Advantages of McQuillan’s Home Care Club

advantages of McQuillan Bros home care services - St Paul MN

Advantages of McQuillan's Home Care Club 

Spending your time and money fixing your water heater, HVAC system, or plumbing is not how many homeowners like to spend their spare time. To ensure that your home operates at its best, Minnesota’s Orignal Home Service company recommends joining McQuillan Bro’s Home Care Club. In this article, we share the advantages of McQuillan’s Home Care Club.

By subscribing to the McQuan Brothers’ home maintenance service, you will ensure your mechanical systems remain safe, functional, and running smoothly year-round. Additionally, Home Care Club members can receive preferential scheduling and discounted prices on repairs. When it comes to plumbing, you can never go wrong using McQuan Bros. advantages of McQuillan Bros home care services - St Paul MN

What is The Home Care Club?

McQuillan Bros Home Care Club is a discount membership for homeowners in Minnesota. It’s designed to safeguard your home by saving you money on heating, cooling, and plumbing repairs. When you become a member of the Home Care Club, you’ll reap the benefits of: 
  • Three Scheduled Annual Visits
  • Heating Unit Inspection
  • Air Conditioning Inspection
  • Plumbing Inspection
  • Priority Scheduling
  • Exclusive Member Discount

Why McQuillan’s Home Care Club

Reduced Repair Costs & Emergency Home Services

As you probably know, HVAC systems, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures require upkeep. Just like a car does. It’s one of the downfalls of being a homeowner. But our Home Care Club makes home maintenance a breeze. We believe that our customers are everything. Building life-long relationships with our customers is a top priority of ours. When you properly service your home’s systems, you will undoubtedly reduce the repair costs and emergency services needed.

Prolonged Equipment Life

Hiring a professional for HVAC services or a water heater can be expensive. Therefore, servicing your equipment is a must. When our contractors come out for maintenance, our Twin Cities contractors will ensure that your equipment is up to factory standards. Our friends at Gilmore HVAC, a heating and cooling company in Placerville, agree that most manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance to keep the warranty intact.  AC installation Roseville MN

Lower Energy Costs

Customers who choose to be a part of the Home Care Club enjoy lower energy bills due to the increased efficiency. You can count on meticulous cleanup and a dependable follow-through when you choose McQuillan Bros. If you’re interested in joining our Home Care Club, contact McQuillan Bros today! 

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Common Home Boiler Problems

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Common Home Boiler Problems 2021

As a Twin City homeowner, you know how the weather can turn on a dime. The best way for homeowners to prepare for below-freezing temperatures is to stay on top of their routine maintenance. A professional boiler maintenance program is designed to spot potential boiler problems, ensure safety, and improve heating efficiency. Unfortunately, even well-maintained boilers can cause problems from time to time. When your facing boiler problems, you should call a boiler repair service in Saint Paul. Our trusted and certified-trained technicians are happy to help. Below, we explore common home boiler problems many homeowners face.

Boiler Diagnosis

Boiler diagnoses vary with the type of appliance, age, and usage, but there are a few repairs that consistently crop up over the life of Minnesota boiler systems. Before winter gets the best of you, keep these prospective boiler repairs on your radar—and keep McQuillan Bros on your speed dial.

3 Symptoms of Boiler Trouble

Boiler Leaks 

One of the most common issues for steam and hot water boiler owners is leaking. Leaks generally spring from a few different places: broken seals or valves, poorly soldered fittings, or corroded tanks. Remedies may include resealing the boiler pump, replacing a valve, removing tank debris, or replacing the entire unit.

Boiler’s Lime Scale

 Mineral buildup restricts water flow, causes boiler pressure valves to malfunction, decreases efficiency, and leads to “kettling.” (As lime deposits restrict water flow, your boiler may sound like a kettle rattling on the stove.) In some cases, limescale inflicts severe damage on your boiler’s interior, so routine flushing and descaling are essential. You may also need to install a water treatment system to protect the integrity of your boiler for seasons to come.

Boiler Has a Cold Radiator

Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, an HVAC company in Placerville, agree that even when your boiler is heating water properly, trapped air, a faulty pump, or a bad thermostat may cause radiators to malfunctioning. If your radiator isn’t heating, don’t troubleshoot the problem on your own. Call a professional trained in the safe handling of steam and hot water boiler repair in Ramsey County. DIY boiler repairs could lead to scalding, gas exposure, or water damage.

