Blog, News & Resources

It's a hot summer's day in Northern Virginia, and suddenly your AC stops working! You walk outside and take a look at your AC to find that it's covered in ice! You've got yourself a frozen AC system. Not to worry, all you have to do is turn it off and leave it to melt.…

Do you ever go upstairs in the summertime and feel like you've walked into the Mediterranean? Do you turn your thermostat down, but it just makes downstairs feel like the arctic? If you have family living on both stories of your home, then you're probably fighting over the thermostat. Only some of you will get…

Evaporator coils are a hot topic when it comes to HVAC repairs in Northern Virginia. They’re an essential part of your HVAC system, and if your system isn’t running how it should be, you could be in trouble. When left to its own devices, a bad HVAC evaporator coil could lead to you having to…

When you’re cleaning your home, you probably do the dusting every week or every couple of weeks (we don’t judge!). If you don’t dust regularly, the cobwebs and dirt soon build up. Now, imagine how much dust would build up over the course of a month in an area that you don’t see very often.…

Upgrading and renovating your home is such an exciting time. You get to create the home you’ve always wanted, make your day-to-day life easier with upgraded appliances, and update the decor to reflect your style. The difficult part is deciding what home renovations are the best choice and investment for you and your family. One…

There’s nothing worse than getting ready to take an invigorating shower, only to be greeted with a stinky odor wafting up from your drain. What’s even worse is standing in the shower, watching the dirty water rise up and panicking when it doesn't drain away quickly. A clogged shower drain is one of the worst…

A new bathroom is a perfect way to spruce up your home for the new year – and add some value to it as well! We spend a lot of time in the bathroom – which is why it’s the perfect room in the house to get remodeled and make it more comfortable/useful. If you’re…

Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen in the new year? Make sure your investment stands out for all the right reasons and embrace some of 2021’s hottest kitchen trends. We’ve got a load of stunning design trends to share with you to help you think about what features, additions, and styles you’d like to…

COVID-19's turned the entire world upside down – and while many of us are now spending more time at home, it's tempted homeowners across the US to finish up their DIY projects, clear out the cobwebs, and turn the house they own into the home they love. If you're considering doing a remodel during COVID-19,…

With the holidays only just around the corner, it’s about time we all started checking up on our plumbing works. It’s important to keep an eye on your plumbing all year, but when the holidays are approaching and the frosty weather is beginning to creep in, it’s more important than ever. You don’t want a…

Home renovations can be incredibly exciting and fun – but they also create quite a lot of mess. Protecting your HVAC system during a home renovation is incredibly important. The last thing you need after surviving a home renovation is another thing on your to-do list. Renovations can be quite expensive, so damaging your HVAC…

The cold is starting to creep in once again, and not even a pumpkin spiced latte will fight away the chill. It’s that time of year again where you’re starting to think about switching on the heating – turning on your furnace after months of neglect and pumping sweet, warm air around your home. But,…

Having mold in your home can cause many issues for both you and your property. Not only is it unsightly, but mold can also have a serious impact on your health and the health of your family. If you have excess moisture in your HVAC system, both mold and mildew can grow inside your HVAC…

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing heating system or you’re building a new home, you’re going to want to choose the right heating system for your family’s needs. Make an informed decision by knowing the difference between boilers and furnaces. If you're unsure of what system to have in your home and want to…

We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, keeping fresh, getting clean, and relaxing. So, it’s only natural that we want things to look nice and stylish – and feel comfortable and welcoming. You can’t beat enjoying a nice long shower after a hard day’s work! With so many hours spent in our bathrooms,…

Home renovations don’t just make your home more enjoyable to live in, but they also increase your home's value – just in case you want to sell in the future. Investing in your home now with a few renovations could help you secure a future sale with a buyer (and for a higher price). There…

How hot should hot water be? There isn’t really a universal temperature for ‘hot water’ so how do you know what temperature is appropriate for your hot water heater? There’s a suggested temperature for hot water heaters, but a lot of other factors can influence what temperature is appropriate for your heater. Depending on your…

Nothing beats treating yourself to a relaxing, soothing bath after a long, hard day… and when it comes to running a luxurious bath, you can’t go wrong with bath bombs. Incredibly popular, millions of bath bombs are sold every year, and there’s plenty of choices when it comes to size, aromas, and special ingredients. It’s…

If a pipe bursts in your home and ruins your floors, will your insurance cover it? Short answer? It should do. Long answer? There are a few things to take into consideration. So, let’s take a look. Depending on your policy's specifics, your homeowner's insurance will cover the cost of the pipe replacement. Water damage…

