Learning how to fix a leaky Quincy faucet is an important step towards keeping your home’s plumbing in check. Leaky faucets can be a real headache. For one, it’s impossible to focus with that constant dripping sound in the background. Worst of all, you know each drip costs you money. Fortunately, fixing a leaky faucet is quick and in most instances, you don’t need to contact a Quincy plumber.

To fix a leaking sink, it’s important to have the right materials in hand and to follow the instructions properly. The upside of this task is that even the most amateur handyman/woman can tackle it. Plus, the time required is minimal.

Getting Started

To assess the rep[airs needed, you will need to know what type of faucet you have. Identifying the type of faucet that needs fixing is paramount if you want to avoid time wasted. You can identify the type of faucet you own by observing the hardware that makes up the faucet. For example, the numbers of handles or how the materials are placed.

Quincy Leaky Faucet Repair

It helps to be prepared. Here are some of the tools you may want to have on hand. The tools that are generally needed are adjustable wrenches, hex keys, and screwdrivers. In some sinks, you may need to pop off the H and C logo to see what type of screws hold your knobs in place.

Shut Off the Water Supply – Quincy Leaking Faucets

Once you have the correct tools, you are ready to fix your faucet. The next step in the process is to cut off the water supply. No one wants their bathroom or their kitchen flooded because of their sinks. Luckily, the water valve that controls water for your sink is located underneath the unit. Look underneath your faucet and check the pipes that run to it. Here you should see the valve you need to close.

Unfortunately, not all plumbing items have shut-off valves. In these instances, you need to shut off the water supply from the main. Normally, the main shut off valve is located on the outside of your home. In newer homes, there’s a shutoff valve inside the house as well.

To turn off the water supply to your sink, twist the valve counterclockwise. To clear the remaining water out of the lines, you don’t have to do anything. The remaining water will run down into the empty sink after you shut off the valve. Pay attention here, you should be able to see what part leaks. Also, it’s suggested that after emptying your sink, you leave it covered. This way you can avoid any tools from falling down the drain. Use a sink stopper or a small towel if available.

Remove the Handle

The second step is to remove the handles to get a better look inside of your faucet. The number of handles depends on the type of faucet you have. Most faucets are compression faucets that have two handles, one for cold and one for hot water. However, if you have a faucet that has only one handle, it is not a problem since they are composed of the same parts inside.

Quincy Sink Repair

The handle could have a set screw, behind, in front or on the sides. Locate the screw, and with the appropriate tool that matches the screw, turn it to the left to remove. This takes patience due to the uncomfortable position of the screw. After loosening the screws, pull the handle free and set it aside. You are now going to find yourself with a packing nut that is before the cartridge.

Remove the Cartridge – Quincy Leaking Faucets

Removing the handle was simple enough and so is getting to the cartridge. Use a crescent wrench to loosen the packing nut at the base of the handle. A couple of turns should loosen it quickly. Remove and set aside. The faucet cartridge is now revealed and ready for removal.

The next step is to gently pull the cartridge straight up and out of the sink. The cartridge is supposed to come out with an easy pull. In some cases, it’s required to remove the cartridge with a special tool. If possible, reference the manufacturer’s instruction manual online if you encounter this issue.

Setting up a New Cartridge

The easiest way to find the right replacement is to know the faucet’s manufacturer and serial number. Don’t stress if you can’t find this information. In that case, take the cartridge that you removed to your local plumbing supply store or contact Trust1 Services. We can help you quickly find the correct one. This strategy helps you to avoid purchasing the wrong part.

Congratulations, you’ve dealt with the problem, now it is time to install the solution. Inspect the areas around the ring and check for any damages or worn out parts. Replace those, clean and dry the area around the housing with a cloth. After obtaining your new cartridge, insert it making sure it is aligned correctly.

Quincy Leaky Sink Repair

Reattach Parts – Quincy Leaking Faucets

You have finally replaced your cartridge. Now, the last step is to reassemble your repaired sink. Place the packing nut on top of the cartridge and tighten it with the crescent wrench. Don’t overtighten the packing nut just in case. Reattach the handle and set it with the screw.

Now it’s time to turn the water back on and find out if the task is completely done. Go back underneath the faucet and turn the water line back on. Test out your faucet and run water for a few minutes to ensure that there is no more leaking.

Quincy Leaking Faucets

Trust1 Services understands you work hard for your money. That’s why we offer no-hassle pricing and top quality service. Contact us today for all of your Quincy plumbing needs.

The post How to Fix a Leaky Quincy Faucet appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

When it comes to finding the right Quincy air conditioning company for your home or business, a little research goes a long way. There are a lot of important factors to consider when making this decision. Remember, not all AC companies are created equal.

