Red Rock Mechanical, LLC Blog

Is Ductless Air Conditioning Right for My Home in Essex, VT?

August 7th, 2014

Ducts are no longer a necessity for central air conditioning a home. The development of ductless mini split heat pumps, which were originally installed for commercial use, allows a homeowner to install a central AC without using space-consuming ductwork. Instead of a ventilation system, a ductless mini split uses a series of blowers mounted in different parts of the house. These blowers connect to a single outdoor unit, and they send conditioned air directly into the rooms.

Ductless air conditioning in Essex, VT has a number of benefits. Since these systems are heat pumps, they also work well for heating. The individual blowers allow for zone control of temperatures. And the lack of ducts means there is less dust and dirt contamination in the air.

However, ductless mini splits are not ideal for all homes. Before you commit to installation, call the experts at Red Rock Mechanical. We’ll help you decide if going ductless is the best way to cool and heat your home.

When is going ductless a good choice?

Ductless mini splits are excellent for the following situations:

  • New home construction – If you are planning on building a new home, a ductless configuration for your HVAC system is one of the best options available. You’ll save space without the need for ductwork, and you will also have greater design freedom since you no longer need to build around the requirements of a ventilation system.
  • Home remodeling – For a large-scale remodeling for your home, you can have the old ductwork taken out and replaced with a ductless system. As with building a new home, this allows you increased freedom for the redesign as well as additional living space.
  • Add-on rooms – When you decide to expand your home with an extra room, such as a den, game room, or new bedroom, you won’t have to worry about hooking it up to the current ventilation system or replacing your current air conditioner because it cannot supply enough cool air for the additional space. Instead, you can hook up a separate ductless AC for the room.
  • Old and historic homes – If you live in an older home that lacks ducts and does not have the space to install them, then ductless mini split heat pumps will allow you to have central air conditioning rather than needing to rely on inefficient window units.

However, if your home already has an extensive and effective ventilation system and you aren’t planning to remodel, there usually isn’t a reason to install a ductless system. It’s more cost-effective to install a central air conditioner (or heat pump) and hook it up to the pre-existing ductwork.

Whatever type of air conditioner or heat pump you eventually have installed, you can count on the team at Red Rock Mechanical to handle the work. If you think that ductless air conditioning in Essex, VT is right for your home, contact us today.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Is Ductless Air Conditioning Right for My Home in Essex, VT?

Signs You Need New Water Line Installation

July 30th, 2014

The water line is one of the most vital parts of your home’s plumbing, if not the most vital: it brings fresh water from the municipal system into your pipes, pressurized so it comes out of faucets, showerheads, etc. with just a turn of the tap. If the water line suffers from damage and bursts, likely because of wear due to age, you will need to have a new line installed fast.

There are a number of ways to tell that the time has come for a new water line, aside from simply having the water in your house just stop. (This might be an issue with the water department.) Here are some signs to look for that indicate the time has come for a new water line to your home.

Call Red Rock Mechanical whenever you need plumbing installation in Montpelier, VT. We have emergency service available for repairs to your plumbing that can’t wait.

Watch for These Warnings of Water Line Trouble

  • Water flooding onto the yard or through the sidewalk: A serious water line breech will cause the water to gush up through your lawn or yard, or sometimes geyser up through cracks in the sidewalk. Although it’s possible that a municipal line may be causing the problem, don’t assume that: call for plumbers right away to look into it. If it is you water line, it will likely need a full replacement because of the breech.
  • Drop in water pressure: When a water line starts to decay from age and corrosion (this is a problem for older galvanized steel pipes from pre-1970) leaks will begin to occur, and this will lead to a drop in the water pressure throughout your plumbing. When this begins to occur, first check with the utility company to make sure it isn’t a municipal issue. Then call for the professional plumbers to see to the trouble with the water line and advise on whether it should be replaced or not.
  • Discolored water: Corrosion is the main enemy of water lines, and when it happens the pipe will need to be replaced. One way you can detect corrosion is from a discoloration in the water from your traps. If this appears in taps throughout your house, the culprit may be the water line. Breaks in the water line that allow in dirt and soil can also lead to discoloration in the water.

