The mini-split ductless air conditioner is one of the most popular HVAC units on the market in recent years and will continue this trend into 2021. These units are popular for their easy use and low cost. If you are interested in installing this unit in your home by yourself, you may want to continue reading. We are going to discuss some important steps that will be done during the installation procedure and you will find out if you are up for the job. We recommend you always hire a professional HVAC company to install any ductless unit.

The first step is figuring out how much area you need to provide heat and cooling for. After that you can take a look at popular ductless brands. There are a lot of mini-split ductless units that are available today and the number is growing. They may come from different brands, including Daikin, Mitsubishi, American Standard, Ameristar, etc.

​A solid base needs to be installed for placing the outdoor part of the unit. It is a good idea for you to use a concrete pad which is around 2 x 4 feet, you can pick one up at a local hardware store. This base should be strong enough to hold the overall weight of the outdoor unit. The unit should be placed on top of this base without causing any damages to your wall or your windows.

This is another important thing that you will need to prepare before you install your mini-split ductless unit. You are going to drill a hole in the wall, so you can connect all cables from the indoor and outdoor units from your mini-split ductless unit. Do not try this without the guidance of a professional contractor. It will be dangerous for you to install the electrical system alone, especially if you don’t have any experience.

When installing this mini-split ductless system, you are going to need a good route for your piping and drainage. The drain line must be pitched appropriately, so it will support the overall performance of this unit. The piping and drain lines should be insulated, so they don’t sweat inside the wall of your home, building, or office space.

Before you complete the installation procedure, you want to check the overall functionality of the unit. Don’t forget to read the manual before you start operating this air conditioner in your home. There are some step by step instructions that you need to follow, so you can turn on the device properly. When you don’t use a professional technician, you will not get any warranty from the installer. Instead when the unit cannot function normally, you will have to  contact the manufacturer which can be a hassle and become messy. Most mini-split ductless units come with a warranty, so the company will help you when you have any issues with the units.

Although you can do all installation procedures alone, you should avoid doing everything alone. You should always hire professional experts when you want cheap affordable air via ductless units. Our technicians are professionally trained and will install any air conditioners in our clients’ properties safely. We know how to install all parts of the unit in the right place safely.

One of the most popular brands that we carry and install here at Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc. is Navien. Navien is famous for tankless water heaters, wall-hung boilers, and combi-boilers. This company can be considered as one of the best boiler and water heater providers in North America.
 
Since 2006, Navien has already become one of the fastest-growing HVAC companies in North America. They are the leader in condensing technology.

This brand has already achieved international recognition for its sophisticated engineering and also robust design. They are backed by their parent company, KD Navien and have more than 35 years of experience with the latest industry technology.
 
All products come with high efficiency and reliable quality which is why we recommend them. You can use these products in your residential properties. Navien commits to continue its mission to offer high-quality products for all users. Here are some popular categories that fall within their residential-based products.

Navien offers both condensing and non-condensing tankless water heaters for all users. These devices can be used to deliver continuous hot water at any time you need it. You don’t need to wait for the tank to reheat the water as this process wastes time and energy. Products in this category include the NPE-A Series and NPE-S Series (for their condensing products); and the NPN-U Series and NPN-E Series (for their non-condensing products).
 
These tankless water heaters are equipped with NaviTech stainless steel heat exchanger system and also stainless steel burners. Both features are very useful to offer eco-friendly and durable performance. The non-condensing tankless water heaters will be 80% smaller than the regular tank water heaters. Navien tankless water heaters are also famous for their low noise level. You can install these devices close to the living room, or other rooms in your home and they will never cause a ruckus.

Combi-boilers by Navien include the NFC and NCB-E units. They are high-efficient condensing combination boilers that you can use in your home. You can use them for fulfilling your needs because they have full capacities to supply hot water and heating system for large homes. You can even run up to 3 showers and a dishwasher at the same time.
 
The NFC unit can reach up to 5.4 gallons per minute, while the NCB-E will reach up to 4.5 gallons per minute. You can control the system of these boilers from your smartphone too. Their NaviLink WiFi control system will provide good access for these boilers. All combi boilers from Navien are protected by 10 years warranty. These devices have up to 95% AFUE rating which shows the efficiency of these units.

​This company has both NHB and NFB series as our favorite high efficiency condensing boilers. These boilers are more energy-efficient than the other old-fashioned boilers. Both NHB and NFB series is Energy Star certified, so you will never have to worry about an inefficient system.
 
It is very easy for you to have the Navien experts at Highwood install these boilers for your home. They take about 80% less space than the traditional floor-standing boilers. You can even connect these devices with your smartphone via WiFi control. Contact us today!

You may come across the term SEER when reading up on HVAC equipment and wonder what it means. This rating stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This ratio will reflect the cooling output of the air conditioner during the typical cooling season which will be divided by the energy in watt-hours.
 
This ratio is calculated by using a constant indoor temperature and outdoor temperatures which are ranging from 60 to 100 degrees. This outdoor temperature will simulate a typical season. You can keep in mind that the SEER ratio will be the maximum efficiency rating. It can be lower depending on many different conditions.

You can take a look at the SEER ratio for finding the efficiency of the HVAC system in your home. The minimum standard SEER rating will be around 13 for the air conditioners. Most modern air conditioners will have a SEER rating which can range from 13 to 21. For being qualified as the Energy Star air conditioners, these devices should have a SEER rating of 14.5 or more. The efficiency of your HVAC system will also depend on your home size, the current ductwork, and any other variables.
 
Some people are asking for the ideal SEER rating for their HVAC systems. This is a hard question to answer because a good rating will depend on many factors that are unique to each home, for example, home size, location, and also what you are looking for in the cooling and heating system. However, the US Department of Energy has minimum SEER requirements for several regions in the US.
 
The minimum rating in the Southeast and Southwest area will be 14. The north region, where we operate, will have a minimum SEER rating of 13. It is recommended for you to buy any HVAC units that have a SEER rating that is higher than this minimum requirement. High-rated SEER units will save a lot of your money because they have a more efficient system. Therefore, they can be used to save energy from your HVAC system.

1. High energy efficiency
 
High SEER rated devices will be more efficient than the other low-rated units. You can boost the performance of your HVAC units when you use any devices with a high SEER rating. You can reduce the overall monthly costs in your home, especially when you use these devices.
 
2. Feel comfortable in your room
 
Installing a good air conditioning system with a higher SEER rating will make you feel financially and sustainably comfortable in the summer months. You can get this benefit, especially if you live in any hot regions, such as Southwest or Southeast areas. High SEER units usually have 2 main components that can provide great indoor comfort, including a variable-speed blower, and also 2-stage compressor.
 
3. Save the environment
 
This is another good reason why you may want to use any devices with a high SEER rating. These devices usually have a good system that will cause significantly less of a negative impact on the environment. If you care about the environment, you may want to take a look at some HVAC units with a high SEER rating. Most high SEER rated devices will have fewer gas emissions than regular devices.

When we are talking about SEER rating, we can expect to have this rating to become more important in the next couple of years. The new standards which are effective in 2023 will require every device to have a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio or SEER. All devices with SEER rating lower than 14 will be banned in the northern part of the United States or lower than 16 will be banned in the southern part of the United States. 
 
There are a lot of SEER rating calculators that are available on the Internet today. You can use any of these calculators when you want to calculate the total SEER rating for any of your devices in your home. If you want to have efficient HVAC units, you can always buy the best heating and cooling units with a high SEER rating for being placed in your residential or commercial properties. Contact us today!

During the cold days in the winter season here in CT, you may be inclined to spend a lot of your time in your home. Winters in Connecticut are commonly considered very cold and with COVID still in full swing you may be interested in learning how to lower your heating bill. It snows pretty often in Connecticut. Staying at your home will require you to turn on your heating system.
 
The home heating system is one of the most significant utility costs that you will have as a homeowner. The heating system usually costs more than 40% of the total utility bill in your home. Therefore, you need to learn how you can improve the efficiency of the heating system in your home, so you can save money.

