Should I Choose a Window Air Conditioner or a Conventional Unit?

Are you thinking about installing a new air conditioner but you’re not sure if it’s worth the process of putting in a whole central A/C system with ductwork and everything? At Turner’s Service Co, we get a lot of questions from people about what would be best for them. We always recommend that they base their decision off answers to a couple of questions.

Can Your Building Support Central A/C Components?

If your building was built without ductwork or other components required by a central air conditioning system, you’ll need to get it evaluated to determine whether or not it could support these. If it cannot, then we can help you determine the best A/C solution for you. That may be a window unit air conditioner or it may be another type.

If the building can support central A/C, we can install it for you as soon as possible!

How Often Do You Use Your A/C?

If you don’t like air conditioning or you wouldn’t use it very often, a window unit or a portable air conditioner might be the best option. That way, you don’t have to pay to install a whole system for just a couple of weeks of use every year.

If you would like to have air conditioning for most of the summer, though, then central A/C or one of our other air conditioning solutions might be a better choice for you.

Call us at Turner’s Service Co today to get the best air conditioner for your home.

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Common Water Heater Problems

Running out of hot water is no fun! Sometimes you’re even right in the middle of a shower, and all of a sudden all of the water is cold! Here are some resources, just in case that ever happens to you. 

No Hot Water

When there’s no hot water, it means that your hot water heater has stopped functioning entirely. This can happen quickly or it can fade out over time, but no matter how it happens, there are several things that could go wrong. 

First, check the voltage coming into your hot water heating system. If there’s no voltage at all, you may have a bad circuit breaker or a bad switch. 

Breakers can suffer damage over time, or the breaker that you have for your hot water heater might be too small. If it can’t handle enough amps to keep your water heater running, it will flip and your hot water will disappear. That answer to both of these is simple: replace the breaker with one that works and that can handle the required amperage. 

Hot water heaters also fail when there are grounding problems. Something may have accidently grounded or shorted a wired connection in your heater, or your thermostat or heating element could have grounded out. If you can’t find any accidental groundings, you may want to try to get these two parts replaced.

You could also have a problem with the reset button on your hot water heater. If it is tripped, it  makes a definite click when you push it. You may have just had a power surge, in which case resetting it will start your heater again. However, continued problems may mean that you have a faulty thermostat. If it seems to reset constantly, try replacing this piece of the system. 

Wire shorts and water leaks are also common causes of hot water heater failure. If you can replace the damaged wires or stop the leak, you may be able to repair your system. Otherwise, you may need to purchase a new water heater. 

Lukewarm Water

Sometimes, your hot water won’t disappear altogether, but you will notice that it doesn’t get as hot as it used it. Often, this means that the lower heating element in your hot water heater isn’t working. 

To test this, first turn off all electricity to your heater. Remove all access covers. There are usually two, one for the upper part and one for the lower. Use a voltage meter to be absolutely sure that the power is off.

Check the elements by simply touching the tank near where they are located. For both the upper and lower heating elements, the tank should be hot to the touch, especially right next to the element. If one tank is significantly cooler than the other, then you know which heating element is not working. 

If you have a plumbing professional working on your hot water heater, they will also test each element with an electric meter. This will determine whether the element has electrical continuity and whether it is drawing the right amperage and voltage. 

You may need to replace a heating element even if you only have water temperature problems when the weather is cold. Colder outdoor temperatures mean that the water coming into your home is colder, so your hot water heater has to work harder to keep it at the temperatures you desire. If one element isn’t working well, the heater may not be able to keep up during times when you are using a lot of hot water, simply because of the amount that the temperature has to rise to warm the water. 

Tankless Vs. Tank Water Heaters

What most of us think of as a water heater – the large, cylindrical object that you were told not to touch as a child – is a tank water heater. The cylinder is the tank, and it stores and heats water for your home. 

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, do not store water. They are on “on demand” system, only heating water when it is needed. They are much more compact, since they don’t have to store water, and usually take up only a few square feet of space on a wall somewhere. 

It can be hard to believe, but tankless water heaters are actually more efficient than traditional water heaters with tanks. They use less energy, because there is less energy lost by storing and reheating the water in the tank. While they are more expensive, most people find that they can easily recoup that extra cost in energy savings. 

Tankless water heaters also have long lifespans. While they are a newer technology, many are well made and, when installed and maintained properly, can provide you with hot water for a very long time. 

