HVAC Rochester NY: How to Select the Right Company

May 23, 2013 Andy Leone HVAC No comments yet

HVAC Rochester NY: How to Select the Right Company

In Rochester, NY the winters are really cold and the summers are often very hot, with temperatures sometimes nearing the one hundred degree mark. Even if the temperature is not too extreme, the high humidity in Rochester can make the summers uncomfortable for homes and businesses without a reliable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Being able to control the climate in your home or business is necessary for safety, as well as comfort. When it is time to install a new HVAC system or your current system is need of repair, it is important to choose the right company for your HVAC needs. Here are some tips for choosing an HVAC company:

Ask your friends, family, or neighbors which HVAC companies they would recommend. Getting the opinions of people you trust can help you to select the right HVAC company for you.
Research by reading online reviews for HVAC companies in the Rochester area. Try to find a good number of reviews that will allow you to look for patterns. Any company can have one or two dissatisfied customers for some reason and still be an excellent and reputable company. However, if a company has a significant number of bad reviews, then you should probably skip it.
Also, look for a company that has been in business for a long time. The fact that it has been open for so long indicates that it is likely to be dependable and plans to remain in business.
Don’t consider an HVAC company that is not licensed and fully insured. Since it is normal for homeowners to be concerned about people working in their homes, a quality HVAC Rochester, NY company will also perform background checks on their technicians before hiring them to protect the safety and property of its customers. Find out what sort of screen process a company has for its technicians before you choose it for your HVAC needs.
You also want to make sure that any HVAC company you decide to hire provides extensive training to its technicians. Proper installation is the key to performance, so it is crucial that technicians be well-trained and experienced.
Be sure to look for a company that offers 24-hour emergency service. You do not want to stuck with a broken furnace during the bitter Rochester winter and find yourself unable to get in touch with anyone from your HVAC company to send help.
Make sure that any HVAC company you contact is willing to visit your home or business to assess your needs before giving you a quote.
Also check to make sure that the company you are considering is knowledgeable about energy efficient heating and cooling systems. These can pay for themselves in energy savings over time.
Narrow your selection down to 3 potential HVAC companies and contact them for a quote. Don’t just automatically choose the one that gives you the lowest price. Look for the best value. If you go with a really cheap price from a less-experienced company you will probably end up having to pay much more to have their work repaired down the road. Plus they may fail to properly install your HVAC system, which will cause it to be less efficient and cost you more in energy costs over time.

Choosing the right HVAC company for your Rochester home will ensure that you and your family stay comfortable, no matter what the weather is doing outside. Also finding one that provides quality Rochester plumbing is a benefit. If you are a Rochester business owner, selecting a quality HVAC company for your business will keep your employees productive and your customers happy.

Bathroom Remodeling Rochester NY: What to Look For

May 6, 2013 Andy Leone Bathroom Remodeling No comments yet

Bath Remodel Rochester NY

Bathroom Remodeling Rochester NY: What to Look For

Choosing to remodel a bathroom in your Rochester, NY home is a major decision. If done well, a renovated bathroom will add additional comfort and convenience to your living space and also increase the value of your home. However, a bathroom remodeling project that is poorly done will end up costing you even more money and causing you a great deal of frustration. That is why it is essential to choose the right contractor for your Rochester bathroom remodeling project.

Here are some tips for choosing the right company for your Rochester bathroom remodeling project:

Decide on a budget for the bathroom remodeling project. It is important to know what you can afford to spend on the project, especially when choosing features and amenities. While homeowners do recoup a significant portion of funds spent on bathroom renovations when they sell their home, you will not be able to recoup the entire cost of the project. Also make sure you get a best price guarantee.
Decide on the style you want. Are you looking for something contemporary and modern, or a traditional look? Are there particular materials you have your heart set on, such as marble tile or granite for the vanity?
Decide what features you want for your remodeled bathroom. Is it important to have heated floors, a jetted tub, or a dual vanity? You want to make sure that you know what you want for your bathroom so that you can find a contractor is experienced with installing those features.
If you know anyone in Rochester who has recently remodeled a bathroom, ask them for a recommendation of a quality bathroom remodeling company. This is one of the best ways to find a reputable company because you will know that they do quality work. Ask if the work was completed on time and on budget. Also find out how easy the contractor was to work with and if they listened carefully to the homeowner’s requests and concerns. Also ask friends, neighbors, and colleagues if they know of any bathroom remodeling contractors that should be avoided. The more information you have, the easier it will be to narrow your search.
Once you know what you want for your bathroom and have spoken with people you trust in the Rochester area about their experiences, read online reviews of local Rochester contractors who do bathroom remodeling. After you have done your research, make a list of at least 3 potential contractors. Then contact each one about your bathroom remodeling project and compare their rates for the same services and features.
Be sure that you choose a contractor who is licensed and fully insured.
Make sure the contractor you choose for your Rochester bathroom remodeling project has a great deal of experience with bathroom remodeling. Renovating is very different from new construction, so you want to make sure the contractor you choose has experience with remodeling.
Make sure to choose a company that uses only high quality materials and provides a good bathroom remodeling plumber.