You may have some extra rooms that are unused in your home. Typically, there is no use in heating these areas of your home. If you want to save money on your heating bill, you can close the door of these unused rooms. You may also want to close all vents in these rooms, so the warm air from your duct system will travel to these rooms less frequently. By closing off unused areas in your home, the money you do spend on heating will get put to use more efficiently.

This is another simple tip that you can follow to reduce the heating bill in the winter effectively. Adjusting your thermostat level will lead to a significant drop in heating bills. It is recommended for you to lower down the thermostat by 5 about degrees. This action will help you reduce up to 10% of the annual heating cost in your home. You can set the thermostat to maintain the temperature around 66 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. When you leave for work, you can even lower the thermostat to a lower temperature.

Your home may lose heat through some doors and windows, especially if they are opened. Some doors and windows are not sealed tightly during the winter season. Therefore, you need to check all windows and doors at the beginning of the winter. This procedure will help you test for drafts, so you can detect any air leaks immediately. Some insulation from a local hardware store should do the trick.

If you want to reduce your heating bills during the winter season significantly, you can consider using alternative heat sources. You can buy a good wood-burning stove for heating the inside your home. It is a good idea for you to get a stove with a big heat output if you have a chimney that runs central to your home. A good way to reduce the overall cost for operating this stove is by using free wood resources, for example, scrap wood or salvaged wood. These wood types can be found for cheap or even free without adding additional costs to your heating system in your home.

​This is another useful tip that you can follow during this winter season. If you have some ceiling fans in the rooms inside your home, you can use them in this cold season. These ceiling fans are very effective to distribute the warm air in your home, so you can lower your heating bill. When the ceiling fans work, they are going to distribute the warm air trapped near the ceiling. The warm air will be distributed to all parts of your home evenly, so you can increase the efficiency of your heating system.
 
​
Those are some useful tips on how you can reduce the heating cost in your Connecticut home significantly. It is also a good idea for you to check up on the energy efficiency of all of your systems to see if an upgrade is in order. If some of your units are older in age, calling an HVAC expert like Highwood Mechanical Contractors can save you time and money, Reach out today!

The demand for ductless air systems is predicted to grow very rapidly in the next couple of years. The industry of mini-split ductless air conditioners and heat pumps will continue to grow with at least a double-digit growth rate every year. Many people love using these systems because the equipment is cost-effective, efficient, and also easy-to-install.
 
When you look at the market, you can find many different types of products that you can buy for your residential or commercial properties today. In this guide, we are going to cover some of the most popular ductless HVAC brands that are available today. These products are commonly found in homes because of their performance, price, and design.

The Mitsubishi brand is trusted for its durability and performance. This unit is suitable for you who are looking for an effective and efficient HVAC system in extremely cold weather. It has a unique 3D i-see sensor which will scan all parts of your rooms. It will direct the air to the cold or hot spots automatically. This mini ductless air system can work with about 48 dB operation, so it will never cause a lot of disturbing sounds from this device.

If you are looking for a good and efficient HVAC ductless system, you should take a look at this device from Daikin. This unit is designed to combine great performance and excellent efficiency. Its noise levels are about 19 dB for indoor use and also 49 dB for outdoor use. The wireless remote and WiFi control system can allow you to control this unit from any place you want.
 
The temperature range from this unit can be maintained from about -13 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit depending on your needs. Daikin also offers a unique Daikin Inverter Technology which will prevent the uncomfortable and common temperature swings from the non-inverter HVAC units.

This is one of the most popular ductless air systems in 2021. This device is suitable for you who want to have good and stable heating or cooling system in any small area. This device has quiet operation, so you can use this air conditioner without having to disturb other people around you. When using this air conditioner, you can have complete control of fan speed, air direction, temperature, etc. This device has a high SEER which can show the overall efficiency offered by this unit.

Many people leave good reviews and testimonials about this unit. This ductless unit from Ameristar has efficient cooling and heating capabilities in both indoor and outdoor uses. The device is going to work without disturbing other people around you. It has about 39 - 52 dB levels during its performance. This device also comes with a handheld remote control, so you can control the performance and work from this ductless system at any time.

If you want to use an efficient cooling and heating system in your home, you should take a look at the ductless systems from Trane. They can provide whole-home comfort in your properties. One of the most popular products from Trane is the ST Series Air Conditioner. This air conditioner is Energy Star certified, so you will never have to worry about causing any negative impacts on the environment. This device has a unique filtration system. Some anti-allergen filters are added to this device for capturing any potential allergens immediately.
 
There are many other brands that are popular among many people today. If you want to find the best ductless air systems in 2021, you can compare some available devices before you choose the best one for yourself. If you are in between choosing central air or ductless consider reading our other blog here.
 
Contact us today for installing the best ductless air systems from any of your favorite brands. Our experts have a lot of experience in helping our clients get the best benefits from our ductless air systems.
 
Contact the ductless HVAC experts today!

Modine is one of the most popular HVAC providers in the United States today. you will be able to find a lot of applications for Modnie products that are suitable for any of your HVAC needs. You can have these professionally installed devices in many different properties, such as residential, commercial, schools, industrial, greenhouses, etc. One of the most popular products from Modine is the Lodronic water heater.
 
This water heater is very popular among many HVAC experts because Modine is made to last. Unlike other hydronic unit heaters, the Lodronic hot water unit heater is specially designed to be used with high-efficiency boilers. Combining this water heater with a high-efficiency boiler system will result in a significant performance improvement, especially when it is compared with the performance of the standard hydronic unit heaters.

Ideal Applications
 
The Modine Lodronic Water Heater is suitable for you who want to find the best low-temperature hydronic heater or HCH. This product has wide applications, so you can enjoy flexible options when using this water heater. You can use the Lodronic for many different applications, such as entryways, manufacturing plants, mechanical rooms, industrial buildings, warehouses, garages, workrooms, etc. Because of this flexibility, this water heater becomes very popular among many customers today.
 
Benefits of Using Modine Water Heaters
 
Energy Efficient
 
If you want to save more money by reducing your utility cost every month, you can consider using this Lodronic water heater today. This unit can offer 50% less electric use than the other water heaters that are available on the market today. It is supported by its high-efficiency 4-row coil that comes with a low water pressure drop. This system is very useful to deliver the best performance without using too much energy from the resources.
 
Quiet operation
 
This is another reason why you may want to install this water heater at your home. This device has a smaller fan and also a quieter motor than the other devices that are available on the market today. You will never have to deal with waking the kids or your dog in the middle of the night you when you have this water heater in your home.
 
UL1995 certified
 
When choosing a good water heater, you may want to take a look at this factor. This is an important thing that you have to consider, especially if you want to avoid getting any problems with any low-quality water heaters. This water heater is UL-1995 certified. This certification will ensure that the device has the best quality. This device also meets all standards for any Heating and Cooling equipment in the United States and Canada.
 
Hire the Experts to Install Your Next Water Heater
 
After you know all benefits that you can get from this device, you can consider having this device installed in your home today by the water heater experts.
 
Hiring professional HVAC experts can prevent you from any unwanted problems during the installation procedure. Most professional HVAC experts usually know how to install and take care of your water heater safely.

Today we take a look at Bock Water Heaters. This brand is very popular among many homeowners and HVAC contractor is in the United States because it can offer high-quality water heaters for all customers at an affordable price. All products from this company are made from high-end materials, so you can use these water heaters for a long time.
 
All water heaters from Bock are manufactured in their Wisconsin facilities. In this article, we will talk about some pros, cons, and some other useful information about this brand. You can read all of these details before you decide to buy the best products for your needs and have Highwood take care of the installation.

​Bock Water Heater Pros
 
a. Commitment to offer innovation for all customers
 
Bock is one of the most popular companies that can offer the best and most innovative technology in the water heater industry. Its patented OptiTherm technology can provide up to 99% thermal efficiency. This technology can help you save more than 25% of your annual utility cost every year.
 
Another interesting technology in all Bock water heaters is the Turboflue. This technology is going to use their state of the art innovative fin heat exchangers. This system will utilize hundreds of high-quality steel fins that are specially created in an accurate spiral design. This technology is designed to offer superior heat conduction and also fuel efficiency.
 
