When the Massachusetts summertime heat gets to be too much to bear and your aging air conditioning system isn’t able to keep up the way it used to, it’s probably time to look at a new unit.

There are countless different makes and models of air conditioning systems currently available in the market. What many people don't realize, however, is that there are only a handful of manufacturers producing most of the different brands available in the marketplace.

When comparing models, there are a few key criteria to look at:

1. Price: It’s an important factor, but should not be the only deciding factor. A higher priced unit that delivers better energy efficiency will cost you less over its lifetime.
2. Energy efficiency: The standard rating system is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration (SEER). A higher rating means a more efficient system.
3. Noise: The amount of noise the unit makes may be of greater importance to you if it located near an outdoor area where you like to spend a lot of time.
4. Warranty: The industry average is a 10-year warranty. In most instances, the warranty must be registered soon after installation in order for it to be valid.
5. Other Features: Some units offer added features that can be valuable to you, including the ability to connect to your thermostat remotely via a mobile device.

Let’s look at a few of the highest rated air conditioning systems to see how they compare.

Lennox Signature XC25

Although it carries a higher price point, this system offers outstanding energy efficiency (26 SEER rating) and very quiet performance, thanks to its modulating compressor. Remote access is made possible using Lennox iComfort technology and the system is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Maytag M1200 PSA4BI iQ Drive

Slightly lower on the SEER scale than the Lennox model at 25.5, this Maytag unit boasts many similar features, including remote connectivity, a modulating compressor for improved efficiency and humidity control as well as ultra-quiet performance. Maytag offers a 12-year warranty on this system, making it one of the best in the industry.

Amana AVXC20

Featuring a more affordable price point, this Amana system has a SEER rating of 24.5. Amana will also replace the compressor unit at any time during its lifetime, should it break down, while all other parts are covered by a standard 10-year warranty.

Carrier Infinity 19 VS

Although it has a lower SEER rating of 19, this system is among the quietest; functioning at only 56 dBs.

It has a modulating compressor, which allows it to run more efficiently and quietly most of the time, but will also shift into higher gear when the outside weather demands it.

Armstrong Pro Series 4SCU20LX

This Armstrong unit is an excellent choice for price and efficiency. It has a 20 SEER rating, a modulating compressor and can be paired with ComfortSync technology for remote access.

There are many aspects to factor when choosing your new air conditioning system.

In addition to the criteria mentioned above, you must make sure that the size of the system you choose will be sufficient to cool your entire home. Having it installed by a qualified HVAC expert, like the pros at Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning, is even more important to the long-term performance and dependability of your system than the manufacturer and model you choose.

Contact us, Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning at 617-566-6990 in Boston, MA for expert advice and assistance with selecting the best air conditioning system to meet your needs.

Your "Getting Ready for Back to School" Guide

Preparing to take the kids back to school in the fall is one of the most tiring and troublesome experiences a parent can go through.

There are so many little things to accomplish, such as buying new outfits, textbooks, backpacks, general school supplies, and reorganizing schedules around work and everyday life.

Most kids will not be ready and will simply not want to offer a helping hand with all of the tasks that need to be completed by the first day of school.

Savings/Budget

You should begin saving a bit of extra money ahead of time for the purchase of various school supplies. Most schools don't send home a list of what is needed, such as the books, notebooks, and pencils, until it is nearly time to return. This can be troublesome and downright headache-inducing for most parents. The best option is to put aside a bit of money each month during the summer so when the time comes you already have the funds required to take the kids shopping.

Buying Supplies

Most local big-name stores will offer the school supplies required for most children in the area.

Large shopping chains set aside entire sections of their floor, including multiple aisles, for parents shopping for their children. You can find brand new notebooks, three-ring binders, packs of markers, pencils, pens, and loose-leaf paper so kids can draw or write notes on.

The items can be costly, so saving some money beforehand, as mentioned above, will be vital to heading back to school.

Organizing Your Schedules

This is especially important for those parents who have more than one child in their home heading back to school. Some schools, especially middle and high schools, tend to have different starting times. You must balance your time between dropping off your child before the bell rings and making it to work on-time each day. This can be a bit of a hassle at first, but once you really get into the swing of things, it should be much easier.