You’ve probably seen the handy work of these companies around town. These spotty installs are easy to recognize. They usually don’t provide the level of cooling desired and they look like someone untrained did the installation. Avoid these and other headaches by only using reputable installers.

Stick With Reputable Quincy Air Conditioning Companies

One of the best ways to find a reliable Quincy air conditioning installer is to ask your friends and family who they used. Referrals are a great source of info because you get real hand accounts on the installation process and how well the unit is holding up years later.

Quincy Air Conditioning Installer

A reputable air condition company will be well known in your area. These companies will have clientele dating back years. In fact, it’s very common for the same AC installer to handle the cooling needs of an entire extended family. Be sure to ask your friend if they have ever had any problems with the unit, and how the company responded.

Reviews

Always check the online reviews of any potential AC installation team. Here you can discover helpful information from past customers. In most instances, you should skip over the 1 and 5-star reviews. Instead, focus in on the 2 to 4-star reviews. These reviews carry more weight because they are usually accompanied by an in-depth description as to why the rating was given.

Updated Info

You should ask your potential AC company if they practice any ongoing education. This question can give you valuable insight into the company’s responsiveness to market changes. The AC industries changes rapidly, you want a company that is up to date on the latest environmentally friendly chemicals and energy-saving units.

Specific Unit

The next question to ask your installer is how often they install this type of unit. There are different types of AC units in the market. These devices utilize different refrigerants, pressure standards, and fittings. You don’t want an installation team that specializes in say, central air, repairing your split inverter. However, most top tier AC repair teams are versed in a multitude of units.

Quincy Commercial Air Conditioning Install

Value

The next step in finding the right Quincy air conditioning company is to evaluate the value you are getting. Some companies offer package deals and discounts on multiple units. This strategy can be a smart way for you to bundle and save on your AC needs. Also, what’s the cost of your installation? Everyone has a budget, so be sure to be familiar with yours to maximize your savings.

Quincy Air Conditioning Brands

You need to inquire about what brands your installer recommends and why. In general, Japanese brands such as Fujitsu are considered the higher-end units. These units feature higher quality components and longer warranties. On the flip side, they are way more expensive than their Chinese counterparts.

In most instances, you may find that the cooling power and savings of a Chinese unit outweigh the upfront costs of a Japanese brand. However, if you are interested in the highest quality AC possible, these are the units that are recognized as the best.

Warranty Safety

Always ask about the warranty your unit includes. On average, you want at least a 5-year warranty on your compressor. Compressors are the most expensive component in an air conditioner. If this part fails, it may be less expensive to purchase an entirely new unit. Also, ask about the warranty on labor. This part of the warranty includes the actual work done by installers. You want to make sure that the installation includes a robust warranty as well. This warranty needs to cover you in case of water or refrigerant leaks.

DYOR

In the end, finding the right Quincy air conditioning company comes down to your research. Trust1 Services can help you with all of your Quincy Air Conditioning needs. Contact us today to receive a free estimate and start enjoying the cool breeze of a new AC.

The post Choosing the Right Quincy Air Conditioning Company appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

When your Quincy garbage disposal starts acting up, it can leave you full of anxiety and worry. However, in reality, most disposal issues don’t require a professional plumber to repair. In fact, just learning a few key areas to check can go a long way towards keeping your home garbage disposal in tip-top shape.

Quincy Garbage Disposal Safety

In horror movies, the blades inside garbage disposals seem to be gleaming, razor-sharp sabers that can leave hands and arms severed with ease. However, contrary to common belief, they are more like dull grinders. However, if you don’t practice basic safety measures, it’s highly likely you can still receive painfully injuries from the device. The main precaution to take, even if you think the disposal has been unplugged or its circuit has been shut off – never put your hands or fingers down into the disposal .

If by any chance you do put your fingers in the opening and the disposal turns on accidentally, you will most likely end up with bruised fingers. This is an easily avoidable risk. Never reach into a garbage disposal. The most common problems with a Quincy garbage disposal are easy to diagnose and almost always easy to fix. Learning them can help you to save money on Quincy plumbing.

Quincy Garbage Disposal Will Not Turn On

If you flip the switch and you don’t hear a humming sound from the motor, this implies there is an electrical problem. It could be the issue is preventing the appliance from getting current. To identify and tackle the problem, it’s best to start with the most likely problem (and simplest solution) and then proceed to the more complicated solutions.

Quincy Garbage Disposal

This may seem obvious, but make sure the disposal is plugged in. Appliance customer service representatives report that failure to plug in the appliance is undoubtedly the most common cause of problems. However, if it is plugged in, try pressing the reset button located at the bottom of the unit. This button is red and it operates a built-in circuit breaker function. If the reset button has “tripped,” it will be popped slightly outward. By simply pushing it back in will reset the unit and it should function properly.