When using any water heaters from Bock, you also get the benefit of the ElectriTherm feature. This feature utilizes the digital control system that has an LED diagnostic readout. This system will give you the ability to read the exact temperature settings and status.
 
b. Complete products and accessories
 
This is another good reason why you may want to consider using any Bock water heaters for in your home. When you visit its official website at BockWaterHeaters.com, you will be able to find many different products and accessories that are available for all customers. There are some categories that are available in store, for example, gas, oil, electric, dual-fuel, solar, and also geothermal based water heaters. You can also find some useful accessories that you can use for improving your experience with any of your favorite Bock water heaters.
 
c. Professional technicians behind the company
 
Bock is 100% owned by the employees. Every Bock employee always wants to provide the best and most exceptional products for all customers. All products from this company are made with the best technology and quality in the USA. When you buy any Bock water heaters, you also get access to a high customer service level and also reliable technical support.
 
d. Bock app and BockNet Remote Access
 
This is the latest technology that is offered by the Bock company. This app will work perfectly with the iPhone, Android, and any other mobile devices. When using this application, you will be able to have remote access to any of your Bock water heaters. The Bock App allows you to monitor current temperature, heater status, and also find some lockout errors or other history.
 
Bock Water Heater Cons
 
Only available in certain stores
 
Although Bock water heaters can bring a lot of benefits for the users, you will have some difficulties when you are planning to buy the best water heaters for your needs. They are not available in many nationwide stores. However, you should never have to worry about this problem. You can call the water heater experts at Highwood Mechanical Contractors and we will source the Bock water heater you want in your home.
 
We are the professional HVAC experts that will always have the best solution for you, so you can have your water heaters installed quickly and efficiently.

Ameristar is one of the most popular brands in the heating and cooling space for residential properties. This brand is very well-known among industry professionals because they focus on providing the best solution for all homes and homeowners. If you are looking for the best furnace for your home, we often recommend Ameristar furnaces. All of these furnaces are equipped with tons of useful features. The price range of these furnaces is about $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the models offered by Ameristar before installation. Here are some benefits that you will get when choosing Ameristar furnaces.

​When we are talking about Ameristar furnaces, we cannot forget the stainless steel heat exchangers from these devices. These furnaces have high-quality stainless steel heat exchangers which can conduct heat quickly. You can expect to see consistent results when using these furnaces. These heat exchangers are specially added to these devices for improving their efficiency and performance. Stainless steel is used as the main material for these heat exchangers because this material can last for a long time without wear. These furnaces can create enough heat for your home as soon as possible after they are turned on.

This is another reason why Ameristar is popular among many homeowners and HVAC mechanics. Most of their furnaces are equipped with the most efficient systems available today. Some models have more than 90% AFUE rating which will show the overall efficiency offered by these devices. You can save a lot of your money when using Ameristar furnaces because they can reduce your utility costs in your home every month. All furnace models also come with a standard silicon nitride igniter for ultimate consistency.

Most Ameristar furnaces are specially created to work with either propane or natural gas. As the result, you will enjoy using any furnaces from Ameristar with their flexible system. They can be used in any area without having any problems relying on fuel. There are some instructions that you need to be aware of, especially when you want to install any of these furnaces in your home. We highly recommend calling an expert like Highwood for this task. Some furnaces from Ameristar also work perfectly with any outdoor systems, so you can always pair these furnaces with any accessories in your home.

These furnaces have durable cabinets that can last for a long time. These cabinets are made from the best-galvanized steel. This material is used because it can last for a long time and because it can resist corrosion problems. These cabinets are made from high-quality materials that allow you to have minimum maintenance requirements for using any of these furnaces.

When you are looking for constant airflow, Ameristar is the gold standard. These furnaces come with variable speed indoor systems which will help you maintain consistent and constant airflow in your home. As the result, you can improve your comfort and also the efficiency rate in your home. It is very convenient and easy for you to operate any furnace from Ameristar in your home.
 
All Ameristar products are covered with a 10-year registered limited warranty for protecting your heating and cooling investment in your home. If you are interested in buying the best furnaces for your home, you can always contact us at any time you want. Our company, Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc. is always ready to help you provide the best heating and cooling system for your needs. Contact us today!

Most residential properties in the United States are commonly heated with a boiler. It is an important device that you need to have in any modern home. When you look at the market, you can find a lot of different types of boilers that are available today from a ton of different suppliers. Different devices may have different features, functions, and many other benefits. One of the most popular home boiler brands that you can buy, and a frequent Highwood Mechanical recommendation is Buderus. Here are some common reasons why you may want to buy a Buderus boiler for your home.

There are some recommended residential boilers from Buderus, for example, Buderus GC144, G234X, G115WS, and also G215. All of these boilers are very well-known for their efficiency. You can save a lot of your money when using any of these boilers in your home. You can reduce the total utility costs that are going to occur, especially after you use these boilers throughout a long Connecticut winter. The efficiency rate from these boilers can be more than 85% AFUE rating. This efficiency rating is much better than the other boilers from many different brands.

When you are looking for the best heating source for your home, you may want to take a look at the noise. All of these boilers are recommended for all home types because they can work effectively without causing a lot of noise. Therefore, these boilers are suitable when they are used in a home or residential community with close neighbors. Most Buderus boilers also come with a good insulation system that will absorb unnecessary sound from the inside part of these devices. This quiet performance can make any of these devices work with a stable performance.

All Buderus boilers are specially created to help you enjoy your experience safely. There is no dangerous effect that you are going to get, especially when using any of these boilers. They come with a gas-tight sealing system which will ensure the safe and efficient performance. Don't forget to read the manual before you start using any of these devices. This manual is specially created to help you operate any Buderus boilers safely. When any parts of these boilers are broken, they need to be replaced or repaired immediately.

​This is another reason why Buderus will be popular among many people as we become more environmentally conscious. You will protect all of your family members from dangerous emission gas when using these boilers. Most of their boilers come with Premixed Burner Technology which will reduce the emission. Because of this safety system, you can place this Buderus boiler in your home without worry. These boilers are suitable for both small or large residential properties.

​All Buderus boilers are specially made to last for a long time. Many boilers from this company have silicone-injected cast iron which has excellent corrosion resistance. This material is chosen because it can withstand extreme weather and conditions. It also has high thermal conductivity for resisting thermal shock during a rapid temperature change. If you want to use your boiler for a long time with minimum maintenance requirements, you can have Highwood install one of these boilers today! You can save a lot of your money because these boilers typically have low maintenance requirements.
 
All of these boilers are made with the best standards, so you will never have to worry about their quality and performance. All boilers from Buderus are also protected by their warranty. Contact Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc. to install your Buderus boiler today. We will send our experts to your place, so they can assess your home and make the proper recommendation.

Many people are interested in using geothermal HVAC when they hear all of the benefits it offers. This term refers to the geothermal heating, cooling, and ventilation system in your home using energy that is stored inside the ground for heating and cooling your home. By using this system, the heating, ventilation, and also air conditioning system will offer you benefits from the free and also renewable geothermal energy from the environment. You can save a lot of your money and also help save the environment when using this type of HVAC system on your residential property.

The surface of the earth will be a natural heat accumulator. The heat stored below the frost line can be extracted by using the pipe loop system and also a powerful heat pump. All loops can be laid horizontally and vertically for absorbing the heat from the ground. The mixture of water and antifreeze solution will circulate through the loops around the system.
 
The loops are going to carry the heated liquid to your property where the heat pump is placed. The heat pump will extract the heat from the liquid and push it to the geothermal HVAC system. Then, the system will distribute the heat throughout the house. The water will circulate back to the loop system for repeating the same procedure.

There are a lot of benefits that you can get from this energy. Geothermal power is renewable, free, and sustainable. Geothermal energy will provide your household with the best free heating and cooling methods for your hot water supply and air conditioning system. The source of this geothermal energy is renewable, so you can save a lot of money by cutting down your utility costs. Affordable utility costs can be one of the most important benefits that you can get from this type of energy.
 
Although the geothermal energy is commonly associated with the healing process, you also need to take a look at the potential of the cooling system. In the cooling mode, the heat extracted from the inside of your home will be replaced with the cool air from the ground. Earth has a constant temperature all year round, so it can act as a heat sink in the summer season.
 
