Campbell Heating & Air

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14 Mar

Curious About The Cost Of Converting From Oil To Natural Gas

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Like John from Belmont who Declared his Curiosity to WBZ-TV in Boston: 

“The price of oil has been steadily rising. Is it cheaper to heat with oil or natural gas or anything else?”

At Patricia O’Mahony’s home in Quincy, it’s out with the old and in with the new.  She’s converting from oil to natural gas.  “It’ll save me a lot of money in the long run,” she says.
Making that kind of switch is definitely a long term proposition.

Here are some ballpark numbers.

If you’re switching a forced hot air system, expect to pay between $4,500 and $7,000.

For radiators, the cost is upwards of $7,500. Converting a forced hot water system is the most expensive, between $7,500 and $11,000.  You may also have to pay to run a gas line to your house and to get rid of your old oil tank.

Despite the costs, a lot of people are taking the plunge.

“This year we project 14,000 conversions,” says National Grid’s Dennis McCaffery.  He says there’s a simple reason for that.  “They can expect to save a range of 15-to-34-percent. That’s because natural gas is a lot cheaper than oil right now.”  And that’s keeping Hub Plumbing busy doing about 10 conversions each month.  “They want to save money, they want their equipment to be reliable, they want a reliable source of fuel coming in,” says John Clary of Hub Plumbing.  It’s not just switching to gas.  Some homeowners are thinking very long term and going geothermal, where your heating and cooling come from below ground.  But that’s hugely expensive.  You could pay from $15,000 to $40,000 for a geothermal system mostly due to drilling and construction costs. However, you could also save as much as 70-percent on your heating, cooling and hot water bills.

For a much smaller investment, some people are buying pellet stoves to supplement their heating systems.  A bag of wood pellets costs about $5 and lasts all day.  “You can cut your oil bill down by about a third,” says Rob Buchanan who owns Buchanan Fireplace in Medford.  At his shop, pellet stoves cost between $4,000 and $5,000.  “You should be able to pay that off, with oil rising, within a couple of years,” says Buchanan.  By far, switching to gas is the most popular choice.  But with the high changeover costs, timing is important.

“My boiler was old and I knew I needed a new one,” says Patricia O’Mahony. And that’s the best time to consider making a move

By far, switching to gas is the most popular choice.

18 Feb

Oil to Gas Conversion for your Home Heating

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With the high price of fuel oil, more and more homeowners in New England are switching their furnaces from oil to gas.  You may have heard about this process in the news or from friends and neighbors, but the professionals at Campbell Heating & Air would like to provide you with additional information about oil to gas conversions.

At today’s rates, it typically costs about a dollar less to produce one therm (the commercial heating unit, equal to 100,000 Btus) with gas than with heating oil.  That may not sound like much, but it really adds up over the course of the winter and fall.  Converting from oil to gas can help you save hundreds in just one year, let alone over the long term.

Natural gas also burns cleaner than fuel oil, making your gas-burning furnace lower maintenance and more eco-friendly.  The cleanest burning of the fossil fuels, natural gas emits mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor when burned.  It does emit some carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, but not nearly as much as oil or coal, and creates virtually no soot or ash.  When you let Campbell Heating & Air convert your furnace from oil to gas, you’ll greatly reduce your pollution emissions for a lower impact on the environment as well as practically eliminate the need for regular furnace cleanings!

When it comes to actually converting your heating system from oil to gas you have two options: burner replacement and gas furnace installation.

Burner Replacement: In many cases, the burner in your old oil furnace can be replaced with a gas-burning burner, saving you the cost of an entirely new furnace.  Keep in mind that while you will gain the benefits of a cleaner, more affordable fuel source, if your converted furnace is old, it will not be nearly as efficient as if you had a new gas-burning furnace installed.  Burner replacement can be an affordable way to get the benefits of natural gas, so be sure to ask your heating contractor if this is an option for your home!

Gas Furnace Installation: The other option is to switch out your old oil furnace for a new gas furnace.  A more costly option, this also ensures you get the latest furnace technology and the most energy-efficient furnace. Our team can help you select the ideal gas furnace for your home, taking into account questions of size, efficiency, manufacturer, and more.

Converting your home heating system from oil to gas also requires that your house have natural gas service. Even if you already have a natural gas line (for the kitchen stove, etc.), you may need to have it upgraded: many homes are fitted with gas lines that are appropriately sized for a kitchen appliance but not to adequately heat your entire house! If your home does not already have a gas line, installing one is generally straightforward and cost-effective.

