Red Rock Mechanical, LLC Blog

The Winter Is Already Here: Can I Put off Heating Maintenance for Another Year?

January 7th, 2014

We all lead busy lives and sometimes mundane tasks can get put off longer than they should. Case in point: your heating system. Here in Burlington, VT, heating is a serious issue, and ideally every homeowner should schedule maintenance before winter starts in order to ensure that their home is kept warm without undue inefficiency. But life has a way of putting more pressing concerns in the forefront, and homeowners might very well find themselves in the middle of winter without scheduling a maintenance visit for their heater. “The winter is already here: can I put off heating maintenance for another year?” Yes, you can, though like everything else, it comes with a price.

Maintenance basically serves two purposes: to ensure your heater is running at maximum efficiency and to identify potential problem areas.  In both cases, it benefits you to schedule maintenance as soon as possible. In the first case, if you don’t clean off the dust and tighten loos bolts and fittings, the furnace is going to use more energy when it runs. This translates to higher monthly bills for you, as well as increasing wear and tear on individual components overall.

The second purpose is even more significant. If you can’t spot a smaller issue before it becomes a larger one, you run a greater risk of a more serious breakdown: costing you more money and possibly cutting you off from heat in the dead of winter. Considering the severity of the weather this time of year, that’s no small concern.

In light of that, it’s in your best interest to schedule a maintenance visit, even if winter has already arrived. True, you can push it off until next year, but doing so will ultimately cost you money in some form or another. If you need to schedule an appointment, call Red Rock Mechanical today. We work in Burlington, VT, heating maintenance and repair issues are our specialty, and we can help lower your bills and retain a reliable heating system with routine maintenance. Call us today to set up an appointment!

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on The Winter Is Already Here: Can I Put off Heating Maintenance for Another Year?

The Ball in Times Square

December 30th, 2013

New Year’s is a time for parties, fun and great traditions, some of which go back more than a century. Among them is the famous “dropping of the ball” in Times Square, an event which is broadcast to millions of people every New Year’s Eve. With 2014 nearly upon us, we thought we’d take the opportunity to look at the history of this popular New Year’s Eve festivity.

The idea began in 1907 at what was then the New York Times building at One Times Square. The newspaper’s owner, Adolph Ochs, had been celebrating the New Year with fireworks since 1903. He wanted make the event even more remarkable, and added the ball in December of 1907 to welcome in the New Year. The first ball was designed by Artkraft Strauss, who made it out of iron, wood, and light bulbs. It took six men to hoist the ball up the building’s flag pole; once midnight struck, the tremendous ball was carefully lowered, and all were allowed to marvel at it.

Since then, the ball has undergone many changes in materials and design, and even the New York Times has moved to another building. But the tradition remains and the ball has dropped over One Times Square ever since. Today, the ball is electronically controlled, and uses LED lamps for its construction: designed by Waterford Crystal and weighing in at over 1,200 pounds.

A number of television broadcasts have helped carry the event over the years, but by far the most famous is “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” which first ran in 1972. The show was created and hosted by Dick Clark, who became a staple of the event as much as the ball itself. Clark hosted the show every New Year’s Eve from 1972 until his death in 2012. Since then, it has been hosted by Ryan Seacrest, who shared hosting duties with Clark starting in 2005.

Whether you’re watching the ball drop on TV or have some other New Year’s Eve plan in mind, we here at Red Rock Mechanical wish you nothing but the best for 2014. Have a safe and happy New Year!

Continue Reading

Tags:
Posted in Happy Holidays | Comments Off on The Ball in Times Square

Happy Holidays!

December 23rd, 2013

Holiday greetings from Red Rock Mechanical! We hope you are having safe and pleasant season, enjoying your favorite traditions for this time of year. We wish you the very best, and we thank you for your business this year.

In honor of the season, here are some fun facts about one of everyone’s favorite holiday movies: It’s a Wonderful Life.

For years, one of the enduring December traditions in the United States was watching the movie It’s a Wonderful Life playing almost nonstop on numerous television stations. No matter the time of the day, you could turn on the TV set, flip through channels, and discover It’s a Wonderful Life playing. Whenever you needed him, you could find Jimmy Stewart shouting, “Hello, Bedford Falls!”

But now… It’s a Wonderful Life only appears on broadcast television a few times during December, and most families instead choose to watch the movie on video. What happened?

