Why You Should Replace Your HVAC System With A Heat Pump

September 25, 2024 by mcdonnellmechanical

Why You Should Replace Your HVAC System With A Heat Pump

During the fall and the winter, we replace a lot of different HVAC systems. We want to tell you a little bit about why you should replace your HVAC system with a heat pump. These are some of our favorite HVAC systems for a few reasons.

That’s not to say that a furnace for the winter, or an air conditioner for the summer are bad HVAC systems. They simply don’t have the flexibility and capabilities that a heat pump does. We have replaced hundreds of heating and cooling systems all over Cape Cod, and we want to tell you a little bit more about why we love heat pumps.

In this article, we will go over some of the benefits of heat pumps, and explain when you should replace your HVAC system. If you live on Cape Cod and are looking for some help with your home comfort, give McDonnell Mechanical a call at (508) 394-0005, or contact us online!

The Benefits Of Heat Pumps

There are all kinds of reliable HVAC systems, but there are a few things that heat pumps that we love. Here are a few of the best benefits when it comes to a new heat pump for your Cape Cod home!

Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of heat pumps is their exceptional energy efficiency. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that generate heat by burning fuel or using high levels of electricity, heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another. In heating mode, they extract heat from the outside air (even in very cold temperatures) and move it indoors. Conversely, when the system is in cooling mode, they remove heat from inside your home and release it outside.

This process requires far less energy compared to conventional HVAC systems like furnaces and air conditioners. This improved energy efficiency is better for the environment, your energy bills, and your HVAC system!

The Ability to Heat and Cool

Unlike a furnace or an air conditioner, a heat pump can provide both heating and cooling. This dual functionality means you don’t need separate systems for summer and winter, like most homes have needed for years before this.

This is going to help you out when it comes to maintenance, as well as reducing the need for multiple installations. It takes up less space around your home, and makes it easier to maintain one system, rather than 2.

Eco-Friendly Operation

Because of this more energy efficient operation, heat pumps are also very eco-friendly. Traditional heating systems, like gas furnaces, rely on fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, heat pumps use electricity to move heat rather than generate it, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions.

Heat pumps in general are designed to be more energy efficient than conventional HVAC systems, even the ones that also use electricity. This reduction in energy consumption is what makes them so environmentally friendly.

Saving Money with Tax Credits, Rebates, and Reduced Energy Bills

When you install a heat pump, there are normally a bunch of great financial incentives that come along with it. Many government programs and utility companies offer tax credits, rebates, and other incentives for installing energy-efficient systems like heat pumps. These programs are designed to encourage the adoption of greener technologies and can help offset the initial cost of your heat pump installation.

For example, in the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits up to $2000 for installing qualifying high efficiency heat pumps, and many states have additional incentives. Utility companies also normally offer rebates, depending on how efficient your new heat pump is, and what time of year it is.

Beyond rebates and tax credits, the ongoing savings on your energy bills can be substantial. The efficiency of heat pumps means you spend less on heating and cooling, which can lead to hundreds of dollars in savings each year. When you factor in the long lifespan of modern heat pumps—often 15 to 20 years—these savings can add up to thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your heat pump!

Installing A Heat Pump In Cape Cod, MA

As you can see, there are a lot of great reasons to install a heat pump in your Cape Cod home. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with furnaces or air conditioning systems. We just love an all in one solution that’s also going to help you save on energy bills.

Give us a call at (508) 394-0005, or contact us online! Our experts will come out and take a look at your home, and help you design the perfect HVAC system for your home. We will give you options on heat pumps, mini splits, or whatever the right fit is for keeping your home comfortable!

The Benefits Of Installing A Generator In Your Cape Cod Home

September 16, 2024 by mcdonnellmechanical

The Benefits Of Installing A Generator For Your Cape Cod Home

The Benefits Of Installing A Generator For Your Cape Cod Home Cape Cod, and especially those of us who live here year ‘round know that we have an aging electric grid that has frequent outages. Axios reported that Massachusetts experiences more power outages than average longer power outages, and the average number of hours is also increasing, not decreasing. The Association To Preserve Cape Cod wrote an article in February of 2024, after many people lost power for at least part of a day due to Nor’Easter.

The bottom line is that between an aging power grid and the increased number and severity of storms due to climate change, residents on the Outer Cape are more vulnerable than ever to power outages, and of unknown duration. Yet with more people relying on electricity to power every aspect of their lives, from heating and cooling, to telecommuting for work, to relying on power for CPAP machines and other medical devices, unexpected power outages can be more than inconvenient- they can be life threatening.

