Debunking AC Myths - Now's the time to upgrade!

Making a big purchase for your home is not always the easiest decision. And with lots of information available at our fingertips, it’s easy to end up in a research wormhole. With our team of Comfort Specialists and Technicians, we’ve spotted the top AC myths we hear from customers:

I don’t need to swap my r-22 freon unit.

False. The EPA has phased out the use of R22 Freon for residential air conditioning systems. It is no longer available for purchase and it has become increasingly difficult and costly to repair these units as they age. We strongly encourage you to start budgeting for your replacement unit.

If it still works, I don’t need to replace my unit.

Not always true. Even if your unit still works, there are other factors that can impact the need to replace it, in particular the unit’s age, efficiency and maintenance/repair history.

Central air systems are one size fits all.

Maybe your unit was sized for your home and needs when it was first installed but over time occupancy changes and renovations can impact how effectively it works to cool down your home.

air filters only need to be changed once a year.

False. We recommend changing your air filter every 60-90 days with a filter rated MERV 10 or higher. Air filters can easily get clogged reducing your system’s efficiency to keep your home cool. This is especially important if you have pets, children, or family members with allergies or asthma. And changing your air filter is easy! Next time our technician visits your home, be sure to ask how to replace it and what type to keep on hand for your unit. Learn more about air filters in our Indoor Air Quality Guide.

SPECIAL SPRING SAVINGS WITH QUInoco

NOW THROUGH MAY 31st RECEIVE $500 off WHEN YOU
PURCHASE & INSTALL A NEW CENTRAL AC SYSTEM.*

Call us today at 860.583.4609 or visit quinoco.com/ac-savings to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists and let us help you stay cool call summer long.**


*Offer limited to one per household. Does not apply to previously quoted AC units. Offers cannot be redeemed as cash payout. Purchase much be a complete AC system including a condenser, air handler or cooling coil and refrigeration line.

How's your AC running?

Is It Time To Change Your Air Conditioning Equipment?

Replacing your air conditioning unit is no small decision, but our Comfort Specialists and technicians can guide you through the process from start to finish. Here are a few questions to get you started:

Does your air conditioning unit use freon/R-22?

It’s been phased out by the EPA and is much harder and more expensive to acquire.

How old is your unit?

If it’s pushing the ten-year mark, it’s time to start planning for an upgrade before a breakdown or failure during a heatwave.

Has your living situation changed?

From home renovations to additional occupants, your cooling equipment needs to be right sized for your needs to work efficiently.

Don’t wait to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists this spring.

Enjoy $500 in savings on the purchase and installation of a new central air conditioning system before May 31st! For more information and to get started, visit Quinoco.com/ac-savings or call us at 860.583.4609.

Let's Talk Shop: National Biodiesel Day

National Biodiesel Day

Let’s Talk Shop

March 18th is National Biodiesel Day! It’s an important day in our industry as it celebrates the evolution of our product and the future of our industry. If you didn’t know, every gallon of heating oil in Connecticut is blended with biodiesel, a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled grease. The biodiesel industry supports over 62,000 jobs in the United States and billions in paid wages.

As an industry, we have been working hard for decades to push this product forward. We have committed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 by setting biodiesel blending benchmarks; a 20% blend by 2023, 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

As a company, we have continually evolved over our 145 year history to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve and I believe biodiesel is what will bring us into the future. I am passionate about our fuel and optimistic about the future; if you ever want to chat about it, drop me a line at AskJim@quinoco.com.

 

Jim Hickey
General Manager

Prepare for Spring with Propane

Let Propane Power Your Spring

Birds are chirping, days are getting longer, and we’re more than ready to get back outside. Now’s the perfect time to tackle your spring cleaning checklist. And make sure you include your propane amenities on that list!


Remove debris around your propane tank

When doing your spring yard clean up, anything that might damage the tank during a storm or may burn within a 10ft radius of the tank should be removed.


Test your detectors

Safety first! Change the batteries and test all the various detectors in your home: propane leak, carbon monoxide, and smoke/fire.


Clean your outdoor grill

With over 25% of all grill fires in the U.S. caused by improper grill cleaning*, it’s time to put a little elbow grease into getting it ready for lots of use.


Clear your propane clothes dryer

Use a dryer brush to clean your clothes dryer’s exhaust fan and vent to improve airflow, reduce dry time, lower bills and reduce the risk of sparking a fire.



