Category Archives: How To

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A COMMERCIAL PLUMBER

As a business owner, it is crucial to understand the calamity that can arise due to plumbing system issues on your commercial property. A plumbing emergency can either disrupt your business operations or bring it to a halt. This is when you will need the services of a professional commercial plumbing contractor. Selecting a commercial plumber is one of the most important decisions you can make for your business.  Choosing the wrong plumbing contractor may bring you substantial downtime in your business which can cripple your operations. The following are factors to consider when hiring and choosing a DC commercial plumber for your business.

 

commercial 24 hour plumber DC

 

Licensed and Insured

 

Just like any other plumbing contractor, your prospective commercial plumber should have all the relevant credentials such as licenses and certifications. A good way of ensuring that the commercial plumber you are planning to hire is insured and licensed is to check with a recognized organization in DC or to ask the plumber to you his licenses and certifications simply.

 

Commercial Plumbing Experience

 

It is vital to find a plumbing contractor whose expertise is in commercial plumbing services. You should understand that not every plumbing company is capable of providing the plumbing services you need, and you may end up hiring a plumber with little or no experience in handling issues of commercial plumbing systems. To avoid causing more serious damages to your plumbing system, hire a professional with enough experience in offering commercial plumbing services.

 

Clear Upfront Pricing

 

Other than the licenses and plumbing experience, you should look for a plumbing service that will give you a detailed and written estimate of the service fee you will be paying them after the plumbing system inspections and maintenance. Hire a plumbing service in DC to help you work within the set budget without surprising you with the amount you need to pay once the inspection job is done.

 

Guarantees and Warranties

 

Look for a commercial plumber who is confident in the quality of his work, and confident enough to offer a warranty on the repairs he has done. A good commercial plumber should reimburse your money or repeat the repair job again until it is properly done in case you are dissatisfied with his work.

 

Customer Feedback

 

Naturally, all the plumbing contractors you shortlist will claim to be the best at what they do, but you should not take their word for it. Instead, you should verify their claims by asking about the past repair jobs they have done with their previous clients. You can ask them for a list of referrals and find out whether their clients were satisfied with their services or not.

 

24-Hour Plumbing Services

 

Plumbing emergencies can occur at any given moment, which is why you should hire a plumber capable of providing services all round-the-clock. A 24-hour plumbing service is a vital asset to your business since they can be contacted easily in case of a plumbing emergency in the wee hours of the night. Your plumber should be reliable enough to respond promptly and provide plumbing services when emergencies occur.

In conclusion, at some point, your business will require some plumbing services from a reliable plumber. So as to decide on the one to hire, consider the pricing, experience, competence, and availability to save you from the stress of putting your business operations to a stop. You can contact a DC commercial plumber to handle all your commercial plumbing problems and needs.

THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A MASTER GAS FITTER

There are various amenities and utilities that will enable you to fully and completely enjoy your stay in your home. Some of the common utilities are telecommunications, water, electricity, drainage, gas, and security. These utilities are interrelated systems that are installed during the construction of your house. One of the most important utilities among these is the gas system. Generally, this system uses a network of pipes and tubes, and it is usually hidden from view.

However, a gas system can be very critical depending on the potential risk it can create. Whether it is LPG or natural gas, the potential danger lies in the fact that gas is highly combustible. This means that you can generate a flame in case a spark catches some small amounts of released gas, and if there was an ongoing gas leak, this can endanger lives and cause damage to property.  It is, therefore, a wise idea to get a DC master gas fitter to handle your gas installations and maintenance. The following are the benefits that you stand to gain if you are in DC and you decide to hire a master gas fitter.

 

Prevents A Potential Disaster From Happening

 

The gas fitting service can inspect and also check the entire chain of your gas line. They will examine from the entry to exit for any possible breach and corrosion and any other damage to the piping network that connects your gas equipment and appliances. The gas fitting service has the tools and equipment that can enable them to detect any leaks in the pipes, connectors and connecting joints. They will correct the problems immediately if there is any and also check your pipes, outlets, and appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters, for safety and efficiency.

