Tackling All Things AC

Tackling All Things AC

It seems our team has become a regular fixture on your TV screens! After a great experience working with Kerri-Lee Mayland and her team for At Home With Kerri-Lee in the fall, we gave a repeat performance this spring.

We tackled all things AC this go around. Our technician Sean took Kerri-Lee on a ride along to a customer’s house to see the brand-new AC system we recently installed. We had a fun day with lots of laughs but more importantly, we were able to share some important information on AC systems with Kerri-Lee’s audience.

• Make sure you schedule your tune up; it’s what keeps your system running effectively and efficiently

• Change your air filters every 60-90 days; the more debris stuck in the filter, the harder your system has to work

• Switch to a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust when you’re not home; we can install a compatible one for you so give us a call

Check out our segment on At Home and additional tips for your AC.

Keep it cool!

Jim

We're back with Kerri-Lee!

We’re Back With Kerri-Lee

Last month we were fortunate enough to meet back up with Kerri-Lee Mayland for her show At Home with Kerri Lee. We talk about air conditioning, checked out a recently installed system and chatted with a customer about Quinoco.

Take a look at our segment with Kerri-Lee here:

Quinoco Fuel Plans Available Starting May 1st

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.

**Please Note: When you commit to this program, Quinoco simultaneously purchases that fuel for you from our suppliers – we are not able to break this agreement. This means that if market conditions decrease, you do not get a lower price.

To enroll in our Fixed Price Program or discuss other program options, call Customer Care at 860.583.4609

Congrats to our Indoor Air Quality Winner!

This winter we ran our Ultimate Indoor Air Quality contest and were really impressed with all the entries. We’d like to congratulate Joann from Farmington on winning this great package.

A special thanks goes out to our giveaway partners who made this year’s program possible: Tiger Home & Building Inspections and Steamatic of Connecticut.

Following the contest, we heard from a few customers interested in pursuing indoor air quality products for their homes. One customer even said the contest pointed out some changes she should make to live a healthier life.

With all the interest in indoor air quality products, we want to extend a special offer to our customers: enjoy 15% off indoor air quality products through May 31, 2024.

We’re here to help keep you breathing easy all summer long!

Jim

HVAC TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting Common HVAC Problems

1. No Power: If your HVAC system is not turning on, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure there is power to the unit. Reset or replace any tripped breakers or blown fuses.

2. Uneven Heating or Cooling: If some areas in your home feel significantly warmer or cooler than others, check if the vents and registers are open and unblocked. Ensure that there are no obstructions impeding airflow.

3. Airflow Issues: If you notice weak airflow from your vents, check the air filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reducing system efficiency. Clean or replace filters as needed.

4. No Cooling or Heating: If your HVAC system is running, but no cool or warm air is coming out, check the thermostat settings. Ensure it is set to the appropriate mode (cooling or heating) and at the desired temperature.

5. Frozen Evaporator Coil: If the evaporator coil inside the air handler becomes frozen, it could be due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. Clean the filters and check for any blockages. If the issue persists, give us a call to inspect for refrigerant leaks.

6. Unusual Noises: Strange noises, such as grinding, rattling, or banging, could indicate a problem with your HVAC system. Turn off the system and contact our office for an appointment to diagnose and repair the issue.

7. Strange Odors: Foul or burning smells coming from your HVAC system may be a sign of mold, electrical problems, or a malfunctioning component. Turn off the system and schedule an appointment with one of our technicians to investigate and resolve the issue.

8. High Energy Bills: If you notice a sudden increase in energy bills, it could be due to an inefficient HVAC system. Check the air filters, ensure proper insulation, and consider scheduling regular maintenance to improve efficiency.

9. Thermostat Problems: If your HVAC system is not responding to thermostat adjustments or is not accurately maintaining the set temperature, check the thermostat batteries, and ensure it is properly calibrated.

