Quincy ductless AC systems that are quick to retrofit provide unrivaled operating efficiency and comfort for room-by-room zoning. All air-conditioners utilize the same outdoor components to generate the cold refrigerant inside a home that cools the air. With a ductless AC system, the difference is where that air is cooled and how it is distributed.

Central-air systems carry refrigerant through a network of ducts to a large central air handler, which then blows cool air into the building. Ductless systems pump refrigerant to compact indoor units within individual rooms. Each split AC unit operates as a miniature air handler, which only delivers cold air into its zone when it is needed.

The Cool Difference

Since there are no ducts, there are no air leaks, heat losses, or pressure imbalances in such systems that can compromise the reliability and comfort of a central air setup. And installation is a snap. Fishing a tiny bundle of insulated refrigerant lines through a house is much easier and faster than retrofitting bulky HVAC ducts.

Measuring Quincy Ductless vs. Central-Air

By replacing window AC units with a ductless system, you are likely to save 30 percent of electricity. Coincidentally, thanks to leaky, poorly insulated ductwork, this is also about how much cooling is typically lost in central-air systems.

Quincy Ductless AC

What to Know About Quincy Ductless AC

• Maintenance: Each month the filter should be removed and cleaned on each indoor unit. Have a refrigerant pressure check technician once a year, and flush condensate lines.
• Noise: Driven by long-life DC motors, indoor units have whisper-quiet squirrel-cage fans. Decibel ratings are roughly the same as rustling leaves, at around 25.
• Cost: A single-zone system with one indoor unit, including installation, starts at around $3000. A four-zone system, installed, costs around $12,000
• Installation: To mount the indoor and outdoor units, you’ll need a pro and you’ll also need to connect the 2 1⁄2-inch bundle of refrigerant lines and electrical cables.
• Warranties: Coverage ranges from 5 to 12 years but this kind of mechanical equipment can be expected to last 15 to 20 years before it needs replacement.
• Rebates: A few utilities provide rebates for ductless AC system installation. There are plenty more incentives for heat-pump systems.

Size matters

Beware of installers that use a rule of thumb estimate to size a split AC unit. More often than not, the result is oversized equipment that is expensive to operate and can’t reduce humidity levels effectively. Instead, focus on a heat-load estimate called “Manual J.” This displays system size based on calculations and variables such as temperature, rate of insulation, and exposure to the sun.

Efficiency vs System Cost

All cooling systems have a rating of the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which compares cooling capacity with the amount of electricity used during a typical cooling season.

The ratings on the systems today range from 13 to 33 SEER. The higher your rating, the more you’re going to pay for your device, and the lower your energy bills are coming in the summer.

Better Air Quality

All indoor split AC units include mesh filters that collect dust. But others, including Mitsubishi Electric’s, also sell enzyme-treated filters for breaking down allergens such as pet dander and dust mites, as well as ceramic filters embedded with platinum catalysts that neutralize odors.

Whole-House Cooling

Ductless systems were at first basic, single-room affairs mostly mounted as replacements for window air conditioners. But now certain outdoor units have grown so powerful that they can supply as many as nine separate indoor units with refrigerants. Surprisingly each device often functions independently in one of these “multi-split” systems. When it comes to custom zoning, it’s hard to top that option.

Heat Pumps: The All-Season Option

When you get a heat pump for the outdoor unit, ductless systems can produce hot and cold air both. Its key component is a reversing valve which switches the refrigerant flow direction to suit the season.

Install FAQs

• How long does it take?  You can configure a device with a single wall-mounted unit in around 4 hours. Each supplementary unit adds another 2 hours. Ducted and ceiling units are more time-consuming.

The post Before You Buy a Quincy Ductless AC – Read This appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

Have you considered going duct-free to heat or cool your space? Get the lowdown on when these systems are the right choice and what to expect when you install them. Duxbury Ductless HVAC (or mini-split) systems are beautifully effective and provide consistent comfort in rooms. Nevertheless, for every homeowner, the decision to build is different.

The Pros of a Duxbury Ductless System

Typically a ductless heat pump or air conditioner consists of a wall-mounted indoor unit combined with an external compressor. It is most often used in a situation where you would consider window AC units or baseboard heating, such as a new addition to a house. Unlike window units, however, ductless systems only require a very small hole to be cut into the wall, making them less vulnerable to air leakage and security issues. These are however less noticeable and less audible.

They are exceedingly energy-efficient too. You lose 25 percent or more of your energy in the average house to ductwork. You’ll end up with a more efficient system by simply removing the ducts. Ductless models also have inverter-driven compressors, which speed up and slow down depending on the system ‘s needs rather than shut down completely like conventional HVAC compressors. During compressor startup, you consume a lot of resources.

Duxbury Ductless AC

One of the advantages of having ductless heating and cooling systems is that they have super-flexible solutions. While traditional heat pumps and central air-conditioning systems force cooled and heated air through ducts, ductless heating and cooling systems directly deliver air into various zones. They consist of a small outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that require nothing but mounting capabilities and electricity access. They can be installed in home additions, new construction, condominiums, and apartments, or to improve temperature control in specific rooms. Ductless systems can even be fit for buildings that currently use ducted forced-air systems.

The Cons of a Duxbury Ductless System

To most homeowners, there are three strikes against ductless: upfront expense, daily maintenance, and aesthetics. There is a fourth factor for those in extremely cold climates: if you want ductless power, you’ll definitely need a fuel-based backup, but some newer models can handle the load even if the time falls below zero.

The ductless units cost many times more than equivalent window units or baseboard heating systems (thousands of dollars versus hundreds) for a single-room solution. And in whole-house terms, if you replace the current central heating/cooling system with a complete ductless solution, you will pay the cost of actually replacing it with another ductless unit two or three times as much. In return, you can get lower energy bills, but the payback period depends on your environment, your device use, and your local electricity prices.

Calculations

To do the calculation it is recommended consulting a professional trade group such as your local chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) or the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), to find a reputable HVAC contractor. Also, the contractor should be familiar with the system size, and whether ductless heat may require additional support in your area.