Heat Check Minneapolis

McQuillan Bros Home Care Club: Your Answer to 2021 Comfort

While the forecast may keep you guessing, your home climate shouldn’t. At McQuillan Brothers, we keep boilers and heating systems running safely and efficiently, all winter long—so you can weather whatever Minnesota throws at you. Did you know we offer an affordable Home Care Club that pays for itself in one or two visits? As a club member, you’ll sit back and leave the scheduling to us. We’ll remind you when it’s time for your annual heating visit and prioritize your schedule so you won’t be left waiting. To join the Home Care Club in Washington, Hennepin, or Ramsey counties, call 651.243.4002 today. To request boiler repair service in Saint Paul, contact us, and a member of our family-owned company will reach out to schedule an appointment. Editor’s note: This post was originally published in January 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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What is a High-Velocity HVAC System?

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What is a High-Velocity HVAC System?

Are you tired of your old HVAC unit not working? A high-velocity HVAC system may be just what you need for your St. Paul, MN home. Our HVAC professionals share everything you need to know about replacing your unit with a high-velocity HVAC system

How a High-Velocity System Works

In principle, a high-velocity HVAC system works in just the same way as the traditional HVAC systems. A compressor or heat pump located outside your Twin Peaks, MN home supplies the cool or heated air, which then moves through a system of ducts to every room in your home. However, that is just about all there is for the similarities between high-velocity systems and the traditional HVAC systems. High-velocity air conditioning systems rely on smaller tubing to deliver conditioned air to all parts of a home. This tubing is flexible and is approximately 2-inches wide and has a vent that is 5-inches in diameter. In comparison, traditional ductwork is much wider and has vents.  The high-velocity air handler pumps the cool or hot air under high pressure to the vents. Because of the high pressure at which the conditioned air travels, it can circulate a room a lot faster than the air from a traditional HVAC system. Ultimately, you can cool or heat your home much faster if you have a high-velocity HVAC system.

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High-Velocity HVAC Systems for New Construction and Retrofits

Air conditioning replacement MN professionals assert that high-velocity HVAC systems are not only ideal for new construction; they are also great for retrofitting into an existing home. In new construction, it is very easy to integrate the high-velocity system into the home’s design. Similarly, the smaller and flexible tubing of high-velocity air conditioning makes these systems a breeze to retrofit into your existing home. Obstacles, such as studs in walls, can be worked around since the tubing can bend around those existing elements in the wall or floor.  These attributes make installing high-velocity HVAC systems affordable, as your air conditioning St. Paul technician will tell you. 

The Advantages of a High-Velocity HVAC System

Easy installation. As already mentioned, a high-velocity system is easy to install since the small and flexible tubing can be maneuvered around obstacles. This ease of installation means less disruption of your home (no dismantling walls and ceilings, for example), and it is much cheaper to install than replacing the ducts and vents. Better aesthetics. The smaller vents of high-velocity HVAC systems are less noticeable, and they can be tucked away out of sight. Many St. Paul homeowners prefer high-velocity HVAC systems for this reason. Lower operating costs. Since the high-velocity heating and air conditioning typically warms or cools your Twin Peaks home a lot faster than other systems, it runs for a shorter amount of time. Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, an AC company in Placerville, agree that high-velocity systems use less energy and reduce your overall energy costs. One unit is sufficient for a home. If you have been relying on multiple wall-mounted AC units to cool or heat your home, you will be pleased to learn that just one high-velocity unit can get the job done. AC installation Roseville MN

Potential Drawbacks of High-Velocity HVAC Systems

Installation could be time-consuming. We mentioned that our St. Paul, MN HVAC technicians can install a high-velocity system without tearing down the drywall, but that also means that the installers would be working “blind” since they have no way of knowing what’s behind the walls. Unexpected obstacles can slow down the installation process, but luckily, the tubing flexibility means that no obstacle will be substantial enough to derail the installation process. Some systems are noisier than others. If you don’t work with an experienced professional from McQuillan Bros when selecting a high-velocity air conditioning system, you could end up with a unit that emits a lot more noise than your old AC unit. We ensure that we select models with noise-attenuation features so that your home is as quiet as you want it while the AC is running. As you can see, the benefits of high-velocity air conditioning systems greatly outweigh the drawbacks. However, since each home is different, it is best to talk to one of our experts at McQuillan Bros to assess your specific needs and recommend the best course of action. Contact us today to learn more about our high-velocity HVAC system for your home!