 

DC plumbing company

 

 

To Know The Actual Condition Of Your Gas System

 

Having a professional gas fitter check your gas system will enable you to discover some potential repairs indicated in your gas system. By doing this, you are in a position to handle the situation in time and prevent any potential dangers. In case a leak is found, your timing is done to perfection since the professionals will perform the leak correction immediately.

 

To Know How Your Gas System Works

 

You can maximize the value of the professional service fee by asking relevant questions. The professionals will be willing and happy to accommodate your questions regarding your gas system. They know that once you are satisfied with their answers and also the services they render, you will endorse them to other homeowners.

 

Knowing Who To Call In Case Of An Emergency

 

Knowing who to call if an emergency situation occurs is the most important benefits of preventing potential disasters. The initial engagement with the gas fitting service provider will serve the purpose for which they were called. And that is to inspect the gas line. Once they are done with it, you can establish a communication network for your future needs not only regarding your gas system but the other utilities as well.

In conclusion, you are responsible for ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of your gas equipment and appliances. Ensure that your gas system is checked regularly by a professional. You can seek the services of a master gas fitter in DC for all your gas installations, repairs, and maintenance needs.

HOW TO UNCLOG A SINK IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE

A clog occurs in your home when water drains slower than usual or if it does not drain at all. Most of the homeowners resort to chemical cleaners to unclog the drains. However, research has shown that these chemicals do not dislodge the serious clogs and they eventually eat away the sewer pipes, causing major issues and more damage. In some cases, the tree roots find their way into the pipes, and this can completely block sewer access. Some homeowners schedule regular plumbing inspections in order to check and maintain their plumbing lines. However, it is simply a fact that clogs will always occur more often in your home. With a few simple steps, you can unclog your kitchen or bathroom sink and only call a DC clog service when your attempts turn futile. The following are the steps to follow in order to unclog a sink in your home or office.

 

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Seal And Plunge Your Sink

 

If you have a dual-bowl kitchen sink, place a wet rag into one drain as you plunge the other. In case it is a bathroom sink, the rag will help you plug into the sink’s overflow hole. In the two cases, your rag will provide you with a tight seal which will help you put enough suction to remove the blockage. Fill your sink half way with water before you start plunging. Ensure that you pump severely before you pull off the plunger from the drain.

 

Remove The Sink Trap And Clean It

 

In case the sink is still clogged after plunging severely, you should look for a cable auger. Remove the sink trap by unscrewing the large threaded coupling or by the use of a pipe wrench. Remove all the water from the sink trap and ensure that it is not clogged, and then remove the horizontal arm of the sink from the stubout.

 

Use Your Cable Auger

 

After removing the horizontal arm, feed your cable into the sink stubout and only stop once you feel some resistance. In case it stops entering smoothly, hold your cable properly as you pull out the body of the auger and then tighten the lock screw. Turn the handle in a clockwise manner as you push it forward in order to drive the head of the auger deeper into the pipe. You should continue with this motion until you have broken the blockage.

 

Flush And Drain The Sink

 

Once you have broken up the blockage, re-install your trap and the horizontal pipe. Then turn the water on to check whether your sink is draining properly. If the sink doesn’t drain immediately, don’t worry because the debris from a broken-up clog may turn into a loose blockage. Even if the sink drains, fill it halfway with some hot water severely and plunge it until it drains smoothly. Now that you have unclogged your sink, you can enjoy and feel a sense of accomplishment.

In conclusion, if you did not succeed in unclogging your sink, just call a plumbing service in DC and let them sort it out for you. It is better to take preventive measures with a plumbing service to clear out any developing clogs before they become huge issues. The cost of drain cleaning to prevent major clogs is far better than the massive damage that can be caused by a serious sewer backup.

DRAIN PROBLEMS IN HOMES AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

The best way to avoid frustrating clogs in your plumbing system is by preventive maintenance. It is the easiest way to keep your home plumbing system clean, healthy and clog free. Unfortunately, neglected plumbing pipes are lined with years of buildup of hair, grease, rust and other chemicals that cause dangerous corrosion that leave your pipes damaged. The following are some of the drain problems you may encounter in your home and how you can tackle them.

