Air Conditioning 101: What Types of AC Systems Can I Choose From?

family enjoying summer homeIf you’ve been considering installing a new air conditioning system in your home, you may find that there is a lot of information out there now. It can be hard to weed through it all, and that makes it difficult to choose the best system for your home.

At Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc., we like to make it as easy as possible for our customers to learn about today’s HVAC products and help them choose the right ones for their home and comfort needs. In this article, we’ll tell you about three different types of air conditioning systems, and how Reidy can assist you. Keep reading to learn more!

3 Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Today, there are different types of air conditioning systems available, each with their own benefits. Below, learn more about the air conditioning systems we install for our customers:

  • Traditional Central Air Conditioning: This type of air conditioning system is the most common. With an indoor and an outdoor component, central air uses the home’s ductwork system to move cooled air throughout the home. Modern central air conditioning systems are much more energy efficient than their earlier counterparts, with some systems achieving SEER ratings of nearly 26.
  • Ductless Air Conditioning: Unlike central air conditioning systems, ductless systems do not require ductwork to keep your home cool. Instead, one unit is installed in a room or zone, with indoor and outdoor units connected by a small diameter tube. Whether you need cooling in just one room or throughout your home, ductless is an option, as they are available in single or multiple units. Ductless tends to be very energy efficient, as many models use heat pumps to operate, and many models can also provide heating during the colder months.
  • Heat Pump Systems: Heat pumps are considered the most efficient means of home cooling available on the market today. They don’t use fossil fuel to operate, instead transferring heat from the air in your home to the air or ground outside. And, like ductless systems, a heat pump can be reversed during the winter to extract heat from the outdoor air or earth and pump it into your home. A traditional heat pump system uses your existing ductwork to move cooled or heated air throughout your home.

The best type of system for your home depends on your home’s structure, your lifestyle needs, and your budget. To determine the most effective AC system for your home, it’s always a good idea to talk to a qualified air conditioning contractor, like Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Can Reidy help me choose the right AC system for my home?

We can! When you count on us for your air conditioning installation needs, you can rely on our professional technicians and quality AC products, including central air, ductless, and heat pump systems. We’ll help you choose the right system for your home and provide the expert installation you need. Plus, because we are a full-service contractor, you can rest assured we’ll provide you with the services you need, like maintenance and repair. To learn more about our air conditioning systems, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (413) 534-3749 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Why Choose Seasonal AC Maintenance?

Technician inspecting line to a Residential Air Conditioner Condenser Unit at the side of a stucco homeNow that the spring season has arrived, most people are starting to think about warmer days ahead. And while it might not be time for air conditioning quite yet, the temperature outside will warm up before you know it, and you’ll want that cool comfort to be readily available. That’s why choosing air conditioning maintenance for your system is important.

You may find yourself wondering if it’s really necessary to get air conditioning maintenance each year and if there are any real benefits to doing so. In this article, we’ll explain how maintenance helps your system perform at its best, and how Reidy Heating & Cooling can help. Learn more below!

The Benefits of AC Maintenance

Having an air conditioning system that’s working properly helps homeowners stay nice and cool when the temperatures start to rise. Keeping your system properly maintained can help the cool air flow freely, so you and your family won’t have to worry about a hot, sticky, uncomfortable home. Here are a few benefits regular AC maintenance can provide:

  • Improved Home Comfort: When your AC system has not been properly maintained, it can become sluggish. As a result, your home may have uneven cooling, or may not be as cool as you’d like. Getting regular maintenance ensures that your system will be clean, and all parts will be in good condition, making it much easier for your AC to keep your home cool.
  • Better Energy Efficiency: As your air conditioning system ages, it can lose some of its original efficiency. That’s even more true for systems that have not been well-maintained over the years. Annual maintenance can help it operate as efficiently as possible, which can help you save on energy costs.
  • Fewer Costly Repairs: When your air conditioning system is checked regularly, it’s much more likely that small problems will be found before they turn into larger repairs (or worst-case scenario, replacement.) Unfortunately, unchecked systems often end up completely breaking down, leaving you without cooling – and with expensive repairs.
  • Better Air Quality: A poorly maintained system is often a dirty system. That’s because dirt, dust, and other particles can accumulate in your AC system, and then are distributed throughout your indoor air whenever the air conditioner runs. During maintenance, your technician will clean your system, allowing for fresher indoor air for you and your family.
  • Warranty: If you check your air conditioning system’s warranty, you may discover that regular maintenance by a qualified professional is necessary to keep the warranty in place. Failure to do so may result in your warranty being voided, and that can mean expensive, out-of-pocket costs should your system need repair or replacement.