If you need a new water heater, the type you buy is completely up to you. At Turner’s Service Co, we would be happy to come talk to you about what might work best for your home. Call us and we will help you make your decision and give you a free estimate on your water heater repair or replacement.

Is My Water Heater Going Bad?

Sometimes, water heaters fail quickly. Other times, though, there will be signs that your water heater is about to give out. If you take note of these, you can avoid inconvenient and annoying problems with your hot water. 

• Your water heater makes noise. If you hear banging noises or even rumbles coming from your water heater, it probably has sediment buildup inside. By the time that starts causing noise, your heater is likely damaged. 
• You see water surrounding your hot water heater. This usually indicates a leak or a crack in the tank. Over time, this leak will expand and your water heater will no longer hold water. 
• There is rust in your water. This usually means that one of the metal parts in the tank has been exposed to water and is oxidizing. If these parts are getting wet, something is not working right in your heater.

Not sure if your water heater is working properly. We’d be happy to take a look. If you see these signs or symptoms, call Turner’s Service Co and we will come out and see what’s going wrong. 

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Why is My A/C Blowing Hot Air?

Oh no! It’s a terrible feeling when you turn on your air conditioner only to find that the air coming out of your vents is hot instead of cold. It’s especially bad when you’re in the middle of a heatwave or a hot summer day and you just want to get cool.

There are a few things you can look at before you call for A/C repair. If you don’t want to do these yourself, call us at Turner’s Service Co and one of our air conditioning repair techs will be out soon! Before long, you’ll have the cool air you need once again. 

Call Now!

Check the Circuit Breaker

Did your circuit breaker flip without you knowing it? If something overwhelmed the circuit or the breaker needs replacing, this can happen a lot. In fact, it likely happens more often than you think! We get a lot of calls where the breaker is the problem instead of the A/C, so it’s worth checking yours before you get professional A/C repair!

Look at Your Thermostat Settings

Did someone accidentally bump up the temperature setting on your thermostat or, even worse, turn it to “Heat” instead of “Cool”? Make sure your settings are just where you want them before you panic about your air conditioner. 

If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure each setting is right. If you exchanged an “AM” for a “PM” that could explain your issues. If you can change your thermostat settings via your phone, make sure someone didn’t do just that as a joke or because they didn’t know what they were doing. If you’ve let a kid play with your phone recently, they could have wreaked havoc on your thermostat programming!

Change the Filter

All of the air that your system uses has to come through the filter. If the filter is clogged, the system won’t get the air that it needs and the results may feel like warm air coming out of your vents. Most filters need changing somewhere between once a month and once a quarter, depending on the particulars of your system and how often you use it. If you let it go too long, your A/C will struggle. 

Clean Your A/C

Dust and debris can gather on the evaporator coils in your outdoor A/C unit. Pull off the cover and clean these gently. Since these do the actual work of cooling air for your home, take time to get them good and clean, then run your system again. This small task can significantly improve your A/C’s functioning and its ability to effectively cool your home. Be sure to clean them gently so you don’t damage the unit. 

If these don’t work, call us for air conditioning repair right away. If yours can be fixed, we’ll get it done fast. If it can’t, we’ll have your A/C installation completed before you know it. Get cool at home again with Turner’s Service Co!

Book An Appointment Now!

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Steps to Save Your Home in a Plumbing Emergency

Water can damage your home and it can do it fast! If you have a pipe that bursts or another plumbing emergency, you can end up replacing floors, walls, furniture, clothing, and more. However, there are a few things you can do to save your home. Take action at the first sign of an emergency and you can save yourself thousands of dollars worth of damage. 

Call Now!

Turn Off the Water Supply

If your emergency is in a sink or a toilet where there’s a knob to shut off the water just to that area, turn it off as fast as you can. If your leak is somewhere else or you can’t find the knob, get to your main shut-off valve as soon as possible. This can be a round knob or a lever and is usually located close to the rest of your utilities. If you have a basement utility room, look there first. If you can’t find it, look through the rest of your basement. It may also be in your garage or even outside your house, especially in older homes. 

If you are reading this in the middle of your plumbing emergency, stop now to turn off your water supply. Then come back for more instructions. If you aren’t having a plumbing emergency but you’re not sure where your main water supply valve is, go find it when you’ve finished reading. You’ll be glad you did if you ever have water spraying everywhere!