Water line replacement isn’t a task you can delay: you risk losing all of your fresh water because of an aging, leaking, or broken line. Call Red Rock Mechanical at the first indication of trouble, and we will handle the plumbing installation in Montpelier, VT that you need.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Signs You Need New Water Line Installation

3 Signs You Need Air Conditioning Repair

July 23rd, 2014

It can be difficult to tell if something is seriously wrong with your air conditioner. If something is not quite right but doesn’t seem like an emergency, you may feel as though you can put off air conditioning repair until a later time. However, this is a dangerous way of thinking. If you put off air conditioning repair for too long, you may run into other problems, or you may lose cool air entirely right in the middle of summer.

So when should you call for AC repair? As soon as you run into a problem! We’ve put together a list of three of the most common reasons you might need to call for air conditioning repair.

  • Loud Noises: Don’t assume that the strange noises coming from your AC unit are normal. There are a number of moving parts in your air conditioner that may make noise when they are not working properly. If your fan motor runs into problems, you may hear a grinding noise. A hissing noise could indicate leaking refrigerant. Loose or bent parts in your outdoor condenser unit may begin to make a banging or clanking sound.
  • Not Enough Cool Air: Your air conditioner may lose cooling power for many reasons. Even if the temperature is still bearable, an AC that doesn’t cool properly drives up your energy bills, and it can cause serious damage to other components of your system. The first place to check is the air filter as a dirty filter may block airflow. However, loss of cooling power may also indicate low refrigerant or damage to the compressor.
  • High Energy Bills: High energy bills should be reason enough to have someone look at your air conditioner. All air conditioners lose efficiency over time, but a significant increase indicates a big problem. If your system is running up your bills, you may have serious problems with some important parts of your AC, such as the compressor or evaporator coil.

The consequences of a damaged AC are not worth delaying repairs. For air conditioning repair in Stowe, VT, contact the experts at Red Rock Mechanical.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on 3 Signs You Need Air Conditioning Repair

3 Standard Plumbing Repair Services

July 15th, 2014

Off the top of your head, you can probably think of three plumbing problems that you’ve encountered more than one time in your home. Professional plumbers know all about these everyday nuisances that can plague even the cleanest and best-maintained plumbing systems, and they’re always ready to help out with skilled repairs that will take care of the problem without causing any damage to the rest of your plumbing.

Red Rock Mechanical has worked in plumbing for over 23 years now, and we’ve seen almost every kind of plumbing problem you can imagine, and many you don’t want to imagine. But right now we’ll stick to the simpler kind and talk about 3 standard plumbing services in Burlington, VT that we often perform. If you need any of these basic services—or any of the more unusual ones!—call us right away, any time of the day or night.

3 Common Plumbing Services

  • Unclogging drains: No nuisance problem for plumbing is more common than the clogged drain. Unfortunately, too many people try to solve the problem themselves using chemical drain cleaners. Leave those on the grocery store shelves! They’re bad for your pipes and bad for your lungs, eyes, and skin. Instead, call in a professional plumber, who will use expert tools like motorized drain snakes and hydro-jetters to get rid of the clogs and keep them from coming back.
  • Leak detection: Leaks can start in places where you won’t notice them at first, such as hidden behind walls or under floorboards. When you do suspect you have a leak due to higher water bills, warped floorboards, mold growth, or discolored spots on the walls, you still won’t know exactly where the leak is. Plumbers will use leak detection equipment and their own skill at spotting leaks to pinpoint the location of the leaking pipe and reach it with minimum disruption to building material.
  • Fixing garbage disposals: You won’t realize how much you depend on your garbage disposal—until it breaks down. Although sometimes restoring the disposal to life is as simple as pressing the reset switch on the bottom of the unit, any more difficult work will require a plumber. You don’t want to risk sticking your hand down into the disposal to try to loosen the flywheel, so let the professionals handle this job. In some extreme cases, you may need to have the whole disposal removed and replaced.
  • Flushing water heaters: If your water heater has too much sediment gathering in its tank, it may start to overheat or block valves. Plumbers can flush out the water in the system to clean it and get the water heater back to normal operation.