Air conditioning maintenance not only helps keep your home more comfortable, but it also helps you save money on energy bills and repairs. Fortunately, getting the seasonal maintenance your AC system needs is as easy as giving Reidy Heating & Cooling a call.

Reidy offers professional air conditioning maintenance and more.

When you count on Reidy for the air conditioning maintenance your system needs, you can rely on our professional technicians to help. And, we also offer convenient maintenance plans that provide cooling and heating maintenance, as well as discounts on labor and materials, and no overtime charges. To learn more about our air conditioning maintenance plans, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (413) 534-3749 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

How Can I Make Sure My Plumbing is Working Properly This Spring?

Plumbing serviceSpring has arrived, and that means the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer. It also means that summer is right around the corner. Plumbing problems can curtail those lazy, hazy days though, so why not take this opportunity to make sure your plumbing system won’t be causing any concerns when vacation time arrives.

How can you make sure your plumbing is in good working order? In this article, we’ll share five things you can do to ensure your home’s plumbing system is working like it should. And, we’ll tell you how Reidy can help with any plumbing problems you might have in your home – keep reading to learn more!

5 Ways to Ensure Your Plumbing is Working Properly

Now is the time to make sure your home’s plumbing is in working order so you can enjoy a worry-free summer season. Here are five ways you can do that:

  1. Check Your Drains: Make sure all drains throughout your home are free from debris and blockages that could cause problems down the road. If there are any clogs or slow draining sinks, treat them with a commercial drain cleaner as soon as possible. If this doesn’t help, it might be time to call in a plumber so the problem doesn’t become a bigger one, such as a burst pipe.
  2. Inspect Your Pipes: Look around outside for any exposed pipes or hoses that may have been damaged over winter due to freezing temperatures and snowfall accumulation. It’s important these be repaired quickly before they lead to more costly repairs in the future.
  3. Test Water Pressure: High water pressure can put extra strain on appliances like hot water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines. And that can cause them to not function properly, which can lead up to expensive repairs or replacements.
  4. Check Your Sump Pump: If your basement is prone to flooding, you probably have a sump pump. It’s important to inspect it in the spring to make sure it’s free of any debris and the inlet screen is clean. You’ll also want to make sure the float switch, check valve, and power supply are in good working order. Not sure how to maintain your sump pump yourself? The plumbers at Reidy will be more than happy to help.
  5. Schedule Maintenance: Have an experienced plumber from Reidy come out during this time of year just as preventive maintenance measure. This can guard against potential issues down the line, such as water leaks or burst pipes. Catching small problems early on can help you save on repairs and any potential water damage later on!

By taking these steps now, you’ll have peace-of-mind throughout this upcoming season knowing that your home’s plumbing is ready for the summer months.

When you need help with your home’s plumbing, count on Reidy.

You know you can count on Reidy Heating & Cooling for your home comfort system, but did you know we can help you get the plumbing services and products you need as well? At Reidy, we’re pleased to provide you with a comprehensive listing of plumbing products and services. So, whether you’re dealing with a leaky kitchen faucet, or need a new hot water heater, Reidy is ready to help.

Our plumbing technicians are fully qualified to help meet your plumbing repair and installation needs. We offer comprehensive installation of any type of water heater, and we can help when you have bathroom and kitchen plumbing needs, too. Call us today at (413) 534-3749 to find out how we can help you with your plumbing needs.

Updating Your HVAC System this Spring? Heat Pumps are an Option.

heat pumpOnce spring arrives, people often start to think about home improvement projects. If you’ve been considering upgrading your home’s HVAC system, you may have already done some research on what types of equipment are available. If so, it’s likely you’ve heard about heat pump systems.

While heat pumps have been around for a while, they haven’t been widely used in the Northeast until recently. This is because they didn’t always work great in colder temperatures. But new technology has made heat pumps a viable option for home heating in cold climates, and that means more people now have a choice when it comes to using them in their homes.