Stop Using Water

Once your water supply is turned off, water won’t be flowing into your house anymore. Stop using water entirely. This means no getting drinks from the fridge, no showers, no dishwashing or toilet flushing, NOTHING. Trying to use water when the main valve has been turned off can damage your home and your pipes even further. It can also harm appliances, like your dishwasher or washing machine. Instead, ask your neighbor if you can borrow their bathroom until help arrives or take your clothes to a laundromat for a few days. 

Call Turner’s Service Co

Once your water is off, give us a call. We will come to your house as soon as possible, address your plumbing emergency, and get everything fixed so you can turn your water back on and live life as usual. We promise that we will get there fast, so you won’t have to be without water for very long. We’ll also work as fast as we can without compromising the quality of our craftsmanship, so you can be sure your pipes are repaired well. Get back to normal quickly with Turner’s Service Co!

Call us for help with any plumbing emergency in Manassas today! Our plumbers are standing by to help you out. 

Book An Appointment Now!

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Can I Fix My HVAC System Myself?

We get a surprising number of calls from people who tried to fix their HVAC systems on their own, only to find out that they can’t do it or to realize that they only made the situation worse. While there are a few maintenance things that you can do for your HVAC system, most repairs and replacements require the services of an A/C expert. 

HVAC Maintenance You Can Do

You can start by changing your filters on the right schedule for your HVAC units. Our experts can tell you how often they think you need to do this, or you can test your fitler by holding it up to the light. If you can’t see daylight through it, it’s time to change it. 

You can also keep the areas around your outdoor HVAC unit clear and remove dust and debris from your vents. This helps your HVAC unit work without any extra stress and strain. 

Reasons to Call an HVAC Professional

If you need HVAC help beyond these few things, it’s time to call in a professional. Call a pro because:

• HVAC work often involves your gas and/or electric systems. These are systems that you shouldn’t mess with unless you have training or you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, you could injure yourself or put your family in danger. You could also create a much larger problem than the one you have right now. 
• You want expertise on your side. HVAC problems can be tricky to diagnose accurately and find the right solution to solve. Unless you’ve been solving HVAC problems for years like we have, you may not find the right solution the first time. DIY HVAC repairs can be more expensive than calling someone when you have to fix several things before you find out what is causing the problems. 
• You want your repairs completed fast. DIY HVAC repairs often take a lot of your time, even if you do manage to find the right solution the first time. If you want your HVAC system running again soon, contact an HVAC professional to get the job done as soon as possible and get comfortable again ASAP.

When you need any HVAC services in Manassas, contact us at Turner’s Service Co. We’ll work with you to make sure you get the heating or cooling power you need ASAP. Reach out today to get comfortable soon. 

Book An Appointment Now!

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INFOGRAPHIC: Is Your Home Ready for Winter?

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Inspect Insulation:

Quality insulation will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Even small upgrades will save you money this season. 

• Examine exposed ducts in the attic, basement, and crawlspaces, and plug up any leaks.
• Insulate your pipes. Exposed pipes are prone to freezing.

Clean Your Ducts: 

Dust buildup in your ducts will negatively affect the energy usage of your home. 

• Clean your ducts to reduce dust, allergens, mold and mildew in the home. 
• Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency and improved air quality.

Get an Energy Audit An energy audit is the best way to identify the types of improvements that your home needs. An audit will assess things like door seals, insulation, and furnace efficiency. 

Tune-up Equipment:

Heating systems require tune-ups just like any other type of equipment. Yearly maintenance on your system can guarantee efficiency and reliability. 

• Check PVC vent pipes for any obstructions.
• Test your sump pump. 
• Flush your hot water tank to remove sediment. 

So is your home ready for winter? If you completed everything on this list, then you should be all set for a safe winter without surprises! If you still need help completing any of these tasks, go ahead and call Turner’s Service Co, we will come to you and get your home ready for winter!

Book An Appointment Now!

Call Now!

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2020 Annual Holiday Toy Drive

Turner’s Service Co is partnering with Brothers in Christ MM for our Annual Toy Drive! We ask you donate any un-opened toy to our office to help needy or struggling families who need a little extra help this holiday season. Make a difference for a child this holiday and let’s spread some JOY!

Contact Turner’s for more information about how you can help a family in need by filling out a contact form or giving us a call at 703-361-0816

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What You Need to Know About Water Heater Replacements

Is your water heater leaking or failing to effectively heat water (or enough water) for your home? It might be time for a water heater replacement, but you can always try water heater repair first.

Try Troubleshooting First

Look at basic things, like whether the water heater is properly connected to its power source and whether the heating element and/or gas burner are clean.