That’s why at McDonnell Mechanical, we’re seeing more and more people opting to add a generator to their homes. With a Generac generator, you can ensure that key aspects of your home- your HVAC system, refrigerators, and select circuits in your home can operate continuously when the power’s out for everyone else.

Schedule A Free Generator Consultation

Risks in Summer and Winter

Late Summer and Early Fall are prime Hurricane Season. While the Gulf Coast sees more Hurricanes than we do, the tropical storm winds and rain can do their own damage to our fragile infrastructure.

In the Winter, Nor’easters can send snow and winds our way, further endangering our electric grid, just when people need it most for heating as well as connectivity to the world off the Cape. And the bottom line is the further out in the Outer Cape you live, the more vulnerable you are to electric outages that occur closer to Mid-cape- and the longer it takes crews to get out and fix the problems.

Why Choose a Generator?

Losing Your Power Means Your AC And Heating Too When you lose power for more than a few minutes, it can get expensive. Without power, the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer can increase, making food more likely to spoil and become unsafe to eat. Replacing a whole fridge’s worth of food can run you several hundreds of dollars, and with just one or two extended outages, the security a generator offers looks more and more attractive and cost-effective.

Especially if you plan on using your Cape Home year- round, a generator will make your home more comfortable for you and more attractive to renters. You won’t have to deal with people begging for refunds if the power goes out, because they really won’t be inconvenienced at all by bad weather!

If anyone in your family uses medical equipment like a CPAP machine, or takes medication that needs to be kept cold, having a generator will make sure you can run this critical equipment even when the power goes out. That’s peace of mind that many folks find important, and it’s why we’ve been installing more and more generators every year in the Outer Cape Communities.

Generators can also keep your well and sump pump operating, keeping your home operating and protecting it from damage due to flooding.

And of course, if you have a security system for your home, a generator can keep that running as well – and that’s particularly important to keep your home safe when you’re not around.

Homeowners have also told us that having a generator has increased the value of their home when they do decide to put it on the market. And with real estate prices increasing everywhere, don’t you want to have an advantage to get a premium price for your home?

Talk To Someone About A Generator For Your Home

If You’re Thinking About Installing A Generator, Give Us A Call!

If you’re tired of all the power outages and what it does to your productivity, give us a call at 508-394-0005, or contact us online. We’ll send someone from our expert team out, and you can choose a generator that will meet your critical needs in an emergency, and make sure your family is safe and comfortable. We have a wide range of choices and price points, so you can find a generator that meets your needs and budget!

Schedule A Free Generator Consultation

When Should You Replace Your Heating System

September 12, 2024 by mcdonnellmechanical

When Should You Replace Your Heating System

When Should You Replace Your Heating System Replacing an old heating system is a big decision, and one that you sometimes may not have a straight answer to. In most cases, people simply replace their old heating system when it stops working. This is a pretty simple answer, but one that rings true for most people.

In this article, we want to go over some of the most common signs that your heating system needs to be replaced, and the best time of year to replace it. We have been installing and replacing heating systems in Cape Cod for years, and know when it’s the right time to make the swap. Whether you are using a gas or oil furnace, a heat pump, or baseboard heating, we have dealt with them all!

If you are having problems with your heating system, or simply are looking for an upgrade, give us a call or contact us online. Our experts would be happy to take a look at your home, and help you install the perfect heating system to stay comfortable all winter long!

Schedule A Free Heating Consultation

The Most Common Signs You Need To Replace Your Heating System

In some cases, it’s very obvious that you need to install a new heating system. In other cases, there are other factors that may indicate that it’s time to make the switch. Here are a few signs you should look out for:

Your System Isn’t Producing Heat

If your heating system isn’t working properly and not producing heat, you may need a replacement. This is the most obvious sign it’s time to replace the system. If it isn’t getting the job done, it could just be time to make the switch.

Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than Normal

It’s natural for your energy bills to rise once the heating system is working day and night in the winter. But, if they are extraordinarily high, it could be an indication that there is a problem with your heating system.

It could have deteriorating energy efficiency, which can happen to an HVAC system over time. We recommend you have your heating system serviced regularly. This will help you maintain energy efficiency and lengthen the lifespan of your heating system. Still, even with regular furnace maintenance, your heating system could still suffer from lost energy efficiency and need replacing.

