Boiler vs. Pool Heater: What’s the Smarter Choice for Your Nantucket Property?
Mitch Magbie Mitch Magbie

Boiler vs. Pool Heater: What’s the Smarter Choice for Your Nantucket Property?

If you're planning to heat a pool on Nantucket, you’re faced with an important decision:
Do you install a traditional standalone pool heater—or a high-efficiency boiler?

At first glance, a pool heater might seem like the simpler route. But for high-value island properties, the smarter, longer-lasting solution is often a boiler system paired with a titanium heat exchanger. Not only does this offer better performance and quieter operation, it unlocks year-round benefits for guest houses, pool houses, and future property use.

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Still Running on R-22? Here’s Why That’s a Risk You Can’t Afford and How to Tell
Mitch Magbie Mitch Magbie

Still Running on R-22? Here’s Why That’s a Risk You Can’t Afford and How to Tell

If your home still uses an R-22 HVAC system, the time to replace it is right now. R-22 (commonly known as Freon) has been banned from production and import in the U.S. since 2020. Replacement parts are becoming nearly impossible to find, and the cost of repairs continues to rise dramatically.

More importantly, you cannot retrofit an R-22 system to use the next generation of A2L refrigerants such as R-454B. These refrigerants require entirely new equipment, updated ventilation, and additional safety protocols. Once R-410A is no longer available, R-22 homeowners will face only one option: a full system redesign at a much higher cost.

If you’re looking to avoid that financial hit, now is the time to replace your R-22 system with a modern R-410A system while supplies and rebates last.

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Why R-410A Still Makes Sense on Nantucket This Summer — And How North Winds Is Ready
Mitch Magbie Mitch Magbie

Why R-410A Still Makes Sense on Nantucket This Summer — And How North Winds Is Ready

As summer approaches and HVAC demand ramps up across Nantucket, a key question is emerging: Should you install an R-410A system this year, or switch to the newer R-454B units that some suppliers are pushing?

While R-454B represents the future of HVAC refrigerants—and we fully support that transition—summer 2025 is a transitional period. And right now, the smartest choice for most homeowners and property managers is to stick with R-410A.

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The End of the ENERGY STAR Program: What It Could Cost Nantucket Homeowners
Mitch Magbie Mitch Magbie

The End of the ENERGY STAR Program: What It Could Cost Nantucket Homeowners

The federal government is preparing to phase out the ENERGY STAR program for HVAC systems—potentially costing homeowners thousands in lost rebates, higher utility bills, and limited equipment options. At North Winds Mechanical, we break down what this change means, what’s still available, and how to protect your investment now—before summer hits.

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Urgent: HVAC Equipment Shortage Could Leave You Without Cooling This Summer
Mitch Magbie Mitch Magbie

Urgent: HVAC Equipment Shortage Could Leave You Without Cooling This Summer

If your HVAC system breaks down in July, there’s a real chance you won’t be able to get a replacement. A nationwide refrigerant transition is causing severe shortages of both conventional and new equipment—and for Nantucket homeowners, that could mean days or weeks without cooling during the peak of summer.


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How Tariffs Have Shaped the HVAC Industry—and What the Future Could Hold
Mitch Magbie Mitch Magbie

How Tariffs Have Shaped the HVAC Industry—and What the Future Could Hold

As homeowners and property managers on Nantucket, you’re well aware of the challenges of maintaining home systems in an island environment. Supply chain complexities, rising costs, and shipping delays are all part of the equation. But broader economic policies, like federal tariffs, can also play a significant role in shaping the HVAC industry—and your bottom line.

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Hidden Risks of Older Wine Refrigerators: R-134a, PFAS, and Your Health
Mitch Magbie Mitch Magbie

Hidden Risks of Older Wine Refrigerators: R-134a, PFAS, and Your Health

Wine refrigerators are a luxurious and practical addition to many homes, often installed in high-traffic areas like kitchens, wet bars, and dining rooms. While newly installed systems are designed with safety in mind, older models may contain outdated refrigerants like R-134a and hazardous chemicals such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These substances pose potential health and environmental risks, especially when their presence overlaps with food preparation and storage spaces.

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“What is HDPE Geothermal Piping?” Benefits for Nantucket Homes
North Winds Office North Winds Office

“What is HDPE Geothermal Piping?” Benefits for Nantucket Homes

HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene, is a type of plastic known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion. It is often used in applications where reliability and longevity are crucial, such as water and gas distribution, sewage systems, and, of course, geothermal heating and cooling systems.

In a geothermal system, HDPE pipes are installed underground, where they circulate a water or water-antifreeze solution. This solution absorbs heat from the ground during winter to warm the home and dissipates heat into the ground during summer to cool it. The closed-loop nature of the system, combined with the properties of HDPE piping, allows for efficient heat transfer, minimal maintenance, and a lifespan that often exceeds 50 years.

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Why Choose North Winds Mechanical for HVAC Services on Nantucket?
North Winds Office North Winds Office

Why Choose North Winds Mechanical for HVAC Services on Nantucket?

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable year-round, you need a reliable, efficient HVAC system and a team you can trust. Whether it's the cold winter months or humid summer days, North Winds Mechanical is here to ensure your home stays perfectly climate-controlled. As Nantucket's premier HVAC service provider, we specialize in installations, repairs, and maintenance tailored to the island’s unique climate and needs.

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