You’ll need to wash the filter of each unit monthly to maintain your system (more often if you smoke or have pets). Don’t skip it: ductless fans can’t handle accumulating debris, and if you ignore maintenance and require professional cleaning, you’ll spend hundreds of dollars and possibly shorten your system ‘s life.

Many homeowners hesitate to install ductless due to the fact that the units are not necessarily designed user-friendly. They come in standard white or beige and are not coverable. Ductless customers who are initially hesitant due to aesthetics complain that they forget the device is still there after installation.

What’s the Ideal Situation for Duxbury Ductless

Depending on the construction of your home, ductless systems can make sense for a variety of applications, including full-house heating and refrigeration. But there are certain situations where ductless has a clear advantage:

• Downsizing efforts for larger homes. A lot of retirees don’t want to heat and cool rooms they don’t use. But sometimes in empty spaces, they shut down HVAC grilles, causing pressure imbalances and molding problems. Installing a ductless system in, say in the master bedroom is far better, and setting the main thermostat of the house to run minimally.
• New additions: garage apartments, bonus rooms, sunrooms. And man caves. If you smoke cigars in there, you’re not going to share ductwork with the rest of the house.” The main advantage of ductless here is that it will be properly sized for the new space and will not steal air from other rooms or overload your old HVAC.
• Giving support to a room with specific heating/cooling problems. If you have a tiny kitchen with a giant stove, a southwest view, and big picture windows, a ductless unit will make your July Fourth party far less sweaty without the need to install new ductwork.
• Serving multiple needs under one roof. Will your family fight over the thermostat all the time? Ductless is perfect for creating separate temperature zones in different rooms, and while in a conventional ducted system, you can add zoning, it won’t be as effective.
• Adding Duxbury AC to a house with no existing ductwork. Ductless isn’t cheap, but it’s less expensive than adding ductwork to an existing house.

Go with a Good Contractor

Proper sizing and installation of the system is absolutely critical to obtaining the presumed benefits of a ductless system. Given the prospect of a DIY solution, we advise against it as you are likely to void the guarantee. Ductless will never work properly if the system is of the wrong size, the penetration of the wall is not properly sealed or the sensitive electronics are mishandled. And you need to be able to handle the refrigerant according to EPA guidelines.

The extra money you spend on getting a pro doing the job is worth it. Expect the job to take about three to seven hours to install a single unit in a single room (assuming there are no complicated construction problems with your house). Numerous rooms and difficult construction can force up to a week in installation time.

The post Pros and Cons of a Duxbury Ductless Heating and Cooling System appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

When you’re selecting an air conditioning system for your home, you want to be certain that you invest in the most dependable, effective model possible. Central air conditioning systems can be an ideal option for most houses, but if you live in an older house that lacks ductwork, installing one of these systems can be both costly and time-consuming.

The best option for houses with no existing air ducts is to install a Norwell ductless AC system, which you may also have heard referred to as a ductless HVAC or ductless mini-split. If you are considering installing a ductless system in your home, you might have questions about these home cooling units, including how they differ from traditional AC systems, and whether they have distinct advantages. Check out this AC FAQ so that you’ll have the details you need to decide if a ductless AC system is right for your home comfort needs.

What is a Norwell Ductless AC System?

A ductless air conditioning system is, as you might be able to tell from its name, a heating and cooling system that can control the temperature in your home without needing ductwork. There are two main components in ductless systems: an outdoor heat pump and an air handling unit that will be installed inside your home.

Norwell Ductless AC Install

How do Do Norwell Ductless AC Systems Work?

Ductless AC systems work in exactly the same way as a conventional heat pump, with no air ducts being used. In the warmer months, the air handler takes the warm air inside your home and passes it over refrigerant-filled evaporator coils. The refrigerant then absorbs heat from the air and channels it into the outdoor unit and out of your house.

That process is reversed during the winter. The outdoor unit absorbs heat from the outside air and then passes that air to your air handler through the refrigerant line, which will blow the warm air into your home. So, what makes a ductless AC system work is heat transfer. Hot air is transferred from your home in the summer, and it is transferred to your home in the winter.

How Are Norwell Ductless AC Systems Installed?

Ductless AC systems are much quicker and easier to install than conventional systems. First, you will need to drill a small hole into your house so you can attach the outdoor unit to the air handler. This hole will usually have a diameter of between two and three inches and will be filled by the outdoor unit once it is installed.

Your outdoor unit will be mounted to your home after the hole has been drilled, and your air handler will then be mounted inside your home, usually near the ceiling. Finally, your indoor and outdoor units will be linked by a conduit that contains the refrigerant line, a power cable, and a condensate drain.

What is Zoned Heating/Cooling?

One of the greatest differences between ductless air conditioning systems and traditional air conditioning systems is that ductless systems are capable of something called zoned heating. This basically means that, instead of controlling the temperature of your entire house, you will heat and cool your home one room at a time.

Norwell Ductless AC Setup

You’ll need to install an air handler in every room with a ductless system that you’ll heat up or cool down. The rooms where you decide to install your air handlers will be your zones. It can be very beneficial to heat and cool your home in zones, both in terms of individual comfort and energy costs.

If there are areas in your house where you don’t spend a lot of time, you don’t have to install an air handler in those rooms, which means you won’t waste money cooling an empty area as you would with a central AC. A ductless system allows each member of your family to enjoy their desired temperature, in terms of comfort. Parents can keep their room colder, for example, while kids can keep their rooms hotter, as each will have their own air handler.

How Much do Norwell Ductless AC Systems Cost to Install?

The cost of installing your ductless air-conditioning system will depend on various factors. Firstly, there is the cost of your outdoor unit, which can depend on both the model you choose and the efficiency of the unit. Of course, more powerful units would be more costly. The total cost of your device will also be determined by the number of indoor units you need. The installation costs will be as the number of air handlers increases.

Finally, how hard it is to install your system will also affect the final costs. Installing a ductless AC system can cost as much as $5,000, which is generally more affordable than installing a central air system.

How Long will a Norwell Ductless System Last?