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Energy Saving Tips for Your AC unit

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Energy Saving Tips for Your AC Unit

A well functioning AC unit is an essential part of enjoying the comfort of your house. You probably already know that running the AC all day long can cost a pretty penny. In this article, our St Paul air conditioning technicians share energy saving tips for your AC unit

Stay on Top of Your AC Maintenance

Many St. Paul homeowners undergo AC maintenance every quarter. Air conditioning maintenance is recommended because it helps prevent problems from arising and increases your unit’s lifespan. 
Any St. Paul air conditioning company will tell you that an old AC unit that goes without maintenance is more likely to drive up your energy bills. This is usually because the unit has to work twice as hard to produce cool air. Like a car, you must stay on top of maintenance if you don’t want it to break down. If your AC unit is making noises or your energy bills are higher than normal, contact the best AC company in St. Paul. Our HVAC technicians will assess the problem and find you the best solution. If it turns out that you need an air conditioning replacement, we’ll give you a free estimate so you can make an informed decision. 

Use a Fan 

Running your AC unit all day can be costly. You can cut down on the amount of energy spent by using a fan. A simple ceiling fan can reduce ambient temperatures inside your home by up to 10 degrees while only using 10% of the energy used by the AC. 
Currently, technology allows you to install a smart fan that can be operated through an app on your phone. This allows you to schedule their activity, set the speed, and eventually cut down on the amount of money you spend on your energy bills. 

Close the Blinds 

It might only seem natural to open up your windows when the temperatures get too hot. However, this only allows the sun to heat up your thermostat. A heated thermostat will keep your AC system on, which leads to more energy wastage. Closing the blinds and insulating your windows makes it easier to keep the sun out of your home and the cool air in. 

Place the Thermostat on the Right Wall 

Our friends at Gilmore Heating and Air, an air conditioning company in Placerville, agree that your thermostat’s location is important in determining how well your AC unit works. It allows the AC to come on when the temperatures rise and turn off when the temperatures reduce. Therefore, it is important for you to find a wall with the least interference for your thermostat. Place it away from any heat source such as the sun. If you need help relocating your thermostat or have any questions, you can always give McQuillan Bros a call!

Contact an HVAC Company in MN

Your AC unit is what makes the Minneapolis heatwaves a lot less hot. Therefore, it helps make sure that your AC unit is in its best condition. You can trust McQuillan Bros to provide you with the best HVAC service in St Paul, MN. Contact us today to learn more. 

Emergency HVAC Services

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Emergency HVAC Services in Minnesota

If you live in Minnesota, you know how extreme temperatures can get. Whether you’re experiencing freezing temperatures or one of our famous heatwaves, know that you can always count on McQuillan Bros when things go wrong.  When an HVAC emergency arises, our trained professionals will respond promptly and get your HVAC system back to normal.
At McQuillan Bros, we are available round the clock because we know that heating and cooling problems can develop at any time of the day or night. So, feel free to call about our emergency HVAC services.

Trust McQuillan Bros for All Emergency HVAC Repairs

  • We always give our clients upfront explanations of their HVAC problems. The costs are no different. We will let you know the cost of your HVAC repairs before we start.
  • We don’t levy an overtime charge regardless of the day or time when you call for our help.
  • We guarantee our repairs and always do the job right the first time.
  • Our technicians are licensed and go about their work in a courteous and expeditious way.
  • We are a trusted company for all heating, cooling, furnace, and plumbing issues in Minnesota.

Factors That Trigger Emergency HVAC Situations

HVAC emergencies can be inconvenient, costly, and very disruptive. Our plumbing and HVAC technicians advise that you take note of the following conditions that could lead to an HVAC emergency.

Improper Preventive Maintenance

Most emergency calls that our staff at McQuillan Bros attend to in Twin Peaks and St. Paul, MN, are connected to lack of proper maintenance.
For example, when filters aren’t changed as recommended, or fluid levels aren’t assessed by a professional periodically, the system may fail.
We, therefore, recommend that you work with a trusted HVAC company in St. Paul, MN, like McQuillan Bros, so that your heating and cooling system can be maintained appropriately. 