While you want to get the most for your money, don’t just look for the lowest priced bid for the job. Ultimately, it is important to look for a contractor who will take your list of features and amenities you desire in a bathroom and combine it with their own vision to create a beautiful and comfortable oasis in your Rochester home.

Repairing or Replacing Water Heaters

March 8, 2013 Andy Leone Water Heaters No comments yet

If you’re not getting enough hot water to shower with, or your water is not coming through hot enough, chances are that you need water heater repair. The water that comes into your home through the piping is generally cool to cold, depending on the season. To get that water heated to a point that you can comfortably shower or bathe and wash clothing or dishes, you need a water heater. Most homes have water heaters. They are usually found in basements or laundry rooms and generally look like tall metal drums. The water heater is a relatively simple device, but one that, none-the-less, may require water heater repair at one point or another. A water heater is basically a cylindrical vessel that holds water while a heating element on the bottom or inside heats the water to a specified degree. They use the principal of heat rising to deliver hot water through the pipes and out your faucets. The thermostat on a water heater controls the temperature on the water that is held inside the water heater. Most models allow the owner to set the temperature between 120 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Although for general use, the recommended setting is between 120 and 140 degrees. Keeping your water heater set towards the lower end of the acceptable temperature range can help prevent scalding as well as save you money on your bills by using less energy. If you need water heater repair, many times it is because the thermostat is damaged and needs repair. When the thermostat is broken water may not become hot at all, or it may even become too hot, and that can be dangerous, especially if there are small children in the home. If water heater repair is not an option and you need to replace your existing water heater it is important to make sure that your new water heater is compatible. Make sure it has the same volume of water and wattage as your old water heater. You can generally find this information on the label of your old water heater. You should also purchase and install a new relief valve, as they should be replaced whenever you replace your water heater. The relief valve should be piped with Â¾ inch piping to a point approximately 6 inches above the finished floor. Also, if you are replacing your water heater you should check the local codes with the building department; in some states the plumbing code requires a plumbing permit to replace a water heater, regardless of who is doing the installation. This is for your own protection, since an improperly installed water heater could become a projectile under certain conditions and cause damage to your home. And an insurance company is not going to want to pay up for the damages if the water heater was not installed by a professional. Generally speaking, if you need water heater repair or replacement, your best bet is to use a professional plumber.

Remodeling Your Bathroom With The Help of a Residential Plumber

March 8, 2013 Andy Leone Bathroom Remodeling, Plumbing No comments yet

If you don’t already have a residential plumber that you know and trust, now is the time to find one, especially if you’re looking to do a bathroom remodel. Every now and again people like to remodel their bathrooms to make them more up to date and aesthetically pleasing. It can be a difficult job to do yourself, that’s why it’s best to hire professionals to take care of the job for you. This way you know you’ll be getting top notch service and end up with a beautiful and functional bathroom when the remodel is complete, instead of living with a half-finished bathroom for a year or more after you’ve tried to do it yourself. The right time to start planning your bathroom remodel with your residential plumber is now. The end of summer is near, making for a cooler and more comfortable time to get your bathroom into tip top shape. A lot of work goes into a bathroom remodel so you might want to start scoping out plumbers now to decide who’s going to be right for you. When you’re looking for a residential plumber to help you out with a bathroom remodel there are several different things you need to look for. Certainly cost is an issue and you want someone to give you a fair price on the job, but make sure you’re not agreeing to work with any company just because they’re giving you the lowest quote. Chances are that that you’ll end up getting what you paid for, a low quality end result. Or they could be just luring you in with a low quote that will only increase to something more substantial as the job goes on. Don’t be fooled, find reviews online and choose the residential plumber that has positive feedback as well as an acceptable rate. Work closely with your residential plumber to ensure that your new bathroom turns out to be everything you wanted it to be. Sometimes it can be hard to relate our vision of what we want to someone else. That’s why it’s important that you keep a close eye on the progress in your bathroom. You’ll also want to make sure that you have input on items such as the vanity, toilet, sink, bath and fixtures. Make sure the items are cohesive and aesthetically pleasing, not just low priced. Remodeling a bathroom can be more of a job than you originally thought. It’s not just paint and putting down a new floor that makes a great remodeled bathroom. There are many other factors, such as the installation of new toilets, sinks and tubs. The faucets and fixtures that are installed also make an impression and can add a touch of elegance as well as comfort. Not all fixtures are created equally! Sometimes a remodel can even include tearing down walls and putting in completely new plumbing lines. Choose a residential plumber that has the skill and experience to give your bathroom a one-of-a-kind makeover.’

