For 24/7 Emergency Service please call 603-524-0445; a call center agent will dispatch a technician for prompt assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions for commercial HVAC and what you can expect from Wicked Cool Mechanical—that’s the focus of our FAQs page.
Running a facility is complicated enough—finding clear HVAC answers quickly shouldn’t add to the workload. Our FAQs page distills the topics we’re asked about most—everything from proactive maintenance and energy rebates to emergency response times—so building owners, property managers, and business leaders across New Hampshire can get quick, dependable guidance whenever they need it. If you don’t see your question, contact us.
Q: What types of commercial HVAC systems do you service and install?
A: Wicked Cool Mechanical (WCM) services and installs the equipment most common to New Hampshire’s commercial and light industrial buildings—rooftop units (RTUs), air cooled and water cooled chillers, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump systems, packaged and split systems, energy recovery ventilators, and precision refrigeration for cold rooms and server spaces. Our technicians are factory trained on leading brands and stay current with refrigerant transition requirements, so you get support throughout the equipment life cycle.
Q: Do you offer proactive maintenance plans? What do these include?
A: Yes, in fact we highly recommend them. Plans are tailored by equipment mix but typically cover seasonal inspections, coil and heat exchanger cleaning, filter and belt changes, electrical and safety checks, refrigerant charge verification, performance benchmarking, and a digital service report with photos. Plans keep manufacturer warranties intact and make you first in line for emergency calls.
Q: Are your technicians certified and experienced in working with commercial systems?
A: All field staff carry EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerants. Many also hold NATE or manufacturer credentials in VRF, RTU, and chiller service, and the company maintains the State of New Hampshire Mechanical Business Entity license for fuel gas work.
Q: Do you handle emergency repairs? What is your typical response time?
A: We provide 24/7 live phone coverage; after regular hours your call routes to an answering service that immediately pages the on-call technician. For most of New Hampshire we’re onsite within four hours—often faster in the Lakes Region and Merrimack Valley where most of our technicians are based.
Q: Can you assist with system design and installation for new construction or renovations?
A: Absolutely. We work alongside architects, engineers, and general contractors to size equipment, select controls, coordinate trades, and secure mechanical permits. Some examples include a VRF retrofit at Belknap County Courthouse and a five-tenant rooftop replacement on Canal Street in Laconia.
Q: Are you familiar with building automation systems and how they integrate with HVAC?
A: Yes—our team regularly installs BACnet ready RTUs, VRF systems with central controllers, and smart thermostats that tie into existing BAS platforms. We can coordinate with your controls contractor or provide turnkey integration.
Q: Do you offer energy efficiency audits or recommendations for reducing HVAC operating costs?
A: Yes—We offer comprehensive energy efficiency audits to assess your current HVAC system’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide tailored recommendations. This may include suggesting high-efficiency equipment upgrades, optimizing system controls, improving insulation, or implementing other energy-saving strategies.
Q: Can you provide references or case studies of projects you’ve completed?
A: Yes—We have a strong track record of successful commercial HVAC projects. We would be happy to provide references or case studies relevant to your specific needs and the type of project you are considering. Please contact us directly, and we can share examples of our work and connect you with satisfied clients. In the meantime, here are a couple of case studies available right on our website. Belknap County Courthouse – Hart’s Turkey Farm
Q: What is your process for diagnosing problems and providing repair options?
A: Technicians start with a visual and instrumental assessment (temperature split, pressure, amperage). Findings are logged into our field software, which builds a diagnostic report with photos and recommended options: 1) immediate repair, 2) scheduled component replacement, or 3) capital budget replacement with ROI analysis.
Q: Do you handle equipment selection and permitting for replacement or retrofit projects?
A: Yes—We size equipment and prepare load calculations to help you select the most appropriate and energy-efficient equipment for your needs and budget. Furthermore, we handle the process of obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring compliance with local regulations, making the entire process seamless for you.
Q: Do you offer any warranties on your work or the equipment you install?
A: Yes, Wicked Cool Mechanical stands behind the quality of our workmanship and the equipment we install. We offer warranties on our labor for one year, extendable with a maintenance plan, and the new equipment we install is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The specific details of the warranties will be clearly outlined in your proposal.
Q: What incentives or utility rebates are available in New Hampshire for highefficiency upgrades?
A: For commercial facilities, the NH Saves program currently offers prescriptive incentives that start at $250 per ton for qualifying air source heat pumps and VRF systems ≥ 5.4 tons, plus:
Equipment / Measure | Minimum Efficiency (2025 worksheet) | Prescriptive Incentive* |
Air source heat pumps ≥ 5.4 tons | IEER 13.6 / COP 3.4 | $250 per ton |
VRF heat pumps ≥ 5.4 tons | IEER 18 / COP 3.3 | $250 per ton |
High efficiency unitary A/C (5–20 tons) | IEER 13–12 | $50–$70 per ton |
Water source heat pumps < 11.3 tons | COP 4.6 | $80 per ton |
Dual enthalpy economizer | — | $250 each |
Demand controlled ventilation | — | $200 each |
*Incentive values reflect the 2025 NHSaves HVAC New Equipment worksheet.