Inexperienced Service

Many HVAC service and repair tasks can only be performed by an experienced professional. For example, not many homeowners have the skills or even the tools needed to check the electrical components of an air conditioning unit in order to confirm that their current draw is within the parameters set by the equipment manufacturer.
When air conditioning repairs and service tasks are performed by an inexperienced person, the chances of an HVAC emergency are high. It is quite easy to make a small mistake that costs you big time. 
For this reason, we recommend that you find a local St. Paul air conditioning maintenance professionals to do the job. This will ensure that your HVAC system is working at its best when you need it most.

Outdated Systems

As a heating and cooling system ages, it becomes increasingly prone to frequent breakdowns and emergencies. If you notice that you are making more frequent emergency calls to HVAC St. Paul, MN professionals, think about the 50% rule. 
We asked our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, an emergency HVAC company in Sacramento, to explain the 50% rule. This rule states that the moment the cost of repairing your heating and cooling system is estimated at half its current value, it is time to upgrade to a newer unit. Don’t worry, McQuillan Bros will help you to select and install the most suitable HVAC unit for your needs.
If you have been spending a lot of money on HVAC emergencies, contact McQuillan Bros today. Our experienced team of HVAC professionals will help get your HVAC system back up and running again. At McQuillan Bros, we offer free, no-obligation HVAC estimates. So, if you need an air conditioning repair or an air conditioning replacement, you can count on us to get the job done right. 

One Hot Room: Why is One Room Always Hotter?

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One Hot Room: Why is One Room Always Hotter?

At McQuillan Bros, we often receive calls from St. Paul and Twin Peaks, MN homeowners complaining that they have one room that is hotter than others. So, why is one room always hotter? As our HVAC St. Paul MN technicians explain why you might be experiencing one hot room in the house. 

Possible Culprit #1: Undersized HVAC Equipment

Before any air conditioning system is installed, a technician performs a heat load calculation. This evaluation is necessary for choosing the correct AC unit size for the home.
However, the heat load in the home often changes as the years roll by, and this can cause a previously appropriate HVAC system to be too small for the new demand placed upon it. For example, when you install additional appliances that generate heat, the added heat load may tip the balance of the AC unit from correctly sized to undersized.
You have a number of options to consider if a plumbing and heating St. Paul MN professional finds that the HVAC system is undersized. These include using ceiling fans, limiting heat-generating appliances, sealing all doors and windows, or even replacing the inadequate HVAC system with a correctly sized one.

Possible Culprit #2: Warm Air Rising Naturally

Our experienced professionals at McQuillan Bros explain that for multi-level homes, it isn’t uncommon for the entire upper floor to be hotter than the rooms downstairs. This happens largely because the denser, cool air sinks to the lowest level of the home. Heat tends to rise to the top.
One hot room is common in Minneapolis. St. Paul HVAC technicians suggest that you improve the attic insulation, install a ventilation fan within the attic, adjust the vents and dampers. In the most extreme circumstances, install an HVAC system dedicated to serving the upper floor of your home. Before you install an additional air conditioning system, consult McQuillan Bros so that we recommend the best course of action.

Possible Culprit #3: Leaky Ductwork

Over time, the sealing on the ductwork in your home can deteriorate. If this deterioration is particularly pronounced in the ducts leading to a specific room, you may notice that the temperature there will be hotter than in the rest of the house.
Before you jump to any conclusions in this regard, invite our St. Paul air conditioning repair professionals. We will quickly identify any leaks and seal them. While sealing or insulating ducts isn’t a guarantee that the hotter room will now be more comfortable, the overall performance of the HVAC system will benefit when the leaky ducts are fixed.

Possible Culprit #4: Inappropriate Thermostat Placement

Another common reason for a room that is too hot is the poor location of the thermostat. While many homeowners may think that the HVAC system has temperature sensors located throughout a home, the truth is that the system relies on just a single sensor found inside the thermostat.
For that reason, any thermostat placed in a wrong location, such as near a window or a heat source, will send inaccurate data to the system. Ultimately, making one or more rooms in the home hotter than the rest.
It is therefore imperative that you contact McQuillan Bros. Our professionals will examine your thermostat and adjust the location if needed. 

Possible Culprit #5: Overdue Adjustments on Vents and Dampers

The HVAC system of your home may have become unbalanced and the dampers, as well as the vents, now need to be adjusted to address the imbalance. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, an AC company in Sacramento, adds that most cases of unbalanced systems arise when a room is being used for something different.
For example, if you converted a bedroom into an office, it’s likely that the new space is generating more heat due to the computer wires. If you try to adjust the dampers and vents on your own and no change happens, call an HVAC company in St. Paul, MN professional for help.