If pressing the reset button doesn’t turn the system back on, then proceed to check the main service panel to identify if the circuit breaker is no longer functioning. If this is the case, reset the circuit breaker’s lever. If, neither the reset button nor the circuit breaker is the cause of the problem, then it’s likely there’s a wiring problem with the switch controlling the disposal, or that the garbage disposal is faulty. Begin by locating the switch that powers the disposal unit. The switch should be located either on the wall or it may be under the sink.

It is important that at the main service panel you turn off the circuit breaker that powers the disposal circuit. Proceed to disassemble the switch controlling the disposal. Examine the wire connections. In some cases, the cause of the problem is a simple loose connection. The solution may be as simple as tightening the wire connections. However, if the wire connections are secure, the switch itself may be faulty. In this case, the solution is to replace the switch. If, after turning the power back on at the service panel and checking the disposal for operation, the disposal still does not turn on and the motor makes no noise, this means the garbage disposal is beyond repair and needs to be replaced.

Disposal Hums But Does Not Grind

If your garbage disposal doesn’t turn on but the motor makes a humming sound when you flip the switch, this may indicate that the inner flywheel is jammed. When the flywheel is jammed it causes the appliance’s reset button to pop or the circuit breaker to trip quite quickly. If this situation continues for a very long, it can burn out the disposer’s motor, unless the reset button or circuit breaker shuts the whole thing off.

The source of this problem is very frequently the result of food or a foreign object being lodged between the impellers and the shredder ring located inside the disposal. To fix this issue, go to the electrical service panel and turn off the power to the garbage disposal by shutting off the breaker controlling the circuit. Don’t forget to turn off the wall switch controlling the disposal as well.

Introduce the offset wrench that came with the disposal unit into the flywheel turning hole in the bottom of the unit. If you don’t have the wrench that came with the disposal, a large Allen (hex) wrench may also work. Insert the wrench and turn it clockwise to dislodge the stuck impeller or flywheel. You’ll feel the flywheel turn freely once it dislodges,

Another option is to use a wooden spoon handle or similar wooden object to reach down into the disposal through the drain opening. Use this tool as a lever to free the stuck flywheel. You’ll feel the flywheel begin to turn freely if you are successful. It’s also helpful to use a flashlight to look down into the disposal. If you spot the object causing the jam simply use pliers to remove the foreign object.

The instant the flywheel is free, turn the power back on at the main service panel but don’t turn on the disposal yet. Return to the disposal, press the red reset button on the bottom, run some tap water into the disposal, and quickly flip the switch on and off for a short burst. Repeat this one more time quickly. This spins the flywheel causing any dislodged debris to be washed down the drain.

Disposal Is Leaking

Garbage disposal leaks can occur from the sink flange where the disposal connects to the bottom of the sink, the hose that leads from the dishwasher to the disposal, or from the hose that discharges waste from the disposal to the drain system.

Leak at the Sink Flange

A sink mounting flange is a likely place for leaking because of the constant use of your garbage disposal, over time, the mounting apparatus that holds the appliance to the sink drain opening can loosen. Fix this problem by shutting off the circuit breaker that controls the disposal at the electrical service panel. Located at the disposer mounting ring under the sink, turn the disposal (counter-clockwise from bottom to loosen and remove the unit from its mounting flange. Next, tighten down the three mounting bolts attaching the flange to the sink.

Quincy Garbage Disposal

If the bolts are tight, the leak is most likely caused by insufficient plumber’s putty. Loosen the bolts and push the sink flange slightly above the surface of the sink. Place new plumbers putty between the sink flange and the sink. Make sure to go completely around the flange. Draw the sink flange tight to the sink surface by re-tighten the mounting bolts from below. Wipe away any excess putty that oozes out. Reinstall the disposal and turn the power back on at the service panel. Check for leaks as you run the water in the sink.

If there is a Leak at the Dishwasher Connection

The rubber hose that funnels wastewater from the dishwasher to the garbage disposal is also a place where leaks can frequently occur. Replace the hose if the hose continues to leak. If there’s a Leak at the Discharge Drainpipe This plastic pipe carries direct wastewater from the disposal to the sink drain trap, and this can be the source of the leak.

Check the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal to ensure they are tight. If this doesn’t solve the leakage, remove the bolts and the pipe and replace the gasket seal between the pipe and the disposal. Reinstall the bolts and tighten them down.

