Category: Blog

Are Mini-Splits A Good Investment?

Sep 25, 2023

Are Mini-Splits A Good Investment?

  • Air Conditioning
  • Blog
  • Heating
Discover the benefits of mini-splits for efficient cooling and heating. Upgrade your comfort with mini-splits installed by MillTown.

Mini-split systems, also known as ductless mini-splits, have been gaining popularity in recent years as a more efficient and versatile cooling and heating solution for homes and businesses. These systems offer a range of benefits that set them apart from traditional HVAC systems. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of ductless AC systems, discuss their advantages over traditional HVAC systems, and help you determine if they are a good investment for your heating and cooling needs. At MillTown, we offer a wide variety of mini-split services! Give us a call if you need a service today. 

Mini Splits Versus Traditional HVAC Systems

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s briefly compare mini-splits to traditional HVAC systems to provide some context for our discussion.

Traditional HVAC Systems:

  • Typically traditional HVAC systems rely on ductwork to distribute air.
  • Traditional HVAC systems have single-zone or multi-zone capabilities but are less versatile.
  • Installation can be expensive and time-consuming.
  • Prone to energy loss through ductwork.
  • Maintenance and repair costs can be high.

Mini-Split Systems:

  • Ductless, which eliminates ductwork-related issues.
  • Offer both single-zone and multi-zone options for personalized control.
  • Generally more affordable and quicker to install.
  • Energy-efficient with minimal heat loss.
  • Lower maintenance and repair costs.

Are Mini Splits a Good Investment?

Now, let’s explore why ductless AC systems might be an excellent investment for your home or business:

  • Energy Efficiency: Mini-splits are renowned for their energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills.
  • Zone Control: With options for single-zone and multi-zone mini-splits, you can heat or cool specific areas as needed, optimizing comfort and efficiency.
  • Quick Installation: Installation is often quicker and less invasive than traditional HVAC systems, resulting in less disruption to your daily life.
  • Lower Maintenance: Mini-splits require less maintenance compared to traditional HVAC systems, reducing long-term costs.
  • Reduced Repair Expenses: When repairs are necessary, mini-splits tend to be more cost-effective to fix.
  • Space-Saving: Their compact design and lack of ductwork free up valuable space in your home.
  • Quiet Operation: Mini-splits operate quietly, enhancing your indoor comfort.

Factors to Consider

While mini-splits offer many benefits, it’s essential to consider specific factors before making a decision:

  • Climate: Mini-splits are especially effective in moderate climates, but their performance may vary in extreme cold or hot conditions.
  • Initial Cost: While they are often more affordable to install, the initial investment can still be significant.
  • Aesthetics: Consider the placement of indoor units to ensure they blend seamlessly with your decor.
  • Long-Term Goals: You should consider your long-term heating and cooling needs when deciding on the number and type of mini-splits to install.

Mini-Split Installation, Repair, and Maintenance

Proper installation, regular maintenance, and timely repair are essential to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your ductless AC system. If you need assistance with any of these aspects, you consider hiring a professional service provider with experience in mini-split systems.

Mini Split Brands

Choosing the right mini-split brand is crucial to the overall performance and reliability of your mini-split system. Some reputable mini-split brands in the market include Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, LG, Fujitsu, and Panasonic, among others. Research and compare these brands to find the one that best suits your needs.

Call MillTown for Professional Mini-Split Installation

At MillTown, we specialize in professional mini-split installation, repair, and maintenance. Our experienced technicians are well-versed in various mini-split brands and can help you make the most of your investment. MillTown strives to provide quality service, complete customer satisfaction, and reliable solutions. Contact us today for all your ductless AC needs.

Making the Right Choice

Ductless AC systems offer numerous advantages over traditional HVAC systems, making them a compelling investment for many homeowners and businesses. With benefits like energy efficiency, zone control, and lower maintenance costs, mini-splits can enhance indoor comfort and save you money in the long run. However, it’s crucial to consider factors such as climate and long-term goals before making a decision. If you decide to go with a ductless system, trust professionals like Milltown for installation and maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Are mini-splits a good investment? In many cases, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Contact us today and enjoy a more efficient and comfortable living or working space with a ductless unit. 

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By brenna@admachines.com

The Dangers of an Unmaintained Gas Furnace

Nov 26, 2018

The Dangers of an Unmaintained Gas Furnace

  • Blog
  • Furnaces
Furnace maintenance by MillTown Plumbing

Your furnace is responsible for keeping you and your loved ones warm throughout the fall and winter months. As temperatures drop, we rely more and more on our furnace. Extended use can cause stress for your heating system if it hasn’t been properly maintained. If your furnace is broken or damaged, it can be a safety hazard for your home and loved ones. If you have a gas furnace in your home, it’s essential to know precisely what the dangers are of an unmaintained gas furnace.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that’s a byproduct of burning carbon-based fuel. It can make humans and animals very sick, causing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, and confusion. In high concentrations, it can be fatal.

While all gas furnaces produce a small amount of carbon monoxide, this is usually expelled from the home through the vent system. However, a gas furnace that’s not maintained can produce high levels of carbon monoxide because of the buildup of dirt in the filter or combustion chamber. This can release carbon monoxide into the air supply. At the same time, fractures in the heat exchanger can release the gas. In addition, if the furnace door is damaged and doesn’t close properly, it can cause more carbon monoxide to escape.

Gas Line Leaks

Because gas is combustible, gas line leaks are extremely dangerous. They’re the cause of many home fires and can even cause explosions.

