
FAQ
-
AC Installation
-
What do I need to know before beginning an installation?You need to know what you really want out of their AC and how to prioritize those goals. Every system has pros and cons, which means there may be tough choices if you don’t have your priorities already set.
-
When do I need AC replacement?Replacing an existing system is necessary when AC replacement parts are no longer available or if repairs simply wouldn’t extend the operational life to a significant degree.
-
What if there’s a problem after the installation?Hardware warranties depend on the manufacturer, but they usually cover most types of component and system failure provided the system was installed and maintained properly.
-
What’s the best kind of AC for me?The layout of the structure and the design of the building play a big role in deciding what system type is best. Ultimately, finding this answer requires a thorough assessment of the structure and evaluation of customer needs.
-
Who do I contact for emergency AC services?
We offer emergency AC services to our customers throughout the Harwich area.
-
-
AC Maintenance
-
Why is water leaking from my system?
Many types of AC units produce water as a by-product of heat exchange, usually through a coil or radiator. However, water should never be leaking into the home or produce noticeable pooling around the outdoor equipment. Contact us right away if you need AC repair.
-
How often do I need a maintenance check?
Annual maintenance is the general rule to follow, but you should talk to a licensed HVAC technician to arrange a schedule tailored to your situation.
-
How often should I change my air filters?
All air filters slowly get dirty over time, but they can move past their prime much quicker when there’s lots of dust, dirt, and pet hair in the air. Intake filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months in most situations.
-
How long do AC systems usually last?
A properly-maintained air conditioning setup can last anywhere from 5 to 25 years depending on the quality, type, and usage rate. Many modern systems are designed to last between 10 and 20 years.
-
How can I improve energy efficiency?
The best way to lower your AC energy costs is to maintain your system, be smart with the thermostat, and properly insulate all walls, windows, and doors.
-
-
AC Repair
-
Do different types of systems need various kinds of repairs?Central air, heat pumps, and mini-splits are all potential AC options in our area and all of them have different maintenance and repair requirements. This is just one reason to trust a professional technician over a DIY solution.
-
Should I turn off my AC if there’s a problem?It’s always a safe bet to turn off your AC or heater if there are any signs of a problem.
-
When do I need replacement instead of repairs?You may need to completely replace your air conditioning system if it’s simply not powerful enough to keep up with demands or if a major component failure renders it not worth fixing.
-
How can I improve air conditioning energy efficiency?There are several ways to effectively improve the efficiency of your AC system. Good insulation is a crucial first step in any endeavor as is good air distribution and interior zone control.
-
How often do I need to schedule maintenance?In general, professional inspections and maintenance should be done once a year as a preventative measure. Talk to our AC repair company about a more tailored schedule based on your specific needs.
-
-
Air Conditioning
-
When should I consider replacing my system?
Replacement becomes necessary when the existing hardware is simply too old or damaged to be worth repairing. Owners may also opt to replace early for the sake of energy efficiency or greater comfort control.
-
Why is my AC not getting as cold as before?
Low refrigerant levels are a common cause of poor AC performance. You may also notice a drop in output due to other problems, like insufficient insulation or poor air circulation.
-
What should I do if my unit stops working suddenly?
Suddenly losing your AC in the height of summer is no laughing matter. Give us a call for emergency air conditioning repair and other urgent services.
-
What are some of the most common problems with air conditioners?
Faults in the internal circuitry, component failure, refrigerant leaks, and insufficient BTU output for the target space are all common issues in New England.
-
What’s the best kind of AC setup?
The best AC setup choice depends on the layout of the building, current HVAC capabilities, and client expectations.
-
-
Generators
-
How often should I schedule maintenance for my generator?Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance. We recommend scheduling maintenance at least once a year, or more frequently if you use your generator often or in harsh conditions.
-
Can I install a generator myself?While it might be tempting to install a generator yourself, professional installation ensures safety, compliance with local codes, and optimal performance. Our certified technicians have the expertise to install your generator correctly and efficiently.
-
What types of generators do you service?Monomoy Mechanical services a wide range of generators, including portable, standby, and industrial models. Our technicians are trained to handle various brands and models, ensuring comprehensive support for all your generator needs.
-
-
Heating
-
What are signs my heater needs repairs?Owners should note and address unusual behavior, including strange smells, sounds, or inconsistent performance.
-
When do I need heating replacement?A heating replacement is recommended when repairs have become a frequent occurrence or if you want to upgrade to a more effective or cost-efficient unit.
-
What happens if my furnace runs out of oil or gas?Insufficient fuel is a common problem for people with oil furnaces, especially if they aren’t familiar with their tank and usage rate. The unit must be primed and started to get it going again after refueling.
-
What are the alternatives to conventional central heating?Conventional central heating is an effective and affordable choice in many buildings, but it’s not the only option. Many homes and businesses can benefit from alternative setups, like mini-splits, for more precise or flexible comfort control.
-
What is BTU rating?In the context of HVAC, body temperature units (BTUs) refer to the unit of measurement when gauging the potential output of a heater. This metric is used along with the size of the interior space and airflow considerations when determining the ideal system size.
-
-
Heating Installation
-
What options will I have for a new installation?The options are usually constrained by structural limitations and budget goals. The best option is usually the one with the greatest opportunity for long-term energy efficiency or a greater degree of temperature control.
-
How long does the process take?From beginning to end, the average customer can expect an installation to take anywhere from one day to weeks depending on the availability of parts.
-
What’s the difference between replacement and installation?The main difference between these two projects is the need to remove old equipment before bringing in the new one. Existing ductwork is usually adequate when replacing forced air systems.
