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Heating Questions?
While there are no guarantees, a typical furnace lasts 15-20 years. This varies based on the regular maintenance of the unit. To extend the life of your system, call Cooper to join our regular maintenance programs.
Cooper Mechanical Services has the experience and knowledge to service all types of residential and light commercial heating systems.
We recommend having your heating system serviced by professionals at least once per year.
Air Conditioning Questions?
We recommend having your air conditioning system serviced by professionals at least once per year.
A typical modern air conditioning system should last 15-20 years, with older systems experiencing a shorter lifespan. It may be time to replace your system when it is greater than 10 years old, your air conditioner frequently breaks down, your energy consumption has gone up substantially, or your A/C uses R-22 Freon.
There are many factors that go into sizing an air or heat system for a building beyond just square footage. It is important to have a professional properly size the system to your house and take into account the insulation, windows, room configurations, etc. There is a very good chance that your current system is too large and you could reduce energy costs by having a properly sized system.
The SEER rating is a measure of air conditioning and heat pump efficiency and is calculated by dividing typical cooling output by the total electricity required to achieve that. A SEER rating is the maximum efficiency and is the best your unit will achieve. There are multiple SEER options for a new system, with the baseline energy star units receiving a rating of 14.5. A typical modern unit is between 13 and 21 SEER.
A ductless system is more efficient at cooling, operates quieter, is more energy-efficient, and is easier to use than a window-mounted unit. While they are more of an investment, ductless systems are certainly worthwhile for homeowners looking for a cooling solution without extensive ductwork.
Plumbing Questions?
Copper pipe corrosion can be caused for several reasons including low or high pH, high levels of dissolved o2, high levels of TDS, bacteria, high water velocity, sand, sediment, grid, improper installation, and more. If you notice any signs of corrosion, call us immediately to fix the pipe before major issues occur.
Leaks are very difficult to identify before it is too late. To prevent leaks and monitor from anywhere in the world, we recommend the Moen Flo Smart Water Shut Off. This is a device that is hooked to the main water supply to the house and automatically senses leaks and unusual water usage. A health test of your system is performed nightly and all of this can be viewed and managed from an easy-to-use mobile app. Your home water supply can even be turned off remotely. Cooper Mechanical Services is an authorized installer of Moen Flo and can assess your specific needs to ensure your home is properly protected.
For a less comprehensive solution, we recommend at least having an automatic flood stop valve on your water heater. All water heaters eventually leak, so it is imperative to have an automatic valve that stops the water before damage occurs.
While leaky faucets range in the waste they produce, a drip rate of one per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. In other terms, 180 showers!
A leaky faucet is important to repair for several reasons. First, this leak can increase the wear and tear on the fixture and the sink leading to increased damage down the road. Second, a leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year according to the EPA. Last, the most economical solution is to repair the faucet before water or future repair costs are realized.
While a sump pump is highly recommended for all residences, a sump pump is a must if you have experienced past water problems and if your house is located in an area with poor drainage, below the local water table, on poorly draining soil, or in a region with strong rain/snow. Houses with a finished basement should strongly consider a sump pump to protect their investment from water damage.
There are a few options to ensure your sump pump will work during a power outage. The recommended option is to install a water-powered sump pump. This will ensure you are covered for an indefinite power outage. A battery-powered pump can also be installed, but requires more maintenance and runs for a shorter period of time than a water-powered unit.
Water heaters can need a replacement for many reasons and no water heater lasts forever. Typical signs your water heater needs replacement include rust in the tank or water, noises, leaks, and failure to heat water.
A tankless water heater is a unit that heats water as it flows through the device and does not retain water like a typical water heater. Tankless water heaters last longer, use less energy and offer endless hot water compared to a traditional water heater. This can lead to increased comfort and reduced utility bills.
There are many reasons why your home may not have enough hot water. This ranges from maintenance of your existing water heater to upgrading to a newer unit with more capacity or a tankless unit. Give Cooper a call today to do an in-depth diagnosis of how to increase the amount of hot water available.
In order to effectively winterize pipe and areas exposed to cold weather, freeze-proof faucets or shut-off valves should be installed. Shut off valves allow you to cut water to areas that will get cold, and freeze-proof faucets ensure that whenever the water is cut off, the line will be drained, avoiding frozen pipes or faucets.