Still Unsure About Your Hot Room?

Each home is unique, so we recommend calling an air conditioning professional. At McQuillan Bros, our trained HVAC technicians will quickly inspect the ac system and identify all points of weakness contributing to the uneven cooling. We will provide you with cost-effective solutions, regardless if you need an air conditioning repair or an air conditioning replacement.

Pros and Cons of Ductless AC Systems

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Pros and Cons of Ductless AC Systems

Are you considering a ductless mini-split system to cool your home or business premises? The air conditioning experts at McQuillan Bros in St. Paul MN say the suitability of these systems varies from person to person. So, the HVAC experts at McQuillan Bros explore the pros and cons of ductless AC systems to help you make an informed decision.

The Pros of Ductless AC Systems

Energy Efficiency

Homes with ducted central air conditioning systems lose about 25% of the energy they use to inefficiencies in the network of ducts. Heat loss may be due to limited insulation, duct leaks, etc.
Additionally, further energy efficiency stems from the way ductless ACs regulate the working of their compressors. These components slow down or speed up based on the present need, unlike the compressors of central air conditioning systems that cycle on and off, thereby using a lot of energy during the startup phase of the unit.

Easy to Install

Since ductless AC units don’t require a network of ducts, it is a lot easier to install these systems in homes and business premises. For example, your ac technician may only need to drill a small hole through an exterior wall. This work can be completed in a few hours, unlike a central air conditioning system that requires a week or more to install.

Less Noisy

Another key benefit of having a ductless air conditioning system in your home is that the days of a noisy AC will be no more. The advanced features and compact design of ductless ACs make them with barely a sound. The unit will also be less visible than your old central AC unit.

Longer System Life

We mentioned earlier that ductless air conditioning units work by slowing down or speeding up the compressor as conditions change in your home. This mode of operation doesn’t wear out the system in the same way as the stop-start-stop cycling. This longer service life means that you will get even more value from your investment in the system.

The Cons of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

High Upfront Cost

One of the biggest possible drawbacks of ductless air conditioning systems is the high upfront cost a customer has to incur to acquire a unit. For example, air conditioning St. Paul technicians say that it isn’t uncommon for a homeowner to spend double or even triple on a ductless system for the entire home in comparison to what a similarly sized central air conditioning system would have cost.
However, the superior efficiency of ductless systems means that you will save more on energy bills. So, the upfront cost shouldn’t really put you off unless your technician from McQuillan Bros recommends otherwise.

Strict Maintenance Requirements

Although all HVAC units need to follow maintenance recommendations in order to ensure the longevity of the unit, ductless mini splits require a little more maintenance.
The Sacramento HVAC professionals at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing add that it is required that you clean the air filters on a monthly basis. This is because ductless ACs are less forgiving when this basic task is neglected. The high cost of correcting the defects which may result when proper maintenance isn’t done can put off some potential customers.

Limited Design Options

Some people may also find fault with the limited color options (beige or white) in which these units come. However, as more manufacturers come on board, air conditioning replacement MN experts say variety will follow and each customer will find what suits them.

When Are Ductless AC Systems Highly Recommended?

Ductless air conditioning units are the clear favorites in the following circumstances:

  • Home additions, such as when you build an extra bedroom or sunroom on your home.
  • When you downsize the AC system, for example when you want to cut the air conditioning to rooms that are no longer in use (once kids go to college, for example).
  • Addressing conflicting/multiple needs within the home. For instance, if one person prefers less cooling at night while other people want the temperature really low, a ductless system can effortlessly address those zoning needs.
  • Retrofitting ACs in buildings without existing ductwork.
  • Addressing cooling or heating shortcomings in particular sections of a property (one hot room)

Everyone’s heating and colling preferences are different, which is why you should contact McQuillan Bros for professional HVAC advice. Our HVAC techs will access your HVAC needs and recommend the best HVAC systems for your Twin Peaks or St. Paul MN home. Interested in saving on the best HVAC services in Minneapolis, check out our Home Care Club.

When to Replace Your Central AC Unit

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When to Replace Your Central AC Unit

Air conditioning systems are a necessary investment. Unfortunately, they don’t last forever. Even if you stay on top of your air conditioning maintenance, a time will come when you’ll need an AC replacement. But, how can you know the time is up? The air conditioning replacement MN professionals share how you know when to replace your central AC unit.