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

March 8, 2013 Andy Leone Bathroom Remodeling, Faucets, Plumbing No comments yet

We’ve all heard the sound of a leaky faucet. It’s the tell-tale drip drip drip that doesn’t stop, no matter how tight you close that valve. When you have a dripping faucet chances are great that you’ve got a bigger issue than a loose handle. It’s likely that there is something going on that will require breaking down the faucet and even looking at the pipe. This is something that can be done from home or you can hire a professional to take care of the issue. First you’ll want to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’ll need an adjustable wrench. Most homeowners have an adjustable wrench, but some don’t. You can pick them up at your local hardware store, but be prepared to spend around $20.00. You can’t fix a leaky faucet without first owning an adjustable wrench. These wrenches come in handy for a number of around-the-house DIY jobs, so it’s worth the money spent. Once you have the wrench, you can begin taking apart your faucet. Make sure to cut the water supply, before taking anything apart. You don’t want your leaky faucet to turn into a waterfall and ruin your flooring and pipes. Make sure to take each piece apart carefully and set them nearby, keeping track of which piece belongs where. You don’t want to end up with a dissembled faucet and not know how to put it back together. At this point you may find that it’s your stem faucet that’s dripping. This is an easy fix. You simply need to replace the washer that seals against the valve seats. Oftentimes washers wear out. This happens a lot as water can naturally corrode the metal overtime. Replacing a washer on a leaky faucet is quick and easy. You may also find that this washer needs to be replaced on the hot side and not the cold side of the facet. This is due to hot water wearing down the metal faster than cold water does. In order to determine which side is the leaky side, simply shut off one angle stop under the sink. If you find out that the issue isn’t due to a corroded washer, than you may want to call a plumbing expert for advice or service. Sometimes having a friend in this business helps. Oftentimes a drip or a leak is indicative of a greater issue. If you live in an older home or have never had a plumber to your house before, it may be time to schedule service. A plumber is an expert at determining what’s causing the issue and how to fix it. They can also advice you on what regular maintenance needs to be performed, in order to ensure you don’t have an ongoing issue. Sometimes a faucet can be fixed on one’s own, sometimes it requires the skills and expertise of a professional. A dripping faucet should not go ignored for too long. In order to ensure the leaky faucet issue does not lead to greater issues, you’ll want to deal with it as soon as possible. ‘

Plumbing Penfield is Expensive! Save Time with These Tricks

March 8, 2013 Andy Leone Plumbing No comments yet

Plumbing Penfield, NY is as easy as picking up the yellow pages and looking at the various ads. There are lots of plumbers in your community and surrounding areas. But, what if your plumbing issue is something that could have been prevented? Chances are you’re your own problem. You’re the cause of many of your plumbing issues. Don’t think you’re alone. There are hundreds of thousands of Americans making the same mistakes each day and causing themselves to need expensive plumbing related repairs. These hints, tips and tricks are preventative measures you need to be taking. They’re the simple mistakes that people make on a daily basis. Plumbing Penfield is difficult. Make sure there is a plumber available for your emergency, by taking the steps to making sure you’re not always in desperate need of one. First off, if you’re still pouring grease down your sink then you’re asking for a clogged drain. There is no way to pour grease down the drain without it building up. No amount of hot or cold water running with the grease is going to make this okay. Break the habit and you can put away the checkbook. A very common problem is something that’s not widely known. If you’re leaving your hose connected to the water supply during cold weather, you’re asking for trouble. Expect to the searching the term Plumbing Penfield in the near future, because this bad habit can cause the outdoor faucet to freeze. This can also freeze the water supply pipe, which can lead to extensive damage and the definite need for a plumber. It can also mean going without water for a couple days and who wants that? Another commonly avoided practice is the joining of two different metal pipes. Don’t connect different metals to each other. It’s a big no-no and it will end up costing you! Two different metals will lead to corrosion and corrosion will spring a leak. One of the most popular issues for plumbers is the overflowing toilet. If you’re disposing things like feminine products, bathroom waste (besides toilet paper) and other junk, you’re asking for a broken toilet. Throwing random stuff into your toilet may cause the entire thing to break down or worse. Replacing toilet and its pipes is pricy. You will have a plumbing Penfield issue on your hands if you do this. The toilet isn’t a trash can, but some people don’t realize this. It’s a common mistake, but stopping this practice can save you hundreds of dollars in the future. There are many mistakes people make when it comes to plumbing. These mistakes are so common, but that doesn’t mean they’re not costly. Not treating your appliances with respect can result in needing emergency service. If you want to save money on plumbing costs, avoid these immature practices. Get right with your plumbing, make smart choices and keep a plumber’s number on speed dial. Your plumbing Penfield issues don’t have to be expensive, so long as you’re making the right choices.