 

Clogged Tub Drain

 

Bathtub drains do not only have water and soap running through them. Some hair and pet fur often find their way into the drain pipes causing serious tub clogs. To prevent this from happening use a strainer in order to keep hair and other elements from your plumbing pipes. Ensure you clean your strainer regularly to allow the water to drain smoothly from your bathtub. In the case of a clog, remove the strainer and apply a flat plunger on the drain. If it does not unclog after a few pushes, you may need to seek the services of a professional plumber that offers DC drain services in order to assess and also address the situation.

 

Floor Draining Clogs

 

Many homes have their floor draining located in their basements, garages, patios and laundry rooms in order to keep the excess water from flooding in the home causing damage. Since basements are the bottom-most parts of the houses, floor drains are very common in them since sewer water and rain can flow downward and flood the basements. Just like the drains of your bathtub or kitchen sink, floor drains are also equipped with traps underneath. The traps are always kept full of water to prevent the sewer odor and gases from escaping into the room. The most common issue with the floor drains is that they can become clogged with debris or dirt. In case you find that your floor drain is not working properly, contact a professional to help you clear away whatever is causing the blockage. The plumber will also give you advice on how to maintain your floor drains and prevent future clogs.

 

Downspout Draining Clogs And Leaks

 

The best way to prevent your home from flooding is to check your downspouts and gutters regularly and also after a windy day. Look for a secure ladder and remove the leaves, sticks and any other debris that has fallen in your gutters. It is also crucial to check the downspout drains since they can clog easily during rainstorms. If you are not comfortable with heights or your downspouts have serious issues, consider calling a plumbing service to ensure that your home is protected against flooding.

 

DC Plumber kitchen drain

 

In conclusion, clogged drains can be such a nuisance. From your bathroom to the kitchen, a clogged drained can slow you down leaving unwanted debris behind, and this can cause all sorts of other problems. In case you run into a drain emergency, locate and shut off all the valves in your home including the main water valve if there is a major water leak. If you are not familiar with the plumbing system of your home or you, don’t feel confident making any plumbing decisions, contact a plumber in DC for all your emergency plumbing and drain concerns.

DC Water Heater Repairs

A water heater is a vital item in your household. Water heaters enable a household to function as a modern home by providing hot water for dish cleaning, washing clothes, bathing and cleaning in a sanitary manner. It is frustrating to get into the shower only get some ice cold water after turning the hot water knob. With some little understanding, you can take care of some problems yourself, and also be better prepared to understand your options when it is time to call a professional plumber for the repairs.

 

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Symptoms of a Faulty Water Heater and Repairs

 

The problems with a water heater may be smelly or rusty-colored water, but the most common problems are a lack of enough hot water and leaks which call for the water heater repairs. Below is a list of some of the symptoms and the corresponding repairs that should be carried out on each one of them.

 

Not Enough Hot Water

 

In case there has not been an increase of use of water, and it’s not a new installation of a water heater, the first thing to do is check the thermostat to ensure that it has not been set too low accidentally. If the dip tube is corroded, then this could be the cause of your problem. The scale of your heating elements and the buildup of sediment in the tank may also leave you with a very unsatisfying shower. Apart from a faulty thermostat, the other likely alternative for electric models is that one of the heating elements may have burned out. In case of a gas model, the burner is either working very well or not working at all.

 

No Hot Water

 

For electric fueled models, the absence of hot water could be caused by a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat or both heating elements burning out. For gas fueled models there are many possible causes. The first thing is to check whether the pilot light is burning. If it is not burning, follow the instructions in the user manual of the unit to re-light it. Otherwise, the problem of the heater could be anywhere along its chain between the pilot and the burner.

 

Strange Noises

 

Tapping noises are normal when your tank is heating up and cooling down quickly. However, loud thuds and pops come as a result of the scaling breaking off to become sediment. A boiling noise should be considered as an emergency. This is because the noise indicates a failure of the safety device that limits the pressure and the temperature and this leaves you at a risk of a steam explosion. If you have some strange noises, contact the services of a plumber in DC to check your water heater to prevent damage to your property.

 

Leaks

 

Water heaters have several ports and openings in the tank, such as the pressure relief valve, drain valve, and the heating elements. Check all the ports and the plumbing above the water heater for any leaks. If you can’t find any leaks and there is a lot of water on the floor, the other probability is that the water heater tank is leaking and it cannot be repaired. Consider replacing your water heater tank, and only a professional plumber can do this. DC water heater repairs can solve the problem for you and give you peace of mind.