Schedule your heating system tune up

Enjoy the convenience of making your appointment online at Quinoco.com/schedule so you’ll be confident your equipment will be ready to go next heating season.

Open your pool

It’s almost time to jump in! Make sure you schedule your pool opening and notify us of the date you plan to turn your heater on so we can provide uninterrupted propane deliveries all season long. Visit Quinoco.com/Pool-Open to let us know.


Prep for a storm

Now’s the time to think about hurricane season and prepare. We’ll communicate via email before and during a big storm with important safety tips such as how to check the level of propane in your tank. Login to your portal account to make sure we have an email on file.

If you’re looking to add propane amenities at your home this spring or simply switch over to us for deliveries, we’re here to take care of all your propane needs! Give us a call at 860.583.4609 or visit Quinoco.com/Propane to get started.

*National Fire Prevention Agency

Winter Weather Tips

Winter Weather Tips from Quinoco

With snow and cold temperatures expected in the area, it is important to review these important safety tips.

1. KEEP A CONSISTENT TEMPERATURE

During extremely cold weather, do not turn your thermostat down while you are away from your home. Doing so will cause your heating system to work harder and make you more susceptible to frozen pipes.  

In the case of extreme cold, we recommend the following:

  • Consider increasing your thermostat a few degrees above normal

  • Confirm that all registers, air vents and radiators are clear of obstructions like boxes, furniture or blockages for the best airflow

  • Avoid drafts from opening/closing exterior doors and garage doors

2. PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR DELIVERY AND SERVICE

  • Make sure your driveway is plowed at a width of 10 ft so a delivery truck can access your home

  • Clear a path to and around your fill pipe and/or the cap of your underground propane tank to ensure a delivery can be made efficiently

  • Shovel paths and walkways so your home can easily be accessed

3. CHECK YOUR HOME OFTEN

If you are away from your home, make sure you have someone check it daily to avoid potential problems. Label your main water shut off and leave contact information of service companies in case of emergency. Should there be a water leak and damage, insurance companies often deny claims if the home is not being checked regularly.

OUR TOP PRIORITY IS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE. OUR TEAM IS HERE SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO US.

860.583.4609 | info@quinoco.com

News for the New Year

News for the New Year

We’re kicking off the new year right with lots to announce, more upgrades to our customer experience and of course giving back to our community. After 140+ years in business, we know how important it is to stay true to our core values while meeting the evolving needs of our customers - keep your eyes peeled for more on both these topics this year.

GIVING BACK IN 2022

Make-A-Wish CT’s Walk for Wishes.

Our Quinoco Cares program is moving full steam ahead! Be sure to keep your eyes on our Instagram and Facebook to see what we’re up to!

In case you missed it, in 2021 we walked for wishes with MakeA-Wish CT, wore pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and grew some spectacular mustaches for Movember.

COMMUNICATION

Let us know how we are doing after a service appointment.

More customer experience upgrades are coming your way to make sharing information even easier.

Emails:

They say communication is key! You can expect to hear from us on a more frequent basis via email with service updates, storm prep and management, promotions and other news for customers.

Reviews:

Customer feedback is so important for us to learn how we can serve you better, grow our team and meet your needs. After a service appointment, you will now get a text message asking you to leave a quick review so we know how it went!

Instagram & Facebook:

Have you followed us on Instagram @quinocoenergy or Facebook @quinocoenergyservicesinc? We regularly post tips every homeowner should know, special seasonal promotions and the latest happenings with our team.

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

Check out the new enhanced features in our portal.

Have you set up your account? There’s lots to see in our new Online Portal including access to your account history, sign up for payment options, track your deliveries, e-invoicing and more.

If you had a login to our prior online portal, due to account security, you will need to create a new portal login by visiting Quinoco.com/MyAccount.

An IAQ Q&A

An IAQ Q&A

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is getting buzzy again with news reports, commercials and customer calls mentioning air filters, purifiers, and how to keep families healthy at home this winter. We surveyed a few of our Comfort Specialists and technicians to find out what you need to know when thinking about your home’s air quality.

WHAT IS INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) looks at the quality of the air within and around your home related to pollutants and their corresponding health concerns like viruses, headaches, asthma, allergies, heart disease and cancer. Some common indoor pollutants might be from pesticides, radon, excess moisture and building materials.

WHY SHOULD I INVEST A WHOLE HOME APPROACH TO IAQ VERSUS A STANDALONE AIR PURIFER?

