Frequently Asked Questions
Heating Services
Furnace Repair Services
Our recommendation is that furnaces of all styles should be serviced on an annual basis, regardless of fuel type.
No! Although the words are commonly used synonymously, furnaces heat by warming your home’s air across a heat exchanger, while boilers generate hydronic heat, using water and some means of radiation (radiators, baseboard heat, floor warming).
Depending on the age of your system, our technicians will make their best professional recommendation on whether you should invest more money into an old furnace. Many times, with increased efficiency and rebates available, it makes most sense to replace a system that is already past or close to its life expectancy.
Furnace Installation and Replacement Services
If your existing furnace is more than ten years old, and is working intermittently, experiencing frequent outages, or creating high utility bills, it is time to consider replacing your furnace. If your furnace is more than fifteen years old, it may be wise to proactively replace your furnace with a new, more efficient model, to save money on fuel costs and to prevent any emergency situations during the winter months.
Most times, it is possible to add air conditioning to an existing forced air furnace. Picking a qualified contractor is critical, to make sure your existing duct work is adequate, insulation is in place, and system sizing
Most furnace replacements will be completed and running, in one day.
Boiler Repair Services
As a homeowner, it is generally OK to reset a malfunctioning boiler once. If the system goes back into an error or lockout mode, do not continue resetting the system, as it could cause damage to the boiler or could create a dangerous situation. Please call us for service, if your system needs to be reset more than one time.
Our recommendation is that furnaces of all styles should be serviced on an annual basis, regardless of fuel type.
Depending on the age of your system, our technicians will make their best professional recommendation on whether you should invest more money into an old furnace. Many times, with increased efficiency and rebates available, it makes most sense to replace a system that is already past or close to its life expectancy.
Boiler Installation and Replacement Services
If your existing boiler is more than ten years old, and is working intermittently, experiencing frequent outages, or creating high utility bills, it is time to consider replacing your boiler. If your boiler is more than fifteen years old, it may be wise to proactively replace your boiler with a new, more efficient model, to save money on fuel costs and to prevent any emergency situations during the winter months.
This question depends on your exact application and what the boiler is connected to. There are actually times where it may not be worth converting to an ultra-efficient condensing gas boiler! Our technicians and comfort consultant can advise honestly, whether the investment will be worth it, in your home.
Most boiler replacements take between 1-2 days, depending on how involved the piping rework is.
Heat Pump Repair Services
Our recommendation is that heat pumps of all styles should be serviced on a bi-annual basis. Generally, heat pumps are used for both heating as well as cooling, and should be serviced once in the fall and once in the spring.
CLICK HERE to review our maintenance scope of work.
Yes! We service many styles of heat pumps. That being said, we do not offer service on Geothermal Heat Pump systems.
Heat Pump Installation and Replacement Services
Definitely! This has become more popular in recent years, as homeowners have learned more about the benefits of shoulder season heating with a heat pump. There are many different options to accomplish this type of conversion, and we would be happy to work through them with you.
This depends on the style of heat pump we are installing. Most conventional or single-zone mini split heat pumps can be installed or replaced in a single day. More complex or labor-intensive ductless installations can take up to several days, depending on the total number of indoor units, outdoor units, and other factors.
Definitely. Heat pumps, especially those made specifically for cold climates, are reliable, energy-efficient heating sources.
Hot Water Heater Repair Services
Most systems have a hot water mixing valve, which is a simple way to increase or decrease the temperature of your hot water. Never increase your hot water to a level where it could scald or harm those using it! If you are unsure, please give us a call, so that one of our technicians can visit your home and help with these adjustments.
Some hot water systems, especially tankless coils, tend to become inconsistent (hot/cold) as they age. For example, the beginning of your shower is hot, then becomes colder, then goes back to hot. If this is happening in your home, it is time to consider replacing your hot water heater or tankless coil.
Most hot water heaters are expected to last between seven to ten years, depending on water quality, style of water heater, and amount of use.
Hot Water System Installation and Replacement Services
Yes! We install all types of water heaters, including the increasingly popular “heat pump” style water heaters.
Most times, yes. There are also other ways to increase hot water production, like increasing tank temperature and mixing the water down with your mixing valve. If your home is suited for a tankless hot water heater, that is another option for creating “endless” hot water. Depending on the size and configuration of your home, we will help you with the most cost-effective solution.
Depending on the age of your water heater, our technicians will make their best professional recommendation on whether you should invest more money in to “fixes,” or replace the water heater. Many times, for water heaters older than seven years, it makes most sense to replace a system. Our technicians will always give you their best recommendation, and will treat your home and your investment, as though it was their own.
Cooling Services
Central AC Repair Services
Our recommendation is that Central AC systems of all styles should be serviced on an annual basis. Generally, it is best to service ACs in the early spring, prior to their summer use. Remember though, if your ducts are used for heating the home as well, the heating side of your system should be serviced, every fall
CLICK HERE to review our maintenance scope of work.
Generally, this degradation of performance is tied to a reduction in refrigerant charge (leaking refrigerant). When this happens, it generally warrants a leak search, to determine where the refrigerant loss is occurring. There are also other factors that can contribute to reduction of performance, such as dirty air filter, dirty blower wheel, or dirty outdoor condensing unit.
Central AC Installation and Replacement Services
If you have an older system that utilizes R-22 refrigerant, you will need to replace the exterior components, interior components, and interconnecting refrigerant lines. This is necessary when updating your system to R-410a refrigerant, which is currently the industry standard.
Generally, replacement jobs for Central AC are completed in one day.