In conclusion, you can find instructions on the web for maintenance of your plumbing system, but a minor mistake can lead you to a more difficult and expensive problem. To avoid this, seek the services of a professional plumber in DC for fast, reliable and lasting DC water heater repairs.

Affordable DC Plumbing Upgrades That You Should Consider Installing

Plumbing upgrades to any household affect the entire plumbing system of that residence. Whether you are considering selling your home, adding value to it or finding a return on your investment, plumbing upgrades are becoming inevitable. The new fixtures and plumbing line will not only enhance the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom, but they will also incorporate new functionalities that will make your life easier and more convenient.  If you are in DC, there are many professionals who can help you with your DC plumbing upgrades. The following are some of the affordable upgrades you can use to boost the value of your home and increase its beauty.

 

Kitchen Faucet

 

The trending kitchen faucets are the hands-free and the touch-activated faucets. While these two technologies have been readily available in the public bathrooms throughout our cities, maybe it was not yet the time for you to make upgrades in your kitchen. Every major plumbing company manufactures these new faucets, hence they are readily available and pretty convenient. The selection of the styles and finishing for your kitchen faucets are many, so make sure you select the right one for your kitchen. Moreover, these kitchen faucets will add value to your kitchen and give you convenience that is usually underrated.

 

Self-Cleaning Toilet

 

In order to save time and get your toilet cleaned in a short while, manufacturers have designed a self-cleaning toilet. Using the modern technology and at an affordable price, this toilet has become a new trend in the modern homes and also in bathroom remodels. Just by the push of a button, your toilet is refreshed and scrubbed clean using the chemicals that pour into the bowl. To save you from embarrassment during parties and when entertaining guests, this toilet is worth the investment.

 

Showers

 

plumbing repair DC

 

There is nothing as good as a hot shower. Nowadays, a shower is no longer a routine rather it has become an experience.  With the advancing plumbing technology showers are becoming soothing, refreshing and more interesting. The technology that is trending currently is the rain shower head. Unlike the normal shower heads that come out of the wall, the rain shower head comes from the ceiling simulating rain. With this shower, there is no angling of the shower head or ducking underneath it in case you are tall. The rain shower head also comes with LED lighting installed. This lighting keeps changing depending on the temperature of the water.  This shower head provides you with an ambiance during your morning shower experience and also lets you know when the temperature is the way you like it.

 

Water Heater

 

Traditional water heaters waste a lot of resources due to the fact that they let hot water sit in the pipes until it cools. This means that you will always have to run the water for it to be heated, wasting a lot of energy. To avoid this waste, you can opt for a modern water heater that has an on-demand circulation pump. These modern systems do not waste as much energy, and you won’t have to run the shower a few minutes for you to get hot water. The modern water heater will save you a lot of money in the long run and also provide you with great comfort and convenience.

In conclusion, in case you have not upgraded your plumbing system and fixtures for some time, you could be incurring losses unknowingly. However, there are many ways in which you can cut on your water expenditure. This will not only help you save money on your bills, but it will also add value to your home. Upgrading your plumbing system does not have to be a huge ordeal. You can seek the advice of a plumber in DC for professional advice on which DC plumbing upgrade to install as well as hire them for quick installations and maintenance services.

Factors to Consider When Starting your DC Plumbing Renovations

When renovating your home, the rooms that require special attention and care are the bathroom and the kitchen. In case you are renovating your kitchen plumbing or remodeling your bathroom, planning is everything. This is because renovations can be quite costly if they are not planned well.  You should spend ample time with a professional plumber in order to discuss your plumbing needs and design that will work seamlessly with the new architectural parameters of your renovated home. The following are some of the things to consider when carrying out DC plumbing renovations for your kitchen or bathroom.

 

The Space

 

The best way to gain more space without extending to your floor area is by installing features in the cavity space. This is a great way to save your bathroom space when renovating the bathroom plumbing. You might be in a position to fit in a niche into a cavity space in your shower to make a shelf or install a small shaving cabinet. Your plumber will tell you where the plumbing pipes are and give you ideas that will suit your intended design or layout.