The Age of Your AC Unit

Our experienced air conditioning technicians estimate that AC units last for approximately 10-15 years. The expected lifespan of AC units is therefore one of the important factors that determine when those units should be replaced.
As your air conditioning unit becomes older, its efficiency drops significantly. For example, while the average AC energy consumption maybe 44 percent of your monthly utility bill, an inefficient unit will require a lot more energy.
Additionally, older AC units use a refrigerant called R22. Due to environmental concerns, this particular refrigerant is being phased out. It will, therefore, be harder and more costly for you to maintain your older unit.
The professionals at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, an air conditioning company in Placerville, agree that if your unit is close to or even older than 10 years, now may be the time to talk to McQuillan Bros about a replacement.

Excessive Dust and Noise

If you can’t seem to have a dust-free home despite all the effort devoted to cleaning the house, your air conditioning system may be to blame. You may have a problem with the indoor coil. This is commonly known to cause dust to circulate in your home.
An overly noisy AC unit may also be a sign of an overdue air conditioning replacement. Component wear, inadequate maintenance, and the normal aging process may have caused the unit to emit abnormal noises as it works. Consult your St. Paul air conditioning repair technician for advice about the viability of repairing or replacing this noisy unit.

AC Maintenance Costs are Skyrocketing

If you’re on the fence about replacing your AC unit, pay attention to the following costs.
First, we at McQuillan Bros recommend that you analyze the energy costs incurred while you use the air conditioning system. If the bills are getting higher without any change in your usage habits, then it is likely that your system is inefficient. Our AC professionals are more than happy to take a look at your AC unit to see if an AC repair or AC replacement is in your best interest. 
Secondly, how much have you been spending on AC repair? How frequently have you had to call St. Paul air conditioning repair professionals to fix a defect with the system? If maintenance costs have been going up, then you should consider replacing your central AC unit. You’ll be able to enjoy reliable and energy-efficient cooling.  

Humidity and Cooling Inconsistencies

Under normal circumstances, an AC system removes humidity and provides uniform cooling throughout a home or business premises. However, you may be unable to enjoy these benefits if a defect exists in the air conditioning system. Find out from McQuillan Bros if it is wise to repair or replace your AC unit. 
If you are concerned about the upfront cost of replacing the air conditioning unit, then remember that you may qualify for state and municipal rebates for upgrading to a more efficient AC unit. The improved efficiency of a new unit will make your investment worthwhile and any rebates you qualify for will be the icing on the cake.
If you have are experiencing any problems with your air conditioning system, contact McQuillan Bros. We are more than happy to help you any HVAC or plumbing problems. Contact us today!

Common Plumbing Problems

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Common Plumbing Problems in St. Paul

Plumbing problems are a property owner’s worse nightmare. Things are bound to break eventually, which is why so many homeowners in St. Paul turn to McQuillan Bros for their emergency plumbing services. Our plumbing team is here to resolve any plumbing issues day or night. Here are some of the plumbing emergencies that our emergency plumbers in Minneapolis address on a routine basis.

An Overflowing Toilet

This is one of the worst plumbing mishaps that any homeowner can ever face because of the unhygienic mess, the water damage, and the inconvenience of being unable to use the toilet when you need to.
24/7 Emergency plumbers in St. Paul, MN, recommend that you quickly locate and shut off the inflowing water at the valve located at the back of the toilet. Thereafter, contact McQuillan Bros immediately so that this problem can be resolved quickly.
As you wait for our help, use towels to soak up the water that had overflown. This will protect your flooring from sustaining water damage.

Your Wedding Ring Drops Down the Drain

You’d be surprised to see how many wedding rings end up down the drain. Don’t panic. We understand how important these pieces of jewelry are and will work extra hard to make sure you get back your precious piece of jewelry. 
Until then, Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, an HVAC and plumbing company in Sacramento, says to avoid pouring any water down the drain. Doing so could send the ring tumbling down the drainpipe, and it will be harder to recover if it goes beyond the p-trap.

Burst Sewer or Water Lines

Our emergency plumbers in Minneapolis are often called to respond to this emergency during the colder months of the year. Sewer and water pipes can freeze over and burst during winter due to the extreme pressure exerted upon their walls by the ice inside the pipes.
Don’t try to resolve this plumbing emergency on your own. Instead, find the main shutoff valve and cut the water supply to the home until one of our emergency plumbers at McQuillan Bros gets to you after receiving an emergency call from you.

