Tag: maintenance

5 Reasons to Get a Furnace Tune-Up in Massachusetts

Sep 27, 2019

5 Reasons to Get a Furnace Tune-Up in Massachusetts

  • Furnaces
  • Heating
  • Maintenance
furnace tune-up in Massachusetts by Milltown

Fall is here, and it’s only a matter of time until we get one of our Northeastern snowstorms. Owning a furnace can keep you warm, but you have to think about whether it can withstand several months of use. Unless you just purchased a new one, your furnace is likely a little worn from sitting inactive for the summer. If you want to ensure your furnace will work this winter, call MillTown to provide a furnace tune-up for your Massachusetts home. By doing this, you’ll know that your furnace will work its best.

Here are five reasons you should schedule a furnace tune-up for your Massachusetts home:

 

Cheaper than a full repair job

Furnace tune-ups will cost you, but they’re less expensive than paying to fix a broken furnace. When we tune-up your furnace, we fix any small problems we find with your furnace. If it weren’t for our tune-up maintenance, these small problems could develop into something that ruins your furnace.

 

Understand your furnace’s health

Tuning up your furnace can help you understand how your furnace is faring. This knowledge can help you decide if you want to get a new furnace. If you schedule your tune-up early this season and decide to make the switch, you’ll also have plenty of time to find a new furnace.

 

Avoid dangerous gas leaks

Poorly-maintained gas furnaces can be dangerous due to the gas they use and produce. Malfunctioning gas furnaces can release carbon monoxide into your house, which is deadly to people and many animals. Also, damaged gas furnaces may leak flammable gas that could lead to a house fire.

 

Extend your furnace’s life

As a major heating system, you should regularly check the furnace to ensure it’s working fine. Poorly-maintained furnaces are prone to wasting energy and dying quicker than usual. Also, unhealthy furnaces are more likely to break down.

 

Higher energy efficiency

The Department of Energy says that about half of an average homeowner’s energy bills come from using a furnace. However, regular maintenance and tune-ups can help you reduce this percentage. By staying vigilant about your furnace’s health, you can avoid mechanical problems that could hamper your furnace’s efficiency. If well-maintained, a furnace can use about 30% less energy than usual.

 

Why call MillTown to keep my furnace running this winter?

MillTown Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business established in 1979. Ever since the company was founded, we’ve stayed true to our commitment to the people of Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire: our licensed and bonded technicians offer honest answers to all of your questions, and we provide cost-effective, permanent solutions to keep your home healthy and safe. That commitment to your satisfaction has guided us for over 35 years of commercial and residential home service, and the result is that homeowners in Northeastern Mass and Southern NH trust us more than anyone else for quality home repairs and emergency service. Call MillTown today to schedule a furnace tune-up for your Massachusetts home!

 

Same Day Service

By Milltown Plumbing

5 Signs You Need Septic System Maintenance in Massachusetts

May 17, 2019

5 Signs You Need Septic System Maintenance in Massachusetts

  • Maintenance
  • Plumbing
leak detection

There are few issues with your home that are more unappealing than a problematic septic system. So many things can cause problems with it, and working with it means getting near raw sewage. Disgusting! Fortunately, the experts at MillTown want to help you know when you have a septic issue. If you know there’s a problem, you can call on us so we can do some septic system maintenance in Massachusetts.

 

Here are five signs that you need to schedule septic system maintenance in Massachusetts:

 

Foul odors

One of the most obvious signs you have a septic problem is if things are starting to stink. It’s not hard to notice the smell of sewage when it’s not in your septic tank. If your septic system is raising a big stink, that’s an obvious sign you need to call the professionals at MillTown Plumbing.

 

Pooling water and greener grass

A big sign something is wrong with your septic system is if you find water where it shouldn’t be. If the septic system needs repair, standing pools of foul-smelling water can show up in your house or in your yard. Similarly, you might notice parts of your lawn are a lot greener as of late. The stuff fertilizing your lawn may seem good, but it’ll kill the grass in the long run.

