
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.

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.

The “Big Beautiful Bill” Threatens to End Federal HVAC Incentives — Act Now to Secure Your Savings
As of June 2025, Nantucket homeowners planning premium HVAC or geothermal upgrades are facing a narrowing window of opportunity. A proposed federal budget—informally called the “Big Beautiful Bill”—is expected to terminate some of the most valuable federal energy incentives currently available to property owners:

The Basement Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands — And How to Prevent It
Nantucket basements and crawlspaces are under attack from hidden moisture. Learn how ducted and standalone dehumidifiers protect your home, health, and investment from mold, rot, and structural damage—whether your space is finished or not.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Install a Heat Pump and Use Your 2024 HVAC Rebates Before They Expire!
As 2024 draws to a close, homeowners and property managers on Nantucket have an incredible opportunity to save on HVAC upgrades with state Mass Save (up to $10,000) and federal rebates ($2,000) for heat pump installations.
What Homeowners and Property Managers Need to Know About the Shift from R-410A to A2L Refrigerants
The HVAC world is undergoing a significant change that will impact homeowners and property managers alike: the transition from R-410A refrigerant to A2L refrigerants. This shift, driven by new government regulations, is comparable to the previous switch from R-22 to R-410A but comes with its own set of challenges.
The Homeowner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance and the Value of a Caretaker on Nantucket
Owning a home on Nantucket, whether it’s a year-round residence, a vacation retreat, or a second home, offers unique charm and tranquility. However, managing your home’s upkeep—especially maintaining your HVAC system—can be challenging, particularly if you aren’t on the island full-time.

“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.

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.