Custom incentives are also available for projects that exceed prescriptive tiers or for measures such as demand controlled ventilation on existing systems, high efficiency boilers, or advanced rooftop unit controls. Federal benefits—including the §179D Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Tax Deduction and clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act—can stack with state utility rebates if eligibility rules are met.
Regulations and funding levels change frequently. Always confirm the latest requirements and forms with your electric utility or the New Hampshire Department of Energy before purchasing equipment. See the state’s up to date incentive pages here: New Hampshire DOE – Energy Efficiency Rebates & Incentives.
Q: What is your typical lead time for ordering and installing new equipment?
A: Lead times vary by season and manufacturer. Standard RTUs: 3–6 weeks; VRF indoor units: 4–8 weeks; custom air handlers or chillers: 8–12 weeks. We lock in a production slot as soon as you approve the proposal and keep you updated weekly.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a commercial HVAC system, and how can proper maintenance extend it?
A: Most commercial RTUs and heat pumps last 15–20 years; chillers and boilers can reach 20–30 years. Consistent scheduled maintenance, timely filter changes, and accurate refrigerant charging can add three to five years of service life and preserve efficiency.
Q: What are some common signs that our HVAC system needs professional attention?
A: Be aware of the following common signs that your commercial HVAC system may need professional attention.
If you notice any of these signs, contact Wicked Cool Mechanical for prompt diagnosis and repair.
Q: How can we improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) in our building?
A: There are several solutions that can help you improve indoor air quality (IAQ) for the health and comfort of your building occupants. Wicked Cool Mechanical can help you source the solution that is best for your building.
Q: What are the noise levels associated with the different systems you install?
A: Noise levels can vary by the type and size of the equipment and manufacturer. Generally:
During the equipment selection process, Wicked Cool Mechanical can provide information on the noise levels of different options and recommend solutions to minimize any potential disruptions to your occupants. Proper installation and vibration dampening can also help reduce noise transmission.
Q: How can we ensure our HVAC system is operating efficiently to minimize energy consumption?
A: Combine quarterly maintenance with smart controls: optimized schedules, supply air reset, and demand-controlled ventilation. Datalogging identifies hidden runtime inefficiencies that a BAS dashboard may miss.
Q: What regulations and codes should we be aware of in New Hampshire?
A: Commercial HVAC systems in New Hampshire are subject to various state and local building codes and regulations, including energy efficiency standards, ventilation requirements, and safety codes. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility of HVAC installations. The state has adopted the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with local amendments. Refrigerant changes (EPA AIM Act) are phasing in lower GWP refrigerants; designs after January 1, 2026, must account for mildly flammable A2L refrigerants. Wicked Cool Mechanical stays up to date with these regulations and will ensure that all our work complies with the relevant codes in your specific location.
Q: How often should we schedule professional maintenance?
A: The recommended frequency for professional maintenance of your commercial HVAC system depends on several factors, including the age of the system, its complexity, operating hours, and the environment it operates in. Generally, we recommend scheduling professional maintenance at least twice a year – once before the heating season and once before the cooling 1 season. However, some systems may benefit from more frequent maintenance. Wicked Cool Mechanical can assess your specific needs and recommend an appropriate maintenance schedule.
Q: What can we do inhouse between professional visits?
A: Replace filters monthly or per manufacturer spec, keep outdoor coils clear of debris, verify thermostat schedules after holiday or daylight-saving changes, and log any comfort complaints so trends are easy to spot.
Q: What are the potential costs of neglecting HVAC maintenance?
A: Neglecting regular HVAC maintenance can lead to significant costs in the long run, including:
Investing in proactive maintenance with Wicked Cool Mechanical is a cost-effective way to avoid these potential expenses.
Q: Can you work around our business hours to minimize disruption?
A: Certainly— We are flexible and can work with you to schedule service and installation appointments during off-hours, weekends, or other times that are least impactful to your business activities whenever possible.
Q: How can I reduce HVAC energy consumption without sacrificing comfort?
A: Reducing HVAC energy consumption while maintaining comfort is achievable through various strategies:
Q: Do you offer energy audits or data logging to identify inefficiencies?
A: Yes, Wicked Cool Mechanical offers comprehensive energy audits and can utilize data-logging technology to gain detailed insights into your HVAC system’s performance and energy consumption patterns. This allows us to pinpoint specific areas of inefficiency and provide data-driven recommendations for improvement, helping you make informed decisions about upgrades and operational adjustments.
Q: What role can building automation or smart thermostats play in lowering operating costs?
A: Building automation systems (BAS) and smart thermostats are powerful tools for lowering operating costs. They offer:
If your question isn’t covered—or you’re ready to tackle a specific HVAC challenge—reach out now. Call 603-524-0445, email [email protected], or use our quick contact form and a WCM specialist will get back to you within one business day.