Northstar Refrigeration, Inc.

09/04/2026

🍂 Shoulder season is almost here!

While the weather may be getting more comfortable, this transition period is a great time to give your HVAC equipment some attention.

Addressing wear from the summer and preparing for the colder months ahead can help prevent unexpected issues when the heating season begins.

A little planning now can go a long way later.

09/04/2026

Not every HVAC problem starts with the HVAC equipment.

A room that's suddenly too warm could be caused by airflow. Longer runtimes could trace back to building pressure. Comfort complaints might start with occupancy changes, controls, or even how a space is being used.

This week on Northstar University, we're looking beyond the equipment to explore some of the building and operational conditions that can affect HVAC performance.

One of the most useful troubleshooting questions might be simpler than you think:

What changed?

👉 Read the full article: www.northstarhvacr.com/post/problems-dont-always-start-with-the-equipment

But other times, the HVAC system is doing exactly what it's supposed to do—it's simply responding to a problem somewhere else in the building.

09/01/2026

❄️ CO₂sdays with Northstar Refrigeration ❄️

CO₂ refrigeration isn't new—but the technology behind today's systems has come a long way.

Over the last decade, advancements in system design have helped address some of the challenges traditionally associated with CO₂ refrigeration while expanding where and how the technology can be applied.

Some of the biggest developments include:

🖥️ Smarter Controls — More advanced controls allow systems to continuously monitor and optimize operating conditions.

⚙️ Parallel Compression — Improved system configurations can reduce the workload on main compressors and support greater efficiency.

➡️ Ejector Technology — Modern ejectors can help recover energy that would otherwise be lost during pressure reduction.

📈 System Optimization — Better component selection, system design, and operating strategies have helped improve performance across a wider range of applications and climates.

These advancements are part of the reason today's CO₂ systems look very different from those of a decade ago—and the technology continues to evolve.

Thinking about CO₂ for a new system or future refrigeration project? Connect with the Northstar Refrigeration team to start the conversation.

08/28/2026

Your HVAC equipment doesn't know it's almost Labor Day. ☀️

Summer may be winding down, but cooling season isn't necessarily finished.

After months of heavy operation, late summer is an important time to watch for longer runtimes, comfort issues, reduced airflow, rising energy use, and other signs that your HVAC system may be feeling the effects of a long season.

This week on Northstar University, we're looking at how facilities can help their HVAC systems finish summer strong—and use this season's performance to plan ahead.

👉 Read more: https://www.northstarhvacr.com/blog-and-resources

Industrial HVAC & refrigeration insights, maintenance tips, and industry news. Expert guidance for facility managers and contractors across New England.

08/27/2026

Summer isn’t over just yet! ☀️

Labor Day may be right around the corner, but late-August heat can still put serious demand on commercial cooling systems.

After working hard all summer, now isn’t the time to take your HVAC equipment off the radar. Continued high temperatures, long runtimes, and months of peak-season operation can take their toll.

A little attention now can help keep systems running reliably through the rest of the cooling season — and help prevent an unexpected breakdown before fall arrives.

Enjoy the long weekend, but don’t let your cooling system clock out early! ❄️

Need HVAC support? Northstar Refrigeration is here to help keep your facility running strong.

📞 508-927-6250
🌐 northstarhvacr.com

08/25/2026

❄️ CO₂sdays with Northstar Refrigeration ❄️

With refrigerant regulations evolving and facilities planning further into the future, one question continues to come up: What makes CO₂ such an attractive long-term option?

CO₂ (R744) has several characteristics that continue to drive interest across commercial and industrial refrigeration:

🌎 Very Low GWP — CO₂ has a significantly lower global warming potential than many traditional refrigerants.

📋 Regulatory Longevity — As higher-GWP refrigerants face increasing restrictions, CO₂ offers an option that aligns with the industry's move toward lower-GWP solutions.

⚡ Advancing Technology — Improvements in controls, parallel compression, ejectors, and system design continue to expand where and how efficiently CO₂ systems can operate.

♻️ Natural Refrigerant — CO₂ occurs naturally and isn't dependent on the development of the next generation of synthetic refrigerants.

No refrigerant is the right solution for every application. But for facilities making decisions that will affect their operations for years to come, CO₂ offers several characteristics worth considering as part of a long-term refrigeration strategy.

Thinking about what's next for your refrigeration system? Connect with the Northstar Refrigeration team to start the conversation.

08/21/2026

Heating season probably isn't top of mind when it's still warm outside—but that's exactly why now is the time to prepare.

This week on Northstar University, we're looking at why late summer provides facility managers with an important window to inspect equipment, test heating systems, address repairs, and plan for parts before colder weather arrives.

A little preparation now can mean fewer surprises when your heating equipment becomes mission-critical.

The best time to find a heating problem is before you need the heat.

👉 Read the full article: https://www.northstarhvacr.com/post/planning-ahead-prepare-for-heating-season

Once the first cold stretch arrives, heating systems quickly move from sitting idle to becoming critical to daily operations. Equipment that hasn't run consistently in months may suddenly be expected to perform for hours at a time.

08/21/2026

🎉 Celebrating 10 Years with Northstar! 🎉

This month, we’re proud to recognize Josh Hill on his 10-year anniversary with Northstar Refrigeration!

As a Refrigeration Technician, Josh has spent the past decade bringing his experience, technical knowledge and dedication to the field while helping us provide the quality service our customers count on.

Reaching 10 years is an incredible milestone, and we’re grateful for Josh’s hard work, loyalty, and commitment to Northstar over the years.

Congratulations on a decade with Northstar, Josh! Thank you for everything you’ve contributed to the team, here’s to many more!

08/20/2026

🎉 Celebrating 5 Years with Northstar! 🎉

This month, we’re recognizing Sean Ahearn on his 5-year anniversary with Northstar Refrigeration!

Sean is a Pipefitter Apprentice and has spent the past five years continuing to build his skills, gain hands-on experience and contribute to the work our teams do in the field every day.

We appreciate Sean’s hard work, dedication and commitment to growing in the trade, and we’re proud to have him as part of the Northstar team.

Congratulations on 5 years, Sean! Here’s to many more!

08/14/2026

Why is one building easy to keep comfortable while another seems to be a constant battle?

The answer isn't always the HVAC equipment.

Building construction, sun exposure, occupancy, airflow, controls, and even everyday operations can all affect how hard your system has to work.

This week on Northstar University, we're looking at what makes some commercial buildings harder to heat and cool—and why understanding the building as a whole can be just as important as evaluating the equipment.

Sometimes the better question isn't “What's wrong with the HVAC system?”

It's “What's making the HVAC system work so hard?”

👉 Read the full article: https://www.northstarhvacr.com/post/what-makes-a-building-hard-to-heat-and-cool

Two buildings can have similar HVAC equipment, similar square footage, and even similar operating schedules—yet one maintains comfortable temperatures with ease while the other constantly struggles. Why? The answer isn't always the HVAC equipment. A building's construction, layout, occupancy, oper...