HVAC & Plumbing Frequently Asked Questions
Plumbing FAQ
Slow drains in sinks or bathtubs can point to a variety of plumbing issues. If only one drain in your home is slow, it is likely that the drain has a clog that is preventing the clear flow of water. Clogged kitchen sinks may be caused either by grease or by particles of food that weren't ground up by a garbage disposal. Avoid using drain-cleaning liquids in your sinks and bathtub as they can be highly corrosive and may damage your pipes.
If you've noticed slow drains throughout your entire house, your plumbing system may be suffering from a blocked vent. These vents are designed to equalize the pressure in your pipes, so the disruption of airflow can also cause changes in drain speed. A plumber can help you find the block or clear clogs so that your sinks and bathtubs drain efficiently.
Leaky faucets that drip constantly are not only annoying, but can lead to a huge waste of water over time. If your faucet drips non-stop even when you've turned it off, it's likely that some part of the faucet mechanism is broken or faulty. After you've identified the issue, replace the faulty part to avoid more costly repairs in the future. If you're unable to find the faulty part, ask a plumber to help.
Problems with the O ring, a screw designed to hold the faucet handle in place, are a leading culprit when it comes to leaky faucets. It's also common for a worn-out washer or a washer that hasn't been installed correctly to cause continuous dripping. Washers can be replaced easily by most homeowners. If all seals and washers are in good condition, you may have a problem with the valve seat, which connects the faucet with the pressure mechanism's spout. Get professional help to clean or replace a valve seat.
A running toilet can be a serious nuisance, especially if it flushes fine but just doesn't know when to stop filling with water. Before you get started, take the lid off your toilet tank and flush the toilet several times. Pay attention to how all of the components in the tank work together. You should be able to pinpoint the issue with simple observation.
The most common culprit is a faulty flapper. This is a flap of plastic that looks like a drain cover. The flapper is attached to a chain that lifts it up when the toilet is flushed. This changes pressure inside the toilet, allowing dirty water to escape. After dirty water has been cleared from the toilet, the bowl and tank begin to fill. The tank is fitted with a special float that is designed to stop the tank from filling once it has reached a certain level.
If your toilet won't stop running, check to see if the flapper is closing all the way. If it isn't, figure out what the problem is and fix it. You might need to replace the chain or buy a new flapper. If the chain is getting caught under the flapper, shorten it so that this can't happen again. If this doesn't fix the problem, make sure that the valve is open all the way and adjust the float arm. If you discover that your toilet has faulty valves, rely on a professional to take care of repairs.
When it comes to tackling clogged drains and toilets at home, many individuals head for the cleaning products aisle and purchase drain cleaners. However, these products are extremely caustic and can cause damage to your plumbing system. Avoid using them, especially if you rent a home or apartment. Most leases expressly forbid tenants from using drain cleaners.
Instead, attempt to clear the clog first by using a plunger. You can use a plunger in your bathroom or kitchen sinks in much the same way as you use it in your toilet. If a plunger doesn't work, try removing the stopper on your sink's drain to see if something near the surface is clogging the pipe.
Many homeowners have success clearing small clogs by pouring boiling hot water down the drain or by pouring equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar down the drain. If none of these basic remedies work, you may need to talk to a professional plumber about having your drains snaked. Snaking can break up tough clogs, but you should also take care to cover drains and avoid dumping grease down them so that clogs don't build up again in a few weeks.
You rely on your garbage disposal to eliminate small scraps of food and keep your drain clean. It can be extremely inconvenient if you go to use the disposal and it simply doesn't turn on or makes a soft, whirring noise when turned on. If the disposal won't turn on, check to be sure that it is firmly plugged into the power outlet beneath your sink. Plug a small appliance, such as a lamp or hand mixer, into the outlet to be sure that the problem isn't with the power source.
If your disposal has power, be sure that its switch is in the off position and run the water for at least one minute. Then, take a pair of tongs and stick them down the drain, running them around the disposal. Check to be sure that no objects are stuck. Remove the tongs, turn on the water and try running the disposal again. If it still won't work, it's time to call a plumber.
HVAC FAQ
The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) measures the efficiency of your air conditioner or air-source heat pump. The SEER is the cooling output over a particular season divided by the total energy used in that same period. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency level of that cooling system.
Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. For a higher rating your HVAC contractor can provide advice about an upgrade. The SEER rating of a system is based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (heat pump or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment (evaporator coil and furnace, or air handler), play a vital role in the total rating.
Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions. The constant stopping, starting and general operation can wear down any machine. Proper care and maintenance help to keep these systems in optimum condition and ward off malfunction. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can maximize the life of your heating and cooling units and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed in spring for your AC and fall for your heater can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts. Regular maintenance will ensure maximum efficiency and prevent other problems.
All heating and cooling equipment require annual professional tuneup. Inspections on boilers and furnaces should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines and the oil tank. Heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include an examination of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, and refrigerant lines.
The professionals at [bloginfo info='name'] are your troubleshooting experts, and we are glad to help you with any problem you may experience with your HVAC system. We provide informative blogs and articles on our website that address many common HVAC concerns. You may also call our office during normal business hours for more information. If you experience an HVAC crisis after hours, you can contact one of our on-call technicians for 24-7 emergency service.
Programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With a programmable thermostat, you can program settings in advance so that you can control the temperature at different times of the day. You will never have to worry about remembering to adjust the settings manually. By scheduling your programmable thermostat to a higher or lower temperature based on your weekday work hours, you can save money on energy bills without sacrificing comfort. A [bloginfo info='name'] technician will gladly walk you through how to use your programmable thermostat.
Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they can only do so much to improve indoor air quality. A media air cleaner does a much better job of trapping small particles. It rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal up to seven times more effectively than a standard filter. Upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower's capacity. For optimal efficiency and filtration, we recommend that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, you should clean them once a month during periods of heavy use.
Filters for your unit may be made specifically for its brand. These filters may be made of different or higher-quality materials than those of the disposable filters found in retail stores. Check with your local dealer to find the appropriate filter for your air conditioner. However, keep in mind that some filters are reusable, and can be washed by hand in cold water.
Many factors affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home, and duct sizing and arrangement. A technician from [bloginfo info='name'] can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family's needs. Depending on the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet. You can ensure that the system you purchase is the right size and not smaller or larger than you require, by having your heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.
HVAC systems last an average of 10 years. However, for your equipment, it may differ. Variables that affect life expectancy include the type of system, climate and the regularity of routine maintenance.
Business FAQ
We do not give free estimates. We charge $40 to come out and assess the job. If we end up doing the work, we will waive that $40
We do not charge by the hour; we are a flat rate company. Once the plumber sees the repair, he will quote the flat rate price to fix it.
We cannot break down parts and labor because we are set up as a flat rate company.
Yes, we do both commercial and residential repairs and maintenance.
Yes, we offer financing through Green Sky Financial.
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