The reason goes back to the film’s initial wide release in January 1947. (That’s right, it opened after the holiday season. It was not even promoted as a holiday film.) It’s a Wonderful Life was a box-office disappointment at the time, and its studio, RKO Radio Pictures, lost more than half a million on it. The movie’s production company, Liberty Films, was sold to Paramount to avoid bank foreclosure. (A bit ironic, considering the movie’s plot.) In 1955, the National Telefilm Associates (NTA) took over the rights to It’s a Wonderful Life, which included the television syndication rights.

However, NTA failed to properly renew the copyright in 1974 because of a clerical error, which allowed the film’s images to enter into the public domain. Although the movie’s plot was still under copyright protection because it was adapted from a published story called “The Greatest Gift,” television stations across the world could now broadcast it with only minimal royalty payments.

In 1993, Republic Pictures, which now owned the NTA library, tried to enforce their claim to the copyright of the film, as they possessed the rights to “The Greatest Gift.” Republic Pictures succeeded, and licensed exclusive television rights to NBC. Suddenly, It’s a Wonderful Life vanished from local television stations, and NBC made the movie’s broadcasts—usually twice during December—into major events. As of 1998, Paramount again has the rights to It’s a Wonderful Life… 43 years after they lost them.

It’s still easy to make It’s a Wonderful Life a part of whatever traditions you observe during the holidays, whether through home video or television broadcasts. Despite its lackluster initial reception in 1947, Frank Capra’s film is now an inseparable part of December in the United States.

Have a great holiday week!

Continue Reading

Tags:
Posted in Happy Holidays | Comments Off on Happy Holidays!

Common Boiler Repair Problems

December 18th, 2013

In Plattsburgh, many homes use boilers to keep them comfortable all winter long. Boilers are inexpensive to run, and they tend to be more efficient than gas furnace. Boilers are reliable pieces of technology, but like all mechanical devices they can still experience their share of problems, which require a trained technician to repair. Here’s a short list of common boiler repair problems, which you should keep an eye out for when operating your heating system.

  • Leaks. Leaking could stem from the central boiler or anywhere in the piping system, and is often cause by a corrosion of the fittings or damage to the pipe.
  • Low pressure. Low water pressure can be caused by leaks, faulty valves or similar issues. You can spot it by more strange noises in your pipes and by uneven heating in the boiler system.
  • Clogs. Clogs in the system will prevent hot water from reaching the radiators, leaving those areas without proper heat. The clog will need to be cleared and proper flow restored before the issues can be fixed.
  • Broken thermocouple. The thermocouple regulates the flow of gas into the system. When it’s broken, the gas will not flow and the boiler won’t ignite.
  • Broken pilot light. The pilot light ignites the gas in the system. If it goes out, it it’s blocked by build-up or if it’s otherwise impaired, the thermocouple won’t release any gas into the system.

Regardless of the causes of common boiler repair problems, you want a repair service that knows what it’s doing to make it right. In Plattsburgh, boiler repairs can be made by the experts at Red Rock Mechanical: qualified professionals who can get to the bottom of the problem quickly and correct it with maximum efficiency. Pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad that you did!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Common Boiler Repair Problems

Why Delaying a Gas Furnace Repair May Be Dangerous

December 10th, 2013

Natural gas heating systems provide one of the most cost-effective ways of heating up your home during the winter. However, people sometimes feel a bit skittish about using natural gas because of safety concerns. We can assure you that modern gas heaters, such as furnaces, are designed today to operate with few potential safety hazards. If you take good care of your furnace with regular maintenance and timely repairs, there is little reason to feel concerned about any health threats to you or your family.

Still, no piece of equipment can operate perfectly 100% of the time, and gas furnaces can have malfunctions that will lead to potentially hazardous situations. Delaying repair on a furnace will make the potential danger increase. When you need gas furnace repair in Burlington, VT, don’t hesitate or let it slide: shut off the gas supply to the heating system and call a professional technician to repair it immediately.

Dangers of delaying gas furnace repairs

The main threat a malfunctioning furnace poses is from carbon monoxide leaking. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making it difficult to detect. (Some gas suppliers place an additive in the gas to give it a distinctive odor as a safety precaution.) Even a small amount of carbon monoxide inhalation will cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches. This is why we strongly suggest anyone with a gas burning appliance installs carbon monoxide detectors throughout their homes.

