Can Dirty Air Filters Damage Your AC?

March 25th, 2024

Keeping your AC running smoothly is important for both your comfort and health. At the heart of a well-functioning air conditioning system is something surprisingly simple yet crucial: the air filter. A clean filter not only ensures efficient operation but also guards against unnecessary wear and tear on your unit.

With our team’s expertise, we’ve been helping folks like you since 2008 to keep their systems in top shape. Today, we’re diving into how dirty filters can impact your AC and why it’s a problem you’ll want to avoid. Trust us at Landry Mechanical, where we take pride in air conditioning repair in Worcester, MA: your satisfaction has been our mission from day one.

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Upgrade Time: When to Replace Your Old AC

March 18th, 2024

Deciding when to replace your air conditioner isn’t always straightforward. It’s about keeping your home comfortable, knowing the right time to say goodbye to your old unit, and saying hello to a new, efficient model. Since 2008, Landry Mechanical has been helping families like yours navigate these decisions with ease. Let’s explore what you need to know about AC replacement, and rest assured, we are here for your air conditioning service needs in Middlesex, MA.

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Spring Cleaning: A Guide to Freshening Up Your HVAC System

March 11th, 2024

Your HVAC system is similar to you, it’s tired of the cold and windy temperatures that we are starting to emerge from. It’s worked so hard to keep your home warm and cozy from the holidays up to now, that it’s finally time to take a break.

While your HVAC system in Middlesex County might not enjoy a vacation to the Bahamas like you would, it still needs a little bit of TLC before the hot summer gets here. That’s exactly what we aim to do today with this blog post. We want to discuss a few tips for freshening up your HVAC system and keeping your home sparkly clean as temperatures finally warm up.

Get ready to open those windows and smell the fresh air! Your home will feel refreshed and better than ever when you follow these tips to achieve maximum comfort and efficiency.

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Zone Control and Smart Thermostats: Great Home Upgrades

March 4th, 2024

Walking into your home to find it at the perfect temperature is one of those small daily pleasures that really can’t be overstated. Upgrading with zone control systems and smart thermostats transforms your space, not just saving energy but enhancing life quality. They fine-tune your home’s climate, eliminating uneven temperatures and ensuring each room is exactly as you like it. As we dive into the perks these systems offer, we’ll see how they tackle those all-too-common issues, like those pesky hot and cold spots, while ensuring top-quality zone control in Middlesex County.

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Are Heat Pumps Right For Massachusetts Homes?

March 1st, 2024
Ray Landry with 2 of his sons

Cold weather heat pump technology is now available with incentives and rebates through mass-save programs.

Many homeowners wonder, are heat pumps right for Massachusetts Homes?

Ray Landry is the President of Landry Mechanical Inc. A Massachusetts based heat pump, furnace, and electrical contractor with locations in Shrewsbury, Charlton, Framingham, and Millbury.

He shares his thoughts on heat pumps below:

“New England has always burned fossil fuels, because of our uncertain winters, and old drafty homes. Heat pump technology has improved to create better HVAC systems for homeowners in Worcester & Middlesex County, with increased efficiency”

Landry Mechanical Van and installer installing heat pump on home while snowing outside

“Heat pump technology has advanced, but doesn’t mean that heat pumps are the best option for everyone!” Ray comments.

These are the top 3 reasons your home may not be a good fit for heat pumps.

1. Homes with Major Drafts

Heat Map Image Showing Major Heat Loss In Home

“Homes with loose construction have more hourly air changes, and will require a warmer supply air temperature then heat pumps provide to “feel” warm. Plus, when the temperature falls, your system may not be able to provide adequate heat.” 

If you have a drafty home, don’t panic! A Mass-Save energy audit can set you on the right path to seal your dusty home! 

Our team fixed a Mitsubishi ductless heat pump in Shrewsbury, MA that a different contractor had installed. 

The chief complaint was the customers “were always feeling cold” even with the systems running all the time.

They struggled to reach 67 degrees indoors when outdoor temperatures dropped below 20 degrees. 

Cold Home Owner Bundled Up on couch Inside Cold House

During a test using an infrared camera, we discovered that the home had insufficient insulation. We determined this through a ‘J load’ test. After one of our home energy partners sealed the home, they solved the problem. 

