Heat pumps have become increasingly popular as home comfort solutions. They offer both air conditioning and heating in a single unit, and developments in technology have significantly improved their ability to work energy efficiently during colder weather. As you turn your heat pump to heating mode for the winter, you might notice frost developing along the outdoor coil and cabinet. Is this normal, or a sign that the heat pump needs repairs?
Red Rock Mechanical, LLC Blog
Why a Store-Bought Drain Snake Isn’t the Best Answer for Drain Cleaning
December 7th, 2015
You have a clog in one of your sinks, such as the main kitchen sink. This is obviously a serious problem, and you need it fixed right away. What should you do?
The first response is probably to reach for a sink plunger, if you have one. The second response may be to use chemical drain cleaners, but don’t do this. (These acidic chemicals are bad news for drains and everyone in your household.)
Another response is to use a hand-cranked drain auger, a “drain snake.” This is one of the better ways to get rid of a clog—but only as a temporary fix. A drain snake isn’t a form of draining cleaning, and if you want a tough clog not only removed, but the source of the clog removed as well, you need to call professional plumbers.
Here Are Some Early Season Signs Your Furnace Needs Repairs
December 1st, 2015
The heating season has arrived, and our home furnaces are likely to keep running on a regular basis all the way through to the spring. If your furnace has already received its regular fall tune-up, then it should remain in the best shape possible for the rigors of a Burlington, VT winter. (If you haven’t scheduled maintenance yet, it’s never too late to call—and sooner is better than later!)
Plumbing Advice for a Happier Thanksgiving
November 23rd, 2015
It’s difficult to believe that the Thanksgiving holiday is here. That means family, Turkey, stuffing, and football! But it can also mean a hard time for the plumbing in your house, particularly the kitchen drain and garbage disposal. You do more cooking this weekend than any other weekend during the year, and it’s a good idea to take some steps to protect your kitchen plumbing. We’ve gathered together a few of the most helpful suggestions for healthy plumbing this Thanksgiving.
What to Do about Frozen Pipes in the Winter
November 16th, 2015
Why You Should Trust Your Heating Repairs to Professionals
November 10th, 2015
Temperatures are dropping in Burlington as winter approaches. You probably have already run your home heating system a few times to keep the house warm, especially during chilly evenings. Make sure that you keep a close watch during these early days of the heating season for any indications that your furnace, heat pump, or other heating system needs repairs. If you do notice a problem, call professionals to fix it right away so that your heater will be prepared for the even colder days ahead.
How to Keep Safe with Your Gas Furnace This Coming Winter
November 2nd, 2015
It is mostly a myth that a gas furnace is a “dangerous” type of heating system to have warming a home. The modern furnace has multiple safety precautions built into it, such as a limit switch that will shut off the furnace if it begins to overheat, and a sensor that will shut off the gas burners if the pilot light or igniter fails so that unburned gas doesn’t buildup in the combustion chamber. For the most part, you shouldn’t feel worried that your gas furnace poses a health risk to your household.
Give Your Furnace a “Test Run” This Fall
October 26th, 2015
The cold weather hasn’t arrived in Burlington, VT yet, but we all know that it’s coming. Now is the best time to find out if your home heating system needs repairs or replacements done so you can have the heater ready to go when the temperature drops.
A Reminder for Heating Season: You Still Need to Change the Air Filter
October 19th, 2015
As we come closer and closer to the cold weather of heating season, it’s important to schedule maintenance and any necessary repairs that your heater might require, no matter what type of system you use for winter weather comfort. One important task that you must take care of during the coming winter is to change the air filter for your forced-air heater (such as a furnace or heat pump) once a month. If your heating system uses a permanent filter, you need to remove it and clean it each month.
Does My Heat Pump Need Maintenance in the Fall as Well?
October 12th, 2015
Fall is heating maintenance season across the country, but it’s especially important in a place such as Vermont where the winters can be extreme. Call up your local dependable HVAC contractor and arrange for a maintenance visit from a technician so that your heater is in the best shape for the coming cold weather.