Whatever your needs for plumbing services in Burlington, VT, you can count on the experienced team at Red Rock Mechanical to deliver it for you, done fast and done right. Give us a call today to schedule your next AC repair.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on 3 Standard Plumbing Repair Services

Increase Efficiency with a New Air Conditioner

July 10th, 2014

Efficiency is important when it comes to the large appliances in your home. Efficiency can translate directly into dollars saved, so when appliances like your whole-home air conditioner aren’t working efficiently, you can lose money; this can be especially true for air conditioners that are 10+ years old. Just as a new car can be more efficient than an older one, so, too, can a new air conditioner. If you are thinking of investing in a new air conditioning installation for your Williston, VT property, let our Red Rock Mechanical experts give you a few reasons how this can increase your system’s efficiency.

SEER Numbers

Before we talk about specific ways a new AC can be more efficient than your older one, we want to talk about SEER numbers.

SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency rating, and it tells consumers how energy efficient a specific model is on a scale from 1 to 20. In 2006, the federal law regarding SEER was upgraded from a minimum SEER of 10 to 13. This meant that starting in 2006, all air conditioners had to be manufactured with a minimum SEER of 13. Therefore, if you have an air conditioner that is 8+ years old, it is likely that your AC is not as energy efficient as it could be.

Increasing Efficiency with a New AC

As we outlined above, air conditioners made and purchased before 2006 had a lower required energy efficiency number. Here are some other ways a new air conditioning system can help increase your overall energy efficiency:

  • Less repair work – if you experience a high level of malfunctions and/or breakdowns that require multiple repairs, not only are you paying service fees but your AC is most likely not running well, either. This inefficiency results in additional monetary loss.
  • Better overall operating efficiency – not only is the minimum requirement for a new air conditioner more stringent, but advances in technology have also made today’s air conditioners more efficient – some as much as 60% than ACs from just a decade ago.
  • Better fit for your home – as air conditioners age, their ability to cool your home can decrease with time; this can result in warm and cold spots that can occur throughout your home. To compensate for the shortfall in cooling properly, your air conditioner may start to cycle more frequently, or for longer periods of time. Either of these scenarios mean more energy is used – energy you have to pay for. With a new system that can handle your home’s cooling load, you won’t have to worry about extra energy usage.

Is Your AC Ready to Handle the Heat?

Choosing to move ahead with a new air conditioning installation in Williston, VT is something that requires consideration and calculation, and we are here to help. Call Red Rock Mechanical today and schedule an appointment to meet with one of our installation experts.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Increase Efficiency with a New Air Conditioner

The Famous Painting of the Declaration of Independence Isn’t What You Think It Is

July 4th, 2014

If you grew up in the United States, you probably first saw John Trumbull’s painting of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence in an elementary schoolbook. This oil-on-canvas 12’ x 18’ painting hangs in the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. It is one of the most famous symbols of freedom in the country and almost every citizen can conjure it from memory.

Except… the painting isn’t of the singing of the Declaration of Independence. The actual title of the work is Declaration of Independence, and although it does portray an important moment in the history of the document that announced the Thirteen Colonies’ decision to break away from British rule, the event in the painting occurred on June 28, 1776, not July 4, 1776.

John Trumbull, a Connecticut native who fought in the Revolutionary War and whose father was the state governor, was commissioned to create the painting in 1817. He did painstaking research on the figures in the picture and also visited Independence Hall to see the actual chamber where the Second Continental Congress met. Trumbull only included 42 of the original 56 signers, because he could not find adequate likenesses for 14 or them, and added a few figures who were not present (most of whom declined to sign the actual document). In fact, the men depicted in the painting had never been present in the same room at one time.

So if the painting does not portray the signing of the Declaration of Independence, what is happening in the image? The Trumbull’s scene depicts the presentation of the draft of the declaration to the Continental Congress for editing and approval. The five-man drafting committee (John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin) is handing over their finished work, which congress would then edit carefully over the next few days before voting on it and signing it on the day that we now celebrate as the start of the United States of America.

One last, odd, fact: two of the five-man drafting committee, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4th—although many years later.

Our family at Red Rock Mechanical hopes that your Fourth of July (or Twenty-Eighth of June if you decided to start celebrating early) is a memorable and happy one.