In some cases, it becomes more cost effective in the long run to replace a heating system that is running your energy bills through the roof. If you are trying to stave off the costs of a new heating system replacement, you may think that the old heater is saving you money. The truth is, it will need to be replaced eventually, and in the meantime, your energy bills are higher than they should be!

Your System Breaks Down Frequently

If your heating system is in need of repairs every season, it may be a good idea to consider a replacement. Repairs can get costly, and are usually the sign of an aging system that needs to be replaced anyway. If the repair is cheaper, under $500, that’s probably the right move.

If the repairs become more expensive, $1000 and over, we would recommend that you also get an estimate for a replacement. Instead of sinking money into an old, failing system, a new one may cost a bit more than a repair, but in the long run it will save money, and give you some peace of mind.

Why Should You Schedule Heating Service?

When Is The Best Time Of Year For A Heating System Installation

The Fall Is Our Preferred Time To Install A Heating System The best time of year to replace your heating system is the fall. Obviously, if your heating system needs to be replaced in the winter, that is perfectly fine. We would recommend replacing your heating system in the fall for a few reasons.

For one thing, you don’t need as much heat in the fall. So if you have an installation happening, it’s not really impacting your comfort. You are still feeling fine and staying cozy, even while the system is being replaced.

Another reason is HVAC contractors have more time. In the winter, there’s a higher demand for HVAC services. This means you could see a delay of weeks to have your heating system replaced. In the fall, it’s a bit slower with less demand. This gives the customer a lot more of an open availability to schedule their heating replacement at their convenience.

Getting your new heating system installed before the winter also sets you up for better energy bills. Newer heating systems are more energy efficient than older ones, and will likely always bring your energy bills down. Getting the new system in your home before the winter will set you up for cheaper energy bills all winter.

Replacing Your Heating System In Cape Cod

If you are looking for a heating system replacement in Cape Cod, McDonnell Mechanical can help you out! Give us a call at 508-394-0005, or contact us online. Whether you need a new gas furnace, oil furnace, heat pump, or ductless mini split, we have you covered! One of our experts can come take a look at your current heating situation, and give you options to replace it with an energy efficient system!

Schedule A Heating Consultation

Installing A Ductless Mini Split To Fix A Hot Room

August 29, 2024 by mcdonnellmechanical

Installing Ductless Mini Splits To Fix A Hot Room One of the common things homeowners complain about is why certain rooms in their home always seem too hot or too cold. It might be your sunroom, the room above the garage, or a room on the upper floor that just is too warm for comfort. Or maybe you have a finished basement, and the room always feels clammy in some way.

It’s something that we hear pretty often, and luckily something that we know how to fix. Each home is unique, and keeping your home comfortable can be a challenge. Certain homes, especially older ones, were not designed with HVAC in mind. Even when an HVAC system was installed, it could be a challenge for the conditioned air to make it to every space in the home.

One of our favorite supplemental solutions are ductless mini splits. This article will tell you a little more about what ductless mini splits are, and why they are a perfect solution to fix a problem room in your home.

Consider A Ductless Mini Split

There are plenty of solutions for this kind of problem, but one of the best is a single zone of Mitsubishi ductless heating and air conditioning, often called a “mini-split”. These systems are called mini-splits because they have two main parts- an outdoor condenser unit that is connected by lines to an indoor, often wall-mounted unit. They also have state of the art sensors that help monitor the temperature and humidity in a room. These sensors allow the system to make small adjustments and distribute the hot or cool air throughout the space as needed to keep the whole room perfectly comfortable.

How Do Mini Splits Work?

Mitsubishi ductless mini-split systems are high-efficiency heat pumps, that take advantage of the heat in the surrounding air to help either remove heat from your home, cooling it, or add heat in from outside, making it warmer. These systems are up to 70% more efficient in heating than other solutions like baseboard heaters, and 30% more efficient than window air conditioners in cooling- and they don’t take up your window for half the year!

In addition, these systems are super quiet- whisper quiet- around 19 db. Unlike other solutions, you’ll barely hear when your system is on- all you’ll notice is the comfort. And these systems are designed to help distribute the air evenly through your room as well, getting rid of those hot and cold spots. Because these systems are often mounted on the wall, there’s no risk of kids or pets bumping into it, like they could with a space heater, and getting hurt.