Disposal Drains Slowly

Slow draining can be caused by some kind of clogging. The fix involves disassembling the drain trap and discharge pipe and removing any food waste clogging the pipes. Start by removing the bolts holding the discharge pipe to the disposal. Disconnect and remove the drain trap and the discharge drainpipe. Check for clogs or obstructions and clean them out. If you don’t find anything, the clog most likely lies on the branch drain line going into the wall. Use a sink auger to clear the obstruction. Reassemble and reconnect the drain trap and the discharge tube to the side of the garbage disposal. Turn on the garbage disposal, and check to make sure the water runs freely.

Warning : Never use chemical drain cleaners down a garbage disposal. These chemicals rarely work and often damage the garbage disposal.

There are several good practices to do that will reduce the chances of clogs or slow-draining problems with your garbage disposal.

Don’t:

• Grind up potato peelings. This will surely clog your drain.
• Put eggshells or coffee grounds into your disposal. They create very tiny bits of granular waste that will quickly create a clog.

Do:

• Maintain your disposal by regularly grinding up lemon peels and ice cubes.
• Avoid odors by treating your disposal by mixing baking soda with a half cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture into the disposal with the unit turned off. Afterward, rinse it down the drain with running water.

Trust1 Services is ready to help you with all of your Quincy garbage Disposal needs. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate.

The post Troubleshooting Garbage Disposal Problems appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

Water is essential to life on this planet. The quality of the water we consume is directly proportional to the quality of our health. Consequently, water contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria, or carcinogens can bring about illnesses related to the immune system. Sadly, past studies on water quality have proven that you can’t trust the water coming out of your tap.

This water pollution means our access to drinkable water is limited to plastic contained water sold commercially. Plastic derived from petroleum is one of the hardest materials to degrade. It contaminates the air, land, and the presence of plastic derivatives diminishes the quality of our water. We are left with the responsibility of providing clean water for ourselves and our loved ones. Evaluating the options, a filter is a solution that benefits you as much as it does the planet.

When choosing the best water filtration system, it is important to evaluate your living situation. Consider key factors such as, how many bodies must hydrate, and how you manage your source of water currently. These key factors can help you determine what size filter you require. Here are the best Quincy water filtration systems for 2020. Their distinctive features can suit all your water needs.

Best Overall: APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as the CDC, states that no filter can eliminate all contaminants. However, APEC top tier 5-stage ultra safe reverse osmosis drinking water filtration system not only removes lead, heavy metals, bacteria, and chlorine, it also removes 1000 different unwanted contaminants from the water. This system is composed of five separate stages of filtering, sediment filter, two stages of carbon filter, reverse osmosis, and a final coconut fiber filter.

Quincy Water Filtration System APEC

This combination of filters removes 99 percent of contaminants. Notably, the sediment and carbon filter needs to be changed after approximately 6-12 months; while the reverse osmosis and coconut fiber filter can be changed after approximately 2-4 years.

Runner-Up, Best Overall: APEX Countertop Drinking Water Filter – Quincy Water Filtration Systems 2020

The APEX countertop drinking water filter removes contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, mercury, and more. This filter is distinguished because it doesn’t filter beneficial minerals from the water. Its praised for its ability to alkalinize the pH of the water. Alkaline water is believed to help balance the acidic pH of the blood in the body which provides many health benefits.

However, the filter can be replaced with a standard one that doesn’t change the pH of the water, if alkaline water is desired. Its compact takes no space under the sink and has its own faucet for dispensing clean water, which means it occupies less space on your counter.

Best Faucet Attachment: PUR PFM400H Chrome Horizontal Faucet Mount with 1 MineralClear Filter

This filter attaches to an existing faucet without the need for tools. It removes common contaminants such as lead, heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, and more. A sensor examines the filter and indicates when its time to change. It’s easily changed approximately every 2-3 months. The system includes three different adapters that fit most faucets except pull-out or hand-held faucets. Also, the switch feature makes it convenient for using unfiltered water for cleaning purposes and filtered water for consumption.

Quincy PUR Faucet Water Filter

Best Under-Sink Large Volume: CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter

The high-capacity CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water filter lives unseen attaching itself to the sinks waterline. Installation only requires a wrench. This is adequate for homes that use a lot of water because it can filter up to 50,000 gallons of water. It has a three-stage filter system that removes chlorine, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, pesticides, and more – while leaving behind all of the beneficial minerals. Customer service will provide a nonstandard kit, at no additional cost, if it is intended to be used for non-standard plumbing.

Best Whole-House System: Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System – Quincy Water Filtration Systems 2020

All of the water from the shower, tub, hose, and faucet will be clean and drinkable with this whole house filtration system. This system of filters conditions the water removing heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, and contaminants while leaving the beneficial minerals behind. There are several filtering options that are less expensive and don’t condition the water. This system can filter approximately 1 million gallons. It is rated to last 10 years. However, the filters need to be changed about every three months. According to the CDC, “ filtering that removes chlorine might increase the growth of germs in all the pipes in your house.”