Here’s an example of one place where a furnace malfunction will create a carbon monoxide hazard: the thermocouple that detects if the pilot light is on might fail. Since the thermocouple’s job is to shut off the gas in case the pilot light goes out, if the thermocouple fails because of corrosion, unburned gas could start flooding the combustion chamber, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Regular maintenance on your gas furnace will detect potential issues (such as a rusting thermocouple) and repair them before they become dangerous. However, the moment you notice anything about your furnace’s behavior that seems out of the ordinary—the pilot light going out or its flame changing color, strange booming noises from the burners, or hissing sounds—call in Red Rock Mechanical immediately. Don’t fool around with repairs to a gas heater yourself: its always best to call in a professional.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Why Delaying a Gas Furnace Repair May Be Dangerous

What to Do if Your Heating System Breaks Down

December 3rd, 2013

We definitely know cold weather in upstate New York, and if your heating system goes down, your home could turn into an icebox within a matter of hours. You need to act quickly both to ascertain the source of the problem, and to summon a Plattsburgh, NY heating repair technician if the situation calls for it. Here’s a quick guide on what to do if your heating system breaks down.

In the first place, try to note any symptoms of the problem if you can. Heater damage can usually be spotted by any unusual activity in the heating functions: strange sounds, reduced air flow, lower heat or the like. If you notice any symptoms, be sure to note them, though you shouldn’t try to run a broken heater or recreate any specific symptoms. If you don’t notice the symptoms, simply move on.

A few basic troubleshooting steps might help you avoid a service call. Check the thermostat to make sure it’s set to the proper temperature, and look at your breaker box to make sure the breaker hasn’t been tripped. If it has, reset it and see if the heater runs as it should. If the breaker trips again, or neither of these things do the trick, then you need to play it safe. Shut off power to the heater and call a service technician: preferably one who can respond swiftly to your calls.

Red Rock Mechanical has served the Plattsburgh, NY area  for over two decades, providing all manner of support for homeowners in need of serious heating repair. Out trained staff is on call 24 hours a day and we pride ourselves on swift professional service in all things. If your heating system breaks down, give us a call and set up an appointment today. We’ll treat the issue with courtesy and efficiency, getting your household back up to speed quickly!

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on What to Do if Your Heating System Breaks Down

The History of Thanksgiving

November 25th, 2013

Thanksgiving is upon us: a time to get together with relatives, eat some great food, watch a little football or the parade, and stop to appreciate the good things we have in life. Beyond all that, however, there’s a fascinating history to the holiday and its traditions.

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 in the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. Records are spotty at the time, but indicate that the harvest was particularly good that year due to help from the local Native Americans. The meal was probably much different than the one we’re used to, with venison and fish more likely than turkey, but the general principle was unchanged.

It wasn’t a few centuries later, however, that Thanksgiving became an annual tradition. George Washington called for a “national day of Thanksgiving” in 1789, and again in 1795, but they were both “one shot” declarations, rather than a call for an annual tradition. Individual cities and states picked up the ball, but it wasn’t until 1863 that Thanksgiving became a national once-a-year event. President Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be a Thanksgiving “to heal the wounds of the nation and restore it.”

From there, it remained a tradition until Franklin Roosevelt signed a law in December of 1941 making it a federal holiday. The law also changed the date from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday in November, making it a little earlier in some cases (which Roosevelt hoped would give the country an economic boost).

Wherever you celebrate the holiday and whoever you choose to celebrate it with, we wish you nothing but happiness and joy this Thanksgiving.  

Continue Reading

Tags:
Posted in Happy Holidays | Comments Off on The History of Thanksgiving

Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps

November 19th, 2013

When you’re considering your heating options in Burlington, VT, furnaces and heat pumps are may be competing for top of your list. They are two of the most common types of heating systems in the US, and they both heat efficiently and effectively when properly installed. At Red Rock Mechanical LLC, we offer a wide range of heating options for the home. Remember that no matter what type of system you have installed in your home, hire a trained and certified heater specialist. Only a pro knows how to maximize the heating potential of your new heater. Call Red Rock Mechanical LLC  in Burlington, VT today!

Let’s take a look at furnaces and heat pumps:

  • Furnaces heat your home by converting energy drawn from a fuel source and making hot air that is circulated throughout your home via air ducts. While gas furnaces are generally recognized to be highly efficient, some customers still heat their homes by burning oil. Depending on the make and model, a furnace will vary in its efficiency, although the top of the line gas-based systems often offer AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings as high as 97%, which means that only 3% of the energy is wasted. Furnaces are known for their reliable heating capabilities during the coldest of winters.
  • Heat pumps heat your home by a different method entirely. Instead of converting energy from a fuel source, they run on electricity. The heat pump works much like an air conditioner in that it uses a refrigerant to transfer heat indoors during the heating season. The added benefit of a heat pump is that it can also cool your home during the summer by reversing the heat transfer process. This makes it a highly versatile choice for customers looking to for a year-round comfort solution. However, since heat pumps don’t heat efficiently at low temperatures, you will probably need some sort of auxillary heater to help keep your home comfortable during very cold days.