Using geothermal energy will also allow you to get an incentive or rebate from the government. This incentive from the government can help you earn some money by using geothermal energy. The rebate will pay you a constant rate for about 20 years from the registration date. The rate will depend on what system you are going to use in your property. Different states may also have a different policy for determining the overall incentives for their citizens. You can call us for asking about the potential incentives that you can receive by installing this geothermal HVAC unit for your residential property in Connecticut or read here.
 
Installing the geothermal HVAC unit can also help you reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the environment. If you care about the environment, you can start using the best geothermal HVAC unit for your property today. You can call us with any questions during operating hours. We will be happy to help you find the right solution for any of your HVAC needs in your home.

There are some important parts of your air conditioners that need to be maintained properly. If you want to take good care of your AC, you should take a look at the filters inside this unit. This filter needs to be cleaned regularly, to function normally. These filters play an important role in most air conditioning units.
 
These filters are going to improve the overall air circulation or airflow in your home. They can trap unwanted particles from the air, for example, dust, pet dander, mold spores, viruses, bacteria, etc. It is recommended for you to check your air filters at least once every 3 – 6 months. Replace them when they are broken or damaged for any reasons. Here are several types of filters that may be available on your air conditioner.
 
The best way to identify the size of filters you will need is to take a look at the current filter in your unit. Along the edges you will see writing that says something along the lines of 16x20x2, 20x20x1, etc.

Many air conditioners are going to use fiberglass filters. They are chosen because they are very affordable for most users. They can be used to reduce the overall installation cost of any air conditioner units in your home. Most affordable AC units are going to use fiberglass as their filters. However, these filters are not effective in trapping very small particles. The minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) from these filters is about 1 – 4. They can trap 80 percent of any particles which are larger than 50 microns, but 25 percent of any particles with 3 – 10 microns in size.

This is another category of filters that you can find on the market today and are very popular for people who want high end filtering. The mid-range pleated filters are usually rated between MERV 5 – 8. They are going to trap the majority of small particles, such as airborne pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and any other particles with 5 microns in size. You can find these filters in many AC units across North America. These pleated filters are suitable for you who have mild pet or dust allergies. You can prevent further symptoms of the allergies when using these pleated filters in your home.

Many AC units are going to use electrostatic filters on their units. They are ranging from MERV 2 – 10. Most electrostatic filters usually have self-charging fibers. They will attract particles from the air without tightening the weave around the filters. This system will allow the air to pass through these filters efficiently while making these filters be able to trap any small particles with 1 – 3 microns. Electrostatic filters are suitable for you who want to have better filtration with a good airflow system around your AC units.

​HEPA filters are commonly found in many expensive AC units with a highly efficient system. These HEPA filters come with a MERV rating of 17 – 20. These impressive filters will be able to trap more than 95 percent of small particles, such as viruses, bacteria, asbestos, fine dust, molds, and any other small particles with about 0.3 microns in size. However, these HEPA filters will restrict the airflow drastically.
 
Many other filters are available on the market now. When you are planning to replace the filters on your AC units, you can find your specific filters from nearby home improvement stores, websites, marketplace sites, etc. You will be able to find many different filters from different brands that are popular among many homeowners. Make sure that read the whole reviews from other customers, so you can compare all available filters before choosing the best one for your AC units.
 
When you are planning to replace your filters from your AC units, you can always call us at Highwood Mechanical Contractor, Inc. Our experts can help you determine if you need to replace your air filters in your AC units or not. If you need to find the best filters for your HVAC unit, you can always ask us for our recommendation products. We can give you some recommendations, so you can choose the best air filters for your needs. All of our services are guaranteed to offer the best result for you.

When you are planning to install the best air conditioning system in your home, you are going to have two main choices. They are central air or ductless air conditioning systems. Each system has its benefits and disadvantages for all users. Because of this reason, you may want to compare both products before you decide on the best one for yourself.

This system will treat air at the central location, then it distributes the air to all rooms in your home. It has supply ducts or registers which will carry this cool air to the property. After the air becomes warmer, it will flow back to the system via return ducts system and registers. Some popular brands offer a central AC system for their customers, for example, American Standard, Bryant, Goodman, Heil, Mitsubishi, etc. A central AC system with 2.5 or 3-ton sized units can be suitable for any properties with approx. 1,500 square feet area.
 
Pros
 
If you are planning to keep the whole house cool, you can consider using this central AC system. It will be able to deliver the cool air to all rooms inside your house evenly. You don't need to install several AC units inside your house.
 
Many people are using central AC systems because it is virtually invisible. It will add value to your home when you are concerned about decorating the interior design of your home. This system can be suitable for any rooms with a compact area.
 
It is pretty simple for you to maintain the temperature in your house. There is only one control panel that you can use, so you can achieve your ideal temperature for your rooms. It is very convenient for you to use this control panel for setting up this central AC system.
 
Cons
 
The maintenance cost of this system can be higher than the ductless AC unit. This system requires an annual maintenance procedure, so it can last for a long time. You need to spend some money for these regular maintenance requirements. The air ducts in your house also need to be cleaned at least once every year. Cleaning these air ducts can be used to improve the energy efficiency inside your house.

This system consists of two main components. They are an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit. Both parts are connected by the conduit. The ductless system will use a slim cable that is located between the box on the wall and the condenser. If you are looking for the best ductless AC units, you can compare some available products from reputable brands. Some reputable brands, such as Daikin, Ameristar, Mitsubishi, Cooper, and Hunter, etc. For an area of 1,400 to 1,500 square feet, you are going to need a ductless AC with 24,000 BTUs.
 
Pros
 
No ductwork involved. It is very easy for you to install this ductless AC unit because you don't need a lot of effort for creating a duct or vents. If you are looking for a convenient way to install AC units in your home, you can consider using this ductless unit.
 
Most ductless AC units are usually more portable and compact than the other central air units. Therefore, you can place these ductless units on your small property. If your house is pretty small, you can consider using these AC units.
 
The ductless AC units tend to perform quieter than the central AC systems. They are also more efficient compared to the other traditional AC units. If you want to look for the best AC system that can cost less in the long run, you can consider buying these units.
 
Ductless units don't need any maintenance procedures. No duct system is involved in this system. Therefore, you don't need to spend your time and money on cleaning this duct system. It can be a huge saving for you.
 
Cons
 
Higher installation cost. When we compared both central air and ductless air conditioning units, you also need to compare the installation cost. Ductless AC units need to be installed by professionals or experts, so they can function normally. The installation cost of these units can be more expensive per time spent on your property than the central air system simply because of the time it takes to install central air.
 
For all your ductless or central air questions, call Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc. today! 

There are a lot of buildings that are using rooftop units these days. Rooftop units (RTUs) are commonly used for commercial HVAC systems. They consist of several parts that will be installed on the roof. In this article, we are going to talk about some benefits of these units and how they work. There are some important details and information that you need to know about these rooftop units. You should read all of these details below before you decide on the best units for yourself.

Benefits of Installing Rooftop Units
 
When we compare both rooftop units and split systems, we are going to find some important benefits of these RTUs. They can be used perfectly for supporting your AC system. Here are some advantages that you will get from these units, for example

• Save space. Minimal to no parts are required to be placed inside your building
• Quiet for your building. All units will be placed on the rooftop. Therefore, they will never cause too much noises inside your building
• Easy to install. These rooftop units can be installed on the rooftop area of your building easily and efficiently by a trained staff like HMC.
• Installation costs. If you only have a limited budget for installing the best HVAC system for your building, you can consider having these rooftop units.
• Low maintenance requirements. This is another benefit that you will get from these rooftop units. They have fewer maintenance requirements compared to the other HVAC units.

Parts of the Rooftop HVAC Units
 
Most rooftop units usually come in a rectangular shape. All parts are assembled inside these units to be placed next to each other. Here are some important parts that you will find from these units.
 
a. The casing of the RTUs
 
The casing of the RTUs is commonly made from metal which can last for a long time. This material will have to withstand against any extreme weather and situations, such as snow, heavy rain, thunderstorm, etc.
 
b. Air hood
 
You will also notice an air hood that is located on the side of the unit. This part will allow air from the outside area to enter your building. The air will be cooled or warmed before it is distributed inside the building.
 
c. Dampers, Filters, and Coils
 
These are some of the most important parts of the rooftop units. The dampers will pass the air for going to the rotating metal sheets. This system will prevent air from escaping. Then, the air will be passed through the filters and coils. It will transfer the thermal energy from the system to the air and vice versa.
 
d. Fan
 
You will find this part inside all rooftop units. This fan will pull the air into the system for the first time. Then, it will push the treated air to the ductwork to be delivered to all parts of your commercial space.
 