You can also try flushing out your water heater, insulating your hot water pipes, and turning up the thermostat on the unit. If these don’t fix your problems, it’s time to bring in a professional to take a look at it.

Consider Repair vs. Replacement

If you can’t fix your water heater, call in experts to try a water heater repair. If they can’t fix it or the repair is going to be expensive, it’s time to choose a water heater replacement instead.

You may want to skip water heater repair entirely if your unit is older than the average life of a water heater. This is 8-12 years, depending on the heater itself, how well it was maintained, the quality and hardness of the water where you live, and more.

How to Choose the Best Water Heater Replacement

The best water heater replacement for you may be different than the best one for your neighbor or for someone else. When looking at a water heater replacement, consider:

• The size of water heater you need, based on the size of your home and the number of people living there. Most people choose 40 or 50 gallon water heaters.
• The physical dimensions of the water heater. Make sure it will fit in the space allotted for it in your utility area.
• The heater’s recovery rate. How many gallons of hot water can it heat in an hour? Will it heat up water fast enough for your needs?
• The heater’s energy efficiency rating. If you want an efficient appliance, make sure you take this into account before you buy a new water heater.

Who Do I Call for Water Heater Repair and Replacement?

Most people call in professionals to perform a water heater repair and/or replacement, though some choose to do it themselves. If you’re considering this, think about:

• How you will dispose of the old water heater. You’ll need to make sure you follow all relevant laws and don’t do this illegally.
• Whether you can handle the unit physically. A water heater replacement can be heavy, so make sure you have help or can manage it yourself.
• Your technical know-how. You should know how to replace the water heater and be familiar with the tools involved before you try to install it.
• Your time. It can take a while to replace a water heater and you’ll want to finish the job once you start it.

If you need any help with a water heater repair or water heater replacement, contact us at Turner’s Service today. Our Manassas plumbers would be happy to help you out.

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Is A Home Energy Audit Worth It?

Is A Home Energy Audit Worth It?

Many HVAC companies recommend having an energy audit done so you can make sure you are not overspending on your utility bills. The process will analyze your usage and can let you know if there is anything you should change at your property in order to achieve lower bills and better energy-efficiency. Audits are especially helpful for those who have older properties or are using appliances that are outdated. Read more to find out why you should consider having an energy audit done in Manassas!

Who Does Home Energy Audits?

We do! You can contact the team at Turner’s Service Co. and ask us about having an energy efficiency audit conducted. Our HVAC experts would be happy to help out and get it done and offer you suggestions and solutions on how you can optimize your power usage. Together we can find opportunities that will make a significant difference in your monthly energy bills.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency Audit

· Optimizing appliances to use minimal amounts of power

– We can come out to your property in Virginia and take a look at how energy-efficient your appliances are. If you have anything that is very old or have an outdated heater or air conditioner, they could be using up a lot of power and therefore increasing the amount of your utility bills. Our experts can recommend replacements that will drastically cut down on energy usage.

· Identifying areas of inefficiency and energy loss

· If you have leaks in your air ducts or windows that are not energy efficient, and audit can locate these and we can provide you with solutions. Patching up any duct leaks will help to keep the property at the right temperature and make sure that you are not wasting money. Switching out your windows for Energy-Star rated products can save you hundreds of dollars each year on energy costs. We can also recommend installing smart thermostats, low-flow aerators for your faucets, adding more insulation, doing air sealing, and more.

Call Turner’s for An Energy Audit

Reach out to our team to discuss scheduling an energy efficiency audit at your property in Virginia. We can work with you to find areas of improvement and offer you solutions to lower your power bills. To start saving money, get in contact with us now!

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What to Do if Drano Isn’t Working

Have you tried Drano (or a comparable product) on your clogged drain but it’s just not working? Or maybe you keep having to use Drano, over and over again.

No matter what your situation is, there are other methods of drain cleaning you can dry if Drano is not working. Here’s how to unclog your drains for good!

Look in Your Kitchen Pantry

Baking soda and vinegar may unclog your drain better than Drano ever could. Start by getting rid of the standing water in your drain. If it will go down slowly, just wait until it’s gone. If it isn’t moving, use a cup or a spoon to get it out of there.

Then, put 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit there for 30 minutes. When the time is up, run warm water down the drain and see if the clog is gone.

Try a Plunger

Most people assume that plungers only work on toilets, but they can actually unclog drains all over your house. Make sure the plunger forms a tight seal over the opening of the drain, then start plunging. You may need to work for several minutes before you see much of a difference. Don’t give up unless you have plunged for 5 minutes or more without a discernible change.