Continue Reading

Tags:
Posted in Happy Holidays | Comments Off on The Famous Painting of the Declaration of Independence Isn’t What You Think It Is

Steps to Take with Emergency Plumbing

June 27th, 2014

What counts as a plumbing emergency will change from household to household, although most of us would agree that the following issues almost universally qualify as an “emergency”:

  • Massive leaks threatening flooding
  • Clogs in sinks and showers that receive daily use
  • Sewer line troubles leading to sewage flooding
  • Loss of water from the water main

There are different procedures to follow depending on the situation, but there are some general steps you should take when it comes to emergencies like huge leaks. Just make sure that one of the steps you take is to call for professional plumbing services if you live in Essex, VT, especially one that offers 24-hour emergency plumbing service like Red Rock Mechanical. We’ve done speedy emergency work for over 23 years, and you can trust us with whatever ails your plumbing.

Take the Following Steps in a Plumbing Emergency

  • Shut off the water: In most emergency situations, you’ll have serious leaking issues such a burst pipes and broken connections that could cause flooding. You should know where the water main shut-off valve is located and how to use it. (Go learn about this right now if you don’t know it already.) You should also know where individual shut-off valves are for fixtures, so that if one fixture is causing the problem, you can shut if off on its own—but when in doubt, shut down the water to the whole house.
  • Turn of the water heater: You should do this regardless of whether the water heater seems to be involved with the problem or not. Once you turn off the water main, the water heater must go off as well to prevent the water heater from continuing to heat the supply inside it, leading to bursting and the danger of scalding.
  • Call for emergency plumbing assistance: Now that you’ve stopped immediate dangers to your home, stay relaxed and call a plumbing service that offers 24-hour emergency work. Explain the situation clearly to them so the plumbers will be ready with the proper assistance.
  • Temporarily seal leaks: Now that the plumbers are on their way, use plumber’s epoxy or Teflon tape to stop any visible leaks. Place buckets under the leaks as well to prevent as much water damage as possible to your house. If you lack sealant, you can use rags and towels around the leaks to absorb water—these are only temporary solutions for an hour or so, but they will help prevent damage to your home.
  • Use the plunger: If you have sink clogs, take out the sink plunger and attempt to clear the blockage this way. Plungers are safe for plumbing, although not always effective. If the plunger does not work, do not resort to chemical cleaners, which are hazardous for you and your drains. The professionals are already on their way… wait for them to safely fix the issue.

Remember to keep calm and carry on: if you have contacted a reliable plumbing service in Essex, VT, you should have few worries no matter the plumbing emergency. With Red Rock Mechanical on your side, you will have the problem fixed in no time. Give us a call today to schedule your next service appointment with us.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Steps to Take with Emergency Plumbing

What are the Basic Stages of the Air Conditioning Cycle?

June 20th, 2014

Your air conditioner is one of the staples of your home, especially now with temperatures rising and summer hitting us with everything it’s got. We all depend on reliable air conditioning systems to keep our homes and businesses comfortable. And when problems arise with your air conditioning in Montpelier, VT, there are qualified repair companies to help you. But how much of the process of air conditioning do you understand? What are the basic stages of the air conditioning cycle? The more you know about that, the more you can understand what happens when repairs are needed.

Air conditioning systems are all based around the same basic system: a closed loop which cycles refrigerant gas through a series of valves and coils. The cycle begins when the gas enters a condenser coil, which subjects it to an enormous amount of heat and pressure. It then moves to a series of compression valves, which bleed the heat out of the gas, reverting it to liquid form. (The heat is then pushed out of the system via a vent, which is why this part of the cycle usually takes place in the outdoor portion of the unit.) It remains under a great deal of pressure, however, which plays a key role in the second half of the cycle.

The liquid moves from the coils to a second valve, an expansion valve, which squirts a set amount of the liquid into a series of evaporator coils. (It functions rather like an aerosol can in this capacity.) Released from the pressure, the refrigerant turns back into a gas: pulling heat from the nearby air in the process. A fan then blows the cooled air through the ducts in your home. The refrigerant gas then returns to the condenser valve to start the cycle anew.

For more on the basic stages of the air conditioning cycle, or to schedule an appointment for AC installations or repair, call upon the experts at Red Rock Mechanical. We treat any issue related to air conditioning in Montpelier, VT, and throughout the surrounding communities. Contact us today for a consultation session. You’ll be glad you did!

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on What are the Basic Stages of the Air Conditioning Cycle?

