Plumbing HVAC & Water Conditioning Blog | MarGo Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Inc.

Furnace Repairs You Probably Didn’t See Coming

February 5th, 2024

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Some furnace repairs are more common than others. Even if you don’t know anything about heating systems, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to hear that there’s an ignition system that lights the fuel, or a blower fan motor that forces air to move. If you were told one of these things needed to be fixed, it wouldn’t come as much of a shock.

But sometimes there’s an unusual situation that causes a problem with your heating system. What kind of furnace repair needs might surprise you? Here are some odd ones that you probably wouldn’t see coming.

How to Keep Your Older Furnace Going for as Long as Possible

January 22nd, 2024

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Wouldn’t it be lovely if your furnace just lasted forever? Unfortunately, there will come a time when it needs to be replaced. If you have a gas furnace, that will happen after about 15 years, and if you have an electric furnace, you can hope for about 20.

Keep in mind, though, that these estimates are based on furnaces which receive maintenance annually. Furnaces that don’t receive maintenance might last half as long.

If your furnace is getting on in age, the prospect of replacement may be looming large in your mind. But replacement is a big cost. Naturally you’d like to put it off for as long as you can. What can you do to keep your older furnace running for as long as possible? We’ve got three tips that can help a whole lot.

The Big Difference Between Tank and Tankless Water Heaters

January 8th, 2024

Once your water heater starts to go, the clock is ticking. If it isn’t working properly and you’ve been taking cold showers, or if it’s starting to rust or leak, it’s only a matter of time before you’ve got a very big problem on your hands. Water damage is no joke! So you’d better get to work on deciding which kind of water heater you want to replace it with.

Tank water heaters are the more traditional option, which you’re probably familiar with. Tankless systems offer some different advantages. And then there are heat pump water heaters. Which is the right choice for you? Here’s some useful information.

How Does Your Heat Pump Water Heater Work?

December 25th, 2023

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You’re probably familiar with electric water heaters and water heaters that use natural gas. You’re accustomed to tank or storage water heaters, and you’ve at least heard of tankless water heater systems. But do you know about heat pump water heaters? If not, you’ll want to stick around to find out more, because they’re amazing. Here’s how they work.

Everything That Goes Into a Boiler Check Up

December 11th, 2023

Boilers are the best! They last longer than any other type of heating system—up to 30 years!—and during those decades, they rarely need repairs. But in order to perform their best, and to make it to that 30-year mark, they do need regular maintenance. Here’s a primer on why boiler maintenance is necessary, what it entails, and how to make it go as smoothly as possible.

Yes, You Do Need to Flush Your Tankless Hot Water Heater

November 27th, 2023

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There are so many benefits to tankless water heater systems. They’re extremely efficient, lowering your utility costs. They’re incredibly effective, and you no longer have to wait for a large tank to heat up between family member’s showers. It can be easy to forget that, just like a tank or storage water heater, they still do need maintenance.

The maintenance that water heaters of either type receive includes flushing the system. Why do water heaters need to be flushed? Do tankless systems need flushing, too? Yes, they do, and we’ll tell you exactly why.

Can That Old Gas Furnace Be Repaired, or Is It Time to Replace It?

November 13th, 2023

As the cold weather sets in, you need your gas furnace to be reliable. If it’s having trouble, or might need a major repair, it’s time to make a very important decision. After all, the last thing you want is to have it break down and need to be replaced in January, when you need it the most.

Before you get into an emergency situation, assess your heating system. Is your old gas furnace worth repairing? Or have you reached a point where investing in repairs is a waste of money? Do you need a new furnace?

Why You Might Want to Check Up on Your AC’s Outdoor Unit

October 16th, 2023

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It might not be what you want to think about just now, but in the grand scheme of things, it won’t be all that long before snow flies again. There are probably a lot of things you need to get done before that happens. We’ve got a recommendation for one more thing to put on your list.

Your air conditioner worked hard all summer, keeping your home comfortable for you and your family. Before you simply forget about it for several months until you need it again, make sure it’s doing okay. Your AC’s outdoor unit bears the brunt of both the hard work and the risks to the system, especially this time of year. Let’s give it a once-over.

Critical Plumbing Emergency Tips

October 2nd, 2023

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It’s easy to panic in an emergency. In our frantic urgency, we can make things worse, or take too long to take simple steps that mitigate the damage. In a plumbing emergency, that time could mean the difference between a minor mess and a flooded bathroom.

Knowing what steps you should take can make your reaction time much faster and help you avoid missteps. Familiarize yourself with these tips, and the next time you have a plumbing emergency, you’ll be better prepared to do what’s necessary.

Why Your Outdoor AC Unit Isn’t Draining Properly

September 18th, 2023

Air conditioners create condensation. Just like droplets drawn from hot humid air onto the surface of an ice-cold glass, condensation forms from moisture in the air against the ice-cold evaporator coils of your AC unit. The drainage system that allows this moisture to be safely collected rather than causing puddles and water damage is a very important part of your air conditioner. It’s a huge bother when your AC unit’s drainage system isn’t working properly! Let’s get to the bottom of your drainage problem.