-
Why do I need a professional contractor?Local law requires permits and official inspections for heater installs, which means you need a professional contractor to do it right.
-
Can I add to an existing system?It’s possible to install additional units on a building with functional HVAC. Adding a mini-split alongside a heat pump or other centralized system is a common example.
-
-
Heating Maintenance
-
How long does regular maintenance usually take?Duration of maintenance depends on the size, type, and accessibility of the system, as well as its current condition.
-
How often should you schedule heating maintenance?You should develop a long-term maintenance plan with a licensed professional for the best results. Once a year is usually the recommended frequency.
-
Does maintenance prevent all problems?Maintenance and inspections can help identify and prevent almost any kind of heater issue. However, things like electrical faults and sudden component failures are still possible at any time.
-
When do I need emergency heating maintenance?You should seek emergency heating maintenance if there’s any indication that the unit could pose a risk to human life or property, particularly burning smells, loud noises, and sudden changes in performance.
-
How often should I change air filters?Changing air filters is one of the most basic and important system maintenance tasks, so be sure to swap them out for fresh ones according to schedule.
-
-
Heating Repair
-
What should I do if my pilot light goes out?Sometimes, all you need to get your heater back is to restart the pilot light, which is the tiny flame inside the furnace that ignites the fuel. The process is usually straightforward, but you should consult your system’s manual for the specific procedure to re-ignite the light.
-
When do I need emergency heating repair?Losing your heat in the dead of winter is an emergency for most people since it presents a danger to people as well as property, including the entire plumbing system. Urgent services are appropriate whenever there is a risk to human health or a threat of substantial life disruption.
-
How long will it take to fix?Most repairs are accomplished within a few hours when the parts are on hand, but it can take days or more to acquire replacement components in some cases. Your technician can provide a specific timeline after assessing the situation.
-
How can I prevent the need for repairs?Good maintenance practices and routine inspections are the best way to prevent repairs.
-
When is replacing a heater better than repairing it?Replacement becomes necessary when repairs are no longer an affordable or realistic option. This is often the case when older units blow one of their main components since it’s likely they will need further replacement in the immediate future.
-
-
Outdoor Shower
-
How much does installation usually cost?Due to the minimalist nature of the setup and the relative ease of integrating it into a modern home, installation costs are usually low. However, overall costs depends on the level of comfort, control, and privacy you want to achieve.
-
Can I get hot and cold water?If you decide to connect the shower directly to the building’s supply lines then it may be possible to run hot and cold water supplies to the outdoor fixture.
-
How can I ensure privacy?You have plenty of options when it comes to walls, screens, or other barriers to provide privacy in the outdoor shower. The entire thing can even be enclosed with a door and latch.
-
How often do I need to clean it?You should try to clean your outdoor shower at least once a week with a quick rinse and with soap or cleaning chemicals periodically. This helps prevent mold, algae, and bacteria from colonizing the surfaces.
-
What if the drain gets clogged?Outdoor shower drains can get clogged like any other. If you can’t easily remove the clog directly, you should contact a professional to clean out the line.
-
-
Plumbing
-
What should I do if there’s a major leak?The first step in the event of any leak is to disable the water supply to the damaged line. If you don’t know where the local shut-off valve is located, you can disable the primary supply to cut the flow to the entire building as an emergency measure. Once you’ve dealt with the ongoing leak, you should contact our plumbing company for emergency plumbing services.
-
Why is it important to remove drain clogs quickly?Clogs aren’t just annoying when taking a shower or brushing your teeth. Clogs can actually cause a lot of serious damage by exerting pressure on the inside of pipes. They can also slide further into the system and lodge in the main sewer line, which can be disruptive.
-
How do you maintain a plumbing system?Looking for failing pipes and fixtures, lubricating moving components, and checking the integrity of important connections are just a few items on a typical maintenance checklist. Relying on a plumbing contractor from our team is a good starting point.
-
What happens when pipes freeze?If pipes are exposed to sub-freezing temperatures long enough, their contents may freeze solid and burst the line regardless of material strength. All pipes running through areas with poor insulation or climate control should have their own insulation. Sudden loss of heat may warrant turning off the supply valve and running the lines dry if it’s very cold.
-
Why does my toilet keep running?Toilets keep running when the internal components become misaligned, deformed or fail altogether. Solving the problem can be as simple as moving the plug back into position, but it often entails the replacement of one or more pieces in the rig.
-
-
Tankless Water Heater
-
What’s the difference between gas and electric?Gas tends to be more cost-effective to operate, but many homes and businesses are optimized for electrically powered units. Talk to our crew to discuss the viability of both options during the consultation and we will determine if tankless water heater services are the best course of action.
-
Do I need tankless water heater maintenance?Tankless systems need maintenance just like any other kind. Heating elements can burn out, components can fail and piping or tanks can spring leaks. Routine tankless water heater maintenance will also be key to extending the life of your unit.
-
Why does the water go cold sometimes?Water shouldn’t go cold with a tankless system unless something is wrong with the equipment or there is too much simultaneous demand for hot water for the unit’s output capacity.
-
Does hard water matter?Tankless systems are less vulnerable to the effects of containing hard water because it doesn’t sit in a holding tank. However, the mineral scale can still build up inside any of the plumbing fixtures involved over long periods of time.
-
How do I know if tankless is the right choice?You can only know if it’s the right choice after estimating the immediate and long-term costs of your options. In some cases, the more simple and affordable installation cost is enough to make a conventional unit worthy of consideration.
-