How do heat pump systems work?

Heat pump systems don’t use fossil fuels like traditional oil or gas burning systems. Instead, they extract heat from the air or ground and then pump the heat into your home. This makes them operate more efficiently, and in a more environmentally sound fashion. And that makes them a great HVAC solution for people who are concerned about saving energy – and reducing their carbon footprint.

What are some other benefits of installing a heat pump system?

As we mentioned above, heat pumps are highly energy efficient and provide clean heating. But there are even more reasons to choose a heat pump system for your home, including:

  • Flexibility: Heat pump systems are available that can work in homes that have a central duct system, as well as homes without ductwork. Ductless heating systems use heat pump technology and are an efficient alternative to electric baseboard heating.
  • Air Quality: Heat pumps can help improve indoor air quality because they don’t burn fuel, which can release odors into your home’s air. They also generally provide excellent filtration of the air moving through your home, which means you and your family will enjoy cleaner air
  • Air Conditioning: One of the major benefits of installing a heat pump system in your home is that they also provide cooling in the summer. Because they operate by extracting heat from the air, this process can be reversed during the summer months – offering you a year-round home comfort solution.
  • Incentives: Because they are energy-efficient, clean, and an all-in-one HVAC solution, there are often incentives available for homeowners who choose to install a heat pump system in your home. So not only can you save on your energy bills for years to come, you can also save on the up-front costs.

Does Reidy install heat pump systems?

We sure do! When you choose Reidy for your heat pump installation in Holyoke or the surrounding areas, you can count on us to provide you with the best equipment available. Our heat pumps are durable, providing you with years of home comfort.

And, our heat pumps are energy efficient, so you can enjoy better heating as well as lower utility bills. Not to mention, because we’re a full-service home comfort contractor, you can count on us to provide you with any future heat pump maintenance or repair services you may need.

Sounds great! How can I schedule a consultation?

If you’re considering a heat pump installation for your home, Reidy Heating & Cooling is ready to assist you. Call us today at (413) 534-3749 to find out how we can help you get an energy-efficient heat pump system for your home.

Updating Your Home Heating Equipment? Learn About the Types of Heating Systems.

mother and child snuggle under blanket on couch while readingWith the return of chilly weather, many homeowners are thinking about ways they can improve their home comfort. If they have old, outdated heating equipment in their home, they may be considering replacing it with newer equipment. There are many reasons why replacing older equipment might be a good idea.

When heating equipment ages, it loses some of its ability to adequately keep your home warm. It may use more energy than it should. Often, people add to their homes without updating their heating equipment, and that can make equipment work harder than it should and wear out more quickly. And, the older your heating equipment gets, the more likely it is to need larger, more expensive repairs. If you’ve noticed any of these concerns with your current heating system, keep reading to learn about the different types of heating available for your home.

5 Types of Residential Heating Systems

Below, learn more about the five types of heating systems offered by Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc. – how they work to heat your home, and how they can improve your energy consumption and home comfort.

  1. Furnaces: Many homeowners use furnaces to keep their homes warm when the temperatures dip down. Most furnaces use gas or oil for home heating. Furnaces usually require a system of ductwork to deliver heated air throughout the home, commonly known as forced-air heating. Today’s furnaces are much more efficient than their predecessors, with some achieving efficiencies as high as 98.5%.
  2. Boilers: Boilers generally use oil or gas, and operate by sending heated water or steam through pipes throughout the home. The hot water or steam is distributed throughout the home via baseboard radiators or radiant floor systems. Boilers tend to last a long time, but that can mean an older boiler in your home may be using more energy than a modern, high-efficiency boiler system.
  3. Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are ultra-efficient, and in recent years have been engineered to function even in colder climates. Heat pumps use the heat from the air or ground to heat your home, and they do not need fossil fuel in order to operate. Instead, they’re able to extract heat and pump it into your home. As an added benefit, many models are able to reverse the process in the summer, effectively cooling your home as well.
  4. Ductless Heating: Ductless heating is a perfect choice for homes without ductwork, or for additions or converted spaces that don’t have access to the home’s central duct system. Most ductless systems use heat pump technology to heat homes, and, like centralized heat pump systems, are often able to cool the home during warmer weather. Ductless systems are installed as separate units throughout your home, and are easily controlled via remote.
  5. Baseboard Heating: Baseboard heating can be a component of a boiler system, or can operate independently from room to room using electricity to generate the heat. Electrical baseboard heat offers targeted comfort, and is usually controlled via thermostat on a room-to-room or zoned basis.

