Q:Why we need Plumbing?
A: Plumbing problems can be extremely frustrating, especially when it means you can’t use your toilet, sink, shower, or all of the above! Have plumbing questions? Looking for answers from a trusted plumber?
Q: How Do I Unclog My Drain?
A: Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Clogs happen at the worst times—like when you sleep through your alarm and are going to be late for work but still decide to take a shower and now the water is overflowing onto the bathroom floor. Although a clogged drain can be a major inconvenience, it is a relatively easy problem to fix!
Q: Why Is My Well Pump Short-Cycling?
A: When your well pump is cycling on and off, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Getting to the root of the problem is the first step in fixing it. Here are some of the reasons why your well pump may be short-cycling, and what can be done to fix it.
Q: Why Is My Garbage Disposal Running but Not Working?
A: There are many modern conveniences we often take for granted during our everyday lives—until we have to go without them. You don’t realize how nice it is to be able to dispose of food waste down the drain until your garbage disposal stops working. One of the common issues we hear about is a garbage disposal that seems to turn on and makes a humming noise but won’t actually shred up any food. There are a couple of reasons this could be the case.
Q: Why Is My Home’s Water Discolored?
A: After an extended trip away from home, the water coming out of your faucet could be slightly discolored—luckily, the discoloration usually goes away on its own in less than a minute. But what if this happens to your hot water regularly? Is the discolored water dangerous to your health? Can you use it to cook, bathe, or clean? Often the water is safe to use, and can often be associated with an aging water heater or rusty pipes.
Q: How Do I Prevent My Pipes from Freezing?
A: The wintertime around Northern Virginia can produce temperatures in the teens—and even below—which means homeowners in the area should take steps to prevent frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause your pipes to burst—this can cause major problems and create lengthy plumbing bills. Rapid drops in temperature, poor insulation, and improperly set thermostats are the major culprits behind frozen pipes.
Q: Why Are My Recent Water Bills Increasing?
A: There could be a few reasons why your water bills have started to rise. The first thing to check is if a toilet is leaking. Check the water level in the tank to see if water is overflowing into the overflow pipe. In the event water is running into the overflow pipe, adjust the fill valve to stop the flow approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube or to the water level mark stamped on the side of the tank. Regular maintenance from the team at John Nugent & Sons will ensure proper operation.
Q: What does HVAC stand for?
A: HVAC is short for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. We often use this abbreviation to refer to your whole heating and cooling system, which includes:
• Comfort units, such as a furnace, heat pump, air conditioner or mini-split system
• Ductwork
• Indoor air quality solutions, like air filters, air filtration systems, germicidal UV lights, whole-house humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and ventilation
• Comfort controls, such as thermostats and home zoning systems
While there are differing types of HVAC units, they all operate identically by:
• Relying on a fresh air source outside or inside your home or business.
• Running air through a filter to trap particles and allergens.
• Heating or cooling air.
• Sending air through a ducted system or immediately into a room, depending on the type of system you use
Q: How often should I check or replace my air filter?
A: We suggest checking filters monthly. If you have a disposable type filter (these usually have a cardboard edge) and it is dirty, just replace it. Don’t attempt to clean it. Some higher efficiency 1″ pleated air filters can go up to three months before needing replacement. However, in the higher-use seasons, it’s better to check more often.
Q: What is the proper indoor humidity level?
A: The optimum indoor range is 35 to 50% relative humidity, but 40 to 45% tends to work best for most homes. When you go above this level, condensation on the windows can occur, breeding mold that leads to allergy and respiratory problems.
Q: Why is regular maintenance important?
A: Like any product you want to keep in good shape, HVAC equipment requires proper care in order to give you the greatest benefits. Trained technicians can service your heating and cooling products to ensure they’re working at their top potential and help prevent more pricey repairs in the middle of the hottest or coldest months of the year.
Q: How can I reduce my energy costs?
A: Heating and cooling makes up a large portion of your monthly utility bill. Getting a new American Standard heating and air conditioning system with high efficiency ratings is a simple step that can go a long way in decreasing your monthly energy output.
Q: How do I find a solar provider?
A: Most solar providers are found in your local phone book under Solar; or visit our Installer Locator.
Q: What should I look for in a solar provider?
A: Look for experience, proper licenses, insurance, references, close proximity, and a provider you feel comfortable with. To ensure a reasonable price, solicit bids from several providers and compare their offers:
• Do they provide a timeline and checklist?
• Do they offer on-site inspection and bill analysis?
• Do they provide a multi-year financial and energy prediction?
• Will they handle all paperwork, permits, utility agreements, etc.?
• Is there a full system warranty for five years (or more)?
• Have they accounted for shade, poles, wires or future buildings?
Q: Is there any preparatory work needed within my house?
A: Yes, before you install a solar system, it is best to increase the energy efficiency of your house. Install new compact fluorescent lights and insulation, and upgrade to energy efficient appliances and windows, where possible. When your house is more energy efficient, the solar system you purchase can be smaller (and cost less!) to meet your energy needs.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A. Wash dust and dirt off your solar panels twice per year with water and a soft brush. An easy solution is to ask your solar provider about a maintenance package, including cleaning, checking the electrical connections of the wiring and general condition of your system.
Q: How can I maximize the power my solar system produces?
A: Solar systems should be oriented south or west to maximize performance. Shade severely affects solar system performance. Keep trees and bushes trimmed and wash panels as needed to keep off dust, dirt, and bird droppings. Allow space between your roof and panels to let air flow underneath and keep panels cool
Q: Why did my solar system produce more (or less) energy than expected?
A: Weather conditions vary from year to year, and can affect the output of your system by plus or minus 12% per year, so your system may produce more or less than originally estimated. (Source: DOE)