HVAC FAQ for NH & Maine Homeowners

How often should I have my boiler serviced?
Most boilers should be professionally maintained once a year. Annual maintenance helps identify developing problems, verify safe operation, improve reliability, and keep the system ready for the heating season.
 

How often should a furnace be serviced?
Gas and oil furnaces should generally be maintained once a year. Routine maintenance allows the system to be inspected, cleaned, tested, and evaluated before small problems become larger repairs.
 

Do mini splits need annual maintenance?
Yes. Mini splits should be inspected and cleaned regularly to maintain proper airflow, drainage, heating and cooling performance, and efficiency. Indoor filters need more frequent homeowner cleaning, while deeper maintenance should be completed periodically by a qualified HVAC technician.
 

Do heat pumps work in New Hampshire winters?
Yes. Modern cold climate heat pumps are designed to operate in low outdoor temperatures. Proper equipment selection and sizing are especially important in New Hampshire and Southern Maine because heating performance varies by system and outdoor temperature.
 

What is the difference between a standard heat pump and a cold climate heat pump?
Cold climate heat pumps are designed to maintain stronger heating performance at lower outdoor temperatures than standard heat pumps. The right equipment depends on the home, heating load, application, and whether the heat pump will be the primary or supplemental heat source.
 

How do I know what size mini split I need?
Mini split sizing should consider more than square footage. Room layout, insulation, windows, ceiling height, exposure, floor level, and the heating and cooling load all affect equipment selection. Oversized and undersized systems can both create comfort and performance problems.
 

Why is my mini split leaking water?
Common causes include a restricted condensate drain, dirty indoor coil, drainage problem, condensate pump issue, or improper installation. A leaking mini split should be inspected before water causes additional damage.
 

How often should a tankless water heater be serviced?
Most tankless water heaters benefit from annual maintenance, although the exact interval can vary based on water quality, usage, and manufacturer requirements. Maintenance may include inspection, cleaning, flushing, and evaluation of combustion and operating condition.
 

When should I repair or replace an older boiler or furnace?
Age alone does not determine whether heating equipment should be replaced. Repair history, safety, efficiency, reliability, overall condition, parts availability, and repair cost should all be considered. KMG Mechanical can explain both repair and replacement options when appropriate.
 

Do I need a licensed gas fitter for gas piping in New Hampshire or Maine?
Gas piping and gas equipment work should be performed by properly licensed professionals as required by the state and the type of work being performed. KMG Mechanical is licensed to perform gas work in both New Hampshire and Maine.
 

Should I have the HVAC systems inspected before buying a home?
Yes. A dedicated HVAC inspection can provide more information about heating, cooling, water heating, and fuel systems than a basic operational check. It can help identify visible safety concerns, maintenance needs, aging equipment, operating problems, and items that may require further evaluation.
 

What does annual HVAC maintenance include?
Annual HVAC maintenance typically includes inspection, cleaning, testing, and evaluation of the equipment and its operating condition. The exact tasks depend on the type of system, but the goal is to help improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and overall equipment performance.