If you are like most people reading this AC FAQ, you might want to know how long your ductless AC system will last before replacement is needed. The lifespan of your ductless system will depend, as with traditional systems, on numerous factors, including how heavily you use your system and whether you have maintained ongoing maintenance requirements. In most cases, your system should last 20 years, especially if you schedule maintenance from a trusted source on a regular basis.

What are the Advantages of a Ductless AC?

Ductless AC systems deliver a range of advantages that can make them a better option than a central air conditioner. A ductless system has the primary advantage that you don’t need ductwork to heat up or cool your home. In addition to easing the installation, these systems are made more affordable by not needing ductwork. For this reason, ductless systems can be the best option to control the temperature in older homes or in additions that do not typically have pre-existing ducts. Additionally, ductless systems are more effective than central air conditioning systems.

Loss of energy can be a big problem with duct systems and may result in your energy bills increasing. Because ductless systems do not require ducts, there is far less concern about energy loss, improving efficiency, and reducing energy costs. Less noise is yet another advantage of ductless systems. Central air conditioners tend to make a lot more noise than ductless systems, so a ductless unit is the safer option if you want your home to be comfortable and quiet

The post Norwell Ductless AC Systems – Frequently Asked Questions appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

In Boston, heating and cooling systems use up a lot of energy so the air conditioning system you choose has a big impact on your utility bills and the environment. Central air conditioning is common in the United States but recently people have started to use ductless or mini-split systems. Both systems have a compressor or condenser indoors, and an indoor unit. Ductless systems seem to have more than one indoor unit, and rather than ductwork, a small conduit connects the components. Here’s a bit more info about the cost differences and other central and ductless air conditioning characteristics.

Up Front Cost

In general, a Boston ductless system will cost more than a central air conditioning system with the same capacity. However, you should expect to pay about twice as much money for a central air conditioning system as for a ductless system with the same capacity if you need to replace your ductwork or your home doesn’t have existing ductwork.

This means that ductless systems are ideal for existing homes and new additions to existing homes. They are also an excellent way of avoiding repairing old, obsolete air ducts. If your home has ductwork, your installer will seal the air registers so pests can’t get in and no dust or other contaminants inside will escape and lower the quality of your indoor air.

Installation

It usually takes about a week for contractors to install a Boston central air conditioning system. When you don’t have the ductwork installed, the cycle will take longer. Installers would need to take down parts of your walls and ceilings to install the ductwork, then patch the damaged areas and repaint. Custom-made ducts are essential for some homes and use valuable space in wardrobes, attics, and basements.

Boston Ductless AC

Since most of the pieces of a ductless system are placed together by the manufacturer, installation takes just a day or two. Contractors insert indoor units into your rooms and drill a hole for the conduit in your wall. Then, through the conduit, they run the suction tubing, power cable, refrigerant line, and condensate drain from outside to indoor units. Because installation is faster, you won’t have to pay as much for labor, and sooner you can get back to your normal schedule.

Your Utility Bills

Cool air has to fly through your air ducts from a Boston central air conditioning system to enter the rooms inside your house. A lot of that comes out in unconditioned areas of your home along the way. That forces your system to work harder and to waste energy. A ductless system is more efficient, which means your home can cool down faster.

Most ductless air conditioning systems have fans that can adjust their speed based on conditions inside and outside of your home. Those fans are often called variable speed air handlers. With this feature, air conditioners start operating at full speed and then turn to a slower speed when they hit the temperature you like. They remain on to maintain the temperature, save energy, and avoid unpleasant changes in temperature during the day.

Ductless HVAC

Ductless HVAC systems with more than one indoor unit can use zoning. Every indoor device has its own thermostat or a central thermostat with a separate temperature sensor. You may set a different temperature for each region or zone. That means you never have to cool an empty room and family members can remain warm in various zones by setting the temperatures they want.

Remember, whether you have an office, sunroom, basement, attic, or garage with a ductless system, you can use the same approach to lower your energy bills, even though that system does not have features built specifically for zoning. If someone is in the region of the Boston ductless HVAC system, simply switch off your central air conditioner and switch off the ductless system if no one is using it.

Indoor Air Quality

Inside the ductwork, in your central heating and cooling system, indoor contaminants like dust, dust mites, pollen, mold, bacteria, and even droppings of pests will accumulate. Such contaminants will gradually spread throughout your home through ductwork leaks without routine cleaning and maintenance and lower your indoor air quality. Family members may experience flu-like symptoms, irritation of the skin, worsening asthma, or other issues. The most vulnerable are infants, elderly people, and others with respiratory or other health conditions.

For ductless systems, these pollutants do not accumulate, and the filters can collect more contaminants. Since ductless HVAC systems with variable-speed fans stay on longer, they can much more efficiently eliminate pollutants. Longer cooling periods are also better at reducing humidity than central air conditioning systems. Your family would be more relaxed and by holding away pollutants that cause health problems, you might also lower the medical costs for your family.

Maintenance

You won’t have to spend time inspecting your ductwork for problems with a ductless air-conditioning system. You also won’t need to pay for the repair of ducts, such as repairing leaks, cleaning ductwork, or installing insulation. Boston central air conditioning systems, however, typically have longer guarantees than ductless systems.

No matter what type of system you choose, there are certain daily maintenance activities you will always need to perform. On ductless and central systems, you can check the air filter once a month to see if it’s dirty and change it every three months. You should also keep your leaves, grass clippings, and other debris away from your outdoor unit and have a professional audit of your system at least once a year.

Your Home’s Value

A ductless system can add value to your home, particularly if you’ve got a historic house with no room for ductwork. A ductless air conditioning system often draws many customers for energy efficiency and versatility.

Moreover, ductless systems are much quieter than Boston central air-conditioning systems as air does not have to pass through ductwork. Additionally, the exterior model is less noisy, which is perfect if it’s close to your bedroom doors, neighbors, or backyard. The outdoor unit can be mounted up to 50 feet away from the indoor units to prevent even more noise. Many people may not like the look of a ductless system’s indoor units, however. Some bigger homes may need more than one outdoor unit, too. This might conflict with the landscaping look.