 

The Plumbing Renovation Layout

One of the most significant ways to ensure that you get satisfied with your bathroom or kitchen renovations in the future is by planning the layout carefully. Take enough time and draw the layout of your space. You should then consider the possible ways in which space can be future-proofed in order to ensure mobility of all the occupants. In case you would want to update the finishes and colors once they get outdated, avoid the expenses of changing the layout and the shell all over again by ensuring that you get it right the first time.

 

Cost-Effective Renovations

 

When you are planning for the plumbing layout during a renovation, you should consider your budget carefully. Making a complete changeover may seem like a good idea, but it might not be cost-effective for you. Consider whether the renovations will outweigh the benefits before you make major changes. Most of the major changes will require qualified professional to complete. You should seek the services of a plumber in DC to advice you on how you will marry the changes with your budget.

 

Set Your Budget and Stick To It

 

During a renovation, it is very easy to go overboard. Avoid over capitalizing by looking for fixtures and accessories that will fit within your budget. When renovating your house for the purpose of selling it, consider the cost of renovation against the return on investment.

 

Leave It to the Professionals

 

drain service DC

 

With most of the bathroom and kitchen renovations, you can do the work yourself. But for the most part, it is advisable to leave the work to the professionals. Apart from the plumber, you may also require a reliable cabinet maker, electrician and a tiller. Take your time to get quotations on all the tradesmen needed to execute your layout plan. To save time and cost, you can contract one company for the renovation project to ensure the work is done well and on time.

In conclusion, before making any major decisions, you should seek expert advice from professionals to complete your renovation. Employing DC plumbing renovations expert who experienced in kitchen and bathroom plumbing renovations will help you a great deal.

DC Emergency Plumbing Services

Plumbing emergencies are inevitable in our homes and offices, and at a time we can’t afford to wait to get them fixed.  Your water heater may stop heating water when you enter your shower. Your dishwasher may break down when you are cleaning up after dinner.  The toilet or sink may clog when you are leaving for work, or one of your pipes may leak or burst during the night. Before you contact an emergency plumbing service in case of such emergency, you should turn off your water supply. If it’s a broken pipe, a faucet that’s leaking or a water heater that stopped working, ensure you discontinue the flow of water. This will reduce water wastage hence lower charges on your water bill. However, by doing this, you will prevent any flooding event if there is a serious leakage.

The best residential and commercial plumbing services will provide you with the best emergency repairs, replacements, and maintenance to help you avoid damage in case of a leak or clog. If an emergency occurs in DC, it will be comforting to have a plumbing service on speed dial to fix the problems before they worsen. The following are the three important reasons why you should have DC emergency plumbing services contact at all times.

 

Avoiding Property Damage

 

One thing that is a nightmare to every homeowner is damage to property. Property damage may come as a result of plumbing failures and freezing pipes. Most often, property damage due to water leaks end up costing the homeowner a lot of money leading to a complete remodel of the kitchen or bathroom. Emergency plumbing services will limit the damage done to your home and save you a lot of money in the long run.

 

Getting To Use Your Fixtures Once Again

 

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If there is a pipe disruption or breakage in your plumbing system, it becomes impossible to use your toilet or sink. For very obvious reasons, you cannot afford to have these things not working for a long period. DC Emergency plumbing services or a plumber in DC will enable you to continue with a normal life in case such events occur.

 

Plumbing System Inspections

 

When there is a leak or clog in your plumbing system, the best emergency service will perform a keen inspection of the entire system to ensure there are no more lingering issues. For instance, if your sewer system is more than 30 years old, it may require replacement. An emergency plumbing service will notify you this at no cost as they come to fix your emergency issues.

In conclusion, the plumbing system in your business or home is very complex and at any time disaster can strike leading to damage of property. It is therefore important to look for DC emergency plumbing services as a method of home improvement. It is also crucial to have contact information of a qualified plumbing company or a plumber in DC in the case of emergencies and especially the life-threatening ones. Most of the plumbing companies offer plumbing services 24 hours, seven days in a week throughout the year.

Uncovering Issues In Your DC Home

Often, when issues arise in our homes, we have a pretty clear idea of what the problem is. If the air-conditioner goes out, for example, we know we have to call an HVAC service company here in DC. Some problems, however, are not so cut and dry. Some issues that we deal with as homeowners may take some serious investigating to properly diagnose. This article will cover some of those issues, providing tips on how to uncover them, and who you can turn to in the DC-area to fix them.