I’d like to learn more about upgrading my heating system. Can Reidy help?

At Reidy, we provide complete heating services to our customers, including new installation of quality heating equipment. We will be more than happy to talk to you about your current heating system, and help you find an upgrade that meets your lifestyle needs as well as your budget. Call us today at (413) 534-3749 to find out how we can help you with your home heating needs.

How Can Fall Maintenance Help Keep My Home More Comfortable?

home during autumn seasonNow that summer is over and the fall season has arrived, it’s time for all things autumn. The changing leaves, colorful outdoor displays, and pumpkin and apple treats will soon be arriving, along with cooler weather. Once the outdoor temperatures start to dip down, many people start to think about their home heating system – is it ready for the changing season as well?

Fortunately, making sure your heating system is ready to keep you and your family is pretty simple. Getting annual maintenance for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump system is one of the best ways you can ensure that it will start up without issue when you need it. In addition to this, there are several other reasons why fall heating maintenance is a good choice. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Reasons You Should Choose Fall Maintenance for Your Home

Of course, the main reason most people get annual maintenance is, as we mentioned above, to ensure their system will work once the cooler weather returns. There are many other benefits to choosing fall maintenance for your system as well, including:

  1. System Efficiency: Choosing annual maintenance services for your heating system can help it use less energy and operate more efficiently. Your system tends to collect dust and dirt with use, and that can cause the filter to become clogged and the inner components of your system to get dirty. As a result, your system has to work harder and use more energy. Your technician will clean your system, helping to restore efficiency.
  2. System Effectiveness: As we mentioned above, heating systems can get dirty over time. Not only does this affect the efficiency of your system, but its effectiveness as well. During routine maintenance, your system will be cleaned and tuned up, and any issues that could be causing it to operate poorly will be addressed.
  3. Longer Equipment Life: Heating equipment can last anywhere from 10-20 years. Unfortunately, systems that are not adequately maintained may not last nearly as long. Think about it this way – if you failed to get oil changes or new tires for your car, you wouldn’t expect it to last very long. The same goes for most complex mechanical equipment, including heating systems.
  4. Better Indoor Air Quality: Because heating systems tend to collect dirt and dust, a poorly maintained system can lead to inadequate indoor air quality, especially in forced-air systems. That’s because the particles that collect in your system will be circulated around your home again and again, whenever your system operates. Maintenance means a cleaner system, so the air moving through it will be cleaner as well.
  5. Warranty Maintenance: Most heating equipment manufacturers require regular maintenance in order to keep the warranty intact. Failure to get proper maintenance may result in your warranty being voided, and that can mean expensive out-of-pocket costs if your system breaks down and needs repairs or replacement.

How can Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc. help me get the heating maintenance I need?

For your convenience, Reidy offers maintenance plans, which provide 24-hour service and discounted rates for members. Your heating system is an important investment. With our Home Comfort Club Maintenance Savings Plan, you won’t have to worry about coming home to a heating issue.

As a member, you’ll receive:

  • Seasonal Maintenance on Heating & AC
  • Discounts on Labor and Materials
  • Fewer System Breakdowns
  • Lower Utilities
  • No Overtime Charges
  • Guaranteed Service

To learn more about our maintenance plans, or to schedule your fall maintenance appointment, simply give us a call at (413) 534-3749, or contact us online. We’ll be more than happy to help you get the annual heating maintenance you need.

What Choices Do I Have for Home Air Conditioning?

couple on laptop enjoying comfort of homeDuring the summer months, people often enjoy fun in the great outdoors. There are so many things to do once the weather turns warm, from relaxing at the beach or pool to enjoying an outdoor barbecue with friends and family. Many people also like to be able to seek refuge from the heat in a cool, comfortable air-conditioned home. If you’ve been thinking about replacing an old air conditioning system, or newly installing AC in your home, you have options.

Today, virtually any homeowner can get air conditioning for their home that is both effective and energy efficient. Modern systems not only cool using less energy than their older counterparts; there are also numerous configurations available that can make any home a comfortable haven away from the summer heat. In this article, we’ll describe the three main types of air conditioning systems and tell you what types of situations in which each works best. Keep reading to learn more!

