Our Philadelphia Area HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing Experts Are Here to Answer Your Questions

Are you experiencing unexplained increases on your water bills and aren’t sure why? Are you interested in increasing your AC’s efficiency? Thankfully, Quinn's Service has the answers you need! Don’t hesitate to call us if you can’t find the answer to your question in the list below. We are here to answer all of your Philadelphia Area HVAC, plumbing, and electrical questions.

Does my HVAC system really need to be maintained on a regular basis?

Yes. Not only can routine maintenance expand the lifespan of your systems, but it also increases the efficiency of your units and allows our technicians to catch small issues before they become more problematic. Regular check-ups are guaranteed to save you time, stress, and money.

How often do I need to schedule HVAC maintenance?

Quinn's Service recommends that you should schedule AC and heating maintenance two times a year. It’s best to have maintenance performed at least once before the start of summer and once just before winter. This can help us prevent any issues that can occur during the most extreme months of the year, such as overheating and freezing.

How often should I replace my filters?

Disposable filters should be replaced at least once a month. If you have washable filters, we recommend that you clean them once a month.

How do I know if my HVAC system needs service?

If you’re questioning whether your HVAC system needs service, it probably does. Calling a trained professional to take a look is a much better option than waiting for the problem to become worse and more expensive.

How do I know which heater or AC system to pick for my home?

Deciding what size of HVAC equipment is most appropriate for your house can be much harder than one might think. When it comes to heaters and air conditioners, bigger isn’t always better. Our Philadelphia Area HVAC professionals can help you choose properly sized equipment can reduce your costs, improve your energy efficiency, and ensure your home stays comfortable all year long.

How can I improve my energy efficiency?

The best way to ensure high energy efficiency is to make sure that your HVAC system that’s efficient and appropriately sized. Cleaning and replacing your filters frequently also increases energy efficiency. Installing blades, shutters, curtains, or screens on your windows can significantly improve your efficiency as they can allow warm sunlight in when your house is cold and block hot sunlight out when it’s too warm.

What are the advantages of having a programmable thermostat?

Programmable thermostats are typically electric, while traditional thermostats are not. This not only makes them more efficient, but it also makes them more accurate. You can also program your heater or AC system to run at certain times of day and during different seasons.

If I live in the Mid-Atlantic, is a heat pump a good choice for me?

Yes. Heat pumps are usually a great choice for homeowners in places like Pennsylvania. A heat pump does the job of both a heater and an air conditioner. They produce a steady stream of warm air during the winter. They also work to circulate cold air during the summer so your whole family can be comfortable throughout the year.

Why do heat pumps freeze?

There are many reasons why heat pumps freeze. If you’re using the heat pump to cool your home, check to make sure that there are no restrictions to air flow. Turn the system off to allow it to thaw or run it on hot mode to melt any ice that may have formed. If you’re still experiencing any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Philadelphia Area HVAC team.

How often should I replace my AC or heater?

It all depends on how often you use your systems, how often they’re maintained, the overall efficiency of your system, and whether or not it’s meeting your comfort standards. If your system is damaged and the repairs cost nearly what a new system would cost, replace it. Lifespans for many Ac and heating systems are usually 12 years, but with the right care and the right system, yours can last for up to 20.

Is indoor air quality really important?

Many homeowners don’t think about the quality of the air in their home, but most homes actually have air quality that’s five times worse than the air quality outside. Our team can come in and perform a quick assessment to determine the quality of the air in your home.

When is it time to call an electrician?

If you’re changing fuses or resetting circuit breakers very frequently, it’s time to call Quinn's Service. It’s also time to call if your lights dim when your AC kicks on, if your lights flicker for no reason, or if you smell electrical burning, which is typically noticed easily due to its acrid, foul burning smell.

How do I reset my breaker?

First, turn the breaker off completely. Wait a minute or two and then turn it back on. If you’re still experiencing issues, please contact our Philadelphia Area electricians right away.

What can I do to keep my toilet from clogging?

The best rule of thumb is to never flush anything down the toilet besides waste and toilet paper. Flushing feminine products, paper towels, and even baby wipes can cause clogs.

Why is my faucet dripping?

This is most likely due to age. The rubber seal in your faucet can experience wear and tear and your washer can decompose, which would also result in dripping. Typically, these issues are not expensive to repair, but ignoring the issue not only results in significant water waste but also results in more costly issues down the road.

How can I tell if my toilet has a leak? Should I be concerned?

Any unexplained noises that occur when your toilet is not in use can be indicators of a leak. First, check the rubber flapper to make sure that it’s not damaged or corroded. Next, ensure that the water level in the toilet tank is not overflowing through the overflow pipe. You can also check for leaks by adding a couple of drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and determine whether or not the water in the toilet bowl has changed color. If you can’t find a leak, but still sense that there is one due to a spike in your water bill or strange sounds, give Quinn's Service a ring. Our Philadelphia Area plumbers can help you determine the source of the problem and resolve it before it becomes worse and causes damage.

Every time our toilet is flushed, water comes up and out of the shower drain. Is this normal?

This is an example of a drain backup, which is relatively common. Unfortunately, this problem may be serious as it is often a symptom of a much bigger issue. We highly recommend that you call our team if you’re experiencing this.

What should I NOT put down my garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals typically break because something fell in that wasn’t supposed to. Anything that’s not biodegradable should never be put down the drain. Avoid putting foods that don’t break down easily such as celery stalks, asparagus, and corn husks down your disposal. Glass, metal, and plastic should never be put down the disposal. Even the smallest piece of any of these materials can cause extreme damage to your pipes. When running your disposal, be sure to run cold water down it after use. This can help break down fats and oils that are also known for causing problems with pipes.

How will I know if there’s a problem with my water heater?

We recommend calling us if you notice obvious signs of a gas leak, hear unusual noises, or smell unusual odors coming from your water heater. It’s also important to call if you aren’t receiving enough hot water. Quinn's Service is happy to assist you with any repairs or replacements you may need.

Is there any way to tell if I have a hidden water leak?

This is a very serious issue, so if you see a sudden increase in your water bill or hear any strange sounds coming from your pipes, do your best to look for leaks on any visible pipes in your home. You may also have a hidden leak if you experience water damage on your ceilings or walls, soggy spots in your carpet or flooring, mildew or mold growth, or swampy areas in your yard. Any one of these issues is often a warning sign of a leak and should be addressed immediately before the damage becomes worse. Our team of Philadelphia Area plumbing experts can take a look at these issues and resolve them quickly.

Feel free to contact us with any additional questions or concerns you may have!