Tag: Cooling

When Should I Repair or Replace My AC?

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Air Conditioning Unit Being Installed By Landry!

When Should I Repair or Replace My AC?

Spring is finally here! Many homeowners wonder when should I repair or replace my AC?

Landry Mechanical is here to offer expert advice on when you should consider repairing or replacing your AC.

 

Heat Pumps Outside a MA Home

 

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

According to Carrier, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high-efficiency air conditioning system.

However, there are a number of factors that impact how long air conditioners last.

  • Climate (Especially High Humidity)
  • Air Quality Issues such as pollution or salty sea air
  • Regular or Irregular AC Maintenance
  • Installation Quality & Proper Sizing
  • How Often The System is Used

 

Signs Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Working

There are many tell-tale signs that your air conditioner isn’t working. Here are some of the most common signs we run into at Landry Mechanical.

  • Frequent Breakdowns
  • Water or Refrigerant Leaks
  • Thermostat Problems
  • Unit Won’t Turn Off or Turn On
  • Poor Airflow/Uneven Cooling
  • Burning or Moldy Smell Coming From Unit
  • Excessive Noise Coming From The Unit
  • Excessive Dust Accumulation
  • Hot Air Blows Out Of The Unit
AC Refrigerant Leaks Small & Large
If You Notice Bubbles like these you have a refrigerant leak

If you notice these signs it’s best to “Just Call Landry” Our Air Conditioning Experts frequently repair and replace Air Conditioning Systems in Central and Eastern Massachusetts.

 

When Should I Repair My AC?

New Central Air Conditioners can be an expensive investment.

Therefore, if your existing unit isn’t running properly it might be a good idea to consider repairs before replacements.

You Have A Newer Air Conditioner

If you have a newer air conditioner that’s less than five years old, it would be best to repair it. Many Air Conditioners come with a warranty that may cover repair costs.

You Have a Small One-Time Repair Need

If your ac has newer and you experience a small one time repair need it’s not a sign that you’ll need a replacement.

However, if you notice repeated breakdowns, it’s time to “Just Call Landry” and we’ll replace your AC system.

Air Conditioning Unit Being Installed By Landry!
New Air Conditioning System Being Installed By Landry!

When Should I Replace My AC?

When it is no longer feasible to repair your AC it’s time to consider replacing it.

Here are some of the best reasons to replace your AC.

You Want To Lower Your Energy Bill

Older AC systems are not as energy efficient as newer models.

One of the best ways to reduce your energy cost is to replace old AC systems with new more efficient models.

However, this must be balanced with the cost of the new system.

Your Old AC Unit Is Rusty Or Ugly

If your old AC unit has signs of rust, corrosion, or is just ugly it’s time to replace the unit. Repair will not be an option in this case.

Your Air Conditioner is Too Small

Not All AC Units are equally powerful. Some AC systems are great for one room, but are unable to cool an entire house efficiently.

Also, underpowered AC units can raise your energy costs and shorten the unit’s lifespan by running it constantly.

Your AC System is Mismatched

In a central air system you have indoor units and outdoor units.

These components need to be compatible in order to cool your home effectively.

If you have a mismatched AC system, it won’t run smoothly and is far more likely to break down.

Conclusion

No homeowner wants their Air Conditioner to break down in the hot summer heat.

Fortunately, Landry Mechanical is here to help!

Our Air Conditioning Experts will keep you cool this summer with repairs and replacements when you need us.

Landry Mechanical, We Take COMFORT in YOUR Comfort!

How to Know If You Have A Heat Pump

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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

 

  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

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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
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.