Three Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Most people know that air conditioning provides cool comfort, but it can also be beneficial in other ways. For instance, most air conditioning systems help to cut down on the humidity in your home, helping to eliminate moisture concerns and keeping you and your family from that clammy feeling that often accompanies humid days. It can also help to improve your indoor air quality by filtering out dust, dander, and other particulates. Below, we’ll talk about the three types of systems Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc. installs, so you can get a better idea which would be best for your home.

  1. Central Air Conditioning: When people think about air conditioning, they most often think of traditional central air conditioning systems. This type of air conditioning system is best for homes that have a forced-air heating system, such as a furnace. Using the same ductwork as your furnace system, a central air conditioning system moves cool air throughout your entire home. This type of AC is very durable, and modern systems are both more energy efficient and use a more environmentally-friendly type of refrigerant than older systems. So, if you have an existing central air conditioning system you’re thinking about replacing, or if your home has ductwork, central air may likely be your best option.
  2. Ductless Air Conditioning Systems: More and more people are turning to ductless AC as a way to keep their homes cool in the summer weather. Unlike a central air conditioning system, which uses a home’s ductwork, a ductless system is comprised of individual units installed in various rooms or zones around your home, without the need for ductwork. That makes these systems ideal for homes that rely on radiant types of heat, such as electric baseboard or boiler heating systems. Because they don’t require ductwork, they can also replace window AC, which can be loud, inefficient, and can obstruct your view. As an added bonus, ductless systems that provide heating during the winter are also available, making them an ideal choice when it comes time to replace an older baseboard heating system.
  3. Heat Pump Systems: Many people don’t know that a heat pump system not only provides heating during the winter, but also air conditioning in the summer. Heat pump systems are available in both ductless and ducted configurations, and are built for durability. Modern heat pump systems have been engineered to provide heating even in colder climates, making them a good replacement for an older, less-efficient HVAC system. Heat pumps are also environmentally sound, using less energy than traditional AC systems. And that can translate to lower utility bills in the long run.

I’m still not sure which type of AC system would be best for my home. Can Reidy help?

At Reidy Heating & Cooling, your home comfort is our number one priority. We want to make sure your air conditioning system is the best choice for your home, your family, and your lifestyle. That’s why we work with you to make sure that the system you choose is the right one. We’ll help you explore all your options to ensure that the AC system you choose keeps you and your family comfortable for years to come, and provides you with the best possible energy efficiency as well.

I think I’m ready to learn more about air conditioning for my home.

That’s great! As a full-service air conditioning contractor, Reidy provides not only expert installation of central, ductless, and heat pump systems, but we can provide expert maintenance and repair as well. When you’re ready to learn more about air conditioning for your home, we’re ready to assist you! Call us today at (413) 534-3749 to find out how we can help you with your home cooling needs.

How Can I Make My Home More Efficient This Spring?

Green eco house environmental backgroundOnce the spring season arrives, many homeowners start to think about getting their houses in order. From the usual indoor spring cleaning, to getting the yard, garden, pool, and deck areas ready for the warmer weather ahead, spring is definitely a good time to clean and refresh your home. For some people, it’s also a time when they start thinking about the planet, and how to become more energy-efficient in their homes.

In this article, we’ll talk about some easy ways you can help your home become more energy-efficient, both indoors and out. From simple do-it-yourself energy-saving tips, to some that may mean calling a contractor but can help you save in the long run, we hope you find these suggestions helpful. Keep reading to learn more!