Consider a Plumbing Snake

A plumbing snake is a long coil of metal that you can thread or push through your drain. It usually has a point or a hook on the end, for breaking up or pulling out clogs. You can usually rent these at your local hardware stores.

Make sure you get a snake that is the right size for your drain and that you never put it more than 3-4 feet into the drain. Otherwise, it can get stuck down there and cause even more plumbing problems! Thread the drain until you hit a blockage. Wind the snake back up to try to remove the clog or use the snake to break it up.

Call a Plumber

If you have a drain cleaning conundrum and you aren’t sure how to fix it, call the Manassas plumbers at Turner’s Service Co. We’ll have an experienced plumber there ASAP to make sure your drain gets back to normal fast. We have professional techniques that can get to the clog and remove it ASAP. Call today for fast, friendly service soon.

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Is Duct Cleaning Necessary?

Have you heard about duct cleaning but you’re not sure if it’s for you? Maybe you’ve seen some disturbing pictures on an advertisement and you want to make sure your ducts don’t get dirty like those did.

Contact us at Turner’s Service Co. today to learn more about air duct cleaning or to schedule an appointment with our duct cleaning service professionals. Read on to learn more about what we can offer you when you call us about duct cleaning today.

What is Air Duct Cleaning?

Air ducts can get dusty and dirty. They can also trap contaminants like allergens, mold spores, bacteria, and other things that you probably don’t want to have anywhere near your house.

Duct cleaning removes as many of these particles as possible. We’ll clean your grates, suck dust and debris out of your vents, and generally make your HVAC system cleaner. We’ll do everything we can to make the air that you and your family are breathing at home clean and clear for you.

How Often Should Ducts be Cleaned?

Duct cleaning is generally done on an “as needed” basis, though some customers prefer to have us come once or twice a year, just to be sure that everything is as clean as it can possibly be.

We recommend duct cleaning ASAP if:

• You see signs that there are vermin living in your ducts. This can include dropping, smelling an animal odor throughout your home, hearing them in your ducts, and more. Cleaning out the ducts can remove food sources for the vermin, which can make them leave. We also recommend finding the holes the vermin used to infiltrate your system and closing them.
• You suffer from allergies, asthma, or unexplained respiratory illness and your doctor recommends it. In some cases, duct cleaning can help you and your family feel better at home.
• You believe that mold and/or mildew thrive in your ducts. Duct cleaning can remove mold spores and help prevent future growth there. If a mold expert recommends cleaning your ducts, call us right away as some types of mold can cause serious illness.

If you have any questions about duct cleaning, feel free to reach out to us today. Our duct cleaning service experts will work with you to get you the answers you need and to find the solutions that will work best in your home. We’ll make sure you have clean air so you don’t have to worry anymore.

If your ducts keep getting dirty because they’re leaking, look into Aeroseal Duct Sealing services from Turner’s! Duct sealing keeps your ducts cleaner and helps take your energy bill down, saving you money!

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The Advantages of Ductless AC

Whether or not you’ve heard of a ductless air conditioner, it might be the best option for heating and cooling your home. At Turner’s Service, we love ductless A/C for a lot of reasons and we think you’ll love it, too. Here’s what you need to know so you can make wise decisions about a ductless mini-split system in Manassas for your home and your family.

What is Ductless Air Conditioning?

Ductless air conditioning does not require a duct system in your home. Instead, you have a small outdoor cooling unit connected to ductless A/C units in every room of your home. You can turn on the A/C and control the temperatures from your thermostat.

However, you do not have to cool your entire home all the time. Instead, you can turn it on in one room at a time or in a section of rooms called a zone. Some units even allow you to have the heat running in one part of your house while the A/C runs in another!

How a Ductless Air Conditioner Could Benefit You

Not sure if a ductless split A/C unit is right for you? Here are just a few of the benefits that we’ve seen other customers in your area reap.

Save Money

Since you don’t have to run every ductless A/C unit in your home at once, this system can save you money. You will use less energy, so your bills will be lower every month. You may also be eligible for tax credits and/or utility rebates in your area for the year that you install your ductless air conditioner. Ask us about these programs when we install your unit!

Breathe Clean Air

Since your ductless air conditioner doesn’t rely on air sucked in through your ducts, it can increase the quality of the air you’re breathing at home. Limit exposure to allergens, dust, and anything else that could come in through your ducts.