 

Slower drainage

Are your sinks, tubs, and toilets draining slower? That might be a sign of a clog or blockage in your septic system. These are usually the result of flushing unsafe materials down the toilet or a tree root blocking the sewage lines. Generally the best way to treat these is by pumping the septic tank.

 

Gurgling noises

When you flush your toilet or run water in the sink, is there a gurgling noise? That might be a sign that your septic tank is full and needs to be pumped. There are other things that might cause this issue, but this is the most likely cause.

 

Sewage backups

Definitely one of the more disgusting symptoms of a septic tank problem. If your tank hasn’t been getting regular pumping and maintenance, there’s the possibility of getting raw sewage in your home. Another possible reason sewage is backing up is that your drain field is damaged. Either way, it’s worth calling us to fix it.

 

Why should I choose MillTown to help with my septic tank?

For the last forty years, MillTown has been helping people in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire with their plumbing. We offer a 24/7 live assistance call center to respond to any of your plumbing emergencies. Our uniformed plumbers will arrive with a truck fully stocked with the latest in plumbing technology, ready to make your plumbing like brand new. If you need septic system maintenance in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, call MillTown today and we can make your pipe dreams a reality!

 

Same Day Service

By Milltown Plumbing

The Dangers of an Unmaintained Gas Furnace

Nov 26, 2018

The Dangers of an Unmaintained Gas Furnace

  • Blog
  • Furnaces
Furnace maintenance by MillTown Plumbing

Your furnace is responsible for keeping you and your loved ones warm throughout the fall and winter months. As temperatures drop, we rely more and more on our furnace. Extended use can cause stress for your heating system if it hasn’t been properly maintained. If your furnace is broken or damaged, it can be a safety hazard for your home and loved ones. If you have a gas furnace in your home, it’s essential to know precisely what the dangers are of an unmaintained gas furnace.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that’s a byproduct of burning carbon-based fuel. It can make humans and animals very sick, causing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, and confusion. In high concentrations, it can be fatal.

While all gas furnaces produce a small amount of carbon monoxide, this is usually expelled from the home through the vent system. However, a gas furnace that’s not maintained can produce high levels of carbon monoxide because of the buildup of dirt in the filter or combustion chamber. This can release carbon monoxide into the air supply. At the same time, fractures in the heat exchanger can release the gas. In addition, if the furnace door is damaged and doesn’t close properly, it can cause more carbon monoxide to escape.

Gas Line Leaks

Because gas is combustible, gas line leaks are extremely dangerous. They’re the cause of many home fires and can even cause explosions.

An unmaintained gas furnace might have cracks or holes in the gas lines, and the gas valve might be broken or connections might be loose. Any of these vulnerabilities can be places where gas can escape into your home.

If you smell a bad odor — usually like rotten eggs — and/or hear a hissing sound, you’ve got a gas leak. Evacuate your home immediately, and call the fire department.

Fire Hazard

In addition to gas line leaks, a gas furnace can be a fire hazard for several other reasons. If there are broken parts, the furnace won’t function properly, which could pose a fire risk. Dust and dirt can build up, and when they get hot, they can catch fire. In addition, if there’s clutter within two feet of the furnace, this could be a fire hazard too as it can overheat and ignite.

Always Maintain Your Gas Furnace

Fortunately, you can avoid all of these dangers by properly maintaining your gas furnace. You should regularly — about once a month — inspect it for any visual signs of damage such as dents, cracks, or loose valves. Make sure that the ignition light is burning blue. If it’s yellow or some other color, then there’s a problem with the combustion and you need to have a technician take a look right away. You should also listen for unusual sounds, as they can also indicate damage. Refer to the manual to determine whether the filters need to be replaced or cleaned and how often. For the best and safest results, follow these instructions to the letter.

Finally, make sure to schedule annual maintenance by a qualified technician. This will not only keep your furnace running energy-efficiently and prolong the appliance’s life, but also ensure it’s running properly so it’s safe for you and your family to use.

If your furnace needs maintenance or repair, call MillTown today! Our qualified and trained technicians will have your heating system running safely and efficiently in no time. 

By Milltown Plumbing