Common Service Questions

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Mid Coast Energy Systems
33 Midcoast Road
P.O. Box 1118
Damariscotta, ME 04543

Phone: (207) 563-5147 | (800) 890-7196
Fax: (207) 563-1138
Email: info@midcoastenergysystems.com

Home Heating Emergency: When to Call for Help

Heating emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure when to call for help. Knowing when to call a technician for emergency HVAC or home heating services can save you time and money while helping to ensure the safety of your family and home. 

Here are a few emergency scenarios when you should reach out for help with your home heating system;

1.) No heat in the winter

Maine winters can get downright frigid, and having a warm home is essential. But if your heating system fails during the winter months, it’s time to call in the professionals. Our 24-hour emergency service technicians are here for you any time of day or night when your furnace fails or when you have other heating-related issues that need immediate attention.

2.) Burst pipes

Burst pipes are a serious emergency and require prompt attention. If you suspect one or more of your pipes have burst, turn off the water supply to the entire home immediately. Once the water is shut off, contact your local HVAC or home heating service provider. 

When arriving on-site, the technician will assess the damage and determine the most effective solution. It is important to take any burst pipe situation seriously. Without prompt attention, extensive water damage can occur. Additionally, if the pipe is located within an exterior wall or ceiling, there is a risk of structural damage. Taking action quickly will help to avoid unnecessary and costly repairs down the road.

3.) No Water

No water in your home can be a serious emergency and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you have no water in your home, it is important first to determine the source of the problem. Possible causes include frozen pipes, burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances, low water pressure, or an issue with the main water line. 

No matter the cause of your water issues, it is important to act quickly and contact an HVAC technician as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more severe the damage could be and the more costly it could become.

No hot water

A lack of hot water can be a real problem, especially in cold winter months. Not having access to hot water can mean a loss of sanitation, as well as comfort and convenience when showering or washing dishes.

If you are experiencing an issue with your hot water heater, you may want to consider calling for 24-hour emergency service for your HVAC and home heating products. Our technicians can quickly diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repair or replacement services to get your hot water heater up and running again. 

We’re here for you

Like you, we’ve been through emergency situations, and know how important it is to keep you and your family comfortable, especially during the cold winter months. That’s why our technicians are always available around-the-clock to handle any home heating emergencies that may arise. If you’re ever in doubt as to whether or not a situation is a home heating emergency, then feel free to give us a call, and our technicians will help you decide on the best course of action.

How far will you travel to install/service

So you’ve decided to install a new heat pump/cooling system in your home, and you’re wondering where to start. 

Congratulations! You’re one step closer to enjoying a home filled with fresh cool air in the summer and cozy warm heat in the winter. The next step in your process is locating a distributor to purchase your unit and provide a technician to install it for you. 

First things first, finding a distributor that services your area is simple and easy to do. Simply go to the Mitsubishi or other manufacturer’s website and enter your zip code. Voila! You’re matched with someone in your area. Not only is this convenient, but it also ensures you’re matched with a distributor that has been authorized through the manufacturer. 

You may wonder why we don’t service all areas of the state. The answer is simple; the potential cost outweighs the benefits to our customers. Although we’d love to service all the homes and businesses in Maine, the reasons for limiting our service areas are simple, the further we travel, the more it costs. Aside from surging gas prices and geographic limitations, there is a significant cost for the expertise of our technicians. This cost can really add up quickly when long commutes are involved and larger installations are performed. 

We recommend locating a local manufacturer closer to your location. Not only will this help in the overall cost of installation, but it will also make servicing and maintenance of your system much more convenient and cost-effective. 

Locating a technician

Always purchase from a certified dealer. Not only will you have a more knowledgeable experience, but you will also ensure that the job is done correctly and the factory warranty remains intact. A CERTIFIED dealer and technician MUST carry out all installation and maintenance. Avoid any unnecessary long-term issues and potential property damage by doing so. 

When to call us

We limit our service and sales to a one-hour radius of our flagship store in Damariscotta. If this describes your demographic, Check out our website at Midcoastenergysystems.com or request a quote here

How do you know the HVAC system in the new house you’re buying is in good shape

It’s exciting to buy a new home, but it can be nerve-wracking not knowing if every aspect of the home is in good condition. The heating and cooling system of your new home should be no exception. A home’s HVAC system plays an important role in making your home comfortable year-round, so it’s important to ensure the system will last a long time. But how can you know that without calling in an expert? 

To determine whether the HVAC system in your potential new home is up to par, follow these three steps, and you’ll be able to tell right away if you should be concerned or not.

Check for common signs of wear and tear.

One of the easiest ways to tell if your new home’s HVAC system is in good shape is by looking for signs of wear and tear. Check for rust, cracked or dirty filters, and any other signs of damage. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective for the seller to replace the old unit instead of buying a new one. 

Listen to the system.

While the system is running, listen for any out-of-the-ordinary sounds like hissing and banging. For example, if the system makes a shrieking or squealing noise, it could indicate that the fan motor is on the fritz. 

Check the history

A surefire way to know if the system has been maintained properly is to ask for the service records. It could cost you if the former homeowners haven’t properly maintained the unit.

Check the age of the system by locating the serial number located on the side of both indoor and outdoor units. Once you’ve located the serial number, a quick Google search will help determine the unit’s age, make, and model. If you’re wondering how old is too old when it comes to an HVAC system, it’s a personal choice, but a good rule of thumb is 15-20 years is the average life span for most units. 

Get a professional inspection after you’ve signed the contract.

Once you’ve closed on your new property, call us for a professional HVAC inspection. Even if you’re buying a new home, it’s always a good idea to get the HVAC system inspected by a professional. They can tell whether there are any issues with the system and what may need to be done. An inspection will also help you know everything is in proper working order before you move into your new home.

Can I install a heat pump myself?

When it comes to installing your heat pump, you may think that you can save money and do it yourself. But there are important reasons why you shouldn’t attempt this job without the help of an experienced HVAC professional. 

Let’s talk warranty

Even if you consider yourself a DIY pro, it’s best to leave the installation to the professionals. HVAC systems are more complicated than a lot of people think, and the most common risk of installing your system on your own is a total void of the factory warranty. 

The guidelines for all HVAC systems are put in place to protect the integrity of the system and to maintain safety. Regardless of the level of intricacy in installing these complex systems, manufacturers require that their equipment is installed by a licensed and often factory-authorized HVAC contractor. 

Systems such as this are powered with electrical components and refrigerants – both of which require licensing in order to install. If something goes wrong, voiding an HVAC warranty or hiring someone or a company without these licenses will result in unforeseen consequences for both parties involved.

Voiding your warranty with a DIY installation is just the beginning. Costly mistakes can happen, and in some extreme cases, electric shock or worse can occur. 

By getting our expert technicians to install your heat pump, you’ll be able to enjoy many perks, including not having to worry about having your home damaged or making mistakes that could cause damage to your system in the long run. 

Finding the right contractor doesn’t have to be a tough process. Our contractors have combined decades of experience and pride themselves on being experts in the industry. 

The cost of installation far outweighs the risks of installing a system on your own. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that the cost of installation depends on the type and size of the system, as well as your geographic location. Price ranges can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of your project: Smaller residential systems range from $2,000-$5,000; more complex systems can be over $30,000. Commercial projects are typically priced higher than residential ones because they require special knowledge and may need more time in order to install correctly.