10. Short Cycling: If your HVAC system turns on and off frequently, it may be short cycling, which can waste energy and put strain on the components. Check the air filters, and thermostat settings, and ensure proper ventilation.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICE AND INSTALLATION OPTIONS,
PLEASE CLICK HERE OR CALL 860.583.4609.

Lower Electric Bills With New Central AC

Lower Electric Bills with New Central AC

As our cooling equipment ages, so does its efficiency (SEER) rating. The newest central air conditioning systems feature the highest SEER ratings on the market and can offer the greatest annual savings on your electric bills. If you want to explore the potential savings you’ll see with a new high-efficiency central AC system, then it’s time to meet with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Schedule an appointment at 860.583.4609 to learn more about our limited time savings!

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The Push & Pull Of Heat Pumps

The Push & Pull of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have been getting a lot of buzz recently due to government rebates and the push to electrify. The name alone is a little deceiving leaving many homeowners confused. So what is a heat pump exactly and how can it be used to heat AND cool your home? Let’s break it down…

How does a heat pump work?

In the summertime, 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. In the cooler months, a heat pump can be reversed to push heat into the home.

• Efficiency is key when it comes to heat pumps to see savings on your electric bill and qualify for rebates.

• Versatility is a plus as heat pumps can be installed with both traditional ducting or without ducts.

• Pricing on heat pumps can run higher than more traditional heating/cooling systems, especially the higher efficiency units. And, if your home doesn’t have the electrical amperage required for a heat pump system, electrical upgrades can be an added cost.

• Back up heat for winter is necessary with a heat pump system but they work well for supplemental heat in the shoulder months.

If your air conditioning is due for an upgrade this year, then a heat pump can be an option to consider. Our Comfort Specialists are here to walk you through the options to best meet your needs and budget. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!

Sure it might be a little cold still, but we’re already thinking about and planning for Spring and Summer. I surveyed a few members of our team about what they’re looking forward to most and here’s what they had to say:

“I am most looking forward to my vegetable and flower garden, nothing beats a warm summer day planting and the taste of a fresh grown tomato!” ~ Cassie, Customer Care

“Looking forward to the warm weather and my birthday!” ~ Shannon, Customer Care

As for me, I am looking forward to being outside planting my garden, completing the Cooper River Bridge Run with my daughters and hiking around Connecticut.

And don’t forget to get your heat tune up on the calendar! These tune ups come with crucial oil tank inspections. Oil tanks can develop leaks or other issues over time that can pose a risk to your property and the environment. If your tank is replaced before a more problematic situation occurs, replacing a tank is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day! Visit quinoco.com/tank-inspections to learn more.

Goodbye winter, hello spring!

Jim Hickey
Quinoco Energy Services
General Manager

Quinoco Quick Take: Thermostats

Quinoco Quick Take: Thermostats

Your thermostat might be small but it’s a crucial part of your home’s comfort. We often recommend you reach out when you need a new thermostat as different models aren’t always interchangeable, and we can get you a higher quality version at one of our supply houses.

Programmable Models: You’ll be able to predefine your home’s temperature for specific days and times throughout the week. This function makes it equally as effective as a smart thermostat in enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. For example, if your family is away at work and school from Monday to Friday, a programmable thermostat can be set to automatically adjust the temperature, preventing your heating and cooling system from running unnecessarily when nobody is home.

Smart Models: In comparison, a smart thermostat offers a level of intuitiveness in regulating your home’s heating and cooling. These thermostats will learn from your temperature adjustments and are accessible through a dedicated app. They can also assist in accurately tracking and managing your home’s energy consumption data so you can monitor and assess your HVAC system’s efficiency.

If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s thermostat, schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. We’ll review your current models, make suggestions based on your needs and get you on our installation calendar.

HEATING MAINTENANCE TIPS

Preventable HVAC Maintenance Tips: Heating Equipment

1. Regular Inspection: Schedule an annual inspection by one of our qualified HVAC technicians. They will check for any issues, clean the system, and perform necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.

