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

AC Installation: Why Size Matters

July 25th, 2022

air-conditioner-outside-unit-with-clipboard-on-top

Summer is progressing right along, and we’re dealing with hot temperatures daily. If you’ve lived in this area for even just a year, you know just how uncomfortable it can be when temperatures soar to their highest. This means that if you’re looking for an AC installation right now, you’re likely in a hurry to get a new one, right?

We understand that sense of urgency, but we really encourage our customers to slow down and make their decisions about home comfort carefully. Failing to do so can leave you with an inefficient and ineffective solution for your home cooling. Factors such as the size and efficiency of the unit significantly influence the AC installation cost, so it’s important to consider these aspects.

One component of this is sizing. We’re not talking about the volume of the air conditioner itself, but rather how many “tons” of cooling it can handle (that is, how many tons of ice would be melted by the heat drawn out of your home per hour–which is measured in British Thermal Units–BTUs). An “oversized” system can be just as detrimental to your comfort and home efficiency as an undersized one. Read on to learn more about this, especially if you’re unsure whether your current system is truly the right fit for your space. It’s crucial to factor in considerations like installation costs and cooling capacity when choosing the right AC unit. Read on to learn more about this.

Signs That It’s Time to Call a Plumber

July 11th, 2022

woman-looking-at-leak-under-sink-while-on-phone

In some situations, plumbing problems seem like a quick fix; however, when you wind up in ankle-high water, you may wonder what happened. Rather than trying to tackle plumbing issues on your own, it’s best to contact us for professional plumbing service in Woodstock GA.

If you are like most homeowners, you probably want to ensure the services of a plumber are really needed before calling for this service. Keep reading to learn some of the tell-tale signs you need to call a plumber.

4 Indications That Your AC Needs Help

June 27th, 2022

Having your air conditioner repaired when it needs it is one of those services you don’t really want to wait to have done. We understand the hesitation, and the temptation to let it go for now. After all, if the system is running, it’s really not a big deal, right?

Unfortunately, ignoring repair needs risks your AC system completely breaking down on you when you need it the most—in the middle of summer. We encourage our customers to take care of their cooling systems as soon as they realize they need a repair. But how do you know when this is actually the case?

You aren’t an air conditioner expert; that’s what we are here for. Fortunately, we can share some basics with you. If you notice any of the following four indications that your air conditioner is in need of professional repair, please give us a call!

What Are the Worst Ways to Use My Plumbing System?

June 13th, 2022

When it comes to systems within your house that make your life more convenient, modern plumbing is at the top of the list. Unfortunately, however, we don’t always treat our home plumbing systems the way we should.

Nobody is to blame here! Chances are you’re doing things you thought were perfectly fine, but can actually be quite harmful to the pipes running through your home, underground and behind drywall.

While this line of thinking can lead to leaks and other plumbing repair needs, not all is lost. After all, you’ve found this blog post! So while you might not have directly asked how you could use your plumbing system in the worst ways, you’ll get some answers anyway. Read on!

Is It Time for You To Install a Ductless AC System?

May 16th, 2022

ductless-air-handler-mounted-on-wall — Air conditioner blowing cold air

Ductless systems are increasingly in high demand, and there’s a good reason for this! They are incredibly efficient, easily maintained, and provide a versatile comfort experience that is unmatched by any other type of air conditioning or heating system.

Here in Georgia, it’s rare that we have to use our heaters for very long. For the limited time that we do need heating, we don’t necessarily need it to be super powerful. Ductless systems are actually perfect for climates like ours–they excel as powerful air conditioners, though can sometimes struggle as heaters when temperatures get too cold. Since the latter doesn’t happen here, it makes a ductless system a great choice.

Read on to learn more about some of the great benefits these systems present, and to learn if a ductless AC installation is right for you and your home.

Signs That You May Need Whole House Repiping

May 2nd, 2022

Do you know how old your plumbing system is? Chances are that if you’re new to your home, you don’t know this—it’s often not revealed in home inspections and it’s not a popular topic among new homebuyers—but it probably should be!

The fact of the matter is, if your home was build in the last 30 years or more, and the plumbing system has never been replaced, then you might need to explore the idea of repiping, which is when a portion or even the whole home has its plumbing pipes replaced.

But how do you know if you really need this service? Are there signs to watch out for?

We’re glad you asked! Yes, there are absolutely signs to watch out for that indicate you’re in need of whole-home repiping. Read on to learn what they are.

Why You Need a Professional for Drain Cleaning

April 18th, 2022

Blurp. Blurp. Blurp.

Bubbles rise slowly to the top of the pooled water above a clogged drain to burst defiantly in your face. Stopped-up drains are a huge pain in the neck, especially the ones that are almost completely sealed off. It can feel like a Herculean effort to get it cleared out again. Instead of risking damage to your pipes, calling a plumber for drain cleaning services ensures the job is done safely and effectively the first time around.

To save money, many people turn to commercial drain cleaners or DIY solutions to clear the drain. However, some of these methods do more harm than good and some just plain won’t work.

Sometimes, the only good way to clear a drain is to call a professional for help. Clogged drains disrupt daily life, emphasizing the inconvenience caused by plumbing issues. Professionals offer comprehensive drain cleaning solutions that address both routine maintenance and emergency situations. Professional drain maintenance can extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. One such method is hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clear out stubborn clogs and debris. Check out the main reasons why you need a professional to clear out your clogged drain.

“Crash! Bang! Boom!” and Other Noises You Don’t Want Your Heater Making

April 4th, 2022

While we may not live in a climate that gets as bitterly cold as other parts of the country, our winters do pack a punch, and you know how important it is to have a powerful and efficient heater in your home. You should also be aware of the warning signs of a heater that’s in disrepair.

When your heater is making strange noises, it’s time to call in a professional to look at it. Sometimes, these noises are just indicators that the heater is about to break down, and other times they can signal something more serious, like a gas leak.

This guide will let you know what to listen for to take care of your heater before it becomes a bigger problem.

How to Detect Leaks: Plumbing Repair Service Guide

March 21st, 2022

In our previ o us blog post, we went over an essential method to prevent plumbing leaks–routine plumbing maintenance. Still though, even with diligent care, there’s still a chance you can experience leaks between routine plumbing maintenance sessions. This week, we’re going to talk about how to find out if you already have a plumbing leak.

Knowing these signs can help you mitigate a much bigger problem–after all, leaks can be silent for a long time before you even notice the damage they’ve caused. Read on to learn more!

What Causes Plumbing Leaks?

Timely plumbing repair is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system. Repairing plumbing issues early on will save money in the long run, as it helps avoid more extensive and costly repairs.

How To Prevent Plumbing Leaks

March 7th, 2022

woman-on-phone-while-investigating-leak-under-sink

One of the most annoying, and yet most common, problems that homeowners face is that of plumbing leaks.

There probably isn’t a homeowner in the area that hasn’t had to deal with at least one minor leak, even if it’s just a drippy sink faucet. This may leave you wondering, though, can you ever prevent a plumbing leak? And if so, how?

Well first, scheduling routine plumbing maintenance so that our professionals can inspect your pipes and make sure they’re in good shape is a great first start. Next, it’s best to avoid chemical drain cleaners… these are actually quite caustic and can eat away at the lining of your pipes, ultimately doing more harm than good. You may also want to consider the importance of professional drain cleaning to ensure long-term protection against buildup that can lead to leaks.

You may still deal with a leak here or there due to wear and tear, but at least you can try your best to avoid some of the most popular leaks such as…