Usually, central HVAC systems have an indoor unit in the basement or a utility closet. The unit connects to ductwork, and in each room, air flows through unnoticeable air registers. The indoor units for a ductless system hang in various rooms at the wall or ceiling. Floor models are also available. For the indoor units you can choose covers that blend in with the rest of your home and many come with convenient remote controls. Occasionally, though, you might need to look for the lost remote.

The post What’s the Best Option for Boston Air Conditioning: Central Air or Ductless Mini Split? appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

Did you know that between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., half of all fire deaths happen? Installing a Brookline Village smoke alarms is one sure way of increasing your survival chances in case of a fire. However, these devices don’t last forever. Replacing your Brookline Village smoke detectors 10 years after the date of manufacture is the safest way of keeping the detectors functional per a recommendation from the United States Fire Administration (USFA) recommends.

All of your smoke alarms should be changed at the same time, use units that are made by the same manufacturer for best results. It is fairly easy to do these days, luckily. First Alert and Kidde are the leading smoke detector brands due to mergers and acquisitions, they are the only two big players in the smoke detector industry. Next, is another company growing in popularity thanks to its smart smoke detector system.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

Another tricky question to ask is how many smoke alarms should your home have? You can find your city’s code by simply searching ” smoke detector code” online because codes can vary from one municipality to another. Most require an alarm in each room where people sleep, an alarm in hallways outside of bedrooms, and at least one on each level, including the basement.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector

Photoelectric sensors do a great job of detecting slow-burning, smoky, smoldering fires while Ionization sensors are better at detecting fast-burning, flaming fires. Ionization sensors less effective but less expensive making them more popular than photoelectric. It is best to install at least one of each type of alarm and its very important to know what type of smoke detector you have installed.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

Carbon monoxide detectors are also a must so don’t stop at smoke alarms! The local code also governs the requirements. Generally, you want a carbon monoxide (CO) detector on each floor. A fire extinguisher can also mean the difference between life and death. Not only can a fire extinguisher put out small fires, but it can also be used to open up a path of escape in the event of a raging fire; place one on each floor. While you are improving your family’s fire safety, take a moment to draw up an escape plan for family members.

Installing the First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm in your home will decrease your family’s chance of falling victim to the “silent killer.”

The First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a terrific solution because it has an electrochemical CO sensor and its wirelessly interconnected so it alerts the other connected alarms when there are dangerous conditions. You can program up to 11 locations into the connected alarms, and the voice will tell you where hazards exist.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

The smoke sensor is photoelectric, which is better for detecting slow, smoldering fires. Each unit is operated using two AA batteries, included in the package. It tells you when the battery is low with a beep every minute. Potentially saving you and your family from any harm caused by fires or CO.

Notably, Consumer Reports recommends this model because it did an excellent job of detecting high and low CO levels in its tests, and the device conveys unsafe environments. Consumer Search and The Spruce also stand by this high-quality device. It also has a 77% positive rating in Amazon, which is among the highest in this price range.

First Alert backs the quality of this detector with a seven-year limited warranty.

The First Alert Battery Operated Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm is one of two smoke detectors recommended by professionals the world over. The First Alert detector is a top pick for many reasons, For one, it’s more affordable and who doesn’t like to save money?

During a review of the product, I noticed one buyer was unable to connect his units. He contacted the manufacturer and received two replacement devices in a couple of days. He appreciated the excellent customer service. There are some complaints of false alarms, even when there are no clear causes.

Pros:

• Also detects CO
• Interconnected
• Combination voice and beeping
• Excellent customer service

Cons:

• Expensive
• Complaints of false alarms

The Kidde Smoke Alarm Dual Sensor Detector is Unique Because it’s Equipped with Photoelectric and Ionization Sensors.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector – Kiddie

The Kidde Smoke Alarm Dual Sensor Detector is a great selection. First of all, the device has both of the sensors recommended by countless fire safety pros. Also, you have the option to wire this smoke detector into your home’s electrical system. This way you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries. There’s also a 9V battery backup in the back of each detector that covers you in case of a power outage. Kidde backs the quality of this device with a 10-year limited warranty.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

This Kidde detector is one of two smoke detectors recommended by consumer reports. In the reviewers’ tests, the unit responded quickly to paper fires with little smokes but lots of flames and also had a fast response time for smoldering, smoky fires.

Pros:

• Does a great job of detecting flaming and smoldering fires n Interconnected
• Battery backup

Cons:

• Recall notice
• Hard to silence
• Sensitive sensors

We should also note that the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall for some of these Kidde devices. In the manufacturing process, a yellow cap was left on the units that blocked one of the smoke sensors. It’s unlikely you will find one of these, but if you do see the yellow cap on your detector, contact kiddie for an immediate replacement.

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Having a smoke alarm that tells you there’s a fire no matter where you are is way better than just a smoke alarm that tells you there’s a fire. There are some Avon smoke detectors called smart smoke and carbon monoxide (CO), which are among the most useful categories of smart home gear on the market, mainly because they offer a clear advantage over old versions of the same product. Also, if you have a second home or travel frequently by owning one of these smoke detectors, you may gain the peace of mind that otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to have.

Once you install your smoke alarm and have it powered up, you have to download the relevant app and connect it to the device wirelessly. When the alarm goes off, not only are you going to receive an audio alert, but many include helpful voice instructions instead of just having a siren. Your smartphone also tells you what the problem is (whether it’s smoke or CO, which alarm was activated, and sometimes even the severity of the smoke).

Avon Smart Smoke Detector

A lot of smoke detectors in the market hook into additional smart home gear and IFTTT, which means that you can get even more clever by having the lights start flashing if smoke has been detected. Maybe the most significant benefit of having one of these smoke detectors is that you won’t be chasing down midnight chirps since you’ll also get phone-based notifications about dying batteries.

Here is a list with the best options on the market today

Best Avon Smart Smoke Detector:

-Nest Labs Nest Protect
This smoke detector is one of the most mature intelligent smoke alarms on the market, and it’s a no-brainer if you want one of the most sophisticated and reliable smart smoke detectors out there. Its warnings are varied, integrated lighting is color-coded based on the type of threat, and the product includes helpful voice alerts when activated. Additionally, if you have Nest gear at home, such as a Nest Thermostat, things get even better, as you can configure the Protect to shut off your ventilation system if it detects smoke, a potential lifesaver. The Nest Protect isn’t cheap, standing at $119, but way pricier options are out there. In this case, though, it’s worth the buy.