If your home has existing ductwork, implementing an IAQ system will be more effective over time than managing a series of standalone units. Our approach to IAQ is always designed for easy maintenance while remaining cost effective. Many standalone air purifiers reflect the trends in IAQ as opposed to the full scope of a home’s air quality needs.

HOW CAN I FEEL CONFIDENT IN MY HOME’S AIR QUALITY?

Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean you should ignore the air inside your home. Air sensors are commonplace as a standalone technology or incorporated in smart home products. These sensors can monitor humidity, dust, allergens and other factors that impact the quality of the air you breathe.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES IONIZATION DO?

Many IAQ products use ionization as a method of cleaning the air – it’s the way it happens in nature - the higher the level of ions, the more pristine the air quality. Through ionization, microscopic air particles are neutralized and fall to the floor to be vacuumed up the next time you clean. This process helps reduce mold, bacteria, germs and viruses around your home.

HOW CAN QUINOCO HELP MANAGE MY INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

HEPA air filters are key. We use the newest and thickest filters to fit your system. They are better quality with a higher MERV rating designed to help remove more particles from the air. MERV ratings classify air filters by the amount and size of particles that the filter blocks; the higher the rating, the tighter the weave to trap more particles. If regularly replaced, HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and other airborne particles inside your home


Learn more about home air quality at quinoco.com/home-air-quality and check out our Indoor Air Quality Guide.

5 Reasons to Replace Your Heating System This Season

Five Reasons to Replace Your Heating System This Season

As summer turns to fall, it’s only natural to start thinking about the colder months ahead of us. Lately it’s been more important than ever to plan ahead for home projects or significant purchases. We surveyed members of our team to come up with the top five reasons why you should consider replacing or upgrading your heating system.

  1. Age

    A study done by the National Association of Home Builders concluded that the average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years and a boiler is 13-21 years. If your unit is nearing or in those age ranges, it is time to call a Quinoco Comfort Specialist to have us do an analysis of your system.

  2. Maintenance

    Annual maintenance of your unit is critical in making sure that everything is working properly and safely. If your unit has not been properly maintained and requires frequent repairs, replacement will not only guarantee the reliability of the unit, it could also be more cost effective.

  3. Cost

    Regardless of your fuel type, replacing an old, inefficient system can save you up to 40% on the fuel you use every year.

  4. Efficiency

    New heating units have higher efficiency ratings. Heating systems are rated with AFUE percentages indicating how much fuel is used to heat a house—and how much is wasted. Minimum AFUE ratings for heating equipment installed today are as high as 90%, meaning only 10% of fuel is not used to heat the home.

  5. $600 in savings from Quinoco

This fall, enjoy $600 in savings when you purchase and install a new heating system with Quinoco: 

$300 off* the installation of a new heating system

+

Free (over a $300 value) one year Silver Heating Service Plan with the purchase of a new heating system


Call us today at 860.583.4609 or visit Quinoco.com/heat2021 to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists and let us help you save this upcoming season.

 

*Offer one per household. Does not apply to previously quoted or sold heating systems.

Enhancing our Customer Experience

Enhancing our Customer Experience

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Fall is always an important time here at Quinoco as we gear up for the winter season. This fall, we are very excited to be upgrading our software system in an effort to enhance your experience in doing business with us. . Over the next few months, you will begin to see improvements to your invoices and delivery tickets as well as all new online opportunities. Here are a few to look out for:

  • Delivery Tickets: The delivery ticket and bag that our drivers leave at your home will both have a new look with our upgraded truck software.

  • Invoices: We’ve listened to customer feedback and have updated the look and readability of our invoices. Please let us know what you think!

  • Online Portal: Our big software upgrade includes an all NEW online customer portal. Look forward to enhanced features like requesting a service appointment and delivery, easily access to your account history, sign up for payment options and more! Due to account security, you will need to create a new portal login by visiting Quinoco.com/MyAccount.

We hope you will find these improvements to be beneficial. We will continue to update you regularly in order to ensure a smooth transition. As always, if you need anything or have questions, our team is here for you!

Price Protection Plans Available

Price Protection Plans Available

Prepare for heating season by enrolling in a one of our Price Protection Programs. Our Float, Fixed & Fixed-With Downside Protection programs ensure the fairest prices coupled with the best service for heating your home!

FIXED PRICE PROGRAM

  • Price is locked at a set price and does not move up or down with market conditions

  • Performs well with stable or increasing market conditions

  • You determine the number of gallons to purchase based on your annual usage

*Offered from May 1st - October 31st on a first-come, first-served basis.

