faq

What are definitions of common Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning language?
How do I contact you if something goes wrong?
How do I obtain a price quote?
How long does each service take?
How do I get references?

What are definitions of common Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning language?

Air Handler: The portion of a central air conditioning or heat pump system that moves heated or cooled air through the ductwork. In some systems, a furnace handles this function.

Boiler: A heating unit which produces hot water or steam for heating. Generally oil or gas fired in New England. Can be constructed of steel or cast iron.

Burner: The device in the heating unit which produces a flame - could be a gas or oil burner.

Compressor: The "pump" in the outdoor unit or condenser that circulates the refrigerant for cooling or heating via a heat pump.

Condenser: The portion of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that is located outside the home or building and functions as a heat transfer point for collecting heat from or dispelling heat to the outside air.

Evaporator Coil: Also called the indoor coil - the portion of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that is located in the building and functions as the heat transfer point for warming or cooling indoor air.

Furnace: A heating unit which produces warm air - generally oil or gas fired in New England. Can be "Up Flow", Downflow", "Horizontal" or "Low Boy" styles. Oldest units were gravity type and heated without a blower. Many folks in New England call their boilers, "furnaces", by mistake.

HRV/ERV Unit: HRV is a "heat recovery ventilator". ERV is an "energy recovery ventilator". These units add ventilation air very efficiently to buildings and homes that are often "too-tight" and unhealthy. An HRV unit can be an excellent, cost effective way to control radon problems, as well as many other indoor air quality concerns.

High Velocity Air Conditioning: Air conditioning system that is designed with small diameter, tightly sealed, ductwork, often only two inches in diameter. Popular brand names are Unico and SpacePak. System can also be designed to supply heat. We have begun to call these systems - "Small Diameter" systems, in order to counter the idea that they are inherently noisey. These systems are often the only way to retrofit cooling in older homes.

Hydro-Air System: A combination system in which a boiler is used to supply the hot water for heating which is circulated through a heat exchange coil in an air handling unit. This same unit is often used for cooling. A major advantage of this type of system is it's flexability because the boiler can also be used for: domestic water heating, hydronic heating zones including towel warmer radiators in baths and basement heating zones, radiant floor heating, snow melting, pool heating, etc. Larger homes often have multiple zones of heating and cooling.

Indoor Coil: Also called the evaporator coil - the portion of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that is located in the building and functions as the heat transfer point for warming or cooling indoor air.

Outdoor Coil or Condenser: The portion of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that is located outside the home or building and functions as a heat transfer point for collecting heat from or dispelling heat to the outside air.

Packaged Unit: A year 'round heating and air conditioning system that has all the components completely encased in one unit outside the home or building or on the roof. These units are usually gas fired for heating with electric cooling, although oil fired units are available.

Split System: A heat pump or central air conditioning system with components located both inside and outside of a building -- the most common types installed in homes.

Ton of Cooling: Equals 12,000 Btu's which is the amount of heat needed to melt a ton of ice at standard conditions.

Zone: A zone is the area that one thermostat is controlling. For example: A two story house with a thermostat on each floor has two zones, one for each floor.

How do I contact you if something goes wrong? To contact UPTACK, you can click on the "contact us" button or just call us at 978-372-8503. Please feel free to reach the office, Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM. After hours please call our number and you will be directed to our answering service. Technicains are "on-call" 24 hours, every day of the year.

How do I obtain a price quote?If you desire a price quote for new equipment, or add-on air conditioning or a bath or kitchen plumbing remodeling or a new system for a new construction project - please click on the "free estimate" button above. Just fill out the form and one of our knowledgeable sales representatives will contact you within 24 hours to discuss what you need.
Service repair price quotes are handled differently. You must schedule an appointment through our service dispatcher and minimum service rates apply.

How long does each service take?The length of time it takes to complete a job is variable. It all depends on the job and the service needed. Our goal is to provide quality service. We don't leave until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

How do I get references? To get references, use any contact method you prefer and let us know what you need, so we can provide it for you.