If I am going to replace my old gas-guzzler furnace, do I need to replace it with the same BTU capacity?
In most cases the answer is ‘no’, you won't need as large of a furnace. With today's furnaces obtaining 80% to 90%  and more in efficiency you don't need to spend the extra dollars on the larger units. Some of the older units waste as much as half of their heat by sending it up the flue.   A Maitz Home Services comfort specialist can help you in deciding what system is right for your home.

How will I know it's time to replace my system?
That’s easy when your system starts giving problems, and the problems are not cost effective to repair. But newer equipment is more energy efficient and there may be a case made for replacing your system before it breaks. For more detail, download our free "Homeowners Report" from the home page. You can also call and speak to a Maitz Home Services comfort specialist who will evaluate your system for efficiency, integrity and safety.  Then, if a new system is right for you we will present a number of options that will fit your budget and your lifestyle.

Is there anything I need to do to get my heating system ready for winter?
Most heating systems are very reliable and will provide you with comfortable heat when you need it…providing you take good care of the system.  Maitz Home Services highly recommends that your furnace system be cleaned and inspected by one of our professional technicians every year before the cold harsh winter sets in.  One of the biggest killers in the home is carbon monoxide.  Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be emitted by your furnace. Even low levels of carbon monoxide have been shown to be dangerous to all especially those with heart and lung disease, the elderly, pregnant woman, and children. Carbon monoxide poisoning produces flu-like symptoms, headache, sore throat, rapid heart beats, memory loss, thinking difficulties, and sensitivity to light, sound, smell, etc.  As the seasons change you are going to close your house up tight and ask your furnace to work hard all winter long.   Trust the pros at Maitz Home Services to give you peace of mind that your furnace is ready to keep your family safe and warm.

What causes cracks to form in a gas furnace heat exchanger?
In the normal course of a gas furnace operation, the heat exchanger experiences repeated heating and cooling, which causes a corresponding expansion and contraction of the heat exchanger metal.  As the heat exchanger ages over the years cracks will tend to form in areas of the heat exchanger that are weak, such as the areas that have been welded together.  More weak spots and holes will form as a result of corrosion.  Corrosion of the heat exchanger often signifies problems with the exhaust venting.  The annual Maitz Home Services Heating Protection Plan will assure you that your furnace is running safely and as efficient as possible.

How long should a central air conditioner last?
The useful "life" of an air conditioner can vary greatly. Such factors as climate, maintenance care, and quality and capacity of the original equipment can increase or decrease the service a system will give by months or even years. On the average, a residential central air conditioner will last from ten to fifteen years.  The Maitz Home Services Central Air Conditioning Protection Plan includes an annual inspection and cleaning of your system to assure you are kept cool and comfortable all summer long.

How Serious Is Indoor Air Pollution?  What solutions can Maitz Home Services offer?
Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution also can have significant harmful effects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels.   At Maitz Home Services we can help you control the quality of your indoor air by offering many humidification, dehumidification and filtration options.

We have a heating oil system.  Can these systems be ‘tuned up’?
Yes!  If you heat your home with oil, you may be able to save over $400 per year in energy costs by having your heating system tuned up. Regular maintenance and servicing will keep your boiler operating at peak efficiency.   Maitz Home Services offers an Oil System Maintenance Tune Up Plan to assure that your system is running at peak efficiency all winter long.

Can I upgrade my heating oil system?
Yes.  In addition, new oil heat technologies are available as equipment retrofits to existing heating systems and as new high efficiency furnaces and boilers.  They require considerably less oil to provide heat and they reduce the release of harmful pollutants.  Maitz Home Services can help you upgrade your heating oil system and save you energy dollars.

I currently heat with oil. What are the benefits of converting to natural gas?
If you heat with oil, you could be experiencing unpredictable oil deliveries, highly fluctuating oil prices, high cost of maintaining heating oil systems, leaky oil tanks and the costs of clean up and in some cases sooty walls, furniture and carpeting.  Heating with natural gas offers many advantages including reliable supplies, stable rates, higher fuel efficiencies and a cleaner fuel byproduct.   Switching to natural gas is simple and affordable.  Maitz Home Services can help match the right system for your home and turn more of your energy dollars into comfortable, warm natural gas heat.
 