Finally, be sure that your chimney is safe for use with a gas furnace.  In most cases, we recommend installing a steel liner to ensure that no carbon monoxide can leak into your house.  Even if your furnace chimney is safe for your current oil-burning furnace, it may not be safe for the new gas furnace. Our professionals can assess your existing chimney to ensure it’s safe for your gas furnace and to recommend solutions if it’s not.

So if you’re ready to start saving money and reduce your environmental impact, converting your furnace from oil to gas is a great choice.  Call today to get started on your oil to gas furnace conversion!

5 Jan

2012: The Year to Make your Home Highly Efficient!

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What if you could make home improvements that increase your comfort, lower your energy costs, add value to your home, and do something good for the environment? And what if you could get some money back from Uncle Sam at the same time? We can show you how…

Updated Tax Incentives for Homeowners

Part of the tax extender bill passed by Congress in December 2010 made significant changes to tax incentives for federal taxpayers who install qualified energy efficient retrofits in their home, including higher efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment in their primary residences. An eligible taxpayer may claim up to $500 in tax credits, subject to caps based on the type of equipment installed. You may now qualify for tax credits equal to 10% of the costs (up to a $300 limit) for installing a high efficiency central air conditioner, heat pump, or hot water heater. You may also qualify for tax credits equal to 10% of the costs (up to $150 limit) for installing a qualified furnace or hot water boiler. A smaller tax credit of 10% of the installed costs (up to $50 limit) is available for installing a system with an advanced main air circulating fan.

What Is Considered a High Efficiency Unit?

A split system central air conditioner must meet or exceed 16 SEER and 13 EER; package system central air conditioners must meet or exceed 14 SEER and 12 EER. An air source heat pump must meet or exceed 15 SEER and 12.5 EER and 8.5 HSPF, in order to qualify for the tax credit. Package heat pump systems must meet or exceed 14 SEER and 12 SEER and 8 HSPF. Natural gas furnaces, propane furnaces, natural gas hot water boilers, propane hot water boilers, oil furnaces, and oil hot water boilers all must meet or exceed 95% AFUE.

For the advanced main air circulating fan credit, the fan must use no more than 2% of the furnace’s total energy. If the fan is qualified, but the furnace is not, you will not be able to take 10% off the cost of the entire furnace. Ask your HVAC contractor to break out the cost of the fan in your bill. You can get a 10% tax credit on the cost of the fan alone. If the furnace is qualified, but the fan is not, you can still take the 10% tax credit on the full cost of the furnace.

Why You Should Consider an Upgrade

Advances in technology over the last ten years mean that today’s higher efficiency HVAC equipment uses less energy, runs more quietly, and provides improved indoor air quality and comfort. And by using less energy and improved refrigerants, your new HVAC equipment is better for the environment.

Most homeowners would like to reduce their energy bills with higher efficiency HVAC equipment, and these tax credit help make the initial investment more affordable. Talk to us about finding the right qualified equipment that meets your budget. We can show you how much energy (and money) you could save over the long term.

Note: Every taxpayer’s situation is different. We can’t guarantee eligibility for the tax credits. But Campbell Heating & Air can help you figure out what equipment qualifies and how it can work for your comfort, health, and pocketbook.

6 Nov

Buderus Boilers & Water Heaters MA & NH

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Campbell Heating & Air is your local Massachusetts and New Hampshire provider of Buderus Boilers and Heating Systems to Save Energy in your Home.

Buderus has a full product line including condensing and wall-hung boilers, domestic hot water storage tanks, climate and energy controls, panel radiators, solar heating systems and other hot water heating accessories.

Intelligent Heating for Your Home

Buderus heating systems provide more consistent, more comfortable heat using far less fuel than conventional high-temperature systems.

Why Buderus?

  • Heating Systems Minimize Temperature Cycling
  • Improved Comfort and Fuel Economy  
  • More Comfortable and Controlled Room and Water Temperatures  
  • EnergyStar Compliant
  • Whisper-Quiet Wall Hung Boilers
  • Maximum Efficiency Ratings

Effieciency & Performance

Buderus knows it’s important to keep costs as low as possible yet still maintain high efficiencies, low emissions, and exceptional performance. That’s why we have worked hard to bring all of these qualities together in our full product line.

