Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my HVAC air filter?

Most homes should replace their air filter every 1–3 months, or monthly if you have pets or allergies. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, raising energy bills and increasing the risk of a breakdown.

Why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?

This is usually caused by low refrigerant, a dirty filter, a failing compressor, or a thermostat set incorrectly. If your filter is clean and the thermostat is set to “cool,” it's best to have a technician check the refrigerant level and compressor before the problem worsens.

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

We recommend professional maintenance twice a year - once in spring for your AC and once in fall for your heating system. Regular tune-ups catch small issues before they become expensive repairs and keep your system running efficiently.

How long does a furnace or AC unit typically last?

A well-maintained furnace lasts 15–20 years, and a well-maintained AC unit lasts 12–15 years. Age, along with rising repair costs and declining efficiency, are the best signs it's time to consider replacement.

Why is my energy bill suddenly so high?

A spike in your energy bill is often a sign your HVAC system is working harder than it should, due to a dirty filter, low refrigerant, leaky ductwork, or an aging unit losing efficiency. A quick inspection can usually identify the cause.

Do I need to repair or replace my HVAC system?

As a general rule, if a repair costs more than 50% of a replacement, or your unit is over 10–15 years old and needs frequent repairs, replacement is usually the better long-term investment. A technician can give you a cost comparison specific to your unit.

Why isn't my thermostat turning on my AC or furnace?

This is usually caused by dead batteries, a tripped breaker, or a miscommunication between the thermostat and the system's wiring. If replacing the batteries and checking the breaker doesn't fix it, the thermostat itself or its wiring may need to be inspected by a technician.

Why does my air conditioner freeze up?

An AC unit typically freezes due to restricted airflow from a dirty filter, low refrigerant, or a dirty evaporator coil. Running a frozen unit can damage the compressor, so it's best to turn the system off and let it thaw before calling a technician.

What size HVAC system do I need for my home?

The right size depends on your home's square footage, insulation, ceiling height, and window exposure - not just square footage alone - so a “bigger is better” approach can actually hurt efficiency and comfort. A technician performs a load calculation to recommend the correct size for your specific home.

Why does my furnace smell like it's burning when I first turn it on for the season?

A slight burning smell in the first few minutes is usually just dust burning off the heat exchanger after months of disuse and should clear within 15–20 minutes. If the smell persists, gets stronger, or smells like gas, turn off the system and call a technician right away.

Why is my water pressure suddenly low?

Low water pressure is typically caused by a clogged aerator, a hidden leak, mineral buildup in pipes, or a problem with the municipal supply. If it's affecting the whole house rather than one fixture, it's worth having a plumber inspect your main line.

Why does my water heater keep running out of hot water?

This usually means sediment has built up in the tank, the heating element has failed, or the unit is undersized for your household's demand. Flushing the tank annually can prevent sediment buildup and extend the unit's life.

What should I do if I have a leaking pipe?

Shut off the main water valve immediately to prevent further damage, then call a plumber - don't wait, since even a small leak can cause significant water damage within hours. If it's safe to do so, also shut off electricity to any affected areas.

Why is my toilet running constantly?

A constantly running toilet is almost always caused by a worn-out flapper valve or an improperly adjusted fill valve, both of which are inexpensive, quick fixes. Left unaddressed, this can waste hundreds of gallons of water and add real money to your water bill each month.

How often should I have my plumbing inspected?

We recommend a full plumbing inspection every 1–2 years, especially for homes over 20 years old. This helps catch corroding pipes, small leaks, and worn fixtures before they turn into emergencies.

Can I use chemical drain cleaners safely?

We generally don't recommend chemical drain cleaners, since they can corrode older pipes and don't clear the underlying blockage. A plumber can clear the clog safely and identify whether there's a recurring issue further down the line.

Why do my pipes make a banging noise when I turn off the water?

This is called water hammer, and it happens when a fast-closing valve creates a shockwave in the pipes, often due to loose piping or a missing air chamber. It's usually an easy fix, but persistent water hammer can loosen pipe joints over time if left unaddressed.

How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?

Warning signs include an unexplained spike in your water bill, a water meter that keeps running when everything's off, damp spots on walls or flooring, or a musty smell. A plumber can perform a leak detection test to pinpoint the source without tearing into walls unnecessarily.

Why does my water smell or taste odd?

Odd smells or tastes are commonly caused by sediment buildup in your water heater, bacteria in a sulfur-smelling well system, or aging pipes affecting water quality. A plumber can test your water and recommend a fix, whether that's flushing your water heater or installing a filtration system.

Should I switch to a tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters provide continuous hot water and use less energy than tank models, but they cost more upfront and may require upgraded gas or electrical lines. Whether it's worth it depends on your household's hot water usage and budget, which a plumber can help you evaluate.

What causes a sewer line backup?