10 Energy-Saving Tips for Your Home for Spring

  1. Choose energy-efficient lightbulbs. Even if you only replace the bulbs in your most frequently-used light fixtures, you can save up to $75 in energy costs when you switch to ENERGY STAR-rated bulbs.
  • Unplug electronics and small appliances when not in use. Chargers and small kitchen appliances like can openers and toasters still sap small amounts of energy when not in use – and that can add up. Unplug whatever appliances you can to help save energy.
  • Make sure your home is properly insulated. When people think about insulation, they tend to think about the job it does to help their homes stay warm in the winter. However, the same goes for helping homes stay cool in the summer! Proper insulation keeps your conditioned air where it belongs – inside – and that makes the job easier for your HVAC system.
  • Get motion sensing outdoor lights. Rather than having garage or porch lights that stay on (until someone remembers to turn them off!), you might want to opt for motion-sensing lights that can illuminate your way when you need it, and then turn off when you’re inside.
  • Wash your laundry in cold water when possible. It just stands to reason that your hot water heater has to work to warm up the water when you choose hot or warm for your wash – but there is no energy used when choosing the cold cycle. In fact, most laundry detergents today are made to work with cold water.
  • Line dry the laundry when possible. When it’s sunny and breezy, why not hang out your laundry, or at least bulkier items that can take a while in the dryer, such as towels, sheets and blankets? Not only will you save electricity, but your laundry will smell April-fresh!
  • Invest in energy-saving power strips. The Department of Energy estimates that homeowners can save up to $100 a year by plugging their electronic devices into power strips, and turning the strip off when not in use.
  • Make sure doors and windows aren’t drafty. Just like drafty doors and windows can let the frigid air inside during the winter, they can let your cooled air outside during the warmer months. This makes your air conditioning system have to work harder – and use more energy.
  • When it comes time to replace appliances, choose ENERGY STAR certified. All home appliances have ENERGY STAR-certified choices, including equipment like dishwashers, dryers, washers, ovens and more.
  1. Call your HVAC contractor and schedule annual maintenance for your AC system. Some homeowners think that getting annual maintenance is a waste of money. However, that could not be further from the truth. In fact, the Department of Energy recommends regular maintenance for energy savings and system longevity.

Reidy Heating & Cooling, Inc. Can Help You Get the Spring Maintenance You Need.

 At Reidy, our professional technicians are ready to help you get the annual air conditioning maintenance you need to rest assured that your system is operating both effectively and efficiently. We’ll check your system, make sure all the moving parts are clean and in good working order, and change or clean your air filter. And, if we find any issues, we’ll talk to you about them and make any needed repairs – before they become larger, more expensive ones.

Not to mention, when you choose annual maintenance from Reidy, you’re also helping to keep your equipment’s manufacturer warranty in place.

Save Energy & Keep Your AC Healthy with Reidy

We’re ready to help you get the spring maintenance you need for your air conditioning system. We can even provide you with a maintenance plan that provides 24-hour service, no overtime charges, and discounts on labor and materials for members. So, you’ll save energy and get the peace of mind you deserve! Just call (413) 534-3749 to learn more about how we can help you with your air conditioning maintenance needs.

How is the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home?

Woman sits comfortably in her homeIn today’s world, “indoor air quality” has become a buzz phrase. More and more people are concerned about the quality of the air they’re breathing while indoors. While this often applies to places like retail locations and restaurants, it’s just as important that you pay attention to the quality of air within your own home. After all, you spend so much of your time there! If you’re not sure that your home’s indoor air is the best it can be, keep reading to learn more.

Steps You Can Take for Better Indoor Air Quality, or IAQ

You may have concerns about the air quality in your home. Maybe you’ve noticed that your family members with allergies or asthma experience more discomfort than usual. Or, you’ve found that your skin is dry and flaky. There are many warning signs that can indicate that your home’s air isn’t as healthy as it should be. Here are a few indicators:

  • Allergies or asthma symptoms seem worse when you’re at home.
  • Your skin is dry, flaky, and itchy.
  • You notice a lot of particles in the air when your HVAC equipment runs.
  • Your wood flooring and fixtures creak, have cracks, or are warped.
  • The air inside your home is smelly.
  • Your pets seem to scratch themselves a lot, but they don’t have fleas.
  • You’re noticing a lot of static cling on carpets, drapes, and clothing.

Person mopping a hardwood floorFortunately, there are a few things you can start doing right now that can help improve your home’s IAQ – today. An article appearing on the WebMD website shared some helpful suggestions for keeping your home’s air cleaner.

  • Keep floors clean. Vacuum carpets and mop other floors regularly to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Also, doormats and making it a policy to remove footwear before entering the home can help keep whatever you might track in on your shoes out of the house – and out of your indoor air.
  • Maintain the proper humidity in your home. You can do this by using a humidifier in the winter when the air tends to get overly dry, and a dehumidifier in the summer, when the air tends to hold more moisture than is healthy.
  • Make your home no-smoking. There are many particles and contaminants that can build up inside your home from cigarette smoke. Tar, smoke residue and nicotine residue can coat your walls and ceilings.
  • Use natural cleaning products. You can buy many different natural cleaning products commercially now, or you can opt to make your own. Many cleaning products contain chemicals and artificial fragrances, both of which can irritate those with respiratory concerns.