Get Flexible Cooling

Cool one room or one zone at a time without paying to cool your whole house. You can also set the temperature to different levels in different areas of your home so everyone can be comfortable.

Easy to Install

Traditional A/C systems take weeks to install and involve a major disruption in your home. A ductless air conditioner, on the other hand, could be fully functional in just a day or so.

Use Less Energy

Ductless A/C uses less energy because you’re not cooling your house all the time. These units are also energy-efficient. They go above and beyond the standards set by the US government!

If you’re interested in a ductless A/C unit, reach out to us at Turner’s Service today! We’ll have an expert to your door fast to help you decide if a ductless air conditioner is right for you.

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What Is Duct Sealing?

Your heater and air conditioner are connected to the vents inside via a network of ducts. The ductwork is an important part of HVAC system, because it is the passageway where the heated or cooled air travel through to get from the appliance to the rooms of your property. Keeping up with the maintenance for your air ducts is important because if there are leaks or holes in them, some air can escape and your utility bills will be higher. But you can have duct sealing done by the professionals at Turner’s Service Company to combat this issue.

Do You Need Air Duct Sealing?

There are a few things that you can look out for that indicate you may have leaking ductwork and could benefit from duct sealing. If any of the following are happening at your property in Manassas, reach out to us for assistance…

• Your bills are especially high in the summer or the winter
• Some rooms at your home or business never reach a comfortable temperature
• If your ducts are located in an attic, crawlspace, or garage

What Aeroseal Duct Sealing Does

Duct sealing can make all the difference in how comfortable your indoor climate is and how expensive your utility bills are. When holes are patched up and sealed, your heater and AC system don’t have to work as hard to provide air to your property because air isn’t escaping anymore. This means that you can cool or warm up your space faster, and therefore your energy costs will be lower. Aeroseal duct sealing also helps to improve how clean your indoor air quality is, because without cracks for outside air to come in through, there is less chance that pollutants can get inside.

Duct Sealing: The Facts

• Places with forced HVAC systems end up losing 20 to 30 percent of generated air because of issues within the ductwork.
• The money you can save o energy bills by having duct sealing done will pay for the service itself.
• Studies from Aeroseal show an average savings of $4,000 a year.

Are you interested in having your ductwork sealed so that you don’t have to worry about lost air and indoor pollutants? Reach out to the team at Turner’s Service Company today for more information on air duct sealing!

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What Is Duct Cleaning?

The staff at Turner’s offers air duct cleaning as part of our premier AC services. Duct cleaning involves using professional-grade equipment to clear the ductwork and vents of your HVAC system of any dirt, debris, dust, or contaminants that are stuck in there and being blown around your home or business. Many property owners don’t even know that they have poor indoor air quality being caused by the air conditioning system itself. Having your ducts regularly cleaned can help to combat this problem and keep the air inside pure and clean.

Why Duct Cleaning is Important

The air inside your property could be filled with dust and tiny particles without you even realizing it. By having air duct cleaning performed, you can improve your home’s indoor air quality, and make sure you are not putting yourself or your family members at risk. The process is designed to clear out the ductwork at your property and rid it of all the dirt and dust that gets trapped inside and is then blown throughout the rooms when the air conditioner is turned on. It is part of the necessary HVAC system maintenance and part of being a responsible property owner.

How Air Duct Cleaning Works

Having your ducts cleaned out is part of responsible property ownership. Your property’s ductwork is prone to having dust and dirt build up, and then when the heater or air conditioner is turned on, it blows these particles through the vents and into the rooms.

Hire us for duct cleaning services, and we will make sure your system is clear of any particles and eliminate allergens and odors. It can also lead to energy savings because with clean ducts, your HVAC system does not have to work as hard.

The ductwork at your property can be looked at by a professional, and they can let you know if you are a good candidate for duct cleaning. The general rule of thumb is that you should have it performed about once a year, but depending on circumstances like where you live, how often you run the AC system, and more, it could vary. The experts on staff at Turner’s Service Co can gladly help you keep your ducts cleaned so you can feel confident that you are breathing clean air inside!

Turner’s Does Professional Duct Cleaning!

Local property owners can count on the staff at Turner’s when they need duct cleaning performed. Our staff of Manassas HVAC experts is committed to making sure you have clean air at your property. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment!

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How to Change a Furnace Filter

When you call us at Turner’s Service to come out and perform furnace maintenance or furnace service in Manassas, we will happily change your furnace filter for you. However, you can also perform this task on your own and you should! Furnace filters need to be replaced more often than you need to perform furnace maintenance. Here’s what you need to know to successfully replace your furnace filter. 