2. Change Air Filters: Regularly change or clean the air filters in your heating system. Clogged filters can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Depending on the type of filter, this may need to be done every one to three months.

3. Keep Vents and Registers Clean: Make sure that vents, ducts, and registers are clean and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or other items. Blocked vents can disrupt airflow and reduce heating efficiency.

4. Check for Leaks: Inspect your heating system for any signs of leaks, especially if you have a boiler or a furnace that uses fuel. Leaks can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately by one of our technicians.

5. Test Safety Features: Make sure safety features, such as carbon monoxide detectors, are working correctly. Carbon monoxide leaks can be extremely dangerous, so having functioning detectors is vital.

6. Insulate and Seal: Properly insulate your home to reduce heat loss and seal any air leaks in windows, doors, and walls to maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.

7. Boiler/furnace clean-out: Before the start of the winter season, your boiler or furnace should be inspected and given the recommended annual maintenance. Give us a call to schedule your annual tune-up.

If you’d like to learn more about our service and installation options for heating equipment,
please click here or call 860.583.4609.

IAQ by the Numbers

IAQ by the Numbers

Cold winter days mean more time spent inside trying to stay warm. But winter also means we’re at greater risk of exposure to the various pollutants that reside inside our homes. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can have a big impact on our health – from allergies and asthma, to respiratory issues, heart disease, and even cancer.

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• Radon

• Mold

• Dust Mites

• Carbon Monoxide

• Nitrogen Dioxide

• Household scents/chemicals from paints, solvents, aerosol sprays, cleaning products etc.

• Pesticides

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• Poor ventilation

• Temperature control problems

• Humidity issues

• Construction

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• Attack the source of the pollutants

• Improve home ventilation for fresh air from outdoors

• Clean the air with help from your HVAC system

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We know Indoor Air Quality can be easy to overlook but it’s vital for your family’s and home’s health. To make it a bit easier to resolve your IAQ concerns, our Comfort Specialists and Technicians are here to help evaluate your home’s system and recommend products to improve your home’s air quality.

Schedule your free IAQ consultation at 860.583.4609.

A Happy and Healthy New Year

As we kick off 2024, we’re actually pretty pleased to do a bit of reminiscing on the past year.

We’re always thankful for our team. Not only do they show up to keep your homes nice and warm this time of year, but they go the extra mile with our customers and the community. And it seems you’ve noticed too! We had a bunch of reviews come in and we loved reading them all! Your feedback helps us continue to make our customer experience even better!

Like many of you, our community efforts pick up in the fall and winter – there’s a lot of good energy this time of year (oh I know, very punny Jim). Our team dressed up for Wear Pink Day in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and some of us went all in for No-Shave November. We held coat drives, toy drives and made about 100 cards for boxes we put together with Make-A-Wish Connecticut.

I’m sure we’ll continue to bring this enthusiasm into everything we do in the new year. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2024!

Jim Hickey
Quinoco Energy Services
General Manager

Congratulations to our UGLY BOILER CONTEST Winner!

Congratulations to our Ugly Boiler Contest winner!

We are pleased to announce that Bristol resident Nancy Wallen has won our 2023 "Ugliest Boiler" Contest. 

Quinoco Energy Services General Manager Jim Hickey and Energy Kinetics Territory Manager Mark Santangelo presented Mrs. Wallen with a state-of-the-art Energy Kinetics Ascent Combi boiler alongside her daughter Janice Pierce.

“The Ugly Boiler Contest couldn’t have come at a better time. Mom’s boiler was on its last legs and parts were hard to find. This really is the best Christmas present,” enthused Pierce.

Energy Kinetics Mark Santangelo was present for the installation. “Mrs. Wallen will enjoy years of fuel savings and quiet boiler operation. Many congratulations from our entire team at Energy Kinetics.”

According to the contest selection committee, the boiler was original to the house and still housed many of the equipment’s original components.

