HVAC & Plumbing Blog by DC Cheek Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Should You Repair or Replace a Broken AC Compressor?

April 5th, 2021

Throughout the lifespan of your air conditioner, there are a variety of issues that can befall it. Most of these issues are a result of good ol’ fashioned wear and tear, and some other issues are caused by a lack of maintenance, manufacturer defect, or some other type of system damage. But considering that you want your air conditioner to work reliably as possible through our warm springs and stifling summers, it makes sense that you want to take care of these needs as effectively as possible.

One potential repair need that’s particularly unpleasant to face is a broken AC compressor. With most cooling system parts, replacement of that part is typically the best choice. But if you have a broken down compressor, the questions turns into whether you should replace just the component, or the entire cooling system. This is because the compressor is actually the most expensive component in your air conditioner. Read on to learn more!

These Are the Signs to Watch Out for If Your AC Is Struggling

March 29th, 2021

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When it comes to summertime in the Woodstock area, there’s probably no more important appliance in your home than your central air conditioner. Central cooling is essential to your household’s comfort and quality of life.

Central cooling is also one of those things that should only ever be serviced and installed by a professional. While there are small tasks homeowners can and should do on their own—like changing the air filter to the system to keep it running efficiently—when your air conditioner needs service it’s time to give the pros a call.

It is worth mentioning that the best way to prevent sudden AC repair needs is with routine maintenance. Professional maintenance allows our technicians to thoroughly and comprehensively inspect, clean, and adjust components that need it. But even with maintenance, it’s still important to be vigilant and pay attention to the following signs that your cooling system may be in need of professional repairs.

The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning

March 8th, 2021

When you have a drain clog in your home, what’s the easiest way to deal with it? If you’re like most people, your answer might be, “with store-bought liquid drain cleaner that I keep under the sink.”

This is a “quick fix” and we understand the temptation to use it. Buuuut, we have to urge against it. There are a lot of problems with these store-bought “solutions,” which we’re going to get into below. The fact of the matter is, if you have a drain clog then the best thing you can do is call in the professionals for drain cleaning. It won’t be as “quick” but it will be effective. Read on to learn why this is the better option.

What Type of AC Installation is Best?

February 22nd, 2021

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It’s deceptively cold throughout the country right now, however, the fact of the matter is, we’re going to have to start thinking about warmer weather—and if our homes are ready for that warmer weather—very soon. This means that if your air conditioning system was on its last leg last summer, now is the time to consider a replacement.

But there are so many options to choose from when it comes to AC installation! Most homeowners are used to seeing what’s known as the central air conditioner—the AC system that has a single outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected to a series of ducts. Have you heard of the heat pump though? This is very similar in function and setup to the standard central air conditioner, with one important difference. It works as a heater, too! Read on to learn more.

Tips for Preventing Drain Clogs

February 8th, 2021

Would you believe that drain clogs tend to be the #1 most common plumbing problem among homeowners throughout the U.S.? This shouldn’t come as a surprise—you’ve likely had to deal with one or two throughout the years. Fortunately for you, our experienced plumbers are here to help! If clogs do occur, it’s worth knowing that professional drain cleaning can do more than clear blockages—it can also help prevent future plumbing issues.

But, why not avoid drain clogs altogether if possible? The good news is, it is possible! Our #1 tip? Avoid store-bought chemical drain cleaners! These are caustic and will actually do more harm than good to your drains. If your drain clog cannot be resolved with a plunger and a little bit of “elbow grease” then it’s time to give our pros a call. In the meantime, read these other tips we have about avoiding drain clogs!

Furnace Installation: Why Size Matters

January 25th, 2021

If you’re in the market for a new heating system, the chances are you’re feeling a little pressed for time. It is winter after all, and temperatures are only getting chillier. But before you rush out for the biggest furnace you can afford, remember, bigger doesn’t always mean better. In fact, in the case of this heating system, bigger might not mean better at all. It may be worse.

The fact of the matter is, the size of your furnace can have a huge impact on its functionality. It’s important that your furnace is carefully sized for your specific home.

And remember, proper sizing is just half the battle! Installing a furnace isn’t a small job—it requires specific experience, skills, and even licensing (especially in the case of a gas-powered furnace that has to be hooked up to a main gas line). Trust us, you don’t want an undersized or an oversized system. Read on to learn why!

Common Heating System Repair Needs to Be Aware Of

January 11th, 2021

Heating services are important no matter where you live. No matter how briefly you need your heater, you need it to work well, right?

Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, you want to keep a close eye on its performance so that you know if and when it’s time to call in a professional for service. Of course, you can prevent the majority of repairs with routine maintenance—85% of repairs, actually! But they could still happen. Read on to learn more!

How To Detect a Plumbing Leak

December 28th, 2020

Perhaps one of the most common household problems to face homeowners is that of a plumbing leak. And if you do have one, it’s oftentimes a much bigger problem than it initially looks like. Even the smallest pinhole leak can cause a lot of property damage, if it goes undetected for too long.

And that’s the thing—plumbing leaks can go on for a pretty long time before they’re noticeable. This is true whether it’s from a pipe underneath a sink and behind cabinet doors, or a pipe running behind your drywall. This is why it’s vital that you be attentive.

Of course, to pinpoint the exact cause and location of a leak, you need the help of a pro. But there are also signs you can watch and listen for that indicate leaks, so you know that it’s time to call a pro. Read on as we uncover these signs.

What DOESN’T Go Down the Garbage Disposal

December 14th, 2020

One of the biggest jobs plumbers tackle at the end of the year is drain cleaning in Sandy Springs, GA to unclog kitchen sink drains. November and December are times of cooking and feasting, and even if this year’s festivities may look different, you’ll probably still want to indulge in the joys of good food during the holidays. Unfortunately, this can put plenty of stress on the drains in your kitchen—the garbage disposal in particular. You don’t want to have to call a plumber to clear out a clog, and you certainly don’t want to have a busted garbage disposal on top of that.

Earlier this year, we offered tips on avoiding drain clogs. In this post, we’re going to look at how to avoid a busted garbage disposal by listing items that should never go down it. It’s easy for homeowners to make the mistake of believing a kitchen sink disposal can handle anything. But it can’t … and here are some key items it can’t.

Is It Too Late to Tune-Up Your Heater?

November 30th, 2020

The short answer to this is, “the only time it’s too late for a heating maintenance session is if your heater is broken down beyond repair.” Okay, that wasn’t that short of an answer, but you get the gist.

Here’s the thing, you know that it’s not going to get as frigid cold here, but our winters do get chilly enough to want a great working heater that we don’t have to pay a lot to use, right? Well, the only way to ensure this is this case is by properly caring for your heater, and that includes scheduling routine maintenance.

Sure, it’s a little late in the fall season to have maintenance done. But what matters more than the time of year you have maintenance done is how consistently you have it done. For a furnace or boiler system, we recommend you have annual tune-ups completed for your system. For 2-in-1 heat pumps, we recommend this service every 6 months. Read on as we uncover the numerous benefits of this service!