Sewer backups are most often caused by tree root intrusion, grease and debris buildup, or a collapsed/damaged pipe. A recurring backup, especially in multiple drains at once, is a strong sign the problem is in the main line rather than a single fixture.

How do I know if I need a drain cleaning or a full sewer inspection?

Slow drains in one sink usually just need a standard cleaning, but recurring clogs, gurgling sounds, or backups in multiple fixtures suggest a deeper issue that calls for a camera inspection. A video inspection lets us pinpoint the exact cause and location before any digging is needed.

What is hydro jetting and when is it needed?

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear grease, roots, and buildup from inside a pipe, restoring it to close to its original diameter. It's typically recommended for recurring clogs or heavy buildup that a standard snake can't fully clear.

Why does my drain smell bad?

A smelly drain is usually caused by trapped food debris, a dry P-trap (common in rarely used drains), or a buildup of bacteria in the pipe. Running water through unused drains regularly and having them cleaned periodically usually resolves it.

How often should main sewer lines be cleaned or inspected?

Most homes benefit from a sewer line inspection every 1–2 years, or sooner if you have older clay pipes or mature trees near your line. Older homes with a history of root intrusion may need more frequent cleaning.

Can tree roots really get into a sewer pipe?

Yes - tree roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside sewer pipes and can infiltrate even small cracks or joints, eventually causing major blockages. A camera inspection can confirm root intrusion and determine whether cleaning or pipe repair is needed.

What items should never be put down my drains?

Grease, coffee grounds, wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, and fibrous food scraps are the most common causes of clogs and should never go down a drain. Grease is especially damaging because it re-hardens inside pipes and gradually narrows them, even if it looks fine when poured out.

Why does my basement floor drain back up during heavy rain?

This usually means your home's sewer line or the municipal storm system is overwhelmed, or you have a failing backwater valve that isn't preventing water from flowing back into your home. Installing or servicing a backwater valve is the most effective way to stop this from happening again.

What's the difference between snaking a drain and hydro jetting?

Snaking uses a flexible cable to break through and push past a clog, while hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to fully scour the inside of the pipe clean. Snaking is faster and fine for a single clog, but hydro jetting is better for recurring buildup or grease-lined pipes.

How can I prevent grease clogs in my kitchen sink?

Let grease cool and throw it in the trash instead of pouring it down the drain, and run hot water with a bit of dish soap after washing greasy dishes. Even small amounts of grease add up over time and are one of the most common causes of kitchen drain clogs.

Why do my circuit breakers keep tripping?

A breaker that trips repeatedly is usually a sign of an overloaded circuit, a short circuit, or a ground fault. Frequent tripping shouldn't be ignored, since it can indicate a wiring issue that poses a fire risk.

Why do my lights flicker?

Flickering lights are often caused by a loose bulb or fixture, but persistent flickering across multiple rooms can point to loose wiring connections or an overloaded circuit. If it's happening house-wide, it's worth having an electrician check your panel and main connections.

How do I know if my home needs an electrical panel upgrade?

Signs you may need a panel upgrade include frequent tripped breakers, a panel over 25 years old, or adding major appliances like an EV charger or hot tub. Older homes with fuse boxes or panels under 100 amps often can't safely support modern electrical demand.

Are GFCI outlets required in my home, and where?

Yes - GFCI outlets are required by code in areas exposed to water, including kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor spaces. They shut off power instantly if they detect a ground fault, which significantly reduces the risk of electrical shock.

How often should I have my home's wiring inspected?

We recommend an electrical inspection every 3–5 years for most homes, or immediately if your home is over 40 years old or you notice warning signs like burning smells or discolored outlets. Homes with aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring should be inspected sooner.

Is it safe to install a ceiling fan or fixture myself?

We don't recommend DIY electrical fixture installation, since incorrect wiring can create a fire hazard and often isn't covered by insurance if something goes wrong. A licensed electrician can typically install a fixture safely in under an hour.

Why does an outlet feel warm or make a buzzing sound?

A warm or buzzing outlet is a sign of loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, or damaged internal components, and it should be treated as a potential fire hazard. Stop using the outlet and have an electrician inspect it as soon as possible.

Do I need a licensed electrician to install a whole-house generator?

Yes - a whole-house generator requires a transfer switch to be installed correctly so it doesn't backfeed into the grid, which is both a code requirement and a safety necessity. A licensed electrician ensures the installation is done safely and passes inspection.

How do I know if my home has outdated or unsafe wiring?

Homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, warm outlets, discolored switch plates, or a fuse box instead of a breaker panel are signs your wiring may be outdated or unsafe. These systems weren't built for today's electrical demand and are worth having inspected, especially in homes over 40 years old.

Can I add a new outlet to a room myself?

We don't recommend DIY outlet installation, since it involves working with live wiring and needs to meet code for circuit load and placement. A licensed electrician can typically add an outlet safely and up to code in under an hour.