Turn Off the Furnace

Make sure your furnace is off and will not turn on while you’re working. If you’re worried, you can flip the breaker to your furnace or find the power switch and turn it completely off.

Find the Filter

Use your furnace manual to find out how to access the filter. Many furnaces will actually have “Filter” or something similar printed on the panel the filter resides behind. You may have to remove this panel with a screwdriver in order to actually see the filter. 

Get the Right Size

The size of the filter should be printed on the side of the old one. You may want to note this down for future reference or even write it in permanent marker on the side of the furnace. Note that you may be able to choose a thicker filter as long as the other dimensions are the same, as long as your furnace can handle it. This may give you greater filtration when it comes to allergens and tiny things, like bacteria.

Place it Properly

Most furnace filters have one side that should go towards where the air is flowing in. The best way to make sure you get this right is to leave the old filter in until you’re placing the new one. Then place the new one exactly as the old one was placed. 

Turn the Furnace Back On

Flip the switch or the breaker or turn your furnace back on at the thermostat. It should work and you should have cleaner air than before. If your furnace filter was very dirty, you should notice a drop in your energy usage. 

How Often to Change a Furnace Filter

We usually recommend changing your filter every 1-3 months, depending on a few factors. Our techs can give you a better idea after they look at your furnace and talk to you about how often you use it. Even with minimal use, you should change your filter at least every 6 months.

Call us at Turner’s Service today if you have questions about changing your air filter or you need some help learning how to do it. We’ll be there soon to make sure everything is working well!

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3 Ways to Seal Your Ducts

If you’re worried about hot or cold air escaping from your ducts and not heating or cooling your home effectively, you’re not alone. Duct sealing is a popular way to save money on heating and cooling costs and stay more comfortable at home.

Duct Sealing Tape

This tape simply goes over the places in your ducts where the air is leaking out. There are several different kinds of tape; we recommend any type of tape marked with the UL symbol, including butyl tape and foil tape.

If your ducts get oily or dirty, then duct sealing tape may not be a long-term solution. In fact, it is usually considered a temporary measure. If you want to use it long-term, you may need to plan on replacing it several times a year.

Mastic Duct Sealing

This is a gooey substance that can be applied to the joints and holes in your ducts. When it dries, it covers the spaces where air can usually escape. You can apply the mastic duct sealing substance with a regular paintbrush, making sure that it covers all of the area where the air is escaping your ducts.

You can cover large holes with mastic duct sealing, but you’ll need to use it on top of mesh to make sure that it covers the entire hole. Mastic duct sealing works well and can last for a long time, but you have to be sure you can find and access all of the places where the air is escaping.

Aeroseal Duct Sealing

Aeroseal duct sealing is a newer answer to the problem of how to seal leaky ducts. If you choose this method, professionals will pressurize your system, identify every hole in your ducts, and seal them all at once.

Aeroseal duct sealing uses a patented polymer that seals with the edges of the holes in your ducts, then seals with itself. It provides a lasting and complete seal. Aeroseal treatment can lower your energy costs significantly and keep them down for many years.

At Turner’s Service, we are proud to offer Aeroseal duct sealing in Manassas and Northern Virginia. We’ll come to your house and test your system, then let you know how much Aeroseal could help you stay more comfortable at home. If you choose Aeroseal duct sealing, we’ll get the job completed as soon as possible. Call us today to find out more or to schedule service.

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Air Conditioning Repairs vs. Replacement

We work with a lot of people who have been told that they probably need a new air conditioner. Sometimes, this is correct. Other times, we find that we can repair their existing air conditioner and save them the hassle and the expense of installing a new one. Here are some guiding principles if you’re wondering whether you should choose AC repairs or A/C replacement right now.

Replace Your Air Conditioner If:

It is More than 15 Years Old

Most air conditioners last somewhere between 10 and 15 years. If yours is more than 15 years old and it’s not working well, it’s probably time to get a new one. If you’re replacing an air conditioner that old, you may be surprised at how much better your new AC unit cools your home and at how much money it saves you every month.

The Repair Cost is Too High

There’s a fairly complicated formula that we use to determine whether it would be better for you to repair your air conditioner or replace it. You can multiply the cost you were quoted for AC repairs by the number of years that you’ve had the unit. If that is more than the cost of replacing it, it’s probably better to get a new one. If that number is less than the cost of air conditioner replacement, choose to repair instead.