FIXED PRICE PROGRAM With Downside Protection

  • Price is locked at a ceiling, but allows movement downward if market price declines

  • Performs well when market conditions move either up or down dramatically

  • You determine the number of gallons to purchase based on your annual usage

  • Price protection fee of $0.25 per gallon purchased

*Offered from May 1st - October 31st on a first-come, first-served basis.

FLOAT PRICE PROGRAM

  • Price goes up and down based on market conditions

  • Performs well in stable or declining market conditions

  • No specific number of gallons are required to purchase

Speak with one of our Customer Care representatives at 860.583.4609 to select the best plan for you!

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It's time to prepare for cold winter months ahead

Is your home ready for Fall and the cold winter months ahead?

Not only will your home be prepared, you might even see long term savings on your home expenses!

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  • Inspect your home heating system for age and needed maintenance

Newer and more efficient boilers and heating systems can save up to 40% of your annual fuel consumption. Reach out to Quinoco Energy Services to evaluate and service your current system.

  • Check and clean gutters to ensure proper water drainage away from your roof and foundation

  • Install a smart thermostat to customize your heating and cooling use and understand your biggest energy drains in your home

    Speak with one of our technicians before purchasing to ensure you have the right model for your home along with proper installation.

  • Drain all hoses, outdoor faucets, and sprinkler systems before fall’s first freeze

  • Check windows, doorframes, and insulation to prevent heat loss

How Healthy is the Air You Breathe?

How Healthy is the Air You Breathe?

We spend up to 90% of our time indoors and with indoor air up to eight times more polluted than outdoor air, it’s important to know what is in the air you breathe and how it could potentially affect you and your family. Coronavirus led to many more inquiries about managing your Indoor Air Quality than in the past.

Here are some FAQs to guide your path to healthier air:

WHAT IS INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) looks at the quality of the air within and around your home related to pollutants and their corresponding health concerns like viruses, headaches, asthma, allergies, heart disease and cancer. Some common indoor pollutants can be from pesticides, radon, excess moisture and building materials.

WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER IMPROVING IT?

We’re all spending a lot more time indoors so let’s make it as healthy as possible! Improving your IAQ not only helps you combat health concerns like COVID-19, but it can also remove lingering smells inside your home, reduce allergy and respiratory related flare-ups, encourage better sleep and help lower your energy costs.

HOW CAN QUINOCO HELP MANAGE MY INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

Quinoco also offers a full range of Indoor Air Quality solutions for your home ranging in cost, use, and implementation requirements.

To learn more about our IAQ products and what solution makes sense for your home and family, visit qQuinoco.com/home-air-quality for our IAQ mini-guide or reach out to schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists today!

Storm Season Check List

Storm Season Checklist

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  • Prepare an emergency kit: include a list of important contacts and documents.

  • Purchase storm supplies: extra batteries, flashlights, and medications. If you have a standby generator serviced by Quinoco, purchase Synthetic 5W30 oil to have on hand.

  • Prepare your yard: clear hazardous/at risk landscaping, clean gutters, remove debris, secure outside items.

  • Refresh your generator procedures:

    • Portable: Never put inside your home, keep 20ft+ away from any livable spaces, have extra gas on hand.

    • Whole-Home: Read the propane tank gauge, monitor long run rates, maintain system operations. Visit our how-to page for additional guidance & resources.

  • Document: Take pictures of your home, yard and street pre- and post- storm to monitor damage and report losses to insurance.

Don't Blow Away This Storm Season

Don’t Get Blown Away This Storm Season

A busy storm season can make for a frightening summer. A little preparation now can save a lot of stress before, during and after a hurricane.

Before: Create a hurricane action plan to prepare your family, pets and home for a storm. Include spare batteries, extra medication, a list of important numbers, and related insurance paperwork in your emergency kit.

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Quinoco Tip!

Become familiar with your propane tank - know how to turn your tank off in an emergency and how to read the gauge in order to report your usage during a storm. Watch our How to video here!

During: Safety is a top priority - stay inside unless directed to evacuate, avoid contact with floodwaters inside or out, hunker down with flashlights, and keep pets indoors.

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Quinoco Tip!

Even if you have a whole home generator, unplugging small appliances and other electronics that won’t be used during the storm can help avoid damage from power surges.

After: Once it is safe to do so, inspect your home and yard for damage, immediately report any loose or down power lines and use caution when cleaning up the areas impacted by the storm.