 

Detecting Mice In Your Home

 

Mice can be a huge problem for DC homeowners, as they get into food, eat away at the structure and wiring of your house, and can even spread diseases. Unfortunately, these creatures can be very hard to detect, as they can squeeze through pin-sized holes, and tend to hide in the walls of your house. If you do happen to see a mouse scurrying across your floor, there are probably several more that you don’t see. Typically, you will know that you have a mouse infestation by paying attention to several clues: scratching or scurrying noises from within your walls, the presence of mouse feces, and food that seems to have been gotten into are all common signs of a mouse infestation. If you suspect that there are mice in your house, try setting traps. There are traps that kill mice outright and traps that simply capture them so that you can release them away from your house. Which type of trap you purchase is up to you, but it is important that you buy a few and make sure they are spread out around your house. Be sure to put them in places where you will not step on them! While we have all seen the cheese on the mousetrap in cartoons, peanut butter is actually the recommended bait, as mice love it, and its stickiness makes it hard to eat without setting off the trap. If you suspect that your mouse problem is serious, call a professional exterminator here in DC.

 

Detecting Leaks In Your Plumbing

 

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A plumbing leak is another household problem that is not so obvious. In fact, leaks can be very hard to spot. As with mice, there are some common signs that can indicate a probable plumbing leak. A sudden and unexplainable increase in your water bill is a big red flag, as leaks naturally tend to cause increased water usage. The presence of mold and mildew, with an accompanying musty smell is another sign that there could be a leak in your plumbing. If you suspect that you have a leak, call a DC leak detection service to come out and examine your plumbing. This is definitely a task best left to the professionals, as finding a leak can sometimes be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. However, a good plumber will use their expert knowledge – as well as high-tech gadgets such as mini video cameras – to pinpoint your leak. Once found, the plumber should be able to fix the leak for you with relative ease.

Where To Go When You Need A Quick Repair Here In DC

There are many joys when it comes to being a homeowner. It is wonderful having your own piece of property, that you can decorate or upgrade however you see fit. That being said, there are some headaches to being a homeowner as well. When something needs repaired, you cannot simply call a landlord or superintendent to come and fix it. It is up to you to take care of any problems with your home. One of the great perks of being a homeowner here in Washington, DC is that there are countless repair services who are able to help you out. This article will describe some common repairs that you might need to call a DC-area service provider to come out and help you with.

 

Plumbing Repairs In DC

 

DC camera inspection

 

If you own a home for several years, you will likely need to make several calls to a DC-area plumber. This is an unfortunate fact of life as a homeowner. One of the most common reasons that homeowners here in DC place calls to plumbers is drain clogs. A drain clog can be a huge inconvenience for you and your family, as it can prevent you from using your sink, shower, or even your toilet! Many homeowners attempt to fix these clogs themselves, either with chemicals or with a “snake” (a motorized metal coil, that reaches deep into drains and breaks up clogs). For minor clogs, this can work, but for major clogs, it is recommended that you call a DC clog service. When you make this call, a service technician will come out to your house and inspect your drain, often using a small video camera. Once the clog is located, the service tech will be able to break it up using sophisticated plumbing equipment.

 

Electric Repairs In DC

 

It is a good idea to have the contact information of a knowledgeable and reputable electrician here in DC, as electrical problems can literally pop up in the blink of an eye. Unless you really know what you are doing, it is recommended that you do not attempt to make electrical repairs yourself. Working with electrical systems is very dangerous, as it can lead to electric shock. With a quick call, though, a DC-area electrician will be able to come out to your house and inspect your wiring, then make any repairs that are necessary.

 

HVAC Repairs In DC

 

DC is known for many wonderful things: beautiful weather is not one of them. Summers here are hot and humid, while winters are downright cold. For this reason, it is important that you have a working air-conditioner and a working heater. If either of these essential appliances should ever stop working when you need them most, call a local HVAC service technician right away. A good HVAC service technician will be able make the necessary repairs and have you feeling warm and cozy – or nice and cool – again in no time.