You Are Too Hot at Home

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling well, chances are good that replacing it is your best option. It may be too small for your home or you may not have enough insulation for it to be able to keep up. Either way, the best way for you to cool down again fast is to replace it with a new AC unit that is larger or works more efficiently.

Your Energy Bills Keep Going Up

If you are paying more for energy with every passing month, or at least during the summer, your air conditioner isn’t working as efficiently as it could. We can come test it for you and see if there’s anything we can do to help it out, but this is usually a good indication that it’s time to buy a new unit.

At Turner’s Service, we can help you decide between air conditioning repairs vs. replacement. We’ll work with you to make sure you have the cooling capacity you need this summer! Give us a call or schedule online now!

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IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM TURNER’S ABOUT THE CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19)

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Dear Valued Customer, 

As news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues, we’re reaching out to let you know that there is no higher priority than the health and well-being of our customers and employees. 

Turner’s Service Company leadership is actively monitoring the COVID-19 Situation and following guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities. Rest assured, we remain focused to address changes in risk levels and issues as they arise. 

To date, our business is OPEN and will continue to provide you and your family with top-notch service to meet your Heating, Air Conditioning and all Home Service needs. We have implemented additional health and hygiene protocols that include enhanced daily cleanings, adding hand sanitizer throughout all employees, having gloves on hand hand, and educating employees on the latest CDC recommendations to prevent illness as well. 

As a reminder, our business hours are still 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We insure the health and safety of your family. We have taken safety precautions to ensure that. As always,  our intention is to be there for our members and customers in times of need. If you need help, or have been impacted by the virus, our team is standing by to help. Simply call (703) 361-0816.

To stay informed on the latest news involving the situation, visit Turner’s Service Company or call us today. Without selling you something based on fear, have Turner’s Service Company or your service company install a good Germicidal UV light such as Solace Air which helps eliminate up to 99.9% of all microbial pathogens and viruses. Plus many other benefits. We also recommend changing the air filter in your home more frequently to deal with this virus. As a student of supplements and what benefits that they can provide, I recommend higher doses of Vitamin C and a good multiVitamin as well. And to drink plenty of fluids (such as water) to stay hydrated. 

Thank you for being a valued Turner’s Service Company member. 

Sincerely,

Turner’s Service Company

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For more information on Solace Air, please see the following video, and take advantage of this special offer from Turner’s:

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The Best Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter

Are you concerned about frozen pipes this winter? We don’t blame you! After all, if your pipes freeze and burst, you have a mess on your hands.

Instead of worrying, though, take action to keep your pipes from freezing (and avoid unnecessary costly plumbing repairs) This is one area where prevention is key to eliminating plumbing problems completely.

Keep the Heat Running

Even when you leave home or take a vacation, make sure your home is warm enough so that your pipes won’t freeze. Keep your thermostat set to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit so your home will stay well above 32. That way, your pipes won’t get cold enough to freeze and you won’t have to worry about any problems.

Let Faucets Drip

If you’re concerned about a particular pipe freezing, let the faucets on that pipe drip. Sure, the sound can get annoying, but this keeps water from sitting motionless in the pipes. Even the tiniest drip can mean the difference between pipes that freeze and ones that stay thawed.

Use Heating Tape

Wrap your pipes in self-heating tape. Focus on the sections of pipe most likely to freeze in order to avoid a burst pipe. Make sure you don’t use the kind of heating tape that needs to be plugged in. This can be a fire hazard and was only designed for occasional use. You can get both kinds of heating tape from your local hardware store.

Seal All Cracks and Holes

If there are cracks or holes letting cold air into your attic, basement, or garage and you have pipes running through that area, too, seal up the cracks. You can use spray foam, caulk, or other solutions. The important part is that you avoid frozen pipes and the consequent frozen pipe repair.

Keep Cabinet Doors Open

If you have pipes under kitchen or bathroom cabinets, keep those cabinet doors open. This allows heated air to circulate down there, keeping the pipes warm and making sure they don’t freeze.

Consider Adding Insulation

If you have had a lot of repeated frozen pipes or have needed regular pipe repair in the winter, consider adding more insulation to areas where those pipes are located, especially if there’s not much insulation there already. Common areas needing insulation include garages, attics, and basements. Choose the type of insulation that best meets your needs.

If you have frozen pipes and need pipe repair or you want help avoiding frozen pipes, contact the expert plumbers at Turner’s Service today. We’ll have an expert to your house fast to take care of all of your pipe problems fast!

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