How do I know if I have a broken water line outside my house?
A broken water line out in the yard may include an excessively high water bill, puddles in your yard or the faint hissing sound of running water. This noise is very deceiving due to the fact that water is such a good conductor of sound.  Maitz Home Services can evaluate the origin and location of underground leaks. Then with our Trenchless Technology, replace the culprit and in many instances you'll never know we were there.

Most jams are due to underpowered motors, and slow speeds. Our disposals use a magnetic induction motor, that will get up to full speed in one revolution. This has been found to eliminate jam-ups. In fact that's guaranteed!  Maitz Home Services can usually fix a jammed up garbage disposal.  If we can’t, then the unit will probably need to be replaced.  Our expert technicians can give you the best advice and make quick work of it to get you grinding again!

Will Maitz Home Services install a new sink or plumbing fixture in my home or is this something best left to a professional?
Many homeowners are very capable of handling these kinds of jobs by themselves.  Some of the bigger home centers even show you how.  However, our experience has shown that some projects are better left to the professionals.  Yes, we’ve gotten more than a few calls from customers ‘stuck’ in the middle of a project.  Maitz Home Services provides custom builder quality installation and upgrades of sinks, toilets, laundry tubs, laundry hook ups, bath tubs, whirlpool tubs, showers, all kinds of faucets, garbage disposals and more.

What is the most common reason for sump pump failure?
The leading cause for sump pump to failure is usually a switching problem. Sometimes the pump can move inside the basin.  This movement causes the float that operates the switch to lodge against its side. Debris can also be a factor by interfering with the action of the pump switch. It is important to make sure that your pump switch and float arm assembly move freely.  The main thing to remember about sump pumps is that they don’t last forever…even if you never use them.  Internal part wear out and make them virtually useless when you need them most!  Maitz Home Services plumbers can test, maintain or replace any brand of sump pump.  For flood prone areas here in the northeast and homes that get water seeping in on a regular basis you may want to consider a sump pump back up system.  There are even non-electric systems that work in the case of a power failure.   The non-electric models use the water pressure from your home to drain the sump basket.   Call Maitz Home Services for more information.

How can you replace sewer pipes without digging up my landscaping?
Maitz Home Services is considered the area’s experts in Trenchless Sewer Drain Line Replacement.  It used to be that a plumbing crew would have to spend days tearing up a yard from the house to the street to replace a sewer line.  Now, with our video camera technology we can easily location the problem and stop the leaks with a new pipe.  The best part is it is possible to do this with minimal digging and complete the project in only one day.
 
What if my job turns into a larger project, do you have any payment options?
We offer a variety of great financing options. Many customers have multiple jobs for us and they enjoy the option of spreading out the cost with financing. We also accept all major credit cards.

If I have need rooter service, do I have to call one of those national rooter chains?
No.  We would recommend that you call a qualified, trained and certified plumber.  Why?  The water pipes inside and outside your home can be very delicate.  Here in the northeast pipes are also subject to major swings in temperature that can significantly shortened the life of older style pipes.  In an older home, pipes wear thin from the inside out making them appear sound but in fact are very brittle.   An unqualified and unskilled rooter company could cause extensive damage to your pipes and your home.  The highly trained and certified technicians at Maitz Home Services will take the time to properly diagnose the problem and utilize the right tools and techniques to solve the problem.  Should there be an issue of a broken pipe or other unforeseen problems after we begin the job, our expert plumbers can immediately take action.  Can the other guys?  We’re not sure…and we don’t recommend that you take a chance.

There are many things to consider when choosing conventional vs. tankless water heating systems.  Your Maitz Home Services customer service representative can guide you through your options and get the right system for home that will give years of service and efficient performance.

Can I get someone to come to my house today?  I Need a plumber now!
Maitz Home Services has technicians available specifically for emergency calls to diagnose and solve your plumbing problem right away.  Just call toll free 800-282-1505 and Maitz Home Services will answer, guaranteed!