Common Causes for Drain Clogs

June 13th, 2014

Drain clogs are one of the most common afflictions bedeviling your plumbing system, and sadly, you can’t always rely on store-bought solutions. Chemical cleansers adopt a one-size-fits all approach, while plumbing snakes often lack the specialization you need to treat the clog in question. One look at the common causes for drain clogs, and you can see the wide variety of components that cold possibly stop up your pipes. The good news is that companies handling plumbing installation in Stowe, VT can usually handle drain clogs with specialized equipment. If you encounter a clog in your home, the best thing to do is immediately give one of them a call.

The common causes for drain clogs include hair, soap, food particles and even hot grease. All of them can create problems, but all of them do so in very different ways. Hair, for instance, is usually a problem in the bathroom, where it washes down you shower drain intermingled with soap suds from bathing. That can form a sticky, yet surprisingly strong substance to block the drain, augmented by mineral deposits from hard water and similar issues in your plumbing.

Food deposits, on the other hand, can usually do all of the clogging on their own. The worst examples are often vegetable peelings such as potato peelings, which are quite fibrous and which can combine to form a tough blockage. Hot grease is another troublemaker, as it will cool in your plumbing and create a powerful seal that repels water.

Each of these clogs is different in composition and effect. Using a generic chemical to treat them can result in toxic fumes, while store-bought snakes may not have the power or accuracy to do the job. But here at Red Rock Mechanical, we have the tools and the talent to handle most any common causes for drain clogs. That includes mechanized snakes with rotating heads, video camera inspection and the know how to apply them both properly. That way the drain gets cleaned the right way and you won’t have to waste your money on a store-bought cure that puts a bandage over the situation at best. If you’re having problems with drains, then give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on Common Causes for Drain Clogs

3 Common Condenser Problems with Your Air Conditioning System

June 6th, 2014

The condenser is the outdoor unit of a split air conditioning system. Where the indoor unit, the evaporator, handles removing the heat from your home, the condenser does the job of releasing the heat to the outside. The condenser also contains the most powerful and important component for air conditioning operation: the compressor, which puts the refrigerant under pressure in order to change it into a high pressure, high temperature gas and start it off on the heat exchange cycle. The condenser also contains a fan to draw air across the condenser coil to allow for the release of heat.

If any issues start inside the condenser, it will threaten the cooling power of the whole system. If you suspect condenser trouble, don’t open the cabinet. Instead, put in a call to a local professional HVAC repair service.

Finding fast, quality air conditioning repair in Burlington, VT is simple: you only have to call up the team at Red Rock Mechanical. We have over 23 years of experience with heating, cooling, and plumbing, and we are ready to assist you 24-hours a day with emergency service.

3 Condenser Problems We Often See:

  • Damaged fan: An issue with the condenser is that it is outside, and therefore at the mercy of the elements. Although designed to withstand a great deal of punishment, condensers can still suffer from problems due to debris like rocks, gravel, leaves, sticks, and even tree branches getting through the grill and causing injury to the fan. The fan is a precision instrument that is carefully balanced, and should it receive damage that bends its blades, it will start to strike the casing. This will not only lead to a broken fan, it will damage other parts of the condenser. Fan troubles always require professional repairs.
  • Hard starting compressor: Issues with the compressor are among the most serious for an air conditioner. If the compressor burns out from too much stress and lack of repair work, it usually means the entire AC needs replacement. A compressor can begin to “hard start” (stutter as it comes on, then turn off early) because of electrical malfunctions, a failing motor, bad capacitors, or mechanical stress. When this happens, call for technicians to investigate right away.
  • Refrigerant line leaks: The refrigerant that runs through an AC must remain at the same level (charge) at all times. The only way the charge will drop is through leaking occurring, which can sometimes happen in the connections to the compressor or from the compressor itself. If you notice ice appearing anywhere on the system, it may mean a loss of refrigerant, and this needs skilled repair work right away.

Trust to Red Rock Mechanical for the air conditioning repair in Burlington, VT necessary to protect the condenser from failure. We are a small, family-owned business dedicated to bringing a personal touch to all our professional work. Give us a call today to schedule your next service appointment with us.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on 3 Common Condenser Problems with Your Air Conditioning System