It’s easy to save energy with Buderus

Condensing boiler technology is the most efficient, environmentally friendly form of gas heating available today. Thanks to lower fuel consumption and lower heating costs, condensing boilers usually pay for themselves in only 2 to 5 years. Additionally, a modern condensing heating system increases the value of the building as well as quality of life by reducing emissions. Contemporary condensing technology offers an intelligent, easy-to-install solution to rising fuel costs and meets air quality regulation requirements.

For those in Littleton, Westford, Acton, Sudbury, Chelmsford, Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Newton, Brookline, Wellesley, Weston, Needham, Dover, Sherborn, Wayland, and surrounding areas that are interested in a Buderus Heating System for your home or business please call (877) 410-3752 or visit https://www.campbellheatingandair.com/ for more info.

31 Oct

Viessmann Boilers & Hot Water Tanks MA & NH

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Comprehensive range. Efficient. Sustainable.

Campbell Heating & Air offers he comprehensive range of products and services from Viessmann

Viessmann sets the technological pace for the heating industry. The comprehensive range of products and services from Viessmann offers individual solutions with efficient systems for all application areas and all energy sources.

As environmental pioneers, the company has, for decades, been supplying particularly efficient and clean heating systems for oil and gas, as well as solar thermal systems, heating systems for biomass and heat pumps.

The comprehensive range of products and services from Viessmann offers top technology and sets new benchmarks. With its high energy efficiency, this range helps to save heating costs and is always the right choice where ecology is concerned.

Individual and efficient solutions

Viessmann offers the right heating system for any demand – wall mounted or floorstanding, in individual combinations – all are futureproof and economical. It makes no difference whether you need a system for detached or two-family houses, for large residential buildings, for commerce and industry, or for local heating networks, or whether the system is intended for modernization or new build.

The spectrum of goods and services offered by the Viessmann Group includes:

■Condensing technology for oil and gas

■Solar thermal systems

■Heat pumps

■Wood combustion systems

■CHP modules

■Biogas plants

■Services

Of course, we also offer full maintenance and service after the sale, to ensure that your Viessmann continues to operate at peak efficiency.

With 6800 employees around the world, the Viessmann Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heating technology – and Europe’s best-selling brand of floor-mounted boilers. Worldwide, the name Viessmann stands for expertise and innovation.

What if I want a Viessmann Boiler? Call us at (877) 410-3752.

We will arrange for someone to come to your home and discuss different Viessmann boiler and/or other heating options for your particular needs.

We proudly service Massachusets and Southern New Hampshire including:

Westford, Acton, Sudbury, Chelmsford, Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Newton, Brookline, Wellesley, Weston, Needham, Dover, Sherborn, Wayland, Littleton and surrounding areas.

25 Sep

Lochinvar Boilers & Water Heaters MA & NH

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Campbell Heating & Air is your local MA / NH Lochinvar provider of High Efficiency Water Heaters, Boilers, and Pool Heaters.  Our service mechanics are highly trained and certified to provide you with the top equipment and service in the industry.

In 1993, Lochinvar introduced the Copper-Fin II, the first line of horizontal chassis, copper-finned tube water heaters, boilers and pool heaters to operate with fan-assisted combustion. Available in models up to 2,070,000 Btu/hr, the Copper-Fin II line is known throughout the industry for its high thermal efficiency, unique gasketless heat exchanger, proportional firing, small footprint and multiple venting options. Today, the proven performance of this line has been further enhanced with design updates and a new operating control, taking Copper-Fin II to a new level of innovation.

Smarter System, Greater Control

Among the major enhancements to the Copper-Fin II family of products, all models are now equipped with the exclusive SMART SYSTEM™ control. Originally developed and introduced in 2005, SMART SYSTEM is the industry’s most advanced integrated operating control designed to simplify installation, system sequencing, set-up and troubleshooting.

The user-friendly SMART SYSTEM interface features a two-line, 16 character LCD display that provides readouts of setup, system status and diagnostic data in words rather than codes. Equipped with a built-in cascading sequencer, SMART SYSTEM allows for the installation and control of up to eight units. Further expanding upon the well-established cascading sequencer, the Copper-Fin II offers balanced control with Front End Loading capabilities when connected to Lochinvar’s CREST® Condensing Boiler.

Other standard SMART SYSTEM control features include outdoor reset with sensor, Domestic Hot Water prioritization, three pump control, night setback and password security. Optional PC software offers expanded capability for recording, tracking and analyzing system data to fine-tune operation for maximum performance and troubleshooting.