How Rooftop Units Work
 
How RTUs Remove Heat
 
First, the system will deliver the cool and low-pressure refrigerant gas to enter the compressor. This unit will compress the hot air and flow it to the condenser coil. In this system, there are some metal fins that are available on the coil. These metal fins will absorb the heat and remove heat immediately. The condenser fan will blow away the exhaust from the building.
 
How RTUs Heat Air
 
When you need to get warm air inside your building, these Rooftop Units will perform perfectly. The system will pull the cool air from the outside. It will flow the cool air through the gas heat exchanger which will act similarly as a furnace. In this gas exchanger, the system will increase the temperature of the gas. After the air temperature is raised a few degrees, it will be transferred to your building.
 
Installing Rooftop Units (RTUs) can bring a lot of benefits for you as the building owner. It is a good idea for you to hire the best mechanics who have a lot of experience in this HVAC area. Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc. can be a perfect choice for you. Talk to our experts today!
 

Refrigerant is an important substance or mixture that can be used in the refrigeration cycle or heat pump. This substance usually comes in liquid form and it will be converted to a gas and vice versa. There are some common examples of chemicals for creating this mixture, for example, fluorocarbons (chlorofluorocarbons CFC or hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFC), sulfur dioxide, ammonia, non-halogenated hydrocarbons (for example, propane), etc. This refrigerant is commonly used in many air conditioning systems. You need to replace this refrigerant in your HVAC system regularly, so you can maintain the performance of the air conditioning system in your home or office.
 
Many old AC systems are still using a common refrigerant called R-22. This is a special substance that can be found in many old cooling systems. This product is a standard in the HVAC industry because it can provide an excellent job in helping your HVAC system transfer the hot air from indoors to the outdoors. However, this product can cause some negative impacts on the environment. Because of this reason, the US government has implemented laws and regulations. These laws and regulations will limit the production or import of this type of refrigerant.

​The Price of the Refrigerant Keeps Increasing
 
This refrigerant is still available in the United States, even in Connecticut, but the price keeps increasing, sometimes significantly. The amount of this refrigerant is strictly limited by the government's laws and regulations. Also, the demand for this type of refrigerant is still high. When you are planning to recharge your HVAC system with R-22, you are going to spend sometimes more than $500. Larger systems usually require more refrigerant than the smaller ones. Therefore, you are going to pay a lot for refrigerant when you have some large HVAC units on your property.
 
R-22 is limited and banned in certain states in the United States. This substance can cause some harmful effects on the environment because it has some components that will destroy the ozone layer. Some negative components in this substance include chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC). When the ozone layer is damaged, the ultraviolet will enter the earth very easily. As a result, we are going to be more susceptible to radiation. Many experts believe that the limitation on these substances can reduce the destructive effects on the ozone layer.
 
Many companies are refraining from making this refrigerant anymore because of complicated rules and regulations from the government. This situation will lead to high demand and low supply. The cost is predicted to continue to skyrocket in the next couple of months. When your AC units need to be repaired during the peak season this year, you are going to expect to pay a high rate for this refrigerant. The peak season will be around this summer season.
 
Convert Your HVAC System to the New One
 
If you want to save a lot of money, you can consider replacing your HVAC units with new ones. When you purchase a new AC system, you can get an additional tax credit that can reduce the overall price of your AC unit. You can visit the official site of the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America), especially when you want to know the total savings that you are going to get by buying new AC systems with an energy-efficient system.
 
Many new AC units will use up to 30 – 50% less energy than the old AC units. These units are going to use an eco-friendly refrigerant that is still affordable for most people. You can save a lot of your money when using your new AC unit. This unit will have less cooling energy costs than the old one. If you want to upgrade your AC system to a new one, you can always call us at Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc today!
 

Ben Uscilla started Highwood Mechanical Contractors with his brother John in March of 1994. The firm operates in Hamden, Connecticut, a suburb of New Haven. The area features several major medical facilities and educational institutions, including Yale University. Highwood offers a full-line of HVAC products to residential and light commercial clients, with a focus on installation.

ACHR NEWS: How did you and you brother end up in business together?
​
Uscilla: Back in 1986, when I graduated high school...Read the full article on ACHR News here!

Finding a good furnace is very important to keep your home convenient and comfortable. The right furnace can keep you and your family comfortable, even throughout the winter seasons in Connecticut. There are a lot of furnace brands that are available on the market in 2020. Different brands may have their own unique features, benefits, and advantages for all users.
 
There are some important factors that you need to consider, especially when you compare the available furnaces for residential properties, for example, fuel source, energy efficiency, warranty, lifespan, etc. This article will show you some of the most popular furnaces that are available on the market.

American Standard is one of the most popular brands in the furnace industry. Most products from American Standard come with top-notch quality and come highly recommended. The average price of the furnace from this American can range from $2,400 to $4,400. They offer both gas and oil furnaces that are suitable for your home.
 
If you are looking for an efficient furnace, you can go for the Platinum 95 Gas Furnace. Some heating stages are offered by this device. It has up to 97.3% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. All products from American Standard are guaranteed to last for a long time with minimum maintenance requirements.

When we are talking about the best furnace for your needs, you cannot forget this incredible brand. In the United States, this company manages three major brands of furnaces, including, Daikin (premium furnaces), Amana (mid-tier furnaces), and Goodman (affordable furnaces).
 
All furnaces from Daikin are engineered with a special heat exchanger that is constructed from strong tubular stainless steel. These furnaces can work perfectly in offering a warm environment for your home. Many people are interested in using Daikin furnaces because they are very efficient and intelligent.

York is one of the most popular HVAC brands that you can find on the market. This brand is very well-known for its efficient residential furnace units. These furnace units come with an efficient system and portable design. You can place any of these units in a small area without having any problems. Most residential furnaces from York are specially created for having reliable heating performance and also industry-leading efficiency levels.
 
You can save a lot of your money when using any of these furnaces from York. When you have some issues with these devices, you can call their specialized certified Comfort Experts from York company. They are ready to repair any damages on the furnaces from the York brand. The repair cost of any York furnaces can be very affordable for most clients. You don't need to spend a lot of your money when using any York furnaces.

​One of the most reputable furnace brands in the world is Trane. This brand is considered as one of the top heating and cooling specialist companies in the world. The company has been in this industry since the beginning of 1900. This company offers many different high-quality and efficient oil and gas furnaces for all homeowners.
 
These furnaces come with a quiet and reliable system, so you can feel comfortable in your house even on the cold days. One of the best furnace units from this brand is the XC95m Gas Furnace. This furnace has a high AFUE rating which can reach up to 97.3%. A Trane furnace has a price range that is around $1,800 to $6,000. The price depends on many factors, such as capacity, efficiency rating, performance, durability, etc. You can also get some special offers, tax credits, local rebates from your favorite dealer.

​Once you find the best furnace brand for yourself, you can consider finding the best furnace mechanic around you. Our company, Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc, is always ready to deliver the best and most efficient service for all customers. We can offer high-quality furnace recommendations that are suitable for your residential area. All of our products are covered by their company’s warranty, so you will never have to worry about service for years to come. When you have some issues or damages to your units, you can always call us at any time. Our experts can come to your place for a diagnosis or to fix any broken or damaged furnace units.  

Today is the second day of summer! It is also a good time for you to prepare yourself before the heat and humidity hit Connecticut hard. You need to ensure that all systems and devices in your home are good to go. The air conditioning (AC) unit is one of the most important devices for summer.
 
You need to prepare your AC unit, so you can ensure cool and comfortable temperatures for you and your family throughout the coming months. There are some important things that you need to check. Here are some step by step instructions for those who want to do preventive maintenance procedures for your AC unit.