Falls in the home can often lead to injuries for senior members of the family, but falls in a bathroom can be fatal. Bathrooms are hazardous places for the elderly, especially for those who suffer from balance-related issues. Some of the common bathroom hazards for the elderly are: Slippery surfaces Low toilet seats Non-slip-resistant shower…

As we're all trying to return to business and open up our premises post COVID-19, there are quite a few things that have to change to keep staff and customers healthy and safe. Many new rules and regulations will have to be followed, new technologies to be implemented, and social distancing to be enforced throughout…

Just because your bathroom is a bit on the small side doesn’t mean you can’t make it as stylish and practical as any other bathroom out there! Bathroom layouts are always difficult, and a small bathroom can be particularly challenging for any homeowner. But, with the right design tricks up your sleeve, there’s no reason…

There’s a lot to take on board when you decide you want to remodel your kitchen. We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home – so when it’s under construction, it can cause havoc within your household. This upheaval is also one of the reasons you want to get your renovation done…

Do you know what refrigerant is used in your HVAC system? Older HVAC units use a refrigerant called R22, also known as Freon. This refrigerant is now part of a federally regulated phaseout, which means it’s no longer going to be in use. What does this mean for you? Well, your HVAC repair bill is…

We all think we know what to flush, like toilet paper, it is made to be flushed. But what about other items that are labeled “flushable”, are they ok to flush? Are tissues, baby wipes, tampon applicators, tampons or paper towels ok to flush? Today, we’re covering exactly what you can and cannot flush down…

Things are scary right now. There are a lot of uncertainties, rumors, and confusing advice going round online about COVID-19. We know that things are stressful at the moment, so we’ve created this easy-to-understand guide covering a few ways you can protect your home – and addressing some of those online rumors too! You probably…

When you’re going through any type of renovation, no matter how organized you think you are, things can (and will!) go wrong. Although getting a low-cost bathroom remodel sounds great on paper, in reality, they can end up more expensive in the long run (as well as being incredibly stressful to deal with). We’ve been…

With the holiday season fast approaching, your toilets are going to be under added pressure to keep up with all your guests. There's an unspoken universal rule that toilets will clog at the most awkward time possible – so here's a quick and easy guide on how to unblock your toilet. Remember: your toilet could…

Spring is here, and it's time to get cleaning – and what better place to start than with your plumbing! Here are some of our top tips to get your plumbing perfect for the springtime. Bathroom Plumbing Tips: Check your faucets for leaks, drips, or any sign of damage. Repair what you can replace what…

Should I call a plumber or DIY the job? Many plumbing tasks are DIY, some are not. While swapping out a sink faucet or unclogging a toilet might be within most homeowners’ abilities, there are many plumbing-related projects that can be costly, irresponsible, and even unsafe to do without professional intervention. Snaking the toilet drain is…

Your HVAC system, just like any other piece of equipment, needs regular maintenance throughout the year. If you don’t keep your system maintained, you run the risk of having it break down, which could lead to more expensive problems in the future. Both home and business owners should always stay on top of HVAC maintenance…

Nobody wants to deal with a blocked toilet, and the idea of having to clean one isn't the nicest thing to think about. Yet it has to be done. There are so many issues that can pop up because of a troublesome toilet, and if you don't keep on top of it, then it could…

Have a HVAC system? You’ve probably picked up tricks and tips over the years on how to get the most out of it. You might have been advised by your parents, your neighbor, or even the last maintenance guy you had round. These tricks you’ve learned, however, might be damaging to your system. It’s difficult…

Are you thinking of giving your home an upgrade now the New Year is here? It shouldn’t matter whether your home is a well-loved fixer-upper, an impressive condo, or a stylish newly-built home. Owning your own house means you can change what you want, whenever you want to. Homeownership may mean maintenance and repairs on…

We often go from having freezing cold temperatures to being scorched in the blazing heat of the afternoon sun, and because of this, our air conditioning units are left unused for months on end. As we are just coming out of the winter months and the temperature starts to rise, our AC units will be…

The damage caused by a frozen or a ruptured pipe can be catastrophic to a household – especially during the colder months! Burst pipes are a common problem in the winter and can cause a whole load of trouble for you and your family. Pipes often buckle and split in the winter due to the…

It may not be quite as much fun to think about replacing your toilet as it is to think about buying a new car or even upgrading your living room furniture. After all, as far as purchases go, toilets are all function and very little “fun.” Despite this, there comes a time when every toilet…

