Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My furnace or air conditioner doesn't work. Should I replace the thermostat?
A. It is possible that the issue is with the thermostat. From my experience, however, the thermostat is rarely defective. Check to make sure the batteries are not dead. As a note, most thermostat manufacturers recommend using Duracell batteries.
Q. Should I replace my furnace? It has worked fine for the past 30 years and I don't believe I can afford it.
A. If your furnace is 30 years old, it's probably 70% efficient. Upgrading your system will save you up to 25% on your heating costs. You will also experience the peace of mind that comes with new equipment.
Q. Why does my automatic feeder on my steam boiler feed so much?
A. The colder it is outside the more "makeup" water you will need. Sometimes there is a leak in the system that needs to be addressed.
Q. I have a small hole located on my boiler pipe. Is that a big deal or should I just wait until it gets worse?
A. Any leaking issues within the boiler system should be addressed. Holes in boiler piping introduces oxygen into the system and could shorten the overall life of the boiler.
Q. How often should I replace my filter?
A. Most filters should be replaced every 30 days. Although the filter manufacturers say 90 days, it is best to replace every 30 days. Some 4" and 5" media filters last for 6 months. Dirty filters are ofttimes the main reason for furnace and ac system failures.
Q. My furnace is leaking water when the air conditioner is running. What should I do?
A. Make sure the filter isn't dirty first. There may possibly be a plugged condensate drain or defective condensate pump.
Q. Why do I run out of hot water after one shower?
A. There may be several different reasons for this symptom. The most common is a part called the "dip tube". The dip tube forces the cold water to the bottom of the water heater to properly heat. If the water heater is over 10 years old it is strongly advised that you replace the heater. Note: Water heaters should be installed by a qualified technician. Please visit the water heater page for more info.
If you have a specific question regarding your system please feel free to email us.