Drain clogs are one of those unfortunate things that just about every homeowner has to deal with at some point. But they are also one of those drain issues that most people deal with incorrectly. When a drain clog forms in the average home, it is instinct to reach for some type of store-bought drain cleaning solution to manage the problem. This is actually not a great way to deal with it, which we’ll get into more below.
Why You Should Only Trust a Pro for Your Drain Cleaning Needs
March 11th, 20194 Ways to Save Money on Your Heating Bills
February 25th, 2019
We’d venture to guess that as a homeowner in New Jersey, you’d like to whatever you can in order to save money on your energy bills. And there is one appliance in particular that contributes heavily to these bills—your heating system.
Fortunately, there are some pretty simple steps you can take that will ensure your heater is operating as efficiently as possible, and even boost your heater’s efficiency. There’s no reason to sacrifice your comfort just to save a few bucks. You can instead follow the tips below, save even more money, and keep you and your family comfy.
“Can My Heating Repair Needs Wait?”
February 11th, 2019
With nighttime temperatures traditionally hovering no higher than 39° at least through April, the short answer to this question is, “no.” If you do suspect or know that you have heating repair needs, you may be tempted to use your heater less and less, and be ready to just shut it off when the heating season ends so you don’t have to deal with it, but this can be a mistake.
Ignoring any sort of heating system issues can cause it to progress into a much bigger problem, leaving you with a broken down heater next year when you need it, or even before winter weather ends this year. But how do you know if you have heater problems that need managing, unless you’ve been told by a pro that you do? Read on to learn some of the common signs of a heating repair need.
“What Is a Two-Stage Furnace and Will It Benefit Me?”
January 28th, 2019
When you are shopping for a new HVAC system, whether it is an air conditioner or heater, you may come across some terminology you don’t recognize. One term that’s becoming a little more common, is “two-stage.” You will typically see this used in the description of high-efficiency air conditioners and furnaces.
But what makes it different? Is it really any better than a single stage HVAC system? Keep reading to learn more about two-stage furnaces and how having one may very well be advantageous for your home.
Beware This Common Boiler Threat
January 14th, 2019
There may have been some point during your homeownership when you were told that your boiler is being impacted by scaling. Maybe you’re unsure of whether to take this problem seriously or not. We’re here to tell you that yes, you should. Scaling in boilers is actually really common, and also really serious. It’s caused by high levels of minerals in the water—namely, calcium and magnesium—that get left behind in the boiler tank and tubes. This can lead to a reduction in heat as well as a loud banging noise in some instances.
You may be wondering how this is dangerous for your boiler. Well, a boiler that’s suffering from scaling is in danger of breaking down entirely and/or leaking water into your home. Both of these would require prompt boiler services in Union, NJ. But we’d like to help you avoid this issue to begin with, if possible.
Heat Pump Troubleshooting: A System That Won’t Heat
December 31st, 2018
When you live in New Jersey, you know that winter temperatures dip to a point that not only is a fully functional heater more comfortable, it’s a vital necessity to keep you warm and comfortable all season long. If you own a heat pump system for your heating and cooling needs, it’s likely due to its numerous benefits: heat pumps are versatile, efficient, and extremely effective. And since this system works year-round, it’s important that you have it regularly maintained and quickly repaired when something does go wrong with it.
If you noticed that your heat pump isn’t heating your home as you’d expect it to, its’ time to schedule repair services! The most obvious culprit is a broken reversing valve, which won’t allow you to switch the heat pump from cooling to heating mode at all. But there are a number of other reasons this might be occurring. Below, we’ve provided a list of possibilities.
Is Your Sump Pump in Good Working Order?
December 17th, 2018
Or rather, is it ready for winter? Sump pumps aren’t something that other parts of the country need—they don’t have the potential for flooding due to heavy rains and snowmelt like we do. Your sump pump is vital to your home during this time of the year—being able to pump water out of your basement or crawlspace as needed.
First off, we have to say that if you do need any service work done on your sump pump, it’s important to trust the work to a professional plumber in Chatham. Attempting the job on your own could do more harm than good, and leave you with an ineffective sump pump. However, there are some steps to take to ensure your sump pump is in good working order for the change in seasons.
Tips to Improve Furnace Efficiency
December 3rd, 2018
Today, furnaces cost a lot less to operate than they did years ago, which is due to higher efficiency ratings. This is a definite plus, especially when we consider all of the ways in which we spend our money. Switching to a high-efficiency furnace is definitely a step in the right direction. If you are looking for furnace services in Warren, NJ, look no further than Max Sr. & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
While investing in a new high-efficiency furnace is definitely a great way in which to enjoy better heating efficiency, it is not the only way. A new furnace is a major investment for most homeowners, and it may not be one that you can afford at any given moment. That’s why we have some tips to help you get a more efficient performance from the furnace that you already have in place!
Reasons a Furnace Will Short-Cycle
November 19th, 2018
No matter what time of the year it is, there is one thing that you deserve—to be comfortable in your own home. You aren’t going to get that, however, if your HVAC systems aren’t functioning the way they should. There is a lot that can go wrong with any mechanical system or large piece of equipment. Your furnace is no exception. Remember, just because it seems to be running fine, doesn’t mean that’s actually the case.
Spotting the signs of problems with your furnace isn’t always easy. A heater that won’t start is certainly a clear sign that it needs repair—or replacement even if it’s an aging system—you’ll definitely want to call the pros for furnace repair in Chatham, NJ if this happens. But you should also recognize a more subtle sign, and know that it’s bad for your furnace—short-cycling.
The Time to Prevent Frozen Pipes Is Now
November 5th, 2018
It pretty much goes without saying that it gets pretty cold here in our area! As a result, frozen pipes are certainly a threat. While we don’t have to worry about them quite yet, the time to prepare for them and avoid this problem in the winter is now. Frozen pipes lead to other issues, such as burst pipes and subsequent damage, which we assume you’d like to avoid!
And remember, if you run into this problem in the coming months, or any other type of plumbing emergency, you should call a professional plumber in Union, NJ, versus trying to fix it on your own or hiring a general handyman. The plumbers on our team have extensive experience and you can rest assured that when we are on the job, the job will be done right!
So, what exactly can you do to prevent this problem? Read on!