5 Tips to Help Your AC Run Better

May 25th, 2020

air-conditioner-with-clipboard-on-topAny air conditioning system in the Ashburn area is going to get quite the workout each summer. Fortunately, modern cooling systems are very durable and can take the heat!

But, how much do you typically expect to pay for your air conditioner use each year? The costs of staying comfortable indoors can be steep—but you could also be paying more than necessary for your energy bills. There are a number of ways that an AC system can lose energy efficiency over the years and start raising your utility bills as a result.

There are also many ways to boost a cooling system’s efficiency and cut down on your costs. We’ve shared 5 tips below on how to do just that!

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Plumbing Problems vs. Emergencies: When Should You Make the Call?

May 11th, 2020

plumber-hands-working-on-plumbing-under-sinkIt pretty much goes without saying that a plumbing problem never happens at a convenient time. Does any problem ever happen conveniently, after all? Still, though, there are certainly some problems that are more urgent than others, and taking care of these urgent needs is an essential part of our professional plumbers’ jobs. We’re always ready to come to your rescue and fix your plumbing problem, no matter what it might be, and no matter when it might be.

Read on as we uncover several of the most common plumbing emergencies we get called for. We assure you, if you’re experiencing one of these issues, it counts as an emergency and it’s time to pick up your phone and dial our number!

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Can You Prevent Plumbing Problems?

April 27th, 2020

closeup-of-sink-p-trap-with-leakWhen it comes to home comfort problems, there are a few that you’re more likely to experience, with plumbing issues being at the top of that list. Yes, they’re inconvenient, and yes, they’re very common. This is particularly true if you live in an older home with as equally old pipes.

Fortunately, however, there are some steps you can follow to prevent plumbing problems. Investing in routine video pipe inspection, for instance, allows our plumbers to get a close look inside your pipes and make sure that there are no buildups that could lead to obstructions, pinhole leaks, or in the case of your sewer line, even tree root infiltration. Read on as we uncover a few of the most common plumbing problems we get called for, as well as some tips on how to avoid them.

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How NOT to Treat Your Plumbing

April 13th, 2020

pipe-with-blue-cloth-tied-on-itDid you know that the #1 plumbing problem plumbers get called for is drain clogs? Just about every homeowner, at some point, has dealt with a clogged up or slow-moving drain. Our professionals manage to unclog drains in homes all the time!

We know it’s tempting to reach for a bottle of store-bought, chemical drain cleaner when this happens. That’s the easiest and quickest solution after all, right? Well—let us give you a different perspective.

Chemical drain cleaners are caustic! Sure, this means they may eat away at your clog enough to restore water flow. But it will be temporary at best and will eat away at and corrode your plumbing at worst. This is exactly how not to treat your plumbing—and down below we’ve shared some other “don’ts” when it comes to how you’re treating those pipes.

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Signs Your Plumbing System Needs Help

March 30th, 2020

plumber-working-on-pipe-under-sinkThere’s something tricky about plumbing leaks and other problems. They tend to hide really well! They usually happen behind walls and sometimes even under the foundation of your home. Therefore, they’re pretty undetectable.

Sure, some plumbing issues are obvious, such as a clogged drain or a leaking faucet. You don’t really need to know any “signs” of these since they’ll be apparent.

But for your hidden pipes, a leak or issue can occur and go unnoticed for a long period of time and do some damage in the meantime if you’re not attentive to your plumbing system. For these issues, there are signs you can watch out for. Read on as we uncover some of them.

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How to Choose the Right Plumber for the Job

March 16th, 2020

technician-with-tools-in-pocketLet’s face it, it is cheaper to hire a general handyman to repair a leak or unclog a drain right? Better yet, why can’t you just do it yourself?

We know like these both seem as though they’re appealing options, but you may actually end up regretting this choice. An ineffective or incomplete plumbing repair job can leave you calling a professional plumber anyway, and costing you more than you would have ultimately spent, to begin with.

Our professional plumbers have been on the job for years, and we’ve seen what can happen when homeowners choose to go for the deal rather than the tried and true professionals. However, when you are ready to hire a professional plumber, how do you know what traits to look for? How do you actually choose the right plumber for your repair or even an installation job?

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Why Ductless Heating Installation Requires a Pro

March 2nd, 2020

technician-installing-ductless-air-handlerIf you’ve come across this blog post and decided to read through it, there’s a good chance you’re looking to accomplish comfort and savings out of your HVAC system. A ductless heating (and cooling) system, is definitely a good choice, then!

This system’s setup is similar to that of a standard central air conditioner in that it involves an outdoor unit and refrigerant lines that transfer heat in order to bring cooling into your home. But wait, we’re talking about heating right?

That’s the difference with the ductless system, right there. The refrigerant process can be reversed to bring in effective heat! And of course, another thing that makes the setup different is that there isn’t one single indoor unit, rather there are up to 4 individual air handlers connected to one outdoor unit.

This is where the unique needs of a ductless system come in—unique needs you might not ever need to face so long as you have your ductless system professionally installed. Read on to learn more!

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Don’t Neglect These Mid-Season Heating Needs

February 17th, 2020

technician-working-on-furnaceWith the weather still chilly enough to need our heaters on a daily basis, chances are that if something is amiss with yours, you’ve taken notice. But what if it seems to be working just fine, although you skipped maintenance this year?

Heating maintenance is a service we recommend in the fall. This is because it gives our technicians the opportunity to comprehensively clean, inspect, and adjust your heater so it performs as efficiently and as effectively as possible when you need it the most.

But if you skipped maintenance, you may find yourself facing heating system problems very soon, or potentially toward the end of the season. If something does seem off, whether you had maintenance done or not, the best thing you can do is call for heating services. But what sort of problems or signs of a malfunction should be watching out for?

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“My Heater Is Making Funny Noises, What’s Up?”

February 3rd, 2020

woman-covering-her-earsThe last thing you need right now is for your heating system to fail on you, right? If it starts making unusual noises, however, it could be a warning sign of trouble brewing.

You likely know what noises to expect from your furnace or heater when it’s operating normally—the whoosh of air through the vents, the sound of the system cycling on and off, and even ductwork fluctuating due to the temperature changes. Anything outside of these sounds is at least cause for investigation.

Below, we’ve covered some of the most common “funny” noises you might hear, and what they mean. Read on!

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A Dirty Air Filter and Its Impact on Your Furnace

January 20th, 2020

man-holding-air-filterTelling our customers to replace their HVAC air filters every 1-3 months isn’t just a suggestion—we’re saying this because it’s the only way you’re going to get the most efficient and effective use out of that HVAC system. And considering how much we use our furnaces during these winter months, chances are you’d like to do whatever you can to avoid high heating bills or potentially even unexpected repair needs.

One way you can do this is by performing one small maintenance task—yes, there is one maintenance task you can do on your own—change your air filter! You might be surprised to find just how important this small component is. Many homeowners think it’s just there to protect their indoor air quality, but this is not its intended purpose. Read on to learn more!

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