Learn More About Ductless Mini Splits

Improved Efficiency Means Savings

A Ductless Mini Split Is Perfect For A Bedroom Ductless mini-split systems are so efficient they qualify for rebates from most energy companies and tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act, making installation of a permanent, safe solution to your heating and cooling issues even more affordable. But the real savings will be to your energy bills. You’ll be able to get the exact comfort you need, right where you need it most, and you won’t have to try to adjust the heat and AC for the rest of the house to get the comfort you want.

Easy Controls

Mitsubishi ductless systems can be controlled from the Kumo Cloud app or even be hooked up to your Alexa at home, allowing you to control your system from wherever you are. That means adjusting the comfort level to where you want it even before your feet hit the floor on a cold morning, or adding a little additional cooling if you wake up in the middle of the night, all from a convenient remote or from a smart phone app.

Flexibility

These systems don’t require air ducts, so they can be placed in almost any home and in any room. That’s why they are popular as a supplemental heating and cooling system for those problem areas of a home. You don’t have to rework your whole ducted heating and cooling system, or worry about the capacity of your current system to make the problem room comfortable. And if you are in an older home without ductwork, this is a perfect solution, and one that doesn’t sit in a window, obstructing your view for months of the year, and is difficult to install and store in the off-season.

Ductless Mini Splits For Cape Cod Homes

If you are looking for permanent, cost-effective and efficient solution to those hard to heat and cool areas of your home, consider a Mitsubishi mini-split system from McDonnell Mechanical. And with current tax credits and rebates, this solution can be more affordable than ever. Just give us a call, and we’re happy to come out and see whether a mini split is the best solution for your home or business.

Schedule A Free Ductless Mini Split Consultation

The Benefits Of Annual HVAC Service For AC And Heating

August 8, 2024 by mcdonnellmechanical

The Benefits Of Annual HVAC Service For AC And Heating

You may have heard that regular maintenance for your heating and air conditioning is important, but is it really? What happens if you skip a service, or don’t even know the last time the system was serviced?

We get asked this question often here at McDonnell Mechanical. And what we can say for sure is that there are great reasons behind recommending you have your system serviced twice a year- once in the Spring for air conditioning, and once in the Fall for your heater- and these regular checkups and service can save you money in the long run.

Why Should I Get My System Serviced?

You probably hear that you should have your HVAC system serviced all the time, but WHY should you have your HVAC system serviced? Here are a few reasons:

Regular service helps you maintain your warranty. Just like getting oil changes at regular intervals for your car, regular service appointments not only helps you maintain the warranty on your system which often runs for 10 years or longer, but it can catch problems before they become serious, helping you get any needed repairs covered by your warranty!
Regular service can prevent more expensive repairs. While this is true for all the parts of your system, the outdoor condenser is exposed to the elements. In an area like ours, salt air can lead to corrosion in your system. Regular maintenance can help spot any rust/corrosion, and you can get ahead of it before it gets serious, and leads to having to replace a whole system prematurely!
Regular maintenance and filter changes helps your system run efficiently. When you regularly change your air filters and get your system tuned up, you’ll end up having a system that works more efficiently and will save you money every month with lower energy bills. Small tweaks on an air conditioner can increase efficiency by 10-15%.
Improved indoor air quality. With new air filters and regular cleaning of your HVAC system, it will lead to cleaner and healthier air in your home. If you have a filter that’s clogged and ducts full off debris, that’s what is going to circulate in the air of your home.
Checking your heating system can save your life! Because HVAC systems heat and cool the air, the metal in them expands and contracts- and is subject to metal fatigue over time. Small cracks can develop, and carbon monoxide can get into the air and get to dangerous levels in the winter. Regular maintenance of your furnace/heater can help look for signs of incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide leaks, and other problems that can not only lead to higher energy bills, but actually affect your health and safety.

Talk To A Heating & Cooling Expert

What Do We Check During An Inspection?