In addition, the Copper-Fin II now has a more conveniently positioned High Voltage Terminal strip for easy connection to a 120-volt power source; control contacts for System Pump, Boiler Pump and DHW Pump; as well as a Low Voltage Terminal board allowing for connection to an array of control and safety features such as 0-10 VDC BMS input, contacts for air louvers and optional Modbus protocol.

Space-Saving, Service-Friendly Design

While Copper-Fin II is known for its small footprint and Lochinvar’s unique factory-welded Stack Frame option that allows for installation of two units in the area normally required for one, the enhanced models offer a more service-friendly design. The gas inlet and internal controls have been repositioned to the front of the appliance for easier access during installation and service. The built-in air filter reduces maintenance and improves performance with a field convertible option to install the air intake on the rear or the right side of the boiler.

Expanding upon the versatility of the Copper-Fin family, the larger units ranging from 990,000 to 2,070,000 Btu/hr are now rated for installation on combustible floors. The smaller units may be installed on a combustible floor when equipped with an optional combustible floor kit available from Lochinvar.

Time-Proven Heat Exchanger

In 1989, Lochinvar was the first manufacturer to offer gasketless cast iron and copper-finned tube heat exchangers. This unique gasketless design enhances reliability by eliminating o-rings and gaskets often encountered with other brands. The advanced heat exchanger features glass-lined headers and copper-finned tubes with extruded integral fins spaced at seven fins per inch for exceptional heat transfer. The heat exchanger is built to ASME construction standards for 160 psi working pressure and is backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
 
If you live in Massachusetts or New Hampshire and would like more information on High Efficiency Boilers & Water Heaters, please call (877) 410-3752 or visit https://www.campbellheatingandair.com/

7 Aug

What You Need to Know about Central Air Conditioning Systems

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Adding a cooling system is one of the smartest investments you can make.

The right cooling system, installed the right way, will bring a new world of comfort to your summer living. But the wrong system could bring you untold frustration and may cost much more in high operating and maintenance costs.

Unlike heating, plumbing or electrical systems, there are no municipal inspectors who check the safety and integrity of air conditioning installations. It’s critical that you choose a company you can rely on for quality installation and service.

Central air conditioner systems are usually of two types – split systems or packaged systems. In a split system, the condenser and compressor are located in an outdoor unit but the evaporator is located inside the building. Typically, the evaporator is mounted in the air handler unit. On the other hand, in a packaged system, as the name suggests, all components – the condenser, the compressor and the evaporator are located in a single outdoor unit. The entire unit is generally located on the ground or on the roof. Packaged systems are generally used when there is limited space.

A central air conditioning system offers many advantages over conventional air conditioning systems. Central air conditioning systems can improve your indoor air quality. When the system turns on, ambient air is drawn in to the air handler unit from different rooms and corners of your building through return-air ducts. The system has a filter for air to pass through. As a result, air borne particles like dust, pollen and lint are removed before filtered air is routed back to the rooms through a separate set of ductwork. Some central air conditioning systems come with highly sophisticated filters that can remove even microscopic pollutants.

There is another important advantage of central air conditioning systems over conventional air conditioners. With a central air conditioning system the condenser, including the fan and the compressor, is located in an outdoor unit. This means the level of indoor noise is almost negligible. No wonder most hospitals, educational institutions and government offices prefer to use central air conditioning systems.

Adding air conditioning to your home can be a good investment. Make it a great one with a system from Campbell Heating & Air.

1 Aug

York Air Conditioning Systems in Massachusetts

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Littleton, MA:  We are a proud dealer of York® air conditioning split systems.  You may not know it, but York® products have been all around – from the world’s most famous buildings, including the U.S. Capitol – to the entire U.S. Navy nuclear submarine fleet, as well as your local mall and corner bank.  For over 130 years, the York® brand has earned trust as the first successful room air conditioner and for the world’s first mechanically cooled theater, hotel and office building.  Today, they’re constantly leading the industry in residential product design, signified by the Good Housekeeping Seal and ENERGY STAR® qualified products.

This is one of the hottest Massachusetts summers on record and when it’s time to get comfortable, it’s a good time to install a new high-efficiency York® air conditioning system.  Whether replacing your worn-out or outmoded system, or adding comfort to your new home, you can count on York® for years of quiet, trouble-free service and economical operation.