When possible, speak with your kids and find out who would be willing to ride the bus in the morning. If you have a school bus stop near your home, you can drop your child off on the way to work. Alternatively, you can have a family friend, or perhaps a neighbor, who also has a child heading to school, drop your kids off when they are passing by the area.

Heading back to school does not need to give you the headache that most people associate it with. Take a step back, take a quick breath, and write down exactly what needs to be done. If you are also in need of HVAC tips, call Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning in Boston, MA at (617) 566-6990.

Here comes the heat! And here come the higher energy costs associated with keeping your home cool. If your summertime utility bills are making you sweat, here are a few easy tips that can help you reduce your cooling costs without compromising comfort in your home.

Turn Your Ceiling Fans On

Often, the discomfort we feel in the heat is related to the stillness of the air. We can all think of occasions when a gentle breeze in the middle of a stiflingly hot day brought immediate relief. The same holds true inside your home.

By helping perspiration to evaporate from the surface of your skin, the breeze created by a ceiling fan promotes your body's natural ability to cool itself down.

So, although a ceiling fan won't actually lower the temperature in the room, it will help you to feel cooler. With a ceiling fan, you can set your thermostat a few degrees warmer and feel just as cool.

Program Your Thermostat

It's not necessary for your home to be quite as cool while you're asleep at night. And, of course, the same is true when nobody's at home. With a programmable thermostat, you can automatically adjust the temperature a few degrees warmer during the times when everyone’s asleep or when everyone’s away from the house.

The thermostat can also be programmed to restore the temperature to its cooler setting before you wake up or return home so that you won't ever feel the difference.

Create Shade Spots Around Your Home

Most of the heat energy that enters your home comes from the sun's rays beating down on your roof or streaming through your windows, heating up the air inside.

If you plant some shade trees or shrubs around the house, they will reduce the amount of heat energy that gets in so that it isn't quite as taxing on your air conditioning system to cool it down.

If the condenser unit of your air conditioning system is in the sun, you could improve its efficiency by as much as 10% just by planting a few trees or shrubs around it to give it some shade.

Add a Dehumidifier to Your AC System

The discomfort of heat in the summertime often has as much to do with the relative humidity as it does with the actual temperature.

By adding a dehumidifier to your air conditioning system, you can lower the humidity in your home to get rid of any muggy, uncomfortable feeling.

Additionally, since moisture-rich air tends to retain heat more than dry air, a dehumidifier will help your AC so that it doesn't have to work as hard to cool the air in your home.

If you're looking for more ways to make your home more energy efficient, call the pros in Boston, MA at Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning at 617-566-6990.

3 Ways to Prepare for UV Safety Awareness Month

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which is a recognition many are unaware of. While we tend to think of fresh air and sunshine as healthy and therapeutic, the sun's UV rays are quite harmful. They can cause eye damage, skin cancer, and premature aging. UV rays can also suppress the immune system, leaving your body vulnerable to infections and diseases.

UV Safety Awareness Month is meant to educate those who are unaware of the sun's damaging effects and to serve as a reminder to everyone that the sun must be enjoyed safely. Here are three ways you can prepare this year.

Go Shopping

It's important to wear sunscreen! Make sure it’s not expired. Clean out the medicine cabinet, and replace any expired sunscreen with a new bottle. Get a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face during outdoor activities as well as a pair of sunglasses.

Be sure to choose sunglasses that block all UV rays as your pupils will dilate when behind dark glasses. Sunglasses should be rated to block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays and provide the most protection. It can increase the amount of UV light your eyes are exposed to if the glasses don't shield your peripheral vision.

Know When to Go

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the sun is at its strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you do go out during this part of the day use sunscreen, sunglasses, and try to wear a hat. Stick to the shade as much as you can, as well.

Check in With Your Doctor

Take a moment to call your physician or pharmacist and review any prescription medications you're taking. Some medications make you more sensitive to UV light. If you're taking any of these prescriptions, you'll need to know so you can be even more diligent about your UV protection.

Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning in Boston, MA is happy to bring you these safety tips and reminders during this UV Safety Awareness Month. Remember to stay safe, take an active role in educating others about UV dangers and give us a call at (617) 566-6990 the next time you find yourself in need of HVAC services.

 

With the 4th of July just around the corner, a lot of people are looking for celebrations in Boston, Massachusetts. The good news is that there are several events scheduled for the 4th, and they include tall ships, festivals and lots of fireworks. If you’re looking for fun events to take part in, Boston is the place to be. The celebrations are kicked off with the Harborfest.