Blocked Sewer Lines

A sewer line in your Saint Paul, MN home, may be blocked if you notice that several drains aren’t working properly. Blocked vents can also result in system-wide drainage problems. If you notice gurgling in drains, or water pools around floor drains, contact McQuillan Bros immediately.
You may have a blocked sewer line on your property, and sewage could soon backup inside your home. One of our emergency plumbers will quickly restore normalcy to your Twin Peaks home before things get out of hand.

Water Heater Malfunctions

Imagine stepping into the shower on a cold winter afternoon, and after soaping up with your favorite body wash, you turn the shower handle only to receive a jet of ice-cold water.
This scenario often plays out when something has gone amiss with your water heater, and this qualifies as a plumbing emergency because hot water is an absolute necessity during winter. A plumber from McQuillan Bros will rush to your residence to do a full inspection. Sometimes, the problem may be with the municipal utility company, so it is important that you contact a professional. If the problem is traced outside your property, then the utility company may take charge of fixing it.
When you’re experiencing a plumbing crisis, you call McQuillan Bros. We have seen just about every plumbing problem there is. We’ve served generations of customers over the course of our century-old legacy. Homeowners and property managers trust us as their go-to plumbing company in Minneapolis. If you have any questions about common plumbing problems or are experiencing a plumbing emergency, contact us today.

AC Maintenance Tips

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5 AC Maintenance Tips for Better System Performance

With summer days getting as hot as they do in Minnesota, a properly working air conditioner is crucial for ensuring comfort within your home. To prevent your HVAC system from breaking on you during a summer heatwave, you’ll need to stay on top of your air conditioning maintenance. Here are some simple yet effective ac maintenance tips that the HVAC professionals at McQuillan Bros recommend for homeowners in Twin Peaks and Minneapolis, MN. 

Change the Air Filters in Your Home

The air filters in your St. Paul home are intended to trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants from the air circulating inside your home.
Over time, the dust, pollen, and dander in the filter build up. You will need periodically replace your air filters so that the air can continue to flow throughout your home. If you do not replace your air filters as recommended, your air conditioning unit works twice as hard to cool your home. St. Paul air conditioning repair professionals at McQuillan Bros, recommend that you change the air filters once each month.

Clear Vegetation Around the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor ac unit relies on adequate airflow around it in order to function well. Tree branches, shrubs, tall grass, and other forms of vegetation impede this airflow and compel the unit to do a lot more work than it should.
The Sacramento HVAC professionals at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing recommend clearing away any overgrown vegetation close to the outdoor unit. A clearance of about 2-3 feet is sufficient for optimal AC performance.

Check and Clear the Drain Line

As the HVAC unit in your St. Paul MN home works, condensation forms in the condenser and collects in the drain pan beneath this component. A drain line channels that moisture away and out of the house.
However, algae and other substances can accumulate in the drain pan or drain line, causing a clog to form. Some AC units will automatically turn themselves off when moisture isn’t draining away from the drain pan. Others without this safety feature will continue working, and the excess moisture will spill into the ceiling, floor, or walls. If this happens, you’ll notice some water damage.
It is therefore advisable for you to check the drain line every season and clean it so that the flow of water isn’t impeded. A wet/dry vacuum can easily unclog the drain line. You can also try running some bleach solution through this line once a month. The bleach will kill any mold that may have started growing inside the line.

Switch to a Programmable Thermostat

Our HVAC professionals at McQuillan Bros have noticed an increasing amount of people switch to programmable thermostats. Those who opt out of programmable thermostats often shorten their systems service life and pay more in energy costs. 
For example, why would you leave the AC running all day while you are away at work? Switching to a programmable thermostat allows you to input the different temperature settings for different times of the day. So, your AC will automatically adjust itself in accordance with those preset preferences.
Our St. Paul air conditioning repair technicians can even help you to select a smart thermostat. If you want to control your air conditioning remotely and save energy, a smart thermostat is a perfect way to go!

Schedule Professional Maintenance

As a homeowner, you can only do so much to keep your AC system running efficiently. Some needed maintenance tasks, such as checking the electrical and mechanical components, can only be done by an experienced HVAC professional.
For this reason, we strongly recommend that you contact McQuillan Bros if you live in Minneapolis, Twin Peaks, and St. Paul, MN areas. Our highly experienced HVAC professionals will check and service your AC twice a year. Contact us today for the best ac maintenance in Minnesota