For more information about York® residential cooling systems call us at (877) 410-3752 and one of our Air Conditioning specialists will answer all of your questions. Let us show you why we are better than our competition.

We proudly service Massachusets and Southern New Hampshire including:

Westford, Acton, Sudbury, Chelmsford, Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Newton, Brookline, Wellesley, Weston, Needham, Dover, Sherborn, Wayland, and surrounding areas.

23 Jul

Central Air Conditioning in Massachusetts

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Many states across the country, Massachusetts included, are seeing some of the hottest days in years.  Now may be the time to invest in an energy efficient central air conditioning system for your Massachusetts home or business.
Replacing cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent — costing you more on your utility bills and possibly shortening the equipment’s life.

Make sure to ask your Massachusetts AC contractor if their work meets guidelines set by ENERGY STAR® and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

Proper Sizing of Equipment

Installing the right size equipment for the home is essential to getting the best performance and comfort. Many homeowners believe that bigger is better when buying new cooling equipment. But in reality, a system that’s too large will not keep your home comfortable because of frequent ‘on/off’ cycling. Incorrect sizing can also put stress on system components and shorten the equipment’s life. To ensure proper sizing your contractor should provide a copy of the home’s heat gain/loss calculations for your records.

Campbell Heating & Air provides high efficiency air conditioning systems to homes and businesses in Massachusetts.  If you are interested in having a cooling system installed please call (877) 410-3752 or visit our website https://www.campbellheatingandair.com/

Some of the towns in MA we service are Westford, Acton, Sudbury, Chelmsford, Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Newton, Brookline, Wellesley, Weston, Needham, Dover, Sherborn, Wayland, Littleton and surrounding areas.

9 Jul

Choosing an Air Conditioning System in Massachusetts

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Selecting an air conditioner for your Massachusetts home is a big decision. It’s an important investment today. It will play a key role in your home energy expenses for years to come. And when the Massachusetts summer heat is at its worst, you’ll want your family to have the best, most reliable cooling comfort possible. Here are a few things to consider.

What do good central air units have in common?

The best ones are efficient, operating on minimal electricity to hold utility bills down. They provide steady, dependable performance year after year when properly maintained. Good systems are quiet, long-lasting and low in service needs.

How can I be sure my Unit is the right size?

Obviously, an air conditioner that’s too small won’t keep your home sufficiently cool. But what many don’t realize is that an oversized system will cycle (turn on and off) more than necessary, wasting expensive energy and possibly putting undue strain on the compressor.

A good contractor will determine the optimum size for your home by making a careful study of your cooling requirements. Window dimensions and exposure. Floor space, insulation and local climate. Heat-generating appliances. The direction your home faces. Even the amount of your home’s exterior shaded by trees.

He’ll specify the cooling capacity of the system in either Btu/h (British thermal units of heat removed per hour) or refrigeration tons (one ton being equal to 12,000 Btu/h).

Which air conditioners are energy efficient?

Much like automobile manufacturers, today’s air conditioner manufacturers are required by law to evaluate and rate their equipment according to its energy efficiency. This rating is known in the industry as a SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the equipment.

Most new homes with central air come equipped with a standard builder’s model. However, when replacement becomes necessary, property owners can upgrade their air conditioning by specifying a more energy-efficient system.

High SEER models are generally more expensive, but can easily make up the difference by reducing your home energy bills over the long run.

Are some air conditioners built better than others?

The compressor is the heart of a condensing unit. On a hot day, it works long and hard. Campbell Heating and Air installs the highly advanced scroll compressor in every condensing unit. Scroll Compressors are recognized by the industry as the leader in reliability, efficiency and quiet operation.

Other features to look for include louvered steel cabinets that protect the coils from damage and expensive repair bills.

Also, with some condensing units, the fan can be another source of bothersome noise. Our units have a grill design that minimizes air restriction for quieter fan operation.

What should I look for in an AC contractor?

Reliabiltiy. Look for a contractor you see in your community. You want one who’s close by to provide you faster, more convenient service.

They should offer a recognized name brand. And they should have a well-stocked inventory of replacement parts. You wouldn’t want to sit out a mid-summer heat wave waiting for a simple repair!

Campbell Heating and Air in Littleton, MA is knowledgeable, reliable, and as good as any you’ll find in the business. Give us a call at (877) 410-3752 or visit our website https://www.campbellheatingandair.com/