Quincy Water FIltration System – Aquasansa

Best Small Pitcher: ZeroWater 6 Cup Water Filter Pitcher

This is a pitcher with a filter that removes chromium, lead, and other heavy metals. This pitcher can contain 6 cups of water and won’t take up much space in the refrigerator or counter. Its comfortable size makes this easily transportable. It features a quality meter, so the water can be tested before and after filtering.

Best Countertop Dispenser: PUR Ultimate Water Dispenser

This countertop dispenser is certified to remove 99 percent of lead, along with 22 other contaminants, for clean water. It can hold approximately 18 cups of water. This dispenser can filter 40 gallons of water before its time to change the filter. It features a filter cap to ensure only filtered water moves from the top reservoir to the bottom, to ensure the unfiltered water doesn’t mix with the clean water.

Best Portable: LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with Integrated Filter Straw

This bottle has integrated a two-stage filter that removes bacteria, protozoa, odor, contaminants, and chlorine from lake, stream, or tap water. This portable bottle was built for camping. It holds 23 ounces of water and is designed to be leakproof. The silicone straw is comfortable and the variety of colors makes it suitable for everybody.

Best Pitcher Design: Brita Stream Filter as You Pour Water Pitcher – Quincy Water Filtration Systems 2020

This pitcher integrates the filter in the design, therefore, the filter is not visible from the outside. There’s is no waiting for clear water because it filters the water as it pours. It’s designed to hold up to 12 cups and due to its compact size, it fits comfortably in the fridge. It was uniquely made from BPA free plastic. It features an electronic filter change reminder, so you can precisely know when it is ready to change the filter. The filters can be recycled through TerraCycle.

Start Saving Today

Trust1 Services is ready to provide you with top tier plumbing needs. Contact us today to receive a free estimate.

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Start saving today with a Quincy plumbing upgrade. Today’s higher efficiency devices cost less than their predecessors and offer a world of new functionalities. Not surprisingly, the demand for plumbing upgrades has grown as more people than ever before want to save money and conserve water. Importantly, plumbing technology has improved significantly over the last decade. Additionally, most upgrades don’t require a professional and can be completed on your own. Today there are a plethora of systems available that can help your family save money. Here are the most popular water-saving options on the market.

Upgrade Water Heater & Faucets – Quincy Plumbing

If you’ve ever run out of hot water in the middle of a shower, you know it’s no fun. Most water heaters utilize a large tank to store hot water. Even when not in use, it still uses up a considerable amount of energy. The latest water heaters provide hot water on-demand.

A tankless water heater will not drain your electric and gas bill compared to older units that require huge amp draws to keep your water warm. Also, Quincy tankless water heaters take up much less space, so they are perfect for smaller living arrangements. You never have to worry about tank leaks. Additionally, new units feature a more robust design that can last twice as long as traditional storage water heaters.

Quincy Gas Tankless Water Heater

A small tankless water heater can even generate additional water for laundry and washing dishes. The water in these devices travels through a pipe which is heated by a gas burner, producing hot water on demand. A large unit can provide hot water for your entire house. Importantly, the hot water is only generated as needed, making these devices much more energy-efficient.

Faucets do more than just cause water to flow into your kitchen and bathroom. They also adjust the amount of water that is passing through. As such, you should change your faucet if it’s more than two decades old. Having a faucet this old could cause leaks that you might not even know about. The latest faucet accessories are economical and can be installed in under an hour. In most homes, the kitchen and the bathroom use the largest percentage of water.

New Shower Heads & Low-Flow Toilets

Standard showerheads and toilets use an insane amount of gallons per minute. It might be optimal to check your old showerheads and toilets usage as soon as possible. After a long time, these systems start to degrade and leaks occur. A toilet is one of the main components that keep your plumbing flowing properly. So if you have a toilet that is over 10 years old, consider replacing it to a duel-flow or low-flow.

Switching to a low flow unit could reduce your water usage by up to 25% or more. This change cuts water consumption by almost half. Compared to traditional toilets, low flow fixtures have a smaller tank, thus saving up more space. Best of all, no plumbing revisions are needed to use one of these modern marvels.

Low-flow showerheads are another good investment. A regular Quincy showerhead uses about two gallons of water each minute. Just like toilets, switching to a low-flow showerhead can reduce your water use up to 25%. Additionally, having a new water heater and showerhead will reduce your water and gas by almost half.