Most times, it is possible to add air conditioning to an existing forced air furnace. Picking a qualified contractor is critical, to make sure your existing duct work is adequate, insulation is in place, and system sizing.
Ductless Mini-Split Repair Services
Most mini-split and ductless systems are repairable – that said, some are antiquated and no longer have parts available. Our promise is that, if it is possible to fix your existing system, and if it makes financial sense for you to do so (instead of replacing), we will fix it for you!
This generally means that either your condensate drain is blocked, or your system is “freezing up” due to low air flow or low refrigerant. Check and clean your air filter! If the filter is extremely dirty, it could be the cause. If that does not resolve the issue, please reach out to us.
One of the most basic and important maintenance items with a mini split system is keeping the filter clean. Generally, mini split filters are washable and there are many videos online demonstrating how to clean them properly.
Ductless Mini-Split Installation and Replacement Services
Ductless systems generally comprised of an outdoor portion (condenser) and indoor portion (air handler). These two components are connected by wiring and refrigerant lines, to make the system function
For each indoor air handler, there needs to be a relatively small (2.5”) wall penetration where the aforementioned refrigerant lines and wiring route from the exterior to the interior of the home. The penetration is sealed water tight, and covered by a decorative enclosure that looks similar to a gutter downspout. Check out our Mitsubishi Case Studies page for some examples of local installations.
Anywhere from one to eight (and everything in between) indoor air handlers can be connected to a single Mitsubishi condensing unit, depending on the model used. This allows us to keep the exterior footprint minimal, while servicing multiple rooms (zones) on the interior of the home, each with their own unique set point for comfort. For homes that require several indoor units, sometimes it makes most sense from a cost or feasibility perspective to use more than one outdoor condensing unit. Check out this video of a recent Multi-Zone Installation!
Absolutely! Ductless systems have become a significant and reliable option for heating, even in our cold weather climate. We have hundreds of ductless systems around the seacoast, providing efficient primary heat to residences and commercial spaces. Watch this video about using Mitsubishi Hyper Heat for primary heating!
YES!! Both NH and Maine customers qualify for rebate incentives, and we will help you every step of the way. Check out our Rebate Page.
We have electricians in-house that will handle the power up of your new Mitsubishi equipment, along with any other electrical needs you may have in the home. Check out our EC Electric page!
Yes, and then some. By selecting East Coast as your installer, our Mitsubishi Elite Diamond Level accreditation qualifies your system for an extended compressor and parts warranty of 12 Years! If you choose to have another firm install your system, you may be missing out on valuable warranty time. Choose East Coast for a top-notch, certified installation, with the highest level of Mitsubishi backing. Watch this video from a recent Diamond Contractor Conference, where our President reflects on our rapid climb to the Elite Level of DC.
Definitely not. In fact, these systems are so efficient that the local utility companies will generally PAY you for installing them. Traditional electric heat (baseboards) is extremely inefficient since it is CREATING heat using electrical resistance. Heat pump inverter technology uses refrigerant to MOVE the heat instead of creating it. Check out this customer’s testimonial about electrical efficiencies and savings!
Not necessarily. Mitsubishi offers a number of solutions, including floor-mounted, ceiling recessed, and ducted systems. Mix and match them together to create a perfect comfort control system, that also suits your eye.
These indoor and outdoor units are so quiet, that many times customers wonder if they are even on! See this example of an extremely quiet outdoor unit while it is operating.
Heating & Cooling Maintenance
Our Energy Savings Agreement (E$A) is a simple way to “contract” with East Coast for your system’s maintenance needs. Depending on your systems, we will schedule visits either annually or bi-annually, for just the right amount of maintenance, at an affordable price. By pre-paying for the services, you will save money on the up front costs, and will be given member discounts on any other unexpected service needs throughout the year. Furthermore, you will save ENERGY by keeping your systems in tip to shape, ensuring its peak performance, regardless of age.
We do prefer that our homeowners are available during maintenance visits, in case we run into any unexpected findings or repairs. That being said, we are happy to accommodate your schedule and your specific needs, to make the process as easy as possible for you and your family.
Electrical Services
We sure do. For years, our in-house electricians have complemented our HVAC installations, by powering up the HVAC equipment that we installed. In 2021, our Master Electrician and Leadership Team decided to expand our service offering into residential electrical services, further supporting our customers for any and every electrical need around the home.
Yes. We are comfortable and competent in upgrading your electrical service, panels, wiring, or devices. This includes coordination required with your town and the electrical utility provider. We have you covered!
Although we do not sell and install whole-home generators, we have helped homeowners with the “hookups” required to connect a generator to your home. Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
HVAC Accessories
Smart Thermostats & Remotes
We can generally find a remote-access solution, even for older HVAC systems. We would be happy to help you work through the options, to find a solution that fits your system and your lifestyle.
Definitely! Kumo Cloud is the app-based control product that we recommend for Mitsubishi Systems, but there are several other 3rd party options available, for manufacturers of all types.
Although smart thermostat installations are easiest with five or more thermostat wires, many times we can find a work around, for homes with less conductors in the existing wiring.
Smart Thermostats & Remotes
There are several ways to accomplish an improvement in air quality, depending on which type of HVAC system your home uses. We offer systems that pair with ductless mini-splits, systems that pair with conventional forced-air ducts, and systems that are stand-alone and can be installed in any room with a wall outlet!
Although we no longer perform duct cleaning services ourselves, we still believe it is worth the money, when done properly. We would be happy to connect you with a preferred and reputable vendor – Just ask!
Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifiers are a great, permanent solution for basement humidity concerns. We recommend using these in basements, instead of ductless units, if basement humidity is your biggest concern!