Best smart listener:

-Roost Smart Battery (2nd Generation)
The upfront cost is higher than an ordinary lithium smoke-detector battery, but the Wi-Fi module is reusable, and replacement batteries are only slightly more expensive than ordinary ones. Remember that the priority is to protect your home. Install this battery in your conventional smoke detector, and it will send a push notification to the contact list you set up in its app, so you can take action even if you’re not at home.

Things you Should Know about Avon Smart Smoke Detectors

Most of the time smoke alarms, smart smoke alarms tend to work almost identically. The device is installed high on the wall or on the ceiling (typically replacing an old-school smoke alarm in the same location), either using batteries or in-wall power. It’s essential to upgrade a hardwired model that you replace all the detectors in the chain with the same make and model. One of the reasons for hardwiring a smoke detector is that if one detects a dangerous condition, it can trigger all the others to go off.

Avon Smart Smoke Detector

While the competition in this space is small, the category is already quite fragmented. The bulk of the category consists of straightforward smoke detectors as described above, but some outliers exist to complicate your buying decision.

Avon Smart Smoke Detectors

First, we have the concept of the smart battery: Rather than replace the entire alarm, an intelligent battery replaces the 9-volt cell inside your smoke detector. The battery contains a Wi-Fi radio that can communicate with your home network and a companion smartphone app. The battery also includes a microphone that listens for the smoke alarm into which it has been installed.

When the alarm goes off, the battery leaps into action, working much like a standalone detector. The Roost Smart Battery is not a perfect solution, but it sits at just $35, which is much more affordable than a smart smoke detector. If you have a limited budget, this is worth a look.

Avon Smart Smoke Detectors

A similar idea comes in the form of the smart listener. Again, the idea here is that you don’t rip out your existing smoke detectors, you install an extra piece of hardware that can listen for an alarm going off and alert your phone if it hears one, which turns a traditional system into a smart one. This is different from the Roost battery because the alert plugs directly into a power outlet. The Leeo Smart Alert Nightlight, at $50, is currently the best option on the market.

What to look for when shopping

Interconnectivity: Some devices support an interconnectivity feature, so if one alarm goes off, all the other alarms in the house will go off as well. This can be a significant benefit if you have a huge home and fear you might not hear an alarm going off elsewhere in the house.

Multiple users:

Obviously you’re safest if more than one person receives a push alert that there’s a fire in the house.

Detector sensitivity and accuracy:

It’s challenging to scientifically test how well a smoke/CO detector does its primary job without actually burning your house down. That said, simulating smoky conditions can reveal a little about how sensitive a detector is. As well, you can consider the consensus about the underlying technology in a smoke detector.

Notification variety:

A loud siren is expected, but voice alerts are quite handy: They tell you what type of hazard has been detected and alert you to its location and can even tell you how to respond.

Smoke and CO:

It would be best if you got a detector that handles both smoke and carbon monoxide in a single device. There’s no point in forgoing carbon monoxide detection in any smoke alarm you install today.

The post How to Choose the Best Avon Smart Smoke Detector for Your Safety appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

The typical price range for an East Boston water heater goes for about $802 – $1,518. How We Get This Data? Researchers contacted homeowners searching for water heater installations. When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey. We compile the data and report costs back to you.

East Boston Water Heater Installation Cost

On average, it costs around $802 to $1,518 for the installation of a tank water heater, or an average of $1,136, including the unit and labor. Tankless heaters cost about $1,000 to $3,000. Importantly, most large water heaters can cost from $300 to $2,000. Plumber labor runs for about $45 to $150 per hour. It takes around three to four hours to get the job done.

Whether you want to replace an old water heater or install a completely new one, we will discuss the different costs for heaters. We’ll cover everything you’ll need to know about pricing out on your next tank installation in this guide. Hybrids, high efficiencies, solar, and tankless are also going to be mentioned.

East Boston Water Heater Diagram

Average Costs to Replace a Water Heater

• Average Cost $1,136
•  Typical Range $802 and $1,518
•  High Cost $11,000
•  Low Cost $350

New East Boston Hot Water Heater Installation Prices

Installing a completely new water heater could cost as low as $550 or as much as $10,000 or more, the unit and labor included. The basic electric and gas water heaters units cost easily from $400 to $1,600.However, some can range anywhere from $250 to $6,000, depending on the brand and type of heater. Installation costs may vary significantly depending on the type as well.

Type Average Unit Price Range Installation Cost

• Standard Tank Storage $400-$1,600 $150-$600
• Tankless $250-$2,500 $400-$1,500
• Hybrid/High Efficiency $700-$3,000 $150-$600
• Solar $1,000-$6,000 $2,000-$4,000

There are two main styles of East Boston water heaters: tank heaters and tankless. As the name implies, a tank water heater keeps hot water ready to use in a large tank that holds anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons of hot water ready to be used. Tank water heaters are installed in 90% of homes in the U.S.

It cost two to three times more than standard tank heaters to buy and install tankless water heaters. They will run you more in labor costs because they are harder to install. The advantage is that with these small box sized units, they can deliver an endless supply of hot water whenever you need it through a series of super-heated coils. People usually call them “on-demand” heaters.

Average cost with installation:

• Tank: $900 (40- to 50-gallon tank)
• Tankless: $3,000
• Cost Tank Tankless
• (materials + labor) $700-$2,000 $1,000-$3,000
• Lifespan 8-12 years 20+ years
• Energy Source Gas, Propane, Electric, Solar Gas, Electric, Propane
• Installation Time 2-3 hours 8-10 hours

Pros

1. Endless supply
2. Proven track record
3. Easy to install
4. High efficiency available
5. Smaller
6. Cheaper
7. Only 5% energy loss
8. Saves up to 25% on utilities

Cons

1. Not great for northern climates
2. Need multiple units for large homes
3. Takes up a lot of space
4. Expensive to install
5. 30%+ energy loss
6. Always on – using energy

Water Heater Costs by Gallon

• Tank Size (Gallons) Price Range*
• 30 $270-$900
• 40 $320-$1,600
• 50 $400-$2,200
• 75 $900-$3,000
• 80 $1,000-$3,000

*Does not include labor costs to install.