Examining Water Meter & Checking for Leaks – Quincy Plumbing

According to reports, up to 12% of all water usage can be traced back to a leaking meter, pipe, or faucet. It’s easy to inspect your water meter since it is conventionally placed on the outside water mainline, in a metered box, on the outside of your home. Be sure to inspect this area for leaks because in many cases, a loose valve or cracked pipe is the cause. You may find, it might be best to switch the entire unit that’s damaged instead of fixing it since, in the future, it could cause more damage than expected.

Solar Water Heater

As the name implies, a solar water heater utilizes the sun to keep your home’s water temperature up. These units feature a metal drum and glass tubing that the water flows through. The nice thing about these devices is that they use no electricity. As such, this is a smart choice for anyone who lives in an area where they enjoy a large amount of sunlight.

Quincy Solar Water Heater

Reuse Greywater – Quincy Plumbing

Greywater is the name for all the wastewater generated by your home without fecal contaminates. In most cases, this water is generated from rivers or streams in the area. You can re-use the water from your sinks, bathtubs, showers, and even washing machines. Two of the main ways this water is reused is:

• Watering your Lawn, Garden, or Farming irrigation
• Refilling your Toilet

Reduce Your Everyday Water Usage

Prior to the age of the Smart Home, and all of these energy-efficient devices, there was only one way to save on your utility bills, through reduction. Most of you can remember a time when your parents told you to not leave the faucet running. Not surprisingly, this is still one of the best ways to control your spending.

It’s the little changes that add up to make a big difference. For example, shortening your shower by a couple of minutes can provide huge savings. These savings come from the fact that the average shower in the US uses over 2 gallons per minute. Shave three minutes off your daily shower, and now you are saving over 40 gallons a week.

Quincy Plumbing Upgrades

Trust1 Services is proud to service Quincy and the surrounding areas. Our certified experts are ready and waiting to provide you with the professional care you deserve. Stop wasting money on bloated water bills and unnecessary repairs. Contact us today to receive a free estimate on what it takes to upgrade your Quincy plumbing system today.

The post Saving Money with Quincy Plumbing Upgrades appeared first on Welcome to Trust1 Services.

As a homeowner, it can sometimes feel like you need to be a master of all crafts. Understanding the differences between a boiler and a water heater is an important step in becoming a more informed handyman. To the untrained eye, a water heater and a boiler appear to work similarly, in that they both heat water. However, both devices have very different functionalities, purposes, and mechanics. Learning the differences between a water heater and a boiler can save you time and money when troubleshooting water heating problems.

Quincy Water Heaters and Boilers – What You Need to Know

When you turn the hot water knob on your faucet and hot water effortlessly pours out, it’s easy to dismiss all the engineering that went into this accomplishment. Every time you shower, wash your hands, cook, or clean, your boiler or water heater works its hidden magic behind the scenes to keep you warm. Now you will understand how these mysterious devices function and what makes each unit unique.

How Quincy Water Heaters Work

Water heaters are the most common way to heat water in the United States. These devices come in two types – tanked and tankless. You will need to consider some key factors before you can decide which is the best option for your home. For example, your living situation, budget, water heating needs, and available space are all important points to evaluate.

Tanked

In a tanked setup, the unit takes cold incoming water and indirectly warms it by a gas burner or electric heating rods. These heating elements are located safely inside of the tank. In gas-operated water tanks, you may need to relight your pilot light if the flame ever goes out. Importantly, once the water reaches the proper temperature, it’s then kept in the tank until it’s needed.

Quincy Water Heater

This style of system is great for large homes because you get a lot of available hot water at your disposal. If you have a big family that all showers at the same time, this is the best option for your home. However, keeping 40 gallons of water warm does come with higher electricity costs. Luckily, manufacturers continue to develop energy-efficient models.

When you turn your hot water handle, a tanked hot water system sends the hot water into a tube to mix with the cold water already in the pipes of your home. The then cooled, but still, warm water is what comes out of your shower. If the mixing didn’t take place, the water would be uncomfortably hot until the tank drained. Then, instantly, the water would be cold.

Tankless Quincy Water heater

Tankless water heaters are the newest of the two systems. This unit does away with the large cumbersome tank. Instead, the device heats the water on demand. Basically, when you turn on your faucet, cold water goes through a densely packed heating element. This water is then mixed with cooler water and sent to your shower, or sink.

Quincy Water Heater – Tankless

These units provide you with more energy efficiency because the water isn’t kept heated in a tank. However, these devices do draw high amps when they heat the water for your home. Importantly, this amp draw requires you to install these units using large gauge wiring. Tankless water heaters are more space-efficient, so they can be mounted nearly anywhere. In fact, you can purchase smaller systems designed for a single shower or sink.