With the holidays approaching quickly and guests starting to visit, the last thing you want to deal with is a crisis in the plumbing department. Disposing of household waste incorrectly can lead to a bathroom or kitchen plumbing disaster. Follow our helpful tips below to help you avoid any embarrassing issues over the holidays! Don’t…

Lighting is one of the most important and influential aspects in your home. Yes, it has the obvious function of illuminating a room, but it helps to set the mood in your home – making it feel cozy and welcoming or lively and energetic. Lighting allows you to enjoy your home to its full potential…

Is your bathroom getting overwhelming with random shampoo bottles and hair-tangled hairbrushes all over it? Maybe you don’t have enough storage in your bathroom, and you’ve run out of room to put all of your toiletries? Your bathroom should be an oasis of calm! Somewhere you can lock yourself away from the mayhem of the…

You’re tired of having to share the bathroom, we get it. There’s nothing worse than rushing to get ready in the morning and having to wait your turn for the mirror. So, you’re thinking of adding an ensuite to your bedroom but you’re wondering if it’s worth all the hassle and the money. An ensuite…

Worried your turkey won’t fit in the oven? Worktops too small for meal prep and your pantry is still painted an awful olive green? Does your kitchen look tired and old and make you feel embarrassed? If your kitchen sucks, it’s time to get it in shape before the holidays start (and family arrives). Here’s…

Is your bathroom less ‘cozy' and more ‘cramped'? In an ideal world, we could all add a few sq. ft. to our homes and enjoy all that extra space to stroll around in a fluffy robe and sip an espresso. But, this isn't an ideal world and sometimes remodeling is out of the question. And…

Remodeling can be an expensive and tough process to go through. There is a lot to get organized and a lot to get done. From tiling the walls to fitting the toilet, from color schemes to shower curtains, there is so much you have to take on board and figure out. But don’t worry! Here…

Freaking out because your lights are flickering? Don't worry, it's pretty unlikely your home is haunted – you probably just need an electrician. Troubleshooting electrical problems can be difficult, but here are a few tips that can help. So, before you call the local priest, read through our troubleshooting guide below and find out the…

When the summer heat rolls into town, you want the inside of your home to stay cool and comfortable. If you're researching the best high efficiency AC systems, there are more options available than ever before – which makes finding the best choice for your home more difficult. With people becoming more aware of the…

Pre-owned home buying checklist to help you know where to look for hidden gotchas. Most home buyers are searching for the pre-owned market and not building from scratch. When looking at houses you need to pay attention to more than the layout. Imagine buying what you think is your dream home, only to find out…

Unless you live in a shack up a mountain, electrical appliances play a huge role in day-to-day life. From TVs, tablets and toasters, to phones, vacuum cleaners and refrigerators, most of our home appliances require electricity to run. We tend to take electricity for granted, but it’s always important to keep in mind the danger…

Moving into your own home is an exciting time! There's a new sense of independence, the fun of getting to know your new neighbors, and the freedom of being able to make a space truly feel like your own. But for first-time homeowners, owning your own property can also be stressful. Having your own home…

Protecting your home from flooding probably isn't at the top of your to-do list – but it's an essential part of being a homeowner. Despite what you might think, most flood damage to properties is actually caused by plumbing failures and faulty appliances (not natural disasters!). Luckily, this type of flooding is completely preventable with…

Airflow problems in your HVAC system can cause hot and cold spots in your home, weak or zero airflow from the vents and higher-than-average energy costs. Luckily, the underlying causes of HVAC airflow problems are pretty limited and can be easily figured out. Listed below are the top 10 things we regularly see causing airflow…

There's nothing better than coming home to a loving pet. Whether a dog or a cat, big or small, pets are always happy to see you. They’re our best friends and our confidants. They give us unconditional love and keep us company. The only downside to having a pet is the mess they make. Dander…

Spring has sprung and that means we're all going to be outside enjoying the weather! Before getting to enjoy that though, the new season brings a new list of maintenance must-dos with it. You don't want to spring a leak during a family BBQ! In this month's blog post, we're going to look at the…

No, you're not imagining it – your HVAC is one of the most energy-hungry systems in your home! A recent study by the U.S. Energy Information Association found that heating and air conditioning accounts for 40% of the average home's energy consumption. Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature and humidity doesn't have to cost…