Changing Your Filter Helps Clean The Air And Promote Better Airflow A typical air conditioning inspection will check and test:

Thermostat
Electrical connections
Air filter
Blower assembly
Condenser motor and fan
Motors and bearings
Capacitors
Contactors and relays
Compressor voltage and amps
Condenser coils
Condensate drain
Compressor operation
Proper refrigerant levels

A typical furnace inspection will check and test:

Thermostat
Electrical connections and fuses
Heat strips or combustion (depending on electric or gas)
Outside vent/chimney exhaustion
Air filter
Burners and pilot assembly
Heat exchanger
Carbon monoxide levels near furnace and heat registers
Ignition and flame sensing device
Gas safeties, fan safeties and fan limits
Blower assembly
Condensate drainage
Blower belt
Motors and bearings
Capacitor
Manifold pressure
Gas leaks
Temperature rise (indicates how well the unit is performing)
A complete system cycle

These annual inspections are low cost and can greatly increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, as well as keep your energy bills lower. While we’re happy to sell you a new heating or air conditioning system, we know you’re probably as thrifty as we are, and would much rather keep your current system in good repair, than spend money on a new system which could cost $15,000 or more! If you aren’t sure when your system was last serviced, or want to get your system serviced, especially at the end of the summer season, give us a call here at McDonnell Mechanical. We’re happy to set up an appointment for the Fall and make sure your system is ready for whatever Mother Nature dishes out, while making the most of your home on the Outer Cape!

Whether you live on the Cape year-round or own an investment/rental property, having a reliable HVAC system is important. We recommend annual HVAC service for both your heating and air conditioning every year- but why is this important?

4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Air Conditioner

July 22, 2024 by mcdonnellmechanical

4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Air Conditioner

4 Signs You Need To Replace Your AC

Here in the Outer Cape, we’re seeing summers get warmer than ever, for extended periods. And even when the temperature isn’t that high, the humidity can still make you pretty uncomfortable. That’s why many older homes that never needed air conditioning in the past have been adding ductless mini splits, fans and window air conditioners to their homes over the past few years.

As air conditioning has become more common on the Cape, one of the questions we are starting to get from more homes and businesses is what are the signs to look for that it’s getting to be time to replace your existing air conditioning system?

In this article, we will go over 4 of the most common signs we see when an air conditioner starts to fail. Luckily with regular maintenance, you should have a working AC for 10+ years, but it’s inevitable that every system will be replaced at some point.

If you want to talk to someone about your air conditioning system, give us a call at 508-394-0005, or contact us online! One of our HVAC specialists will be happy to help you out.

The Signs Your AC Is Ready To Be Replaced

Age of the system: If your AC system is 10 – 15 years old, it is likely to be getting towards the end of its lifecycle. Especially because we’re so close to the ocean, the salt air can corrode metal fins in air conditioners faster here than in other parts of the Commonwealth, and that can also shorten the life of your system. When your older air conditioner starts needing more repairs and breaking down more frequently, it’s time to start thinking about whether investing in a new system will be more cost-effective.

The other thing to note is that older systems use refrigerants that may be being phased out due to their potential damage to the environment. R-22, also known as Freon, has been phased out and is no longer available, and its replacement, R-410A, is also being phased out for more environmentally friendly coolants starting January, 2025. What that means is that if you have an older system, it’s going to become harder and more expensive to “recharge” a system if there’s a coolant leak, and it may be time to consider a new system.
Decreased efficiency: if your monthly energy bills are going up even when the weather is pretty consistent, it’s possible your system isn’t working efficiently. Make sure all your vents are uncovered and your air filter has been changed regularly, to help make sure the air is circulating well in your home. If your bills are still high, it may be time to start considering a new system.
Frequent Cycling: If your air conditioning keeps turning on and off frequently, this can be a sign that your system isn’t sized properly for your home, or there is a problem with the thermostat. Thai is a sign to call your local HVAC specialist, like our experts here at McDonnell Mechanical, to check on your system. Frequent cycling can cause undo wear and tear and lead to breakdowns, so don’t let this problem go!
Strange noises & smells: These things can indicate that there’s a problem brewing with your system. Strange noises can mean a mechanical problem, and strange smells could be anything from mold and mildew buildup to a problem with components wearing on each other. You should definitely call for service on your system.

Talk To An AC Expert

The good news is that if you need a new AC system, the newer systems are much more efficient and can help reduce your energy usage by as much as 30%! This means lower energy bills every month with greater comfort. And with incentives and tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, you can save significant money by replacing your old system with a new high efficiency system, like a Mitsubishi electric heat pump.

Wherever you are on the Cape, you can count on the experts here at McDonnell Mechanical to help you find the perfect system for your home and help you keep it running well for years. Just give us a call today, and we’ll be happy to check out your existing system. If it does need replacing, we’ll take the time to do an expert load calculation to make sure you get the right system for your home that will keep your family comfortable for years to come.