An unmaintained gas furnace might have cracks or holes in the gas lines, and the gas valve might be broken or connections might be loose. Any of these vulnerabilities can be places where gas can escape into your home.

If you smell a bad odor — usually like rotten eggs — and/or hear a hissing sound, you’ve got a gas leak. Evacuate your home immediately, and call the fire department.

Fire Hazard

In addition to gas line leaks, a gas furnace can be a fire hazard for several other reasons. If there are broken parts, the furnace won’t function properly, which could pose a fire risk. Dust and dirt can build up, and when they get hot, they can catch fire. In addition, if there’s clutter within two feet of the furnace, this could be a fire hazard too as it can overheat and ignite.

Always Maintain Your Gas Furnace

Fortunately, you can avoid all of these dangers by properly maintaining your gas furnace. You should regularly — about once a month — inspect it for any visual signs of damage such as dents, cracks, or loose valves. Make sure that the ignition light is burning blue. If it’s yellow or some other color, then there’s a problem with the combustion and you need to have a technician take a look right away. You should also listen for unusual sounds, as they can also indicate damage. Refer to the manual to determine whether the filters need to be replaced or cleaned and how often. For the best and safest results, follow these instructions to the letter.

Finally, make sure to schedule annual maintenance by a qualified technician. This will not only keep your furnace running energy-efficiently and prolong the appliance’s life, but also ensure it’s running properly so it’s safe for you and your family to use.

If your furnace needs maintenance or repair, call MillTown today! Our qualified and trained technicians will have your heating system running safely and efficiently in no time. 

By Milltown Plumbing

How to Winterize Hot Water Heaters

Nov 02, 2017

How to Winterize Hot Water Heaters

  • Blog
Hot water heaters

Hot water heaters are responsible for delivering hot water throughout your entire home. Every time you take a shower or wash the dishes, your hot water heater is helping you. Whether your system is electric or fuel-powered, it provides you and your loved ones with warm water throughout your home. such an important part of your home should be serviced regularly, right?

Imagine losing your access to hot water when you need it most! During the winter months, when temperatures drop, and storms are likely, it’s important to make sure that your appliances are working in top shape. A step in this process that you may want to consider is winterizing your hot water heater. Here are a few things you should know about how your hot water heater works, and how you can prepare it for the upcoming winter season.

How Hot Water Heaters Works

In order to properly winterize the water heater in your home, you need to know what kind of system you have in place. Here are the different types of hot water heaters that may be providing your home with hot water:

  • Storage tank heaters are the most common water heating systems that are at work in most modern homes. They run on either electricity or fuel; electric heaters will connect to your home service panel and fuel powered will have vents to rid of the exhaust. Both systems work to deliver hot water throughout your home by way of its piping system. For example, when you turn on your shower, hot water is pumped through from your water heater.
  • Tankless hot water heaters distribute hot water throughout your home as it’s used, rather than in bulk with a storage tank. As your water boiler heats water, the water heats a coil of pipe that delivers hot water to your taps.
  • Heat pumps use electricity to shift heat around, rather than heating areas directly. They can be purchased as standalone models, or they can be added to existing models to increase productivity.
  • Solar heaters use the suns energy to heat stored water. While they can prove to be very cost efficient in the long run, they typically require a backup system in the event that the sun isn’t out for a long period of time. Location of solar equipment is also important, it must be placed in a spot with maximum exposure to the sun, like your roof.
  • Condensing heaters are used with gas heating systems. A tank is in the place like an average water heater, but a condensing system captures hot exhaust gasses. Traditionally, they would be expelled through a flue but instead, they are gathered to continue heating the water.

How Winter May Affect it

Cold weather can take a toll on certain systems in your home, especially those in place that are intended to provide heat. If your water heater takes more time to heat, or if it shuts down completely, not only will you be without hot water, but your home could face damage as well, like freezing pipes.

Say your heater is set to heat water to 120 degrees. If it’s working properly, it will always heat your water to that specific temperature. However, if it’s working in colder temperatures because the weather outside is freezing, it may take a considerable amount of time longer to reach the desired temperature. Hot water usage tends to increase in the colder months as well; warm showers or baths may be used to compensate for the cooler weather outside. If your water heater is due for servicing or you suspect that it may not be working as well as it should contact a local professional to come take a look.

What Homeowners Can Do

While contacting a professional is always a smart choice, there are steps that you can take on your own to winterize the tank or tankless water heater in your home:

  1. Locate your water shut-off valve and turn it off. This could be located inside or outside of your home, but it’s important that you know it’s location. After shutting off the water supply, unplug your water heater, or turn of the fuel source powering it. Be sure to see that the pilot light has gone out and that the knob is in the off position.
  2. Once the heater is turned off, you can drain the remaining water in the tank using a bucket or hose leading to a designated drainage area. Open faucets and fixtures throughout your house, including outside hose connections. Water will drain on its own and eventually stop altogether.
  3. Pipes leading to and from your water heater can be wrapped for insulation purposes. Blankets are made to specifically protect and insulate the heaters themselves; it can be wrapped around the exterior. This step is optional but recommended for use before freezing temperatures have passed.
  4. Different protection methods will be necessary for solar heaters, and a professional should be contacted to ensure that they aren’t damaged.

Now that you know how different waters work in your home, you’re ready to prepare them for the cold winter months that are headed your way.

Call Milltown Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Drain Cleaning today for more information on hot water heaters!

By Milltown Plumbing