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Quinoco Tip!

Once your power has been restored, let us know via email so we can resume regular deliveries and services to your home.

2021-2022 Fixed Price Fuel Plans Now Available

2021-2022 Fixed Price Fuel Plans Now Available for Oil and Propane

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Prepare for the heating season by enrolling in a fixed-price protection program for oil or propane! This plan performs well with stable or increasing market conditions, but remember, should the prices fall, you will remain ‘locked’ into your agreement price.

OPTION 1: EASYPAY FIXED-PRICE AGREEMENT

  • You determine the number of gallons to purchase (up to 100% of your annual usage)

  • Six equal payments – the first payment is due with the return of your 2021 price agreement

  • Agreements available online at Quinoco.com

  • Downside protection available for a fee of 25¢ per gallon

OPTION 2: SINGLEPAY FIXED-PRICE AGREEMENT

  • You determine the number of gallons to purchase (up to 100% of your annual usage)

  • Full payment due with return of 2021 price agreement

  • Agreements available online at Quinoco.com

  • Downside protection available for a fee of 25¢ per gallon

2021-2022 Fixed Price Fuel Plans are available from May 1st to October 31st on a first-come, first served basis.

To learn more about our Fixed Price Plans and sign up, visit Quinoco.com/fixedprice or call 860-583-4609.

*Fixed Price Fuel Plans available for automatic delivery and auto-pay customers only.

*12 month budget program available for oil and propane customers on a variable rate.

Delivering Biofuel for a Better Future

Delivering Biofuel for a Better Future

SMARTBIOFUEL

For the past decade, Quinoco has been delivering a product called SmartBiofuel, a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating oil with a bio component called biodiesel. Biodiesel is a heating oil replacement that is produced from a variety of renewable resources, such as plant oils, animal fats, and even algae, making it one of the most sustainable fuels on the planet.

What does this mean for you?

  • It’s Clean! In fact, emissions of greenhouse gases from SmartBiofuel are lower than those from natural gas.

  • It’s Cleansing! SmartBiofuel is a smoother fuel with a high lubricity which means that it cleans your tank and heating system as it burns and helps to extend the life of your equipment.

ULTRA-LOW SULFUR

Ten years ago, trucks were spewing black soot out of their stacks as they drove down the highway – have you noticed that doesn’t happen anymore? This is the result of reduced sulfur in the fuel. Just like the auto industry, the heating oil industry has been drastically reducing the sulfur content in our fuel. In fact, since 2018, all heating oil in CT has been mandated to be ultra-low sulfur.

What does this mean for you?

  • It’s Clean! The lower the sulfur content, the less sulfur dioxide your system emits – sulfur dioxide contributes to acid rain and haze.

  • It’s Efficient! Your heating system runs more efficiently which reduces the amount of fuel you use and helps lower the amount of equipment maintenance needed.

ADDITIVES

Fuel additives are where many heating oil companies differ when it comes to the quality of the fuel they deliver. Before delivering to your home, we mix an additive into our fuel called Heating Oil Plus, one of the most advanced additives on the market. Heating Oil Plus complements SmartBiofuel to reduce sulfur buildup, boost system performance and help to stabilize the fuel and protect the system’s components, especially in cold weather.

What does this mean for you?

  • It’s Cleansing! Heating Oil Plus acts as a detergent that cleans your tank and heating system. It also prevents corrosion and degradation of the fuel which helps to extend the lifetime of your equipment.

Learn more about our SmartBiofuel at Quinoco.com/heating-oil and if you’re interested in our Fixed Price Fuel Plans, please visit Quinoco.com/fixedprice.

Around the Oil Tank

Around the Oil Tank

It’s been a whirlwind 18 months here at Quinoco! From pandemic practices to exciting enhancements to the Quinoco experience, we’ve compiled a few highlights to share ‘Around the Oil Tank’:

Have you checked out the all new Quinoco.com?

Our new website launched in February with easier to navigate menus, an updated online scheduler for tune ups, lots of new pictures, promotions and a blog! Explore the new Quinoco.com!

The HVAC side of our business has seen all new levels of appreciation due to COVID-19.

Beyond safely repairing, replacing and maintaining your equipment, our team increasingly fields questions on Indoor Air Quality products and how they can reduce the presence of coronavirus in the home. To learn about our indoor air quality products and how they can help you breathe easier, visit Quinoco.com/home-air-quality.