Keep in mind that you can also pair a furnace and heat pump together. That way, you’ll be covered for moderate shifts in temperature as well as those harsh winter days, when you need more of a heating boost. Call Red Rock Mechanical LLC for furnace or heat pump installation in Burlington, VT.

Continue Reading

Tags:
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps

Do I Need to Schedule Heating Repair if My Vents Smell Bad?

November 12th, 2013

Your heating system may not have an artificial intelligence hooked up to it, but it does have ways to provide you with warnings about malfunctions and potential repairs. Grinding and clicking noises, intermittent heat levels, cold rooms, and sudden spikes in energy bills: each of these can indicate a heating system developing trouble that may require professional attention and repairs.

Another common warning sign: unpleasant musty smells emanating from the vents along with the warm air. This certainly isn’t normal—but does it necessarily mean you need to have repairs done?

We will deal a bit with that question in this post. If you do need heating repair in Plattsburgh, NY, use your best available resource: contact the staff at Red Rock Mechanical, the family-owned company that puts customer satisfaction first.

What’s causing that bad smell from the vents?

A common reason for a musty smell coming from your vents, one that definitely requires you schedule heating repairs, is breaks along the ductwork. A gap in a section of the ducts may cause the heating system to begin drawing in air from the hidden spaces of your home, such as between the walls, in crawlspaces, or from the attic. The air in these regions is usually dirtier than elsewhere in your home, and you will start to smell this noisome air as it comes from your vents.

Ductwork problems need repairs because they will lead to a loss of air pressure that will force your furnace to work harder to achieve its target temperature, and this means further repairs and a system that rapidly ages.

A particularly vile smell might occur because of an animal carcass inside the vents: usually these scents are so strong you have to act on them. Although this won’t require heating system repairs, you will need to contact as HVAC company familiar with ducts to extract the problem without damaging the ductwork.

If you can’t determine what is causing the foul odor, you can rely on highly-trained professionals to track down the problem. Contact Red Rock Mechanical, where all our technicians are NATE-certified so you know you will get top-quality work done on your Plattsburgh, NY heating repair.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Do I Need to Schedule Heating Repair if My Vents Smell Bad?

How to Keep Your Furnace Up and Running

November 5th, 2013

Getting through a beautiful—but icy cold—winter in Vermont requires a heating system that is up to the task. Furnaces have kept many homes in this state warm and cozy through the cold months, and advancing technology has kept modern furnaces competitive in the HVAC market.

However… you have to be good to your furnace to make sure that it stays up and running during the coming cold. We’ll give you some guidance on how to do that in this post. Red Rock Mechanical has 23 years of experience working with furnaces and other heating systems, and when you need prompt professional assistance to keep your heater up and running, give us a call.

Ways to prevent a breakdown in your furnace

Schedule regular preventive maintenance: We put this first because it’s the best method to make sure you don’t experience a chilly period of shutdown on the coldest day of the year. Any machine requires regular maintenance to ensure its continued efficient operation, and with the amount of work a furnace needs to do during a Burlington winter, it should get at least a yearly check-up. Sign up for a maintenance program with a reliable HVAC company; they should be able to take care of your air conditioner as well.

Change the filter regularly: The filter in a furnace traps debris that might otherwise get into the cabinet and damage the components. During the heating season, you should change the filter once a month to prevent it from developing so much dust and dirt that it can no longer function adequately. Also, make sure you change the filter before heating season begins, so your furnace has a fresh start.

Get repairs done immediately: The moment that your furnace gives you any warning that something is wrong—reduced air flow, odd smells from the vents, tripped circuit breakers, uneven heating, strange noises—call in an HVAC specialist to find out what is wrong and repair it before it can grow into a bigger, more expensive problem or a full breakdown.

Red Rock Mechanical can take care of the repair and maintenance needs that will make sure your furnace in Burlington, VT stays healthy this coming season. We back all our work with a one-year warranty.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on How to Keep Your Furnace Up and Running