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HVAC

Have Heat Pumps performance got better than they were 20 years ago?

Yes – A conventional Heat Pump System will operate and keep you warm, even when the temperature is below 30 degrees. They are now incredibly efficient.

How does a Heat Pump work?

A Heat Pump will pull heat from the air and transfer it into your system rather than burning fuel to heat your home and pull heat from your home in the same way to cool it.

What is a dual fuel system?

This system allows you to use your existing oil or gas furnace (Hot Air Furnace) and install a heat pump coil with an outside heat pump unit. This will operate as a heat pump and use your furnace as an auxiliary or emergency heat source. The Heat Pump will operate approximately 90% – 95% of the time.

I have a oil furnace. What do I need to do to service it and how often?

Oil furnaces need yearly servicing and cleaning in order to run smoothly. It is a good idea to clean the firebox with a brush and shopvac, replace the oil nozzle (if you don’t know the size get the brand and model of the furnace and we can find it for you), the oil filter and make sure to replace air filters at least 3-4 times a year.

If you don’t think that this is something you are capable of then please give us a call. We have a serviceman who services over 500 oil furnaces and oil boilers per year. At anytime he could be 1-3 weeks backed up during peek season.

How does a Heat Pump work?

A Heat Pump will pull heat from the air and transfer it into your system rather than burning fuel to heat your home and pull heat from your home in the same way to cool it.

Is there an advantage to using a programmable thermostat?

Yes, you can save energy when you set the programmable thermostat to run less when you are not at home. However, the 1st rule is to set it and LEAVE IT! Most people will override the temperature and forget to change it back.


 

Plumbing

My home has a well. I have noticed pink/red stain that builds up in my toilet tank and tub. What is it?

Generally when this happens it means that you have an issue with Iron in your water. Bring in a sample of water to us and we will test the waters iron and ph to see if you need a water softener installed.

How Do I Keep My Pipes from Freezing?

Frozen pipes only occur when the temperature around the pipes gets below freezing for an extended period of time. To stop this from happening, ensure your pipes are well insulated. If your water lines are inside, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, outdoor or garage water lines may need to be wrapped in extra insulation.

Why is My Water Pressure So Low?

A sudden shift in water pressure can be the result of many problems, but the simplest to solve are often those related to the water line or shutoff valve. Check your incoming lines and the valve to make sure there isn’t a kink and the valve is open all the way. Another problem you may face is mineral deposit in old pipes.

This is common in homes that haven’t had their pipes replaced in three or more decades, and while cleaning is an option, you should also discuss the possibility of replacement with your plumber.

How can I help to prevent sink or drain stoppages?

For kitchen sink drains, avoiding pouring any grease such as cooking oils down the drain as these solidify in the drains and will clog.  Frequent use of ice and cut up lemons or limes will help clean and maintain your disposal.  Avoid placing stringy vegetables such as corn or celery down the disposal.

For lavatory sinks, especially in older homes, it is best to have your drains serviced every six months to avoid any backing up especially those with A/C drain connections.  For bathroom drains, use a strainer to catch hair.  It is best to avoid using liquid drain cleaners, like Drano on a clogged drain, as the ingredients become caustic when mixed with the clog and can severely damage them.  Call a Plumber to clean the drain.


Water Heater

How do I change the element, thermostat and inside of my water heater?

  1. Turn water valve OFF running to water heater.

  2. Turn breaker OFF to water heater.

  3. Hook water hose to bottom valve of heater.

  4. Drain all water out of heater.

  5. Put vinegar (or whatever US Craftmaster suggested) into heater.

  6. After you drain heater again take the two elements located behind front panels out using wrench provided.

  7. Remove thermostats and make sure to notice the way they have been wired previously.(The thermostat should have a wiring diagram)

  8. Check wiring coming from breaker to heater. (If wiring problem notify a licensed electrician)

  9. Turn on water valve and make sure the heater is completely full. (should be able to pull lever on pop valve near the top of the heater and water come out)

  10. Turn breaker back on and allow water to heat.

What are the advantages of installing a Tank-less Hot Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters offer many wonderful positives such as long-term energy savings, endless hot water, space saving and strategic placement, no risk of water damage and they produce and supply endless streams of hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously.

Tankless heaters are up to 30 percent more energy efficient than a traditional natural gas water heater and up to 50 percent more efficient than an electric water heater. They shut-off automatically when the water supply is closed, providing users with significant energy savings. Lastly, these water heaters are compact wall mounted units with a life expectancy of 20 years, whereas hot water tanks require about 16 square feet of floor space and usually last around 10 years.