Goodbye winter, hello sunny spring! With the seasons changing, it's time to get your home sparkling and fresh, letting you enjoy the sunshine with your nearest and dearest. While you're vacuuming, dusting and scrubbing, don't forget about your trusty HVAC system! Often overlooked in the spring clean, you'll want it running smoothly over the next…

Despite 20% of the average household's expenses taken up by the cost of heating water, water heaters are usually ignored until they stop working. There are so many options, how do you know the best water heater to buy? It's safe to say the reason why you're reading this today is that your water heater…

If you think you have a leak it’s too late to stop it now – leave the house immediately and call the gas company. Gas leaks are no joke.  If you smell gas in your home right now – leave your home and CALL THE GAS COMPANY RIGHT NOW! Ok, now that’s out of the…

Not only do air conditioners cool your home during the hot summer months, but they can also dramatically reduce the humidity levels in your house. Controlling humidity levels in your home influences how comfortable you are and is directly related to energy reduction and AC/home maintenance costs. Too little or too much humidity causes problems…

We've been around since the 70's and through our years in the business, we've seen a thing or two! Our expert team have quite a few secrets of the trade and we would like to pass on a few of these tips to you. Many plumbers want to horde their knowledge and keep it to…

Are your water pipes driving you crazy with banging, squealing and whistling noises? Not only are they a huge headache to listen to, but excessive or odd plumbing noises might also be an indication that something’s not quite right with your plumbing system. In general, pipes shouldn’t make any noise at all – so if…

If you didn’t already realize it, your entire bathroom is built around a huge plumbing system. There aren’t many components in the bathroom that don’t rely on your home’s plumbing to work. Before you think about demolishing and remodeling your bathroom, you need to know a bit about plumbing. Here are our 6 fundamentals on…

A heat exchanger is an integral part of your furnace – it keeps the combustion chamber and the breathing air separate within the furnace. Made of thin metal panels (and sometimes coils), a heat exchanger is designed to heat the air before it is distributed throughout the house. The metal panels or coils of the…

The best way to deal with freezing pipes is to prevent them in the first place, but the chances are if you're reading this it's probably already happened! When pipes freeze, the water inside expands, which can cause the pipe to burst and flood your home quickly – resulting in a major disaster and and…

Those long, laidback summer nights are gone and winter's harsh cold snaps and icicles are on their way. Before the freezing weather takes hold, make sure you're not caught by surprise with a broken down heating system when you need it most. Check out our list below for signs your heating needs some TLC. 1.…

TL;DR – In a rush? Here’s everything we cover in this article: Dense air filters can actually suffocate your AC system – If you look at the cross section of the thin, but dense (high MERV) AC filters, there’s a ton of filter material shoved in a one-inch frame. This pile up of filter material…

Ever feel like you're pouring your money down the drain? Well, you just might be doing just that! Water bills can be an expensive part of running a home – but unlike property taxes and those big maintenance projects, you can easily save money on your water bill. Reduce your water bill by just $25…

Spotting pipe issues can be very difficult as they are usually located under floors and between walls, making it hard for anyone but a licensed plumber to assess if there is a problem and where the piping issue exists. Piping problems often worsen due to their hidden nature. Leaking pipes not only waste money but…

Choosing an HVAC contractor is a big decision. Your comfort system is a significant investment, and picking a contractor from the yellow pages is like choosing a name out of a hat. Perhaps you think that it is best to go with one of those big, nationwide or multi-state firms. They spend millions each year…

When winter turns to spring, and eventually summer, pests come crawling out from hiding in search of food, moisture and shelter. Because your HVAC system keeps temperatures comfortable and you have food available in your pantry, your home is a great place for bugs and vermin to thrive. Unfortunately, even the tiniest of insects can cause irreparable…

Think about all the things you use your water heater for on a daily basis: hot showers, washing dishes, cleaning and cooking are just a few of the reasons you need easy access to hot water. In addition to that, if your water heater broke, not only would you be inconvenienced, but you may have…

When winter turns to spring, and eventually summer, pests come crawling out from hiding in search of food, moisture and shelter. Because your HVAC system keeps temperatures comfortable and you have food available in your pantry, your home is a great place for bugs and vermin to thrive. Unfortunately, even the tiniest of insects can…

Your water heater is one piece of equipment that you seldom think about. As long as you have hot water for your shower and there are no leaks, there should be no reason to give the water heater a lot of thought. However, there will come a time when your water heater isn’t getting the…

