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  • Electric roof fans

    Jun.21.2011

    Do you install or own a company that installs electric roof fans for the attic?

    Kelley, Houston, TX

    Expert Answer

    In some service areas and on some projects, ARS/Rescue Rooter would have a subcontractor install roof fans if someone wanted them. Installing roof fans is a job that is a mix of electrical, carpentry and…

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  • Gas line issues with my gas dryer

    Mar.2.2011

    I have an ARS appointment scheduled to do a semi-annual checkup on my HVAC system. I asked the Service Department if the technician could also look at a gas line hook up to a new gas dryer, and they said yes. The element in the dryer will not ignite and the manual says be sure the gas line is purged. I unhooked the gas line (as the manual indicated) and turned on the gas and it was whistling. I don't know if the whistling indicates a blockage. My old gas dryer always worked, but when we got a new dryer, they put in a new valve at the gas stem. When this didn't work, they brought out a second dryer, but it still won't ignite the element. The dryer manufacturer thinks it is something to do with my gas line, but the only new part of this whole chain of events was installation of the new valve.

    Laine, Burke, VA

    Expert Answer

    It is logical to assume there is a problem with the gas valve when you are having this kind of problem with your gas dryer. Gas valves are very simple in construction, but I have seen cases where the internal…

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  • Microwave vents directly to outside

    Jan.13.2011

    I have a microwave that vents directly to the outside of the house. The temperature is 43 degrees inside the unit with a draft felt from the outside coming through the underside fan air intake. Is there a way to block the air from coming into the house through the exterior vent? The outside vent is on the north side and has a spring loaded, standard range vent.

    Peggy, Cary, NC

    Expert Answer

    Your current vent may be old, warped and/or poorly sealed. A good solution may be simply replacing your current vent with a new outside boot with damper, making sure it is properly sealed. Many of the new vents…

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  • Need a new dryer vent

    Jan.6.2011

    I had a licensed electrician run a dryer vent for me recently (five feet up and through the ceiling, 20 feet across attic with flexible ducts with holes in it, with terminal end just sitting in insulation). It is a fire hazard and I refuse to use it. I need someone to do this right, going down through floor, 8 feet across crawl space and out, using hard duct. I also need someone to check my ducts. I occasionally have plastic and insulation fly out the vent into the living room so I have a feeling there is a hole in a duct under the house or a critter in the system. Can you help? Thanks

    Cheri, N Charleston, SC

    Expert Answer

    Whether the configuration you describe is a fire hazard or not would depend on what kind of flex duct was used. However, I would strongly recommend you call a reputable HVAC company, like ARS/Rescue Rooter in…

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  • Oven is not working

    Sep.20.2010

    My oven is not working but the stove top turns on. When I turn the knob for the oven nothing happens. What can it be?

    Lisa, Houston, TX

    Expert Answer

    You don’t say whether your oven is gas or electric. Either way, when a portion of the appliance is working, you can rest assured that the necessary gas or electricity is present, and every part, including…

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  • Insulation question

    Aug.25.2010

    How much attic insulation will I need for a 2,000 square foot home?

    ARS, houston, TX

    Expert Answer

    Insulation is installed by either batts or preformed blankets, blown-in or a combination thereof. The total should be around R-38 to R-50. If you are adding to existing insulation, then the insulation r values…

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  • Buying house; need estimate on electrical problems

    Jul.22.2010

    My husband and I are buying a house. The home inspector gave us a list of electrical problems, but we need an estimate quickly in order to stay within our option period on the purchase. If I send you a copy of the list, can you give me a ballpark estimate by looking at it? I can't have access to the house for an extended period of time to wait for a technician to come and do an estimate. I'm really in a bind!My husband says to just send you the list: 1-Whirlpool combo microwave/oven replace bulb in oven (it's under a wired dome), replace analog temperature control display ring, 2-vent hood - replace transition flex flue with solid duct fron overhead cabinet to attic to exterior 3-panel box - tie split 30 amp breakers together at throws for range top, reduce 50 amp breaker to 35 0r 30 amp for microwave/oven 4-install 8' ground rod 5-replace kitchen disposal power cord 6-kitchen outlets not currently GFCI protected (2), nor is garage outlet (1) 7-replace defective wall switch in breakfast area 8-correct polarity of GFCI switches in master bath (2) and on front porch (1) 9-replace wiring cover on outside breaker box for pool 10-properly tape wiring lead to pool pump 11-repair GFCI to pool.

    Kathy, Sugar Land, TX

    Expert Answer

    ARS/Rescue Rooter is unable to offer any type of estimate without taking a look at your home and whatever issues you may be having.  However, our ARS/Rescue Rooter branch in…

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  • My garbage disposal isn't working.

    Jan.22.2009

    My garbage disposal has quit.  It is a 1 hpd#GFC1020F--It was working and then it just quit.  You can turn it but I can't find a reset button. Can you help?

    E. J., Beattyville, KY

    Expert Answer

    If your garbage disposer spins freely, but doesn't turn on then your problem is electrical in nature. I would suggest you check the power source first. You can unplug the disposer cord and plug in something else… Read more

  • Do I need an electrician?

    Nov.19.2008

    I just had a heating repair man over to see why my heater won't blow hot air. He said all the heating elements and computer board were fried as if a lightning strike had occurred. We have had other electric problems where a whole line, which runs through the bathroom and kitchen, was also "fried" and left burnt marks around the lighting, etc. Do you think I need to have an electrician come look at our system before I bother to replace the heating parts?

    Tanisha, new braunfels, TX

    Expert Answer

    It sounds like you most definitely need to have a licensed electrician look at all of your home wiring. As for your heating repairs, that depends on if the electrical circuit to the furnace is operating properly. If… Read more

  • My Heatmaker model has been discontinued.

    Nov.18.2008

    I had a Heatmaker HW130 in my home for heat and hot water. I understand this model has been discontinued.  Is there an equivalent replacement unit available on the market and what would the price of that unit be?

    Mordecai, Lakewood, NJ

    Expert Answer

    Heatmaker is a brand of boiler that does both radiant heat as well as domestic hot water heating. I checked the Heatmaker web site and they still list the HW series as being available to purchase as a new unit or… Read more

  • My refrigerator is not working after Hurricane Ike

    Sep.30.2008

    I lost electrical power for 10 + days since hurricane Ike. I did not have my refrigerator plugged in for most of that time. Since power has been restored, my fridge is on and running but it is not cooling. I got power back on Saturday the 27th. Does ARS service this kind of problem? My fridge is a side by side and is about 21 years old.

    Abbie, Houston, TX

    Expert Answer

    Refrigerators and freezers are designed to be running all the time and an older unit might experience problems restarting after a sudden shut off like you had due to Hurricane Ike. You should have… Read more