Drawbacks to Consider

There are some drawbacks to this style of system. Every tankless system has a GPM (Gallons Per Minute) rating. If you go above the GPM listed, you will notice that you lose some heating ability. Also, tankless systems are more expensive than their older counterparts. Despite these drawbacks, if your home fits the criteria, a tankless water heater is a smart way to reduce your utility bills.

What is a Quincy Boiler?

A boiler functions in a completely different manner than a hot water heater. In a boiler system, the hot water gets converted into steam. Steam is a better conductor of heat. Additionally, it’s lighter and therefore easier to transport throughout the pipes in your home. Also, boiler systems are more efficient than air-based systems because they can maintain temperature more efficiently than air. Notably, boilers are more popular in the EU, but there are still many homes right here in Quincy with these units installed.

How does a Quincy Boiler Work?

Your boiler has a thermostat just like a water heater that notifies it when to engage its heating system. Today, the most popular boilers function using a closed-loop system. This system allows the heater to maintain a constant temperature without the need to use new water constantly. In this style of system, the boiler will first start heating the water using a combustion chamber indirectly.

Quincy Boiler

The design is very efficient because once the steam cools, it turns back into water, and moves back to the boiler. At this time the water is already close to boiling temperature, so its easy for a boiler to provide you more hot water without delay. Also, its less effort to recirculate this water. In this way, newer boilers improve efficiency.

What’s the Right Heating Solution For My Home?

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between hot water heaters and boilers, you are now ready to begin to look at what options are available for your home. Trust1 Services has a team of licensed professionals ready to assist you in all of your Quincy hot water tank and boiler needs. Contact us today.

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With so many Quincy air conditioner makes and models to choose from, it can seem difficult finding the right your unit for your home. There are a lot of key factors to consider before making your final decision. For example, you don’t want to get a unit that’s too small and doesn’t keep you cool or a unit that costs you a bundle to operate. It’s for these reasons, and many more, that you need to do your own research (DYOR) before purchasing an AC unit. Remember, it’s all the research and information you gather now, that’s what ensures you end up with the best Quincy air conditioner possible.

AC Types

There are two types of air conditioners commonly used in Massachusetts homes nowadays – Split units and Central Air. Understanding the differences between these AC units is the first step towards making your decision. A split unit gets its name from its unique design. A split unit features an evaporator that hangs on the inside of your wall. These units are far more energy-efficient than the competition because they allow homeowners to cool rooms independently, without the need for ducting.

The downside of split units is that they are not able to heat an entire home with one unit. In most instances, a split unit needs to be installed in each room you desire to keep cool. Additionally, due to their tighter design, split units require more maintenance to keep clean.

Quincy Mini Split Air Conditioner

Also, you should avoid no-name split units. The problem with these units isn’t that they don’t perform well, in most cases, they cool great. The real issues arise when it comes time to repair the unit and there is no warranty or the company no longer exists. When this occurs, you find your AC investment is lost. Avoid this issue by choosing a reliable AC manufacturer and installation team.

Central Air

The next type of AC unit to consider in your home is a Central AC unit. These units can provide your entire home with cool refreshing air with ease. It’s very common for this type of AC to be installed in your home during construction. This strategy works best because the unit requires the installation of ducting into every room that requires cooling. Consequently, these units cost much more to install, especially if you live in a home without HVAC ducting already in place.

Quincy Central AC

Central air units feature a large evaporator that is usually installed in the basement or a closet of your home. Since the unit needs to force air through long ducting in your home, it’s much larger than a split unit. The size of a central AC is important to consider. Also, these units consume more electricity due to their larger workload and capabilities. This added electrical demand equates to more utility costs . Luckily, AC manufacturers now produce high-efficiency options.

Your Location – Quincy Air Conditioner

One of the first things you need to take into consideration is the location of your home. Luckily, Quincy doesn’t experience hot sleepless nights every day of the year. The timid climate makes it ideal for ACs because they don’t run during the colder parts of the year. This downtime helps to keep your unit in better condition. However, the winter does bring its own set of concerns.

Since Quincy winters can be extreme, it’s common for a homeowner to desire to heat their entire home. In this scenario, you will find a central AC is a smarter choice, especially, if your home already has an older HVAC system. These units are easy to update with the help of a trained AC technician.

Number of Rooms

How many rooms in your home do you need to cool? If you just want to cool your bedroom, a split unit can give you the added control you need to keep your bills low. In fact, you may find it more cost-effective to install multiple split units in the rooms you want to cool, versus running a central AC.

Reversely, if you want every room in your home to be chilled , you should consider a central AC. These units cool rooms faster because they have a more powerful fan and a higher capacity of refrigerant. Also, you can block off vents in unused rooms to give the room you’re in a boost in chilling power.