The heat pumps are now the correct size for the home’s needs. Our clients will no longer need jackets in their living room. 

2. Homes With Leaky, or Undersized Duct Work

“Even the best HVAC system tied to a faulty duct layout will consume massive amounts of energy. Massachusetts has high electricity rates. Landry says that “improper design of a heat pump can lead to an expensive bill”

Therefore, an assessment of current ducting in place is important to make sure it’s adequate for supporting a new system. 

(By the way, just because the old system worked with a flawed duct system, doesn’t mean it was better before. New systems are less forgiving and lack the safety feature that shuts down when detecting improper duct work.)

3. The Electrical Service Is Not Large or Modern Enough to Support a Heat Pump Installation

DANGER Overloaded Electrical Panel

“Heat pumps use a substantial amount of electricity. You must connect a primary heat pump system to an electrical service that is at least 200 amps. Homes over 2500 square feet typically fall into a 400 amp service requirement.

Consider your electrical system, its amp draws, and electrical permits during your heat pump design. We often see contractors who don’t understand the electrical code, and connect to under-sized circuits & panels.

Landry Mechanical provides expert electrical services, and we can include electrical upgrades, in our heat pump proposals when required”

How Do I Determine If a Heat Pump Is Right For My Home?

1. Hire a Reputable HVAC Contractor

Landry Mechanical Comfort Advisor Walking Up To Home

Be sure to check reviews on sites like Google, Angie’s List, Homeadvisor, and the Better Business Bureau.  Landry Mechanical Inc offers plumbing, HVAC & Electrical Services. Our team of Comfort Advisors specialize in HVAC design and quotes. 

Our Comfort Advisors will evaluate your home, perform sizing calculations, and explain heating systems in great detail. 

Landry Mechanical Comfort Advisor Meeting With Homeowner

2. Determine ROI (Return on Investment) For Your Project

Don’t just buy a system because of a rebate!

Massachusetts has expensive electricity.

If you deactivate your current HVAC system, you won’t be able to use it in the future. Also, you won’t be able to take advantage of savings if fossil fuel costs decrease.

Landry Mechanical’s HVAC experts can determine your ROI, and the best options for your home.

3. Hire Your Contractor of Choice, and Book Your Installation!

Expect action around your home during the installation. Our teams drill holes for pipes and perform mechanical work both inside and outside your home. We test each system and complete a thorough start-up process.

Landry Mechanical Installer Working On Heat Pump System
Landry Mechanical Installer on Ladder Outside Installing Heat Pump System

Now the best part… What does all this cost?

Road sign that says How Much?

My Best Answer? It Varies!

Older homes in Westborough, MA will cost more to install a heat pump than newer homes in Shrewsbury, MA. A general (and broad) price range for HVAC installation cost (specifically heat pump installation in Massachusetts) is as follows:

Upgrading a central AC system to a modern heat pump can cost between $13,000 and $25,000. This price range exists because of the varying complexity of your homes’ electrical, duct work, and general infrastructure. A new ducted heat pump system installation in Holliston, Millbury, or Framingham, Massachusetts ranges from $35,000 to $65,000. Price can vary based on location, and various other factors.

Ductless heat pump installation costs in Massachusetts

A basic single room heat pump installation can cost as little as $7,000 and as much as $18,000 for complex projects. Multi zone systems can cost between $6,000 to $11,000 per zone. The price varies based on necessary electrical circuit or panel upgrades or lineset runs are long or complicated.

Massachusetts has different town or city regulations, building codes, and permits. This can add substantial costs in permit fees, inspections, and engineering. 

Mitsubishi Heat Pump System Outside House

I cannot stress enough to shop wisely during this process.  Prices differ wildly between contractors.

Price Variation is effected by the following:

-Varying Size of Internal Support

-Quality of Installation

-Staff Vs. Subcontractors

-Post-Install Warranty & Service

-Training Quality

-Tooling Used

-Overall Company Structure

Landry Mechanical is a top heat pump installer in Massachusetts. They offer free in-home consultations to homeowners in Worcester and Middlesex county.