Products that Can Help Improve Your Home’s IAQ

Homeowner changing their HVAC filterIf you’re taking measures to improve your home’s air quality, but you’re still concerned about it, you’ll be happy to know there are numerous different types of indoor air quality products available today, many of which can be purchased from and installed by your trusted home comfort company. At Reidy, we’re pleased to offer our customers the following products:

  • Humidifiers: Static cling, itchy, flaky skin, sneezing, and dry nasal passages are all indications that you don’t have enough moisture in the air in your home. Dry indoor air is especially a problem in the winter months when your furnace is running on a frequent basis. Fortunately, Reidy offers humidifiers that can help keep the air in your home moisturized – and help you feel more comfortable.
  • UV Light: Need help to eliminate mold and bacteria from your home’s air? UV light can help. Ultraviolet purification systems help rid your home of harmful mold and bacteria by killing the organisms that often grow in your home cooling system. UV light helps you enjoy better air quality, along with better performance from your cooling system.
  • Air Purification: When you have someone in your home who suffers from allergies and asthma, the air you breathe can’t be pure enough. When you choose Reidy to help with your indoor air quality needs, we’ll help you choose the right air purifier for your home and your budget. Our air purifiers offer the best performance, filtering out the pollutants, allergens, and pathogens so you and your family can enjoy fresher indoor air.
  • Air Cleaners: Are you sensitive to odors, cooking fumes, chemical vapors, and other airborne contaminants? Then you may want to think about installing an air cleaner in your home. Reidy can help you get an air cleaner that will rid your home of unpleasant odors and vapors. What’s more, our air cleaners can eliminate other irritants like bacteria, viruses, mold, pollen, dirt, pet dander, and mites.

How can Reidy help me get better indoor air quality in my home today?

That’s easy! All you need to do is give us a call! We’ll be happy to tell you about our indoor air quality products and solutions, and how we can help you get them. Just call (413) 534-3749 to learn more about how we can help you with your IAQ needs.

COVID-19: An Update

COVID virus illustrationThe cooler weather has arrived, and along with it, an uptick in COVID-19 cases. In some areas throughout the region, businesses are once again having to shut down, and people are being encouraged to stay at home whenever possible. As a Reidy Heating and Cooling customer, you may be concerned about getting the heating services you need as a result of these closures. We want to assure you that we are still operating, and still available to assist you.

Home heating is a necessity when the temperatures dip down, and with families staying at home more often, your comfort is very important to us. The HVAC industry has been deemed an essential business, and as such, we will be there for you when you need us. We know there is a lot of uncertainty during times like these, but you can rest assured that all of us at Reidy Heating and Cooling, Inc. will be here for you and your family.

Of course, as we have been doing throughout the pandemic, we will have certain procedures in place to help ensure the safety of you and your family as well as our employees. We want you to be comfortable, not just with your home heating, but with the way we help you with your needs. Please review the following procedures we have in place to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

  • We require all service technicians to be equipped with the following personal protective equipment when entering homes or businesses:
    • Gloves
    • Shoe Covers
  • All service technicians are following best practices for prevention of viral transmission:
    • No personal contact, including handshakes
    • No passing of any object without it being sanitized or handled with
      gloves
    • We’re practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet on the job
  • If an employee is experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fever, we are mandating they stay home for 14 days, or seek medical attention consistent with CDC and WHO guidelines. Should there be concerns about any employee, please contact us at 413-534-3749.
  • For the safety of our employees and customers, our Customer Relations team check with you beforehand to confirm that no occupants at a customer’s residence or business is experiencing any symptoms and to re-confirm we have the authorization to enter and service the property.
  • We will postpone service if we encounter any situations where symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fever are present.

It is always our aim to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of you and your family. We understand that you may have questions regarding our safety procedures, and we want you to feel free to talk to us about any concerns you may have. Please contact us 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for trusting Reidy Heating and Cooling to help you with your heating needs during this time. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you and your family.