All types of East Boston water heaters use either electricity or gas (natural or propane). Normally, natural gas-fired units cost $100 to $200 more than electrical types. An electrical coil, much like a stovetop coil, or via a gas pilot light is where the internal heating comes from. Natural gas units cost more upfront and they’re less energy-efficient in the long run, but the high price of electricity in most parts of the country makes gas the cheaper long-term choice for most households. Electrical types, however, whether tank or tankless, are a better choice for small apartments or smaller areas since they don’t need venting or make-up air.

• Electric Gas
• Energy Source Electric Natural gas
• Works During Power Outage No Sometimes
• Lifespan 8-12 years 8-12 years
• Recovery Rate 1-2 hours 30-60 minutes
• Energy Efficiency 95% 60-70%
• Cost Over 12 Year Lifespan $6,250 $5,000
• Price of Unit $200-$2,880 $250-$1,800

Oil-fired East Boston water heaters and Propane heaters both fall on the more expensive end of the spectrum starting at $1,000 to $3,000 for just the unit. Rural and off-grid homes might benefit from oil-fired or propane, they also offer an alternative to electricity and natural gas.

East Boston Plumbing

Power venting adds $300-$600 to the unit’s price, plus you’ll add $300-$500 for wiring and electrical. Natural and propane gases create carbon monoxide as they burn, creating a potentially serious health hazard if not vented properly. This system uses a powered fan to push exhaust air and hazards out of your home.

Direct Venting adds $500-$1,000 to the cost only if you’re converting from electric to gas. This system uses the fact that hot air rises over the cooler surrounding air. As the gas burns, the air heats up and vents out of your house through a vent stack above the unit.

East Boston Water Heater Setup

High-efficiency water heaters can cost an average of $1,000 to $3,000 the unit and labor included but they’re from 100% to 300% more efficient than conventional water heaters used today. A combination of factors is what creates better energy efficiency, these factors include:

• Better insulation
• Heat pumps
• Plastic tanks
• Smart controls with leak detection and protection alerts for connected devices

Solar water heater installation costs as much $1,800 to $5,500 but can skyrocket up to $13,000 or more. Some people supplement their system with a solar tank or tube style heater. They are very expensive but these can help increase what’s available for your family.

For most hybrid heat pump water heaters you’ll pay in the range of $1,200 to $3,500. This price includes both the materials and labor. They’re the most expensive style of tank heater and the most effective. Heat pumps are large units, requiring as much as seven feet from clearance from floor to ceiling, plus up to 1,000 cubic feet of surrounding air space, so they’re not a good choice for small houses and apartments. They use a heat pump to pull heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water in the tank via a compressor and coils.

• Rheem Water Heater Prices vs. Other Popular Brands
• Rheem $400-$2,300
• AO Smith $400-$3,500
• Bradford White $400-$3,000
• Kenmore $350-$1,000
• Whirlpool $350-$1,500

The costs above are estimates for the unit only. They are for the common 30- to 50-gallon capacity units and do not include installation, transportation, or other additional expenses.

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According to the National Fire Protection Association, dead batteries are the cause of failure of Dorchester smoke detectors 25 percent of the time. That’s why it’s very important to regularly check the batteries in your smoke alarm. Residential is the leading property type for fire deaths (75.0%), fire injuries (77.1%), and fire dollar loss (43.4%) According to the U.S. Fire Administration. Ensuring your home is equipped with properly working smoke detectors is essential.

Smoke detectors have helped reduce fire deaths by half (NFPA). Yet, in recent home fire deaths, in nearly 40 percent of homes, there was not a smoke detector. (FEMA).

Dorchester Smoke Alarms

Nearly 900 people could be saved from home fire deaths annually if all U.S. homes had working smoke alarms, The Red Cross reported. Having both smoke detectors and sprinklers could reduce an individual’s risk of a fire-related death by 82 percent.

Dorchester Fire Alarms

Factors to Consider When Buying a Smoke Detector

• Power Type
• Alarm Type
• Additional Features

There are a lot of different smoke detectors choose between. A hardwired setup, battery-powered setup, or a combination of both are usually the go-to options. Buying smoke detectors that are hardwired into your home provide the advantage that you won’t have to check batteries constantly as the device is continuously supplied with power.

Dorchester Smoke Alarm Facts & Figures

They might need a backup battery in case of a power outage so a combination of both power sources is the best setup for ease and reliability. Installing battery-powered smoke detectors may be easy but make sure to check the batteries regularly for your safety when choosing a battery-powered smoke detector.

You have a choice between a photoelectric, ionization, or a combination of both types for a smoke alarm. It’s important to keep in mind that there are different types of fires, both types of alarms have their benefits. A photoelectric smoke alarm is designed to capture smoldering and slow-burning fires, while an ionization smoke alarm will detect fast-burning fires. Finding a smoke detector with dual-sensing capability for smoldering and fast-burning fires is the best way to ensure your safety.

Dorchester Smoke Alarm Facts & Figures

LED lighting and carbon monoxide detection are other features you’ll find today with smoke alarms. Smoke alarms that have an LED light that is triggered during an emergency can provide helpful lighting, especially if an emergency occurs in dark places or at night. The hearing impaired could use LED strobe lighting to alert them. Fire and dangerous levels of CO in your home could be dangerous so combination smoke and CO detectors are even better, allowing you to be alerted for both.

Understanding The Difference in Smoke Detectors

Hard-Wired

• Hard-wired smoke alarms connect to your home’s wiring and electrical system. They often require professional installation and may not work during power outages.

Battery Operated

• Battery operated smoke detectors are easier to install and don’t pose as much of an electric concern.

A hard-wired smoke detector with a backup battery for an interconnected smoke detecting system that still works during an outage is the best bet is to invest in.

