FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Hi, my [California, MD] garbage disposal stopped working last week. Any ideas?
Southern MD Garbage Disposal problems can be plumbing or electrical. If the disposal doesn't work at all - no *hum* or any sound, then push the red (reset) button on the bottom of the disposal. If that doesn't work, check the breaker in the electrical panel. If the unit *hums* but doesn't turn then you can try unsticking it. Some units come with a wrench that you can use to turn the cutter flywheel from the bottom. ( An allen wrench will work). Or, use a *plumber's friend* , broom handle- something with a handle, and stick it in the disposal and try to turn the cutting wheel around. In effect - unstick it. If the unit doesn't respond to the above, it's time to contact Google Mechanical, your local Southern Maryland contractor.
My 13 year old Waldorf MD Heat Pump Outside Unit needs replacement why do I need to "match" my outdoor unit and indoor unit?
Your Waldorf MD heat pump system is a split system. That means it consists of two parts: an indoor unit (air handler) and outdoor (condensing) unit. If you don’t replace your indoor unit, you won’t be getting what you paid for. In fact, your system could be up to 15% less efficient than stated — and you’ll be less comfortable, too. That's why simply replacing just the outdoor unit isn't a bargain in the long run. Replacing the outdoor unit but leaving the old indoor unit may offer you the lowest price, but it won’t give you the best value. At best, when your air conditioning or heat pump components don’t match, you’ll be sacrificing comfort. The system may still "work," but it won’t perform up to the promised energy efficiency.
Over time, this will also cost you more money. At worst, when the components aren’t matched, it could create undue stress on your cooling system, resulting in unnecessary, premature failure. Warranty Coverage is voided on unmatched systems. When you consider the sacrifices and the added costs of repairing or replacing these unmatched units, installing a matched system the first time around makes good sense. You’ll get higher efficiencies, greater reliability and more comfort from your new Waldorf, MD Heat Pump Heating and Cooling system.
I wanted to upgrade my California, MD Heat Pump System How will a 2 stage unit help me?
Modern heat pump systems offer additional features that provide greater comfort (as well as additional energy savings). Two-speed units can run on low speed (using 50% of the energy) up to 80% of the time, so they operate more quietly and run for longer periods of time than single-speed models. Longer operating periods translate into fewer on/off cycles, fewer drafts and much smaller temperature swings -- only two or three degrees instead of the four-degree swings common with single-speed units. Plus, better air circulation helps prevent air "stratification" — warm air rising to the ceiling and cold air settling on the floor. In short, you get consistent, even cooling throughout your home. If you purchase a multi-speed or variable-capacity air handler with your new California, MD heat pump unit, you will enhance both the comfort and the efficiency of heat pump system even further.
What Is A SEER Rating For Waldorf, MD Heat Pump Systems?
The cooling efficiency for AIR CONDITIONERS and HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS in Waldorf, MD is measured in a rating known as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the number, the greater the efficiency. The typical SEER rating of units manufactured prior to 1992 is about 6.0. In 1992, the government established the minimum cooling efficiency standard for units installed in new homes at 10 SEER.
High-efficiency units have a minimum SEER of at least 13.0; the maximum available is about 24.HEAT PUMPS also have heating efficiency ratings, indicated as an HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). In general, the higher the HSPF rating, the less electricity the unit will use to heat your SO MD home.
Should I install a heat pump in my Great Mills, MD house instead of a regular air conditioner if I currently have a gas heating system?
A heat pump can be a worthwhile consideration no matter what heating system is used in a home. In Southern Maryland a heat pump with gas or oil supplementary heat is the most economical system and offers excellent heating and cooling performance and comfort. An outdoor temperature sensor and digital thermostat would compliment your new heating and cooling system.
What is the difference between a split system and a single package central air conditioner or heat pump?
A split system has one of its heat exchangers (which includes the compressor) located outdoors and the other (the indoor coil) located indoors. A single package has both heat exchangers located in the same unit. Most SO MD residential central air conditioners and heat pumps are split systems.
What is a heat pump Heating and Cooling System?
A heat pump is like a conventional air conditioner except it also can provide heat in winter. In the summer, the heat pump collects heat from the house and expels it outside. In the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from outside air and circulates it inside the house. The heat pump works best when the outdoor temperature is above freezing. Below that, supplementary heat often is needed. A heat pump can save 30 to 60 percent less energy to supply the same heat when compared to an electric furnace with a resistance heating element.
The temperature of my Hughesville MD hot water seems to be higher than what I think I need. How can I save on my utility bills, yet also be sure that there is an adequate amount of hot water?
Most ST. MARYS COUNTY homeowners are comfortable with their hot water set at 120°F, which is also the new standard that manufacturers use when pre-setting it at the factory. If you have an older model electric water heater set the thermostat at medium. On a propane or natural gas water heater, there is a dial on the front of the gas valve. On electric models, the thermostats (there may be two) are concealed behind the two panels on the side of the tank. NOTE: Turn off the electricity before removing the panels. There are exposed wires behind the panels containing HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICITY. Google Mechanical is your local Hughesville MD factory authorized water heater repair company servicing all makes and models of water heaters.
My CHARLES COUNTY MD water bill was rather high this quarter. None of the faucets appear to leak. What else could contribute to a high water bill?
Having your toilets checked for water leakage at the flapper and fill valve. A toilet fill valve that is slowly leaking will waste many gallons of water every hour. We strongly suggest you have this plumbing problem checked and repaired to lower your CHARLES COUNTY MD water bill. Below find normal expected water usage for average Charles county homes.
Showering 3 gallons/minute
Bathing 15-25 gallons per bath
Shaving 1-3 gallons
Wash hands 1/2-2 gallons
Washing dishes 4-6 gallons
dishwasher 5-20 gallons
clothes washer 25-40 gallons
Cleaning house 5-12 gallons
Food preparation 1-6 gallons
What is the purpose of a well storage tank in my Mechanicsville MD home?
Mechanicsville MD well pumps are not designed to run continuously, and they don’t operate each time you use a faucet or flush a toilet. That is where your well storage tank comes into play. In order to allow consistent water pressure at the plumbing fixtures within your home and to relieve the unnecessary stress of the well pump turning on and off, the water is first moved to a well holding tank. Inside a well storage tank is an air bladder that becomes compressed as the water is pumped into it. The pressure in the tank is what moves the water through the household plumbing system. When the pressure reaches a preset level, which can be anywhere from 40 to 60 psi, a switch stops the pump. As water is used in the ST MARYS COUNTY MD home, pressure within the tank begins to drop until the pressure switch turns the pump on and the cycle is repeated.
My California MD toilet fills up every 10 minutes. What is the problem?
This usually indicates that the flush valve in your toilet tank is not seating correctly and water is leaking from the tank into the bowl. This could be the result of the lift chain being tangled, faulty flapper or a problem with the flush valve itself. This plumbing leak should be diagnosed and repaired immediately to lower your ST. MARYS COUNTY water and utility bills.