This is the most important, outer facing part of your AC unit. When this device is broken, your AC unit cannot work efficiently. You cannot reach the right ideal temperature in any room in your home. The thermostat should be properly attached and is working effectively.
 
If you have some problems with this device, you need to call professional technicians, so they can replace your thermostat connecting your AC unit. A good thermostat can detect the right temperature for the air inside your home and offer features like away mode or night mode for optimal efficiency.

Air filters can accumulate a lot of dust when they are not cleaned regularly. It is recommended for you to clean your air filters at least once every 3 – 4 months. If your air filters are clogged with dust, the airflow will be slowed down or restricted.
 
As a result, dirty air filters can reduce the efficiency of the system. In the worst case, your AC unit will recirculate dust around your room. It can be unhealthy for you and your family. You may also want to consider replacing your air filters if these filters are broken.

Good AC units usually have functional condenser coils. These coils are usually located outdoors. They are protected by a large metal box with grilles. You need to clean these condenser coils before summer. They may accumulate debris, dirt, leaves, and any other unwanted materials.
 
You have to remove them completely, so you can make your AC unit function well. Anything that obstructs the airflow on the condenser coils can reduce the overall efficiency rate of your AC unit. Make sure that you turn off the unit before you start cleaning your condenser coils.

When you look at the outdoor units of your AC, you are going to find some coolant lines or pipes. These lines usually run from the evaporator to the condenser units. They are commonly covered with coolant line insulation foam, so they won't lose energy. When you see any areas where the insulation is missing, you need to replace the insulation foam immediately.
 
You can replace it with new foam insulation sleeves. Don't forget to use foam insulation tape for attaching these sleeves on your pipes. Make sure that all pipes or lines are insulated completely, so you won't lose energy to the environment.

Both motor and fan are very useful to ensure the functionality of your AC unit. Therefore, you need to ensure that both devices can work properly. Professional technicians are ready to check all parts of your motor and fan inside your AC units.
 
In some cases, you also need to lubricate your motor, so your motor can function well for supporting your AC units. The speed of the AC fan should be checked regularly. The fan should never run too hard because this condition can cause overheated AC problems.
 
Those are some of the most common steps for preparing your AC unit for the summer. You need to check all steps above, so you can have a well-functioned AC unit in your home during the summer season. If you don't want to deal with any problems with your AC units, you can also consider hiring the best AC repair technicians from Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Our company has years of experience in solving your HVAC needs in your home or office.   

​Ductwork is an important part of your residential or commercial HVAC system. If you want to have functional HVAC in your home or office, you should have these ducts built and installed properly. Air ducts can be the foundation of your cooling and heating system in your property.
 
These ducts work all year round. For of this reason, we will discuss the benefits and the reasons why you should install custom air ducts in your home. You can call professional air duct installation experts when you want to custom ductwork built for your HVAC system.

​Air ducts are specially designed to deliver air to the designated spaces in your office or home. Good air ducts can be used to ensure safe air quality. You can maintain the right level of cooled or heated air that will be pushed through the system. You need to plan everything carefully, especially when you are planning to install your air ducts. This is where an expert mechanic comes in.
 
Having the right size air ducts can be very important because these air ducts should fit both the HVAC system and the building. The right size of air ducts can ensure good airflow in the system. When the ducts are too small, you will never receive the right air volume for your home or office. Too large ducts can lose the air volume very rapidly. Here are some benefits of having a custom HVAC duct fabrication.
 
a. Good temperature regulation
 
Your HVAC system can regulate the temperature inside your room efficiently when you have custom ducts. The air will travel through your custom ducts with very minimum interruptions. You can achieve the right room temperature easily when you have custom HVAC ducts based on your needs.
 
b. Improve energy efficiency
 
When you customize your ducts, you can ensure that the HVAC system can work efficiently. As a result, you can increase the efficiency of your system. Increased efficiency in the airflow can help you reduce unnecessary utility costs in your home or your office.
 
c. Proper duct sizing
 
If you look at the market, you can find many different types of air ducts with a specified size and design. When you want to install these ducts on your property, you need to do a lot of works and adjustments. Therefore, you need to consider using the custom ducts for getting proper duct sizing for your needs.
 
d. Long-lasting result
 
This is another benefit that you can get from having custom air ducts in your property. You won't need to replace your air ducts regularly because they can be adjusted to fit your needs. They can ensure that they can deliver the best and long-lasting results for all users. You can minimize the maintenance procedure required to maintain the quality of these air ducts.

When you want to have custom ducts for your HVAC system, you can call our technicians now. Our company, Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc., is always ready to design and build custom ducts for your property. First, you need to call us for asking about our available technicians. We will send our mechanics out to measure and plan everything needed to build custom ducts for your HVAC system. Here are some important steps that we will do for installing custom ducts in your property.
 
a. Check all units in your HVAC system
 
We will check all units in your HVAC system on your property. By checking these units, we will find the right ducts with the right size for ensuring optimum performance. Choosing the right duct size is very useful to help you maintain the good performance of your HVAC unit. This process usually only takes an hour or so but can vary depending on the size of the building.
 
b. Check any leaks on the system
 
We will try to make our best effort to minimize air leaks on the system. Air leaks on the system can reduce the efficiency of the unit. If you want to save your money on utility costs, you should consider using our custom duct installation service.
 
c. Make some adjustments on the system
 
Our technicians will also make some adjustments to your HVAC system, so we can ensure that you will enjoy the efficiency offered by your HVAC unit.
 
d. Calculate all other important factors for determining the right duct size
 
Technicians from Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc., will calculate all important factors when choosing the right duct size, for example, static pressure, friction rate, airflow, and the design of your HVAC unit.
 
We will ensure that you can get the best result when using our custom duct installation service. Our service is always protected by our warranty, so you won't need to worry about our service quality from us.

An HVAC system is very important for your home. It is going to manage the heating, ventilation, and also air conditioning units in your property. Therefore, you need to take good care of this system, so you can have an efficient unit in your home. HVAC is a closed system that you need to have in your home. This system allows you to charge this unit with refrigerant and turn the device on.
 
This system will never need more refrigerant when the system can work normally. However, this unit may have some leaks that may occur in several areas in your HVAC system. These leaks are going to drain the refrigerant liquid inside the system. When these leaks are left untreated, they will cause any other problems in the future.
 
Some Signs that Your HVAC Unit is Leaking Refrigerant
 
You may notice that your HVAC unit has some signs of a refrigerant leak. When you have some of these problems, you should contact professional HVAC specialists as soon as possible. HVAC refrigerant leaks can cause your HVAC unit to work hard. It can increase the tear and wear on your HVAC system. It may also cause the system to fail. Here are some signs that you need to be careful with.
 
·     Your HVAC unit runs longer and harder than normal
·     The air vents are blowing cool or warm air without any reasons
·     Your room cannot reach the desired thermostat setting
·     Your electric bills have increased significantly
 
Some Common Areas for Leaks in Your HVAC System
 
Most HVAC units usually have leaks in three main areas, including the evaporator coils, refrigerant line sets, and condenser coils. We are going to discuss some of these common areas of leaks in your HVAC unit.
 
a. Evaporator Coils
 
When you look at the inside part of your HVAC unit, you are going to find some evaporator coils. These coils usually have capillary tubes. These small tubes tend to vibrate when the HVAC system is operating. During the operation process, these small tubes are going to rub together and move against other objects in the unit. Over a certain time, these capillary tubes will develop holes or leaks at the rub areas. When this situation occurs, you need to replace these tubes from your evaporator coils as soon as possible.
 
b. Condenser Coils
 
This is another part of your HVAC unit that may have leaked on the system. These condenser coils usually have U-bends in them. These U-bends can be held together by using tubular sheet metal. When the HVAC unit is operating, the sheet metal will rub against the ends of the condenser coils. It will create some holes or leaks where the refrigerant liquid will escape. In some cases, this type of damage can be repaired or fixed. However, you may want to consider replacing the whole parts of your condenser coils when this situation occurs.
 
c. Refrigerant Line Sets
 
These line sets may also have some leaks at the flare connections or the joints. When the line sets start leaking refrigerant solution, you are going to fix them as soon as possible. You can repair these leaks that may occur on your refrigerant line sets. Some professional HVAC experts know how to handle any of these leaks on your refrigerant line sets. If the leaks are too large or you have multiple leaks on the line sets, you may want to replace the line sets completely. You can consult with the best professionals for asking about the best solution for your problems.
 