Ionization

• Ionization smoke alarms respond quickly to fires that arise quickly from flammable objects and liquids, also known as flaming fires.

Photoelectric

• Photoelectric smoke detectors work best after a long period of building smoke of smoldering fires. Consider placing dual-sensor detectors throughout the home to detect both photoelectric and ionization using one alarm.

For installing smoke detectors, the National Fire Protection Association recommends right outside of sleeping areas, within 10 ft. of cooking appliance, in each bedroom, on every floor in your home, near stairwells, and in living room areas. These devices need to be installed on the ceiling or high on walls. You should place your smoke detector within 3 ft. of the roof’s peak if you have a pitched ceiling.

To improve fire and smoke safety is the goal of every smoke detector. You should be tailored to what works best for your home, the choices are endless. You can buy a smoke detector as a standalone device or with the choices are endless but Remember to always buy from a trusted manufacturer, and read all manuals before installment. Your local fire department can be contacted for assistance with installing and understanding the smoke detector requirements contact. Here are the most useful benefits.

• Easy monitoring. Smoke detector routine checks are often quick and easy. As simple as vacuum the detector free of dust monthly and changing the batteries annually. Most smoke alarms include backup batteries in case of power outages. These regular routines keep the home ready for the first sign of trouble.
• Faster smoke detection. Extra seconds to safely evacuate the home could save you from inhaling life-threatening smoke and fumes so the sooner the detector finds danger, the better. Remember to have a fire evacuation plan for a fast and safe exit if the alarm sounds.
• Cost-effective fire safety. Smoke detectors with smart technology can be more costly but come with added benefits such as mobile notifications of smoke, voice commands, and easy syncing to other home devices. For just a few bucks, you’ll have peace of mind while preparing your humble abode for the unthinkable. Most common smoke detectors cost less than $15 and can often be purchased in sets of two or more for better cost savings.

Our top 3

Honeywell Wireless Smoke and Heat Detector

Stand-out features include

• Easy installation with a durable mounting base to support uneven ceiling surfaces.
• Smart signals from the installed control panel to alert smoke detector cleaning.
• Green and red LED status indicators to stay up to speed on the smoke detector’s condition.

Nest Protect Smoke and CO Alarm (2nd Gen)

Stand-out features include

• Monitor hush alarms via your mobile device and Nest app
• Use the Nest Protect mobile app to receive mobile notifications for low batteries and test the smoke alarm
• Quickly detects photoelectric and ionization fires using the Split Spectrum Sensor

First Alert Smoke Detector Photoelectric and Ionized Alarm

Stand-out features include

• 9V backup battery to continue to protect homes from fires during power outages
• One-press button to test the alarm and manage nuisance alerts
• Uses an ionization detector to prevent flaming fires

The post Dorchester Smoke Alarm Facts & Figures appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

Not having an Accord smoke alarm installed in your house could be dangerous for many reasons, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. There are many causes of home-fire related deaths including unattended cooking, ignition of upholstered furniture or electrical fires. What tends to happen in the majority of these tragedies is the lack of smoke alarms or smoke alarms that don’t work.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke detectors or non-functional smoke detectors. People in homes without smoke alarms are more than twice as likely to die as those in homes with working smoke alarms. Sometimes people’s smoke alarms don’t seem to work, but half of the time, it’s because they have smoke detectors that miss a battery or have disconnected batteries. It can be very beneficial to learn how to install and maintain smoke detectors properly.

How do Accord Smoke Detectors Work ?

There are two types of Accord smoke detectors: ionization detectors and photoelectric detectors. If you’re using ionization smoke detectors, when the smoke enters the chamber of the alarm, it disrupts the ionization process and triggers the alarm. You have to be careful with ionization smoke detectors because the nature of some components inside of them require appropriate disposal. It would be best if you never threw an ionic detector directly into the trash. Instead, what you should do is call the manufacturer of the smoke alarm for proper disposal instructions.

The way a photoelectric smoke detector works is quite different but more straightforward than the ionic detector. When smoke enters the chamber, components within the device send an electric current, triggering the alarm. If you want the most sensitive option between the two, you should get an ionic alarm. Even something as mundane as steam from boiling water can trigger an ionic smoke alarm. An ionic detector can also detect fast-spreading low smoke fires more efficiently.

How to Choose the Right Accord Smoke Detector

If a member of your family can’t hear well, you should consider buying a smoke detector that produces flashing lights or vibrations and loud noise to signal an emergency.

What is the Right Place to Install a Smoke Alarm

Accord Smoke Detector Install

Everyone in your house should notice the sound of your smoke alarm and hear it in their bedrooms. It is essential because most deaths caused by fire occur between 11 pm and 7 am. The place you choose to install your home detectors is also significant. Here are some installation guidelines:

• Install wall-mounted smoke alarms 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling, and ceiling-mounted models at least 4 inches from the nearest wall.
• Place smoke alarms outside each sleeping area, inside any bedroom where the door is typically shut (recommended) and on every story of the house, like in the basement.
• For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected so that they all sound if one sounds. Manufacturers are now producing battery-operated alarms that are interconnected by wireless technology.
• Combination smoke alarms that include both ionization and photoelectric alarms offer the most comprehensive protection. An ionization alarm is more responsive to flames, while a photoelectric alarm is more responsive to a smoldering fire.
• Hardwired smoke alarms with battery backups are considered to be more reliable than those operated solely by batteries.
• Alarms installed between 10-20 feet of a cooking appliance must have a hush feature to temporarily reduce the alarm sensitivity or must be a photoelectric alarm.
• Choose alarms that bear the label of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory.

How to properly maintain Accord smoke alarms

If you want your smoke alarms to keep working correctly, you need to give them proper maintenance. These following tips will help ensure your smoke alarms remain in correct working order:

• -Clean smoke alarms regularly by vacuuming them with a brush attachment.
• -Install new batteries immediately when the low-battery warning alarm sounds, or at least once a year.
• -Test units monthly.
• -Replace smoke alarms every ten years to achieve optimum performance.
• -It would be best if you never painted over a smoke alarm.