As a Mass-Save licensed HPIN contractor, we can help navigate the Mass Save heat pump rebate and loan process. Landry focuses on heat pumps, oil and gas heating, plumbing, electrical work, water filtration, and drain cleaning services. One call truly does it all! 

Landry Mechanical Team Standing By Trucks

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Heat Pump Technology: A Deep Dive

February 26th, 2024

Heat pumps have been around for decades now, but they’re still relatively “new” in the minds of our customers and community. Unless you decided to pursue a science degree or get into the HVAC industry yourself, it can be extremely difficult to learn exactly how these systems work and why they’re becoming so popular now.

Well, like your favorite high school science teacher, we love to spread the knowledge of how heat pumps work and help to explain their popularity. And, to top things all off, we perform heat pump installations in Worcester County for customers who are ready to have an all-electric heating and cooling solution for their home.

Don’t let the price tag or myths about these systems fool you–let’s go on a deep dive and talk about how these units work and why they’re worth the money.

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Electrical Upgrades, Insurance, and Your Lifestyle

February 19th, 2024

The world is slowly but surely electrifying. Ever since the mass production of electronic devices in the 20th century, the world has started to become more electrical, more lit up, and more accessible to people. Entire cities now light up the sky with only the energy from solar panels or hydroelectric power plants, which means we’re getting more efficient and effective at using electricity.

But what about your home? Everyone’s home was built in a different time period, and you could see old or outdated electrical components on a regular basis. Ungrounded outlets, fuse boxes, and even old knob and tube wiring could be keeping your home in the 20th century when it should be in the 21st.

Don’t worry, our team is here to help. We’re fully staffed with licensed electricians in Worcester County who can help you with your electrical upgrades. Just schedule an appointment to get started.

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The Best Plumbing Tips for Your Next Upgrade

February 12th, 2024

Your sink drain has finally called it quits and you’re thinking that it’s finally time to make an upgrade. By your best guess, your sink has to be roughly 20-25 years old at least, so it’s a miracle that those pipes lasted as long as they did. But now you’d like to make the best decision for your home’s future without breaking the bank. What do you do? Where do you start?

Congratulations! Welcome to the world of plumbing upgrades and replacements. We’re glad you’re trying to do your research before ripping anything out of the wall or unscrewing something that starts to leak. This due diligence will go a long way in making your home more comfortable and keeping your budget in a good place.

But where do you start when it comes to a plumbing replacement in Worcester County, MA? How can you know that you’re making a good decision?

Well, you can call us first and then read this blog to walk through a few important tips that could make all the difference.

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Does Your Water Heater Need to Be Flushed?

February 5th, 2024

You’ve probably seen videos and online tutorials telling you to flush your water heater. They might be titled “Learn how to flush your water heater right now,” or “This is so easy, you can just do it yourself.” While we’re big proponents of DIY services, this might not be responsible advice that customers should follow blindly.

Water heaters are complex systems. They require maintenance on a regular basis. If they’re not maintained, then they could run into many different kinds of issues and lose efficiency over time.

This blog post is going to be a deep dive on flushing your water heater and the comparisons to investing in water heater maintenance in Worcester County. If you’re concerned about the condition of your water heating system, you might get a lot more out of scheduling a maintenance appointment than you would following an online tutorial about flushing your water heating system.

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5 Heating Tips for a Cold Spell

January 22nd, 2024

The cold weather is here, and as you can probably tell, it’s been pretty intense. Cold weather is hitting most of the country, but up here we’re a bit more used to it. Cold spells can come and go in the winter, but intense ones can be hard to shake off. As long as you’ve got a powerful heating system to keep your home warm and comfortable, you should be fine.

Whether you’ve got an energy-efficient heat pump or a gas furnace, efficiency and comfort should be the top priorities on your mind. These are going to be necessary to make it through the next dip in temperatures, and we’ve got a few tips that can help.

But remember–none of these tips can replace professional heating repairs in Worcester County, MA. Your heating system is the star quarterback of the team, and it requires its own professional attention by an HVAC technician. So, unless you know for a fact that your heating system is in good shape, call our team for support. Otherwise, keep reading for some tips.

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