“It was really incredible to see that Mrs. Wallen’s boiler still had its original oil burner. Sixty-five years ago, peak efficiency was at 1725rpm whereas current models run at 3450rpm. From just that upgrade alone, Mrs. Wallen will see a big improvement in how she heats her home,” explained Hickey.

“All together I’ve been a Quinoco customer for over 60 years,” said Wallen. “Quinoco has always taken care of me and my home.”

Quinoco’s Ugliest Boiler Contest received many entries from not just their service area but across the state and even one entry from Rhode Island! “Getting entries from all over the state really is a sign of how so many homeowners struggle to heat their homes and update older rundown heating equipment,” shared Hickey. “A new boiler like the one we’re installing for Mrs. Wallen can reduce a home’s annual oil consumption by up to 40% and will pay for itself in energy savings in a few short years while significantly reducing carbon emissions.”

Mrs. Wallen wasn’t the only one to benefit from Quinoco’s Ugliest Boiler Contest. The second and third place winners, also from Bristol, will enjoy $1000 off and $750 the installation of a new boiler or furnace from Quinoco respectively.

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***COMPETITION IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED***

QUINOCO IS GIVING AWAY A NEW HIGH-EFFICIENCY BOILER OR FURNACE TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!

SO, IF YOUR HEATING SYSTEM IS PREHISTORIC,
IT’S TIME TO ENTER
QUINOCO’S UGLIEST BOILER CONTEST*

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The Ugly Boiler Contest and members of our team will be featured on October’s At Home with Kerri-Lee!

How to watch:

• 10/7 on WFSB at 12pm

• Every Saturday on WTNH at 11:30pm

• Online at athomeKLM.com

• Click below

Heading South For Winter

If you have a seasonal home or you’re taking advantage of some great travel deals, it is important to proactively prepare and protect your home when away for an extended period of time this winter.

Maintain your heat:

No matter how you heat your home, maintaining your heat to a certain level is critical. Make sure your heating system is working properly prior to departing and set your thermostat to 55 degrees or higher.

Monitor your home:

Asking family, friends or neighbors to regularly check on your home in your absence can help prevent costly damage in freezing conditions. Flooding, freeze-ups and ice dams leads to millions in insurance claims annually. Water from broken pipes can flood an empty or unoccupied home in a matter of hours, causing structural damage to the house and loss of personal property.

And don’t forget to utilize the technology already in your home while away: program your smart thermostat, set up additional alerts, and adjust the cameras on your home security system to capture potential problem areas.

Give The Gift Of Warmth

We’re all looking for ways to put more money in our pockets as we head into the holiday season. And what better way to do so than by recommending a company you know and trust!

Share the names of friends and family members with us and we’ll give you a $100 credit on your account for each new person you refer who signs up as a Quinoco SmartBiofuel or Propane heating customer.

Refer five people and that’s $500
to start off the heating season!

Jump-Start Your 2024 Resolutions

LEARN TO BREATHE EASIER

Start off the new year with a pause and take a breather. While meditation and breathwork is great for your mental health, the quality of the actual air you breathe is just as important for your physical wellbeing. Our Comfort Specialists are here to help manage your indoor air quality. We offer solutions that can remove over 99% of airborne particles and reduce the presence of viruses in your home by 99.92%. Learn more about indoor air quality at quinoco.com/home-air-quality.

MY AIR DUCTS WERE LAST CLEANED NEVER

There’s plenty of reasons why decontaminating your air ducts yearly should be one of your 2024 resolutions. Don’t you want to breathe easier, sneeze less, reduce dusting and cleaning, and extend the life of your heating/cooling system?

IT’S TIME FOR YOUR ANNUAL CHECK UP

Just like an annual physical is important to your health, an annual tune-up for your heating and cooling equipment can diagnose problems before they become big ones and set the stage for a healthy year of usage! Annual tune-ups are a regular part of the maintenance our service plan customers enjoy, and they can be performed at any time during the year. Call 860.583.4609 or email us at info@quinoco.com to schedule your tune-ups for the year!