It’s very easy to take your drains for granted. When you’re cleaning or doing the dishes, if an item slips down the drain or even gets caught in the drain plug, it’s easier to let the item fall down the drain and forget about it. That is until that item causes a clog in your…

Ever dropped something down your bathroom or kitchen drain? Talk about a sinking feeling. Most objects just aren’t worth the stress. Many objects are also caught within the sink’s trap, specially designed for these instances, and can be quickly retrieved. However, there are those instances where an irreplaceable item makes its way deep into your…

A disposal leak may start as a minor annoyance but if left uncorrected it can lead to a huge mess. That’s why if you have a leak it is vital that you find the cause and repair or replace it immediately. We’ve put together some basic information to help you with the first steps in…

What can a homeowner do to improve energy efficiency and lower energy bills We have talked a lot about HVAC unit efficiency and indoor air quality. We have also touched on HVAC myths, fables, and hidden truths. One thing we have not discussed in depth is home efficiency vs. unit efficiency, so let’s do that…

So, you've noticed unpleasant sewer odors coming from your bathroom or kitchen. There are few things more frustrating than a stinky, smelly sewer odor emitting from your home. This smell could prevent you from having company over or even disrupt your day to day routine.In many cases, it is easy to remedy a sewer odor and…

What you need to know about Heat pump efficiency ratings (SEER, EER, and HSPF) I’m hoping I can clear up a lot of confusion on this one. One thing I see all too often is people selling heat pumps based off SEER efficiency only, that takes off the cooling but does not tell you how…

If your family is anything like mine, winter is hands down the busiest time of year. Between all the holiday celebrations, the kids’ winter activities, work, and making huge plans for the New Year, the season flies by at a surprising speed. In all the hustle and bustle that this season brings, you probably don’t…

There are few things more frustrating than a leaky faucet. The dripping can be aggravating and even lead to damage of your sink area. However, fixing this piece is a job that can often be completed on your own, with just a few simple tools. Find the Leak With the different types of faucets available…

Remodeling your bathroom is exciting. You have probably spent hours imagining what your space will look like with an update. You have picked out colors, surface materials and you have some idea of what layout you desire. You may have even spent some time browsing ideas on Pinterest planning your bathroom remodel. However, Pinterest expertise…

“I want to buy a new HVAC system today” … said no one ever. There is a silver lining when the time comes to replace your air conditioning and heating system. In the past 10-12 years, there have been a lot of efficiency improvements in the design of home comfort systems. With these improvements comes…

Does your home suffer from hot spots? If your house has uneven temperatures, you are not alone. With a central air and heating system investment, you’d expect equal heating or cooling throughout your home. Unfortunately hot and cold spots are common for many reasons, leaky ducts, inadequate size or layout of ducts, not enough returns…

Ah, the holidays. It’s a time for togetherness, good food, good memories… and plumbing problems. All is merry and bright until Uncle Gary clogs the upstairs toilet, the twins have flushed their new Christmas socks in the downstairs toilet, and your husband lovingly poured the turkey grease into the garbage disposal. Oh, and if that’s…

Due to their efficiency gas-fired heating equipment are still very popular, electric appliances are often cheaper on the front end but are more expensive to run. Two things all gas-fired heating equipment has in common: a heat exchanger and a flue. Some are negative pressure, some are static, some are gravity fed, but one thing…

Indoor Air Quality products (IAQ) seem to be more and more talked about in our industry year over year. As a customer, you’re probably wondering which products are necessary, which ones are just good suggestions, and which ones are a complete scam. You may be surprised to find out that a great majority of the indoor…

DIY plumbing repair. Should you do it yourself or should you hire a professional? Here are a 5 major plumbing task that requires an experienced plumber. 1. Working with Gas Gas is inherently dangerous. It isn’t healthy to breathe, and a simple spark can cause a fire and even an explosion. Gas should be respected. If…

Common Questions about HVAC Brands What is the difference between brands and why does the price vary so much? How do I decide which is the best HVAC system for my home? How can I compare systems, brands, and prices to make a smart purchase? A lot of people ask these questions because there are…

The major systems that run your home (specifically the electrical, plumbing and HVAC), as well as the components that comprise these systems, are not usually at the forefront of your thoughts. However, there will come a time that you face a major plumbing leak, or your air conditioning doesn't cool down or some other issue…

Your plumber may have mentioned that “re-piping” your home would be a good idea or perhaps you're worried about the quality of the pipes yourself. Are you asking yourself “Is re-piping my home really necessary?” Possibly. If you have an older home, it could be that your pipes have come to the end of their…