During times of social distancing, it’s been important for the Quinoco team to keep our spirit!

So how have we stayed connected? BINGO! We hosted a virtual bingo night for Quinoco families and have had special themed days like wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month or don your favorite cap for National Hat Day. To follow along with the latest from Quinoco and stay connected, follow us on Facebook! @QuinocoEnergyServicesInc

The Quinoco family continues to grow!

If you’ve got experience in the HVAC industry or hold a valid CDL/Hazmat/Tanker/TWIC license, we’re always looking for great new additions to our team. Visit our Careers page or send your resume to HR@quinoco.com.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Happy Anniversary Jim!

Our ‘new’ General Manager Jim Hickey is coming up on his one-year anniversary as GM at Quinoco. We know most of you haven’t met him yet due to COVID so let us introduce you:

Jim has been with the company since 2007 and has over 37 years of experience in the heating and cooling industry. Having started his career as a service technician and holding numerous positions since then, Jim has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to lend our customers.

Home SWEAT Home

Home SWEAT Home

It’s now been a year since the EPA finished phasing out Freon/R-22 as a refrigerant in air conditioning units. While we saw many customers replace their units in 2020, we encourage those who haven’t to be proactive and start taking steps now for replacement.

Remember that Freon is no longer available for purchase so it will become increasingly difficult to repair these units as they age. While some units might have the option to be retrofitted to utilize a different refrigerant, it’s important to evaluate the recurring costs of servicing older units compared to installing a new efficient model that will lower your energy costs.

STAY COOL ALL SUMMER LONG

This Spring, save up to $400 on the purchase and installation of a new air conditioning system from us! If you’ve considered waiting until next year, check our blog at Quinoco.com for the Top Five Reasons to Consider Replacing or Upgrading your AC System in 2021.

For more information visit Quinoco.com/2021-AC or call 860.583.4609 to schedule an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Reduce Virus Spread with Indoor Air Quality

YOU ARE WHAT YOU BREATHE

As we continue to live with COVID-19 this winter, it's important to think about the quality of the air you breathe inside your home and how it could potentially affect you and your family. Indoor air is up to 8 times more polluted than outdoor air which is why Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of the EPA's top 5 health threats!

Many large corporations, specifically sports teams, have recognized the importance of air quality and have looked to improving IAQ in their office buildings and locker rooms to reduce sickness and improve productivity. At our own office, we have had an air purification system installed in our HVAC system for years and we’re excited to announce that it is available for home installation.

The system is called AtmosAir and it uses ionization to restore air to its natural state - no pollution or contaminants. Air ions are nature’s method of cleaning the air, the higher the level of ions, the more pristine the air quality. AtmosAir is designed to increase air ions in an indoor space to similar levels to that of a mountaintop.

BENEFITS OF IONIZATION:

  • Reduces Mold, Bacteria, Viruses, Germs: the reproductive cycle is interrupted and colony forming units decrease.

  • Reduces Particles: particles are neutralized and literally fall to the floor to be vacuumed up the next time you clean.

  • Controls Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): gets rid of all odors including cooking odors.

  • Neutralizes Static: neutralizes all charges in the air and eliminates static electricity.

What is a Heat Pump?

What's a Heat Pump?
And How can it Cool your Home?

Most would automatically assume that a piece of equipment called a ‘Heat Pump’ would have a function related to heating. While this is true, the name is deceiving as a heat pump actually has duel functionality and can be used to both heat and cool a home.

In the summer time, a heat pump and an air conditioner are essentially the same thing, they both take heat from inside the house, transfer it through a refrigerant and deposit it outside, leaving the inside cool. What makes the heat pump different is that it can be reversed so that instead of depositing the hot air outside, it pushes it inside to heat your home (hence the name!).

Another great feature of heat pumps is that they don’t require ductwork which adds to their versatility. And while they are typically not used as the single heat source for a home, they are a great way to offset your energy bill in late fall and early spring when the days are cooler.

The 4 more common uses for ductless heat pumps:

  • As a supplement to a central AC system/heating system: for spaces that were added on to a house or are located at the furthest end of the existing ductwork

  • For rooms that need additional heating & cooling: such as a sunroom or for a space that requires independent temperature control such as a home office

  • As a cost efficient alternative for an additional living space: such as bonus rooms, studios, cottages & barns, garages, finished attics & basements

  • For homes/spaces that cannot accommodate conventional ductwork: older homes and antique homes typically do not have space to install ductwork