This is an annual event in Boston, and it’s well-known among local residents. The Boston Pops concert will take place at the Hatch Shell, and a variety of spectacular fireworks will be launched across the Charles River.

However, these events are only the start of a massive celebration. Some other popular events are the Bastille Day celebrations and Shakespeare on the Common (beginning in late July).

Since Boston almost always has gorgeous weather to look forward to, the 4th of July celebrations carry on without any problems. If you’re trying to get your fill of excitement, you can enjoy the concert at the Blue Hills Pavilion, which is located on the South Boston Waterfront.

You might even consider soaking in the sun while watching the Red Sox game, which can be seen at Fenway Park. The Summer Arts Weekend also has plenty of entertainment to offer. July is known for bringing beautiful weather, and many events in Boston take advantage of that gorgeous weather.

The Boston Pops Concerts

These concerts start on July 3rd and run through the 4th. If you want to make 2016 an exciting year, the Boston Pops Concerts can contribute to that goal.

They’re designed to celebrate America’s birthday, and they include an incredible fireworks display.

The concerts kick the show off with the National Anthem and end with shots fired from real cannons. You’ll get to enjoy a spectacular fireworks show and catch a performance from multiple Grammy-winning artists.

Many of these events take place on the 4th, but you can also enjoy a concert on the 3rd. If you love music, you’ll certainly enjoy the concert on the 3rd.

However, the spectacular fireworks show is reserved for the 4th. The concert takes place at the Hatch Shell and Boston Esplanade. On both the 3rd and the 4th, the concert begins at 8:30 PM and ends at 10:00 PM.

Enjoy the Fireworks Display

On Monday, July 4th, you can enjoy an incredible fireworks display. It starts at 10:30 PM, which is when the Boston Pops Concert finishes.

The fireworks show lasts about 30 minutes. If you want to see a magnificent display of fireworks in Boston, make sure to show up at the Charles River.

You’ll need to go to the location between the Mass Ave and Longfellow bridges. There are several places to sit, and there is even free public transportation after 9:30 PM. The cost to see the Boston fireworks is free, so you don’t have to worry about paying for your guests.

After the Pops Concert, the firework show commences, and it’s one of the best shows in the country. You can enjoy the show from the tops of tall buildings, rooftops or banks of the Charles River.

The Lawn on D

The Lawn on D is an adult playground, and you’ll find it nestled behind the Convention Center, which is located on the South Boston Waterfront. The Lawn on D is the location where the Berklee College of Music summer concerts take place.

The summer concerts start at noon and last for about two hours. There are many different games to play, and you can even enjoy several art installations. Throughout the summer, there are rotating food trucks, and you’ll have no shortage of attractions to choose from.

Leading Up to the Fourth

Although the 4th of July in Boston has plenty to offer, there are also several events leading up to it. For example, July 1st marks the start of the 35th annual Boston Harborfest Celebration. If you decide to take part in this concert, you can enjoy music from the US Navy Band, and a giant cake is cut as a part of the celebration.

To watch the custom cake cutting, visit the West End of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The event takes place on July 1st, and you should plan on arriving slightly before noon.

The Harborfest will continue for the rest of the week. On July 3rd, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular takes place.

Keith Lockhart is the conductor for the Boston Pops orchestra, and he’ll be performing in the Hatch Hall, which is located on the Esplanade. The conductor will perform the same concert that is also displayed on the 4th, so if you can’t make it to the concert on the 3rd, you’ll have access to a backup showing.

The best seating is provided to the early birds, so you’ll want to arrive as early as possible. Once the 4th of July arrives, there will be a flag raising ceremony and parade. The ceremony starts at 9:00 AM and takes place in the City Hall Plaza, and it’s followed by the parade.

During the parade, which will make its way to the Granary Burial Ground, wreaths are laid onto the patriots' graves. After the wreaths have been placed, the parade will continue to the Old State House.

These are the top Boston events for the 4th of July, and they’ll be taking place this year, so you should start planning your 4th of July weekend with these events in mind!

We wish you a wonderful 4th of July weekend! We're here for all your plumbing needs in Boston, MA. Call Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning at (617) 566-6990.