Room size – Quincy Air Conditioner

A central AC also makes sense when you have large main rooms or vaulted ceilings. Vaulted ceilings help to keep your home cooler because the hot air rises but they create a larger mass of air for your unit to filter. Smaller split units could get dirty too quickly in this scenario. A central AC will feature a large removable filter that can handle the added air space. This filter must remain clean for your AC to function optimally.

Quincy AC Layout

You should also consider the shape of your room and the placement of your AC. You don’t want to put a split unit in a location where the evaporator throws air towards an object or another wall. Ideally, these units need to be placed in an area where the fan can blow the air across the room in an optimal pattern. This strategy allows you to maximize your cooling potential. Also, central AC vents need to be clear of obstructions such as furniture. Too often, homeowners place an unnecessary burden on their AC because they choose to cover return vents. Luckily, a certified AC technician can give you a free estimate on what size AC is the right choice for you.

BTUs

No matter what type of AC you go with, you will need to figure out what size unit to install. AC power ratings come in the form of BTUs (British thermal units). A BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Importantly, this number tells you the cooling power of your device.

Small rooms will use 9-12K BTU on average. These small units are great energy-saving options. Living rooms usually require something larger such as an 18-36K BTU unit. If you have a large home, you may find that only a 5-ton unit can meet your needs. In most instances, 5-ton units are commercial units found in businesses. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t put one in your home to keep things extra cool during the hot summer months.

SEER – Quincy Air Conditioner

Another point to consider is how much energy your Quincy air conditioner will consume. Every AC has a SEER rating that tells you exactly how much power consumption your unit requires to function properly. Importantly, SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it consumed in Watt-Hours.

The higher the SEER, the more efficient your AC. Currently, the minimum standard SEER for air conditioners is 13. In most instances, you should try to get closer to 20+ SEER. This higher SEER will keep your bills down, and provide you with the option to go solar in the future. Amazingly, some manufacturers, such as Carrier offer up to 40 SEER nowadays.

Quincy Air Conditioning SEER

Importantly, units with high SEER cost more than their nonefficient counterparts. In the long run, it’s always better to go with a unit that has high SEER, but, it may not be an option as these units can cost almost double depending on the make, model, and features.

Amount of Use – People in the Space

How often will you use your Quincy air conditioner? This is another important question to consider. For example, you may find that measurement- wise, your living room only needs a 24k BTU unit. However, it’s important to understand that each individual or electronic device in the room adds around 2 degrees to the room’s overall temperature. In other words, if you have five people in your living room, your AC will need to cool an extra 10 degrees to hit its mark.

In this scenario, you are going to want to bump up your BTUs to handle the extra workload. Going from a 24kBTU to a 30kBTU gives your unit the extra power it needs to meet the demand. Remember, your AC shouldn’t have to work nonstop to keep your room cool. Ideally, the unit will be able to cool the room to the point that it shuts off until needed again. If you don’t have enough BTUs, your unit will never achieve this goal. Consequently, it will need more maintenance, repairs, and attention.

Electricity Requirements 112V – 240V?

When it comes to power requirements, there are a few options standardized in the AC sector. The most common is a 220V unit. These units produce a powerful stream of cold air and can cool your home in minutes. Unfortunately, unless you have a high SEER unit, these devices are power-hungry. In some instances, they can require over 12 Amps to run. Reversely, a high SEER unit can accomplish the same task at around 2-5 Amps.

Manufacturers also produce 112V air conditioners. This style of unit is most commonly found with wall-packs. These are the older style AC’s that go in your window or wall. These units are not very efficient and lack much of the cooling capabilities of their competition. The main advantage of this type of unit is that its ready to move if you change your location. These units are ideal for renters who can’t puncture the walls but they are outdated and cost a lot to run.

Manufacturer

Once you have figured out the type and size of AC you require, you are ready to consider manufacturers. Remember, not all manufacturers are the same. In general, Japanese brands such as Fujitsu are considered the highest quality units. Unfortunately, these units cost way more than their Chinese counterparts, many of whom, work very well. Be sure to speak with your installer to see what options they offer and recommend. Don’t be scared to go online and check out people’s reviews on the brands.

Warranty – Quincy Air Conditioner

You will need to consider the warranty type and length provided. Good manufactures will give you at least a 5-year warranty on parts. In many cases, your compressor can have a longer warranty than the rest of your unit. Warranties are important because your AC is a complex mechanism that could require attention sooner than you previously expected. To ensure that you don’t get left out to dry, you need to go with an installation team that has a proven record of success.

Here at Trust1 Services , we provide Quincy and the surrounding areas with unmatched Air Conditioning and Plumbing services at the most affordable rates. Contact us today to get a free quote.

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