Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Fixing a running toilet can be a water level adjustment or a flapper replacement. Sometimes it can be a more extensive repair or a defect in the porcelain and the toilet will need to be replaced.

The top 5 reasons we see toilets clog are; improper install or low quality toilet, foreign objects, the use of items marketed as “flushable” other than toilet paper, a defect or broken toilet, and attempting to flush the toilet with too much in it.

Heat Pump Water Heaters are ideal when replacing a conventional residential electric water heater. Especially if you have the space for it and the location fits the application. A Tankless Water Heater makes sense for anyone with a gas water heater. This is especially true when replacing a higher cost water heater, like a Direct Vent, or Power Vent Water Heater, with a Tankless Water Heater.

Yes, a heat pump water heater can replace a gas water heater. There is a little more to do to run the electrical and properly isolate the gas and vent from the gas water heater.

Yes. Heat Pump Water Heaters are generally made as drop-in replacements for electric water heaters. This means, if you have an electric residential water heater it is likely to replace it, however there are other special needs that a heat pump water require upon installation that are not normally done on a regular electric water heater. Some factors to take into account; Heat Pump Water heaters are larger, they generally cool the air from the space it uses to extract heat out of the air, and like your refrigerator’s compressor, the heat pump water heater will make noise to operate the heat pump feature.

A Heat Pump Water Heater has the same life span as a conventional electric water heater, 8 to 12 years. Factors that influence the life span of any water heater are; Installation quality, proper annual maintenance, usage, water quality, and application.

A Heat Pump Water Heater draws the heat that exists naturally in the surrounding air to supplement the heat source used to heat your water. The other source of heat being electric heating elements like the ones used in conventional electric water heaters. This heat pump feature helps lower the cost of heating your hot water.

Heat Pump Water Heaters, also known as Hybrid Water Heaters, are ideal when replacing a conventional residential electric water heater. Especially if you have the space for it and the location fits the application. A Tankless Water Heater makes sense for anyone with a gas water heater. This is especially true when replacing a higher cost water heater, like a Direct Vent, or Power Vent Water Heater, with a Tankless Water Heater.

The short answer is, yes. While there are some drawbacks to owning a tankless water heater, when installed correctly and properly maintained tankless water heaters generally outperform a conventional water heater. Generally, they are more efficient, last longer, use up less space, and provide endless hot water. Some draw backs to consider; they will not work without power, the cost to convert to tankless is sometimes more than replacing a conventional water heater, they need gas or propane. For more information on whether a Tankless Water Heater is right for you check out our blog or set up an appointment for a no cost assessment.

The question is really; should I go with a ductless or ducted system? Going ductless really depends on whether there is existing ducting or not. For a true assessment of what is best for your space, it is recommended to have an assessment done by a company that does both Ductless Mini Split installations and ducted systems, like a furnace or conventional heat pump.

Why isn’t my Ductless Cooling?
Why isn’t my Ductless Heating?
Why isn’t my Ductless Working

Some common reasons your ductless mini split system may not be cooling or heating are:

• Improper Installation
  Installation issues are the number one thing we see that shortens the life and performance a any heating and cooling system, including ductless heat pump systems.
• Low air flow
  Check the filter and have the maintenance performed by a professional annually.
• Dead Batteries
  The remote that operates the head unit may need the batteries replaced.
• Thermostat not set correctly
  Check to make sure the thermostat is set to the proper setting for cooling or heating
• Power Issues
  The breaker panel may be off from a power surge or the power switch at the outdoor unit may have been mistakenly turned off.
• Dirty Coil
  The outdoor coil needs to have the fins clear from any vegetation. Sometimes they can be coated or even clogged with dust, pollen, and debris naturally in the air. Usually annual maintenance keeps this from causing a failure.
• Clogged Condensate Line
  There is condensation that is collected and drained from each ductless indoor unit. Some of these units will have a trigger to keep it from operating if the condensate drain is not draining.
• A Repair is Needed
  From low refrigerant to failed part, a professional refrigerant HVAC technician can diagnose and determine the repair.

Heat Pumps are ideal for the Seattle area and the pacific northwest because of the mild seasons. When asking for an assessment to add air conditioning, often heat pumps will also be presented as one of the options for the following reasons:

• The cost difference is almost entirely in the equipment.
  It is almost the same amount of work to install a Heat Pump as it is to install an Air Conditioner.
• Heat Pumps not only cool your home but provide efficient heat during the colder months.
• Heat Pumps can be used on a ducted system or a central heating system with duct work.

Though Air Conditioners cost a little bit less than a Heat Pump to install, it is usually better to have a heat pump instead of an air conditioner because a heat pump will keep your home comfortable all year round with efficient heating and air conditioning.

You can easily request service by calling us directly or by filling out the form on our website to schedule your next service. A member of our team will confirm your appointment and ensure a technician is dispatched promptly.