Having smoke alarms installed in your house and making sure they are working is very important for the safety of everyone that lives in your home. No matter the cause of the fire or its location, properly functioning smoke alarms are there to help alert everyone to the presence of fire in time to evacuate safely.

Here are Some Smoke Alarm Facts and Stats

• In 2009-2013, smoke alarms sounded in more than half (53%) of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments.
• The death rate per 100 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms compared to the rate in homes with working smoke alarms (1.18 deaths vs. 0.53 deaths per 100 fires).
• Dead batteries caused one-quarter (24%) of the smoke alarm failures.
• Three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or no working smoke alarms (21%).
• In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, almost half (46%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.

What to Do if you Hear the Accord Smoke Alarm

1. Have an escape plan ready. Discuss and practice your escape plans. Know two exits from any room in the house.
2. Always feel the door to see if it is hot before opening it to escape. If the doorknob or door is hot, do not use that exit. Use your alternate exit to escape.
3. Crawl on the floor. Smoke from a fire rises, and so does the temperature. If you crawl on the floor, there will be less smoke, and the heat from the fire will be less severe.
4. Meet at a prearranged spot outside the home. If you clearly show where everyone is supposed to meet outside the house when there is a fire, it will be easier to know who is safe.
5. Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home. Be prepared to give your full name and address to the operator at the other end of the line. Stay on the line until the operator has all of the information needed.
6. Never go inside a burning building. Never return inside the house for any reason. The firefighters will be there soon.

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A clogged Weymouth toilet can be an unpredicted mess if you don’t have a plunger to aid you in the unfortunate accident. For any reason you might get caught without one there might be some rather simple solutions to help you avoid any unwanted accident. We compiled for you seven different ways you can unclog a toilet bowl without a plunger to get things in working order with these mess-proof ideas.

Our first simple solution for the family handyman is to unclog a toilet bowl with dish soap

Things You Need: Start With Dish Soap and That’s It!

As soon as you see that the toilet clogs up, and learn how to unclog a toilet without a plunger from us, go and head to the kitchen and fetch some dishwashing soap; the slippery soap should help lubricate the clogged up pipe and allow the lodged debris to loosen up and slide down more easily. About a half-cup into the toilet should do the trick.

If you don’t have any dish soap on hand, you could also chop a bar of soap into very small bits and drop the pieces into the toilet and wait for the soap to dissolve and do its job. And if for some reason this unconventional method doesn’t work unclogging your clogged toilet, here’s our fool-proof guide for how to unclog a toilet in other unconventional ways but if none of these work, keep in mind that a 5 dollar plunger and a trusty toilet snake will make you the family champion!

Weymouth Clogged Toilet

Our second advice would be checking for the best toilet paper brands for your toilet and your plumbing. Usually, too much spongy toilet paper flushing at a time can clog the pipes if they are not big enough. Different brands of toilet paper can offer some benefits when dealing with that situation so check out the best toilet paper for your plumbing in your area. In any case that the toilet might still be clogging try not flushing the toilet paper down.

Weymouth Clogged Toilet

Weymouth Clogged Toilet

Our third out of seven tricks would be a bucket of hot soapy water to unclog the toilet. If dish soap alone doesn’t quite do the trick for unclogging a toilet without a plunger, adding water might move things along. And if cold water doesn’t cut it then fill a bucket with some hot bath water but not boiling water, because it could cause the porcelain in the toilet to crack. It is also best to pour the water into the toilet from a waist level. The force of the water could dislodge whatever is causing the clog. Be careful of any unwanted splash.

A more severe blockage could require manually moving the item. To do this without a plunger our fourth DIY is a drain snake using a wire hanger. To do a drain snake using a wire hanger you must unravel a wire coat hanger until it’s straight; it doesn’t have to be perfectly straight but enough.

Weymouth Clogged Toilet

To unclog a toilet with a DIY drain snake, you must push one end of the unraveled wire hanger. Proceed to prod and push the debris until it becomes free and the toilet unclogs letting the water flow down the drain once again. There you go! Another way to unclog a toilet without a plunger. You might want to dispose of the wire hanger after using it as a drain snake. Be careful with splashes!

Weymouth Clogged Toilet

The fifth trick, like our first and third trick, is a recipe to pour into the toilet bowl. This one consists of vinegar, baking soda, and other cleaning supplies to unclog the troublesome toilet. As a plunger alternative try this mixture instead.

If you don’t have a plunger and you’re all out of soap but you have these ingredients lying around, you can try this all-natural solution: Pour two cups of vinegar and pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Allow it to sit and penetrate the debris for about half an hour. If the clog still doesn’t dissipate, try the hot water trick with this recipe. And try not to be too grossed out.

Weymouth Clogged Toilet

Our sixth trick to unclogging a toilet is using empty plastic water bottles on a clogged toilet bowl. This uses a plastic bottle to create water pressure. Warning: This how to unclog a toilet without a plunger trick could get really messy if not done properly.

The first step is to start by removing as much water from the toilet bowl as possible. You can do this by repeatedly filling a small container with toilet water and pouring the water into a bucket.

For the next step, fill a large plastic bottle with warm water. Place your thumb over the water hole of the bottle, put it upside down into the toilet bowl, and fit the top end of the bottle into the outlet at the bottom of the toilet where the water flows out into the pipes (you’ll want to make sure to wear rubber gloves for this step if you wanna stay clean).

Remove your thumb and squeeze the bottle so the water inside shoots down the pipe pushing the debris. The added pressure could dislodge whatever was causing the clog.

The seventh and final trick for our list would be to use a squirt gun as a toilet drainer.

Plunger Alternative: Squirt Gun Toilet Drainer

When you’re repairing or replacing a toilet, you will definitely need to remove all the water for the repairs to work. Simply shutting off the water supply and flushing won’t get the job done all the way. A sponge works, but it’s kind of slow and time-consuming. So I came up with the genius idea of using an old used squirt gun I found lying around and used it to suck the remaining water out of the toilet bowl and squirt it into another container I had beside the broken toilet, leaving just the last few drops to sponge out quickly.

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