Stop the Leaks Immediately
 
Once you find any leaks on your HVAC system, you need to fix them as soon as possible. It is a good idea for you to hire the best professionals from Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc today. Our experts are trained well, so they know how to repair your broken HVAC units immediately. We know how to solve your leaks in your HVAC system. Our service is guaranteed to deliver the best service for you, so you don't need to worry about our service quality today. Our company has more than 25 years of experience in repairing any leaks on any type of HVAC system.

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is an important system that you probably have in your home. When you have these systems installed on your property, you can improve the overall air quality inside your home. The main goal of using modern HVAC in your property is to offer temperature control and also optimal indoor air quality.
 
This system is going to work based on mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and also fluid mechanics. HVAC is critical for all modern industries, including hotels, apartment buildings, family homes, senior living facilities, industrial buildings, office buildings, hospitals, and any other buildings. Its not only important to keep customers and guests comfortable, but breathing clean air.
 
An effective way to improve air quality
 
HVAC and centralized air has become common place in our society. One of the most important processes in this system is the ventilation. This is the process of replacing the air in your property. This ventilating process is specially created to provide good indoor air quality. Good air quality is critical to help you maintain good health among all people in your home or business.
 
This ventilation process may include some processes, including oxygen replenishment, temperature control, odor removal, moisture reduction, smoke removal, airborne bacteria filtration, heat dust removal, and any other important procedures. Good ventilation can be used to remove excess moisture and unpleasant smell from your property. When you have a good ventilation system in your HVAC unit, you will have exceptional indoor air quality in your building.
 
How does the filtration work in your HVAC unit?
 
Your HVAC unit will have some filters that are installed inside. These filters are very useful to remove particles, vapors, gases, and contaminants from the air. If these filters can work properly, they can improve the air quality inside your building. The filtered and clean air will be used in the heating, ventilation, and also air conditioning system.
 
To check the effectiveness of your filtration process in your HVAC, you should take a look at the clean air delivery rate (CADR). This score can indicate the amount of clean air that can be provided by your HVAC unit for your room or space. By looking at this score, you can expect to have a certain amount to clean air inside your property.
 
Checking this parameter is very useful to help you check the filtration performance of your HVAC unit. Many factors can affect the overall filtration performance, for example, filter packing density, size of the fiber or particles, airflow rate, and any other details. As long as your HVAC filters can still have a good CADR score, you are good to go. It means that you don't have to worry about the air quality inside your home.
 
The importance of installing the best HVAC filter during this COVID pandemic
 
During this pandemic situation, you need to be aware of your health and the air you breathe. After all, it is a respiratory disease. You need to find the best solution for protecting yourself from Coronavirus. It is highly recommended for you to replace your HVAC filters regularly. Well-maintained HVAC filters are proven to be very effective to reduce contaminants in the air in your home. Some companies even create masks that are made from the materials of the HVAC filters. However, these masks are not recommended for you because they may bring some unwanted effects on your health in the long run.
 
If you want your family to breathe the cleanest air, you should install high quality filters in your HVAC unit in your home. Don't forget to clean your air filters in your HVAC unit regularly, so these filters can function effectively. You also need to hire the best HVAC specialists who know how to check all parts of your HVAC unit carefully. They will be able to find any damaged or broken filters in your HVAC unit as soon as possible.
 
One of the most popular HVAC specialists in Connecticut is Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Our family owned company has been in this business for more than 25 years. We know how to help you solve your HVAC problems at any time of year no matter the circumstances.

​Are you looking for the most efficient heating and cooling system? You can start looking at the ductless HVAC system. This system is very well-known for its efficiency and any other benefits for all users. Before you use this system in your home or office, you need to know the definition, pros, and cons of this HVAC system.
 
A ductless system doesn't require venting or duct. This unit usually has a few holes and tubing that are required to accommodate refrigerant lines, so it can facilitate the delivery of heated and cooled air to your room. Here are some benefits and disadvantages from this unit.

​Pros of Ductless System
 
a. Easy to install
 
This is the most important benefit that you can get from this type of system. The ductless system doesn't require ductwork on the drainage and air handler. You only need to have a few small holes for accommodating the refrigerant lines. The interior units of this system can be mounted to the wall or ceiling quickly. Therefore, you can install this type of ductless heating and cooling system in your room easily.
 
b. Very efficient
 
Unlike the other typical split HVAC systems, the ductless HVAC unit usually has a SEER rating that can reach up to 30 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). It shows the overall efficiency of this type of unit. When you use this powerful ductless system, you are going to save up to 50% of your monthly HVAC costs.
 
c. No heat loss
 
Most traditional ducted HVAC units are going to lose up to 25% of the cooling/heating via leaks. Heat loss can also occur through the ducts on the crawlspaces or attic. If you want to save energy on your property, you can consider using the ductless HVAC system. This unit is very powerful to offer substantial energy and also monetary savings.
 
d. Quiet performance
 
This is another benefit that you can get from this HVAC unit. Most ductless HVAC systems can perform quietly. Their outdoor units usually have similar noise level as the regular kitchen fridges. You will never get disturbed by any noises or unwanted sounds when you use this HVAC system in your property.
 
e. Require little space
 
This ductless heating and cooling system is suitable for you who live in a small or compact home. This unit doesn't require too much space for accommodating the ductwork and any other air handler components. This HVAC system only requires a few mini-units that can be installed in your home easily and quickly.
 
Cons
 
a. Higher upfront cost
 
Most ductless HVAC units are usually more expensive compared to the other regular ducted HVAC systems. They are more expensive because these ductless units are usually equipped with the latest modern technology and accessories. However, you should never worry about this thing. This high upfront cost can be recouped in a few years because ductless units have good efficiency and SEER rating. Installing these ductless systems in your home can reduce the overall monthly energy costs in your home.
 
b. Require regular maintenance
 
A ductless HVAC system requires professional maintenance service every year. It is recommended for you to hire the best experts who can do this maintenance procedure at least once a year. Ductless fans cannot tolerate any accumulated debris. When you fail to clean these fans and filters, you are going to spend a lot of money on the costly cleaning service.
 
c. Limited options
 
This is another drawback of using a ductless HVAC system. There are only a few options that are available on the market. Only certain models can offer both heating and cooling at the same unit. It is recommended for you to compare some of these models before you decide to choose the best one for yourself. You can take a look at all details and reviews from some popular HVAC units that are available on the market.
 
After you read this article, you may want to consider installing the best HVAC system for your home. You can always contact us at Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc for installing the best HVAC unit for your property. Our experts cover Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex Counties and all of Connecticut!

Our team has over 50 combined years of experience building custom ducts in our fabrication shop in Hamden, Connecticut. No matter the size of the job, from large commercial jobs to residential. Highwood Mechanical Contractors is your piping and ductwork solution.

Boiler installation can be an important thing that you have to do in your home, especially if you want to have the best heating system for your property. Therefore, you need to find a good one that can offer an efficient heating system for all users. When you look at the market, you can find a lot of boilers that are available today. Different boilers may have their features, price, maintenance requirements, etc. You have to compare all available boilers, so you can select the best boiler that is suitable for your needs and budget. Here are some of the best boilers for your home. They are chosen because they can offer a lot of great features for you.

1. Buderus G115WS Boiler
If you want to find the best boiler for your home, you cannot forget about this device. It is an Energy-Star labeled iron boiler. You can install this boiler inside your home because it has a lot of benefits for you. This boiler is specially constructed of flexible GL-180M cast iron. This material is chosen because it can resist thermal shock on the rapid temperature change. This unit also has 3” jackets around this boiler for increasing the efficiency and also lowering the heat loss. This boiler has a front door with three access plugs.