CONSIDER SOME SIMPLE HOME UPGRADES

A few little updates can give your home a whole new vibe for the new year. Here are a few we’re considering for 2024: installing a smart thermostat to improve energy efficiency, adding propane amenities to enhance home entertaining, and creating reminders to donate unused items seasonally to clear clutter.

Our TV Debut

Did you catch us on TV last month? We connected with Kerri-Lee Mayland and her team that produces her seasonal At Home With Kerri- Lee for a special segment on boilers and our Ugly Boiler Competition which closed October 31st.

Technician Ryan and I brought our combined star power to the show, talking about Quinoco and boilers - if only you saw the outtakes! It was a real pleasure working with Kerri-Lee and her team. She made the process very relaxing and conversational, so it was easy to forget we were being filmed. If you haven’t seen it yet, we have the video up on our website.

Our Ugly Boiler Competition might be over (the winner will be announced soon), but our fall savings on high efficiency heating equipment is still available until November 30th. So if you’re interested in a new boiler or another system upgrade, give us a call to set up an appointment with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Let us know what you thought about our TV debut by emailing askjim@quinoco.com.

Enter Our UGLY BOILER CONTEST in October!

***COMPETITION IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED***

QUINOCO IS GIVING AWAY A NEW HIGH-EFFICIENCY BOILER OR FURNACE TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!

SO, IF YOUR HEATING SYSTEM IS PREHISTORIC,
IT’S TIME TO ENTER
QUINOCO’S UGLIEST BOILER CONTEST*

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The Ugly Boiler Contest and members of our team will be featured on October’s At Home with Kerri-Lee!

How to watch:

• 10/7 on WFSB at 12pm

• Every Saturday on WTNH at 11:30pm

• Online at athomeKLM.com

• Click below

Winter Savings with a NEW HEATING SYSTEM

When thinking about ways to save this winter, it isn’t just about the price of your fuel, but the efficiency of your heating system that plays a huge role. Replacing your repair-ridden furnace or boiler or upgrading from an older inefficient model can mean big savings on your home’s energy bills – up to 40% to be exact!

FOR THE FULL BREAKDOWN OF SAVINGS,
VISIT quinoco.com/heat-savings

Recognizing the Signs: When to Replace Your Propane Tanks

Recognizing the Signs: When to Replace Your Propane Tanks

Propane tanks are a vital component of many households, providing a reliable source of energy for heating, cooking, and more. Over time, however, propane tanks may wear out or become less efficient, ultimately requiring replacement. Here are some of the signs that it may be time for a new propane tank in your home.

1. Age of the Tank:

Propane tanks have a limited lifespan, and ageing tanks are more prone to leaks, corrosion, and other issues that can compromise safety and performance. Consulting with one of our experienced technicians to assess the condition of your tank can help determine if replacement is necessary.

2. Corrosion and Physical Damage:

Inspect your propane tank regularly for signs of corrosion or physical damage. Look for issues like rust spots, or discoloration on the tank's surface, as well as dents, cracks, or other visible damage that may affect the tank's integrity. If you notice significant corrosion or physical damage, call 860.583.4609 to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.

3. Inaccurate Fuel Level Readings:

Propane tanks often feature fuel level gauges to indicate how much propane is remaining. If you notice inconsistent or inaccurate readings, it may indicate a faulty gauge. A malfunctioning gauge can disrupt your ability to monitor propane usage effectively. In such cases, consulting with one of propane professionals can help determine if the tank needs replacement or if a repair can resolve the issue.

4. Declining Propane Efficiency:

Aging tanks may struggle to maintain optimal pressure and deliver propane effectively, resulting in higher consumption and increased costs. Upgrading to a new propane tank can restore efficiency, ensuring you receive the full value from your propane supply.

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Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for propane tank replacement is crucial for maintaining a safe, efficient, and reliable propane system in your home. To set up a consultation with Quinoco Energy Services now, call  860.583.4609 or fill out a form here.