-Bathtub or Shower

-Water Heater

-Outside or Underground Water Pipes

For the toilet, put food coloring into the tank, Then, see if the coloring leaks into the bowl without flushing. If coloring leaks into the toilet bowl it may be a sign of worn down hardware that needs replacement.

Next, try wiggling the toilet back and forth. If the floor feels soft it may indicate a leak between the wax seal and the toilet.

For the bathtub or shower, inspect the grout around the edge and make sure its secured tightly to the tile wall. Missing grout causes water to leak under the tub or other areas it shouldn’t.

Check water heaters for signs of rust, leakage, or external damage. Look at the water heater and inspect the unit for corrosion, a flashlight will help you. Run your hand along the base of the unit to see if you feel leaking water.

Water heaters often contain mineral deposits from hard water and will need occasional flushing.

Releasing a few gallons of water from the bottom of the tank can remove deposits from your system.

For other parts of the plumbing system, you can check the water meter to find unseen leaks.

Make sure nothing in your home is using water then jot down the numbers on your water meter.

Check the meter again in 15 minutes. If the numbers have changed there may be unseen leaks in your system.

If you notice that one of your lawn areas has become particularly saturated buried water pipes are to blame.

Luckily, Landry Mechanical has plumbing experts that are able to solve these plumbing problems. They also offer fast video inspections to check pipes to diagnose issues unseen with the naked eye.

Don’t Forget the Sprinkler System!

Summer is a great season for checking your sprinkler system.

Inspect and clean your sprinkler heads early in the season.

If you see any damaged or rusted heads you should remove and replace them.

Run each sprinkler zone and observe where it releases water. The sprinklers shouldn’t hit your foundation or any part of the house.

Under Pressure?

Good water pressure is necessary for a healthy plumbing system. You can check your household water pressure using a simple gauge. The household standard is 40-45 pounds per square inch (psi) and shouldn’t be higher than 60psi.

Connect a pressure gauge to the nearest exterior faucet. If your water pressure is higher or lower than the standard range, it’s time to “Just Call Landry” . Your main water line has a faulty regulator.

Stop The Clogs!

Do you have a slow drain or weak toilet flush?

People commonly encounter routine clogs, and they can typically resolve them with a plunger or auger.

If you see a weak flush or grey water in your tub after a rain storm it’s time for a professional plumbing inspection.

Food or grease buildup can cause clogging in kitchen sinks. You can try flushing it with hot water or with clog-clearing chemicals.

For bathroom sinks, hair may be the cause of clogs. Using hot water or chemicals can release the clogs.

If these methods fail, Landry Mechanical can help.

Here at Landry Mechanical, we want you to enjoy summer to its fullest. You can prevent plumbing problems in your home.

If all else fails, contact us today! “We take comfort in YOUR comfort”