2. Viessmann Vitodens
Viessman is very well-known among many people because it has some economical heating systems. All of these products are very efficient, so they can offer exceptional value for money. This Vitodens 100-W gas boiler can be the best solution for the small and well-insulated home. It features innovative technology that can ensure longevity from this unit. You can save a lot of energy costs because it has smart technology. Almost up to 94% of the fuel can be converted into heat. If you want to protect the environment, you can also consider using this eco-friendly unit. This boiler has low CO2 emissions for reducing the environmental impact.

3. Galaxy GXHA Boiler from Slant-Fin
This is a powerful boiler that you can use in your home. It is a great performance gas-fueled steam boiler. It has a high-efficiency rating that can reach up to 82% AFUE. There are some interesting features that you can find in this boiler, for example, optional tankless heater, monitor display, intermittent pilot ignition, etc. This monitor display allows you to control the overall function of this unit effectively. You can also discharge all dirt and contaminants from this unit easily because it has high-quality speed skimmer trough on its unit. Its tankless system allows you to install this unit in tight areas with little headroom.

4. Bosch Greenstar Boiler
It is one of the most popular boilers that you can use in your home. This gas boiler is going to use an efficient combustion process. This process can reach up to 95% efficiency and also reduce nitrous oxide emissions. It is very easy for you to install this boiler in your home as a floor-standing unit or wall-mounted unit. This boiler features the Al-Si heat exchanger and also fully modulating fan. Both features can increase the overall efficiency of this unit. You can reduce your monthly costs significantly when using this boiler. When you buy this boiler now, you can also get natural gas and LP conversion kit. It can give you flexibility when using this boiler, so you can use both natural gas and LP as the fuel for this boiler.

5. Lennox GWM-IE Boiler
 The Lennox GWM-IE is one of the most efficient gas modulating water boilers that you can find on the market today. It is very well-known for its efficiency rating that can reach up to 95% AFUE. Its special feature is the electronic ignition switch. You can use this switch for monitoring the temperature effectively. This boiler has a self-cleaning heat exchanger tube, so you can save a lot of your time for eliminating the need for cleaning this unit regularly. Its mesh burner inside this boiler is also made from corrosive-resistant materials. You can use this boiler for a long time with minimum maintenance costs. According to the company, this gas modulating condensing boiler can provide up to 40% better efficiency than the other conventional boilers.

As always, for all things boilers, contact Highwood Mechanical today! No matter the size, new construction or old, we are the HVAC experts for Fairfield, New Haven, and Middlesex Counties, Connecticut.

Have you ever dreamed of a home with an energy and cost-efficient HVAC system?  A home where the temperature is always pleasant and there’s no sight of an AC or a heater? Geothermal HVAC systems make those dreams a reality. Geothermal heating and cooling take advantage of the subterranean temperatures to provide cooling and heating throughout all four seasons.

How it works:
The earth has insulating properties, which makes the underground temperatures be more constant throughout the whole year. Typically, a geothermal system consists of an indoor handling unit and a buried system of pipes that contain water (called earth loops). During the winter, the ground absorbs the sun’s energy which then gets absorbed by the pipes. The liquid in these pipes carry the heat throughout the entire earth loop system into your heat pump, which sends the heated air to the entirety of your house. Essentially, a geothermal HVAC system takes advantage of the underground temperatures and uses them to provide free energy for your home. For the summer months, the system gets reversed: the heat pump removes heat from the building and deposits in the earth.

Why Should You Get a Geothermal HVAC System? 

1. A geothermal heat pump reduces energy costs by 30%-70%! You can typically recoup the cost of the installation through the savings in less than 10 years.
2. They are effective with both cooling and heating, and you can engineer your geothermal HVAC system to require no additional backup heat source if desired. Because it is both a cooling and a heating system, you can cut maintenance costs as there are fewer parts that can break.
3. This system is always producing. Because it doesn’t depend on wind or sunlight but on the stable underground temperatures, geothermal systems are always working.
4. Geothermal HVAC systems are considered a renewable technology: they can move up to five units of cooling/heating from the earth to a building using only one unit of electricity, which means you are reducing your carbon footprint.
5. Geothermal HVAC systems are quiet and, because there’s no outside equipment, neighbors won’t be bother with any noise.
6. The polyethylene piping earth loops can last for generations! The majority and most important components of the systems usually have warranties up to 50 years and they are buried (which means less maintenance!)
7. Multiple loads of heating can happen simultaneously, so you can heat your home, water, and pool at the same time!
8. You don’t need a lot of real estate to place the polyethylene piping earth loops. Subject to the characteristics of the building site, the loop may be buried vertically. Another option is tapping into an available aquifer.
9. Geothermal HVAC systems consume NO water! Actually, when applied commercially, the systems eliminate millions of gallons of water that would otherwise just been evaporated in cooling towers. And, if you use an aquifer to exchange heat with the earth, the water will be returned.
10. New installation practices are reducing the cost of geothermal HVAC systems, making it very competitive with the conventional systems.

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Can I use geothermal technology?
Ground source heat pumps can be used everywhere in the United States! If you are interested in investing in Geothermal HVAC systems, contact Highwood Mechanical Contractors! Trust Highwood Mechanical’s experts and update your HVAC system today. Our team has provided for more than 25 years smooth services in Connecticut, including Fairfield, Middlesex, Hamden, New Haven, and Hartford. Don’t wait to start investing in your Geothermal heating and cooling system!

As the weather becomes warmer, you might be tempted to turn on your air conditioning all day. While it may provide instant comfort against the hotter days, it can also blow your money away quickly. Luckily, there are ways to beat the heat without going broke. These nine tips can help protect your pocket from the summer bills.
 
1.Upgrade your thermostat
Invest on an automatic thermostat! By investing in an automatic thermostat, you can adjust the temperature of your house even when you’re away from it. Set the temperature hotter when the house is empty, then have it cool down when you’re home. Programmable thermostats can bet put on a specific schedule and automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day. With just the touch of a button, your energy savings will add up over time.

2.Location is everything
Appliances such as televisions and lamps emit heat and, if they are located near your thermostat, they will convince it that the temperature is higher than it is. Make sure no extra heat is tricking your thermostat into working harder than it needs to.

3.Install a ceiling fan
Installing an energy efficient ceiling fan in a commonly used space of your house can be a real money-saver. Fans help circulate the natural air flow and can distribute the air conditioner evenly in a room. Just remember to turn the fan off before leaving the house.

4.Cover your windows
Install blinds or curtains that reflect heat. This will help your house keep outside heat out. Another option is installing solar screens or window films. These can intercept the energy coming from outside before it heats up your house.

5.Turn off the AC and open your windows at night
If you live in a climate where it gets cooler at night, consider not using your air-conditioner while you sleep. Once you wake up, remember to shut the windows and blinds to keep the cool air in.

6.Maintain your HVAC system and Air Conditioners
If the air filters on your HVAC system are dirty, the system will have to work harder to circulate air. Don’t forget to replace your filters every few months to keep it running smoothly. The same goes for ACs! Keep them clean of dust and make sure the refrigerant is at proper levels.

7.Protect your home from leaky doors and windows
Check doors and windows for leaks that are letting the cold air escape. If you find any, you can use the same weather stripping and caulk you use to keep heat during the winter to keep the cool air in. If your windows are inefficient, you can also consider replacing them. Even though it’ll be an upfront cost, you can save money over time.

8.Clean your ductwork & vents
Keep your ductwork and vents clear of dust; and make sure they aren’t cluttered with furniture. It is suggested that you vacuum your registers regularly to ensure that dust hasn’t accumulated and that cooled air can enter your home.

9.Reduce indoor heat
​Avoid using the oven when possible, and look for other ways to heat your food.  You can plan means that require minimal prep using the stove top or a microwave. After cooking, turn on the exhaust fan: it will help the heat dissipate. And if it’s nice outside, why not grill! You enjoy the outdoors and save on energy use!
 
Should you prepare ahead for the summer months? Yes! Don’t wait until summer to start thinking about saving money on your energy bill! You might not be able to control the weather, but you can control the temperature inside your house and your air conditioning costs. Highwood Mechanical Contractors is the best way to prepare your home for the summer months in Connecticut. We provide installation, repairs, maintenance and upgrade services for your HVAC, AC, piping, and duct systems. Schedule an appointment with Highwood Mechanical Contractors today!