You’ve seen the weather forecast, and you’re prepared for the hot temperatures, but it seems your air conditioner didn’t get the memo. Let’s look at some common reasons why your AC won’t turn on and share some tips to fix it.

Dirty Filter

One of the most common reasons an AC fails to function properly is because of dirty filters. Filters work to remove dust and other particles in the air to improve indoor air quality and the efficiency of your system. If your filter is dirty, it can disrupt your AC system. If your AC system fails to turn on, check your filters.

Broken Thermostat

Your thermostat gives your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system the order to turn on and off. If your thermostat has an issue, that communication doesn’t transmit to the system. Older thermostats might have a problem with frayed or damaged wiring, the batteries might be dead, or they could be malfunctioning in another way. A bad thermostat can be a reason why your AC won’t turn on. Try resetting the thermostat, replacing the batteries, or replacing an outdated thermostat with a new programmable version.

Electrical Issue

Summer heat can also mean storms that bring power outages and surges. If you have had a violent storm and your AC won’t turn on, it might be an issue with your home’s circuit breaker. Check to see if an electrical issue has tripped a circuit breaker in your home. A tripped circuit breaker can be the reason why your AC won’t turn on.

Dirty Evaporator Coils & Condensation Lines

Your AC unit is not immune to the dust and dirt in your home. Too much buildup of dust and dirt on your evaporator coils, condenser, or filter within your air conditioner can cause it to fail. Condenser lines can get a buildup of mold and algae or could also become the winter home for critters. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system prevents this buildup. At Russo Bros. & Co., we offer no-hassle annual maintenance, so you will stay on top of maintaining your HVAC system.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant acts as the coolant for your AC system. When it is low because of an insufficient coolant charge or leaking, your system might not turn on properly. Adding refrigerant or diagnosing a leak isn’t something a homeowner should tackle. This issue is best left to a trained technician.

Since 1954, the Russo Bros. & Co. team has helped keep our New Jersey neighbors cool and comfortable. If your AC system won’t turn on and you’ve tried to troubleshoot the problem with no success, call the Russo Bros. & Co. experts at 973-887-1334 to restore your comfort.

With the increase of time spent in your home and the need for optimal efficiency of your utilities, it’s important to become familiar with how well your HVAC unit is operating. The warmer months are approaching and you’ll want to ensure that any AC maintenance or replacement is taken care of now to ensure your family is comfortable this summer.

We recommend all units be serviced for maintenance on an annual basis to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal repair costs. When a unit has reached a certain age, however, it is likely that a replacement of the system is on the horizon. Here are some signs to look for in determining if your AC unit is due for general maintenance or replacement:

AC Maintenance

• Your AC is less than 10 years old
• Your AC is already properly sized for your home or office
• Repair costs are low
• Very few breakdowns

AC Replacement

• Your AC is more than 10 years old
• Damage to the coil, condenser, compressor, or blower motor
• Repair costs are high
• Frequent breakdowns

Newer equipment not only has a fantastic warranty but can save you money on your monthly utility bills. Poor performing HVAC systems can cost you more than just money on your bills, they can affect the air quality in your home. Older equipment will have outdated parts that can be hard to get or don’t exist anymore. It is better to be proactive than to be left in the heat.

So, whether you need a tune-up, repair or replacement, Russo Bros. is always here to help. With over 68 years of experience servicing homeowners in New Jersey, Russo Bros. offers same day service and best-in-class technicians to ensure your home is taken care of in a timely, professional manner. Call today at (973) 887-1334 or schedule online here.

Dear Clients,

Russo Bros. & Co. wishes to assure you that we have continuity plans in place to deliver uninterrupted service and support as we continue to monitor the current situation. As we navigate the uncertainty of these times, we want you to know that we are continuing to provide our services in a safe and professional manner.

To protect our customers and our employees, we may ask some additional questions when you call us.  This will help us to best understand how to equip our technicians to protect your health and safety, as well as theirs.

We have required all of our employees to notify us if they are sick or show any signs of respiratory illness, to seek medical attention and not to come to work until cleared to do so.

In return we want to be careful not to expose our essential workforce to any type of pathogens, and we ask that you inform us if anyone in your home is sick or medically compromised. This way we can determine the best course of action and/or what type of protective gear will be appropriate.

Unfortunately, we are not properly equipped to enter a home where a patient is medically quarantined at this time, nor a home where a customer is self-quarantined due to being notified that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

We will continue to provide our services between 8am and 6pm, Monday through Saturday.  Additionally, we will continue to provide emergency service on a case-by-case basis.

Our pledge to you – Our Technicians will:

• Wear a protective mask and a new set of protective gloves for every job.
• Shoe covers will be worn on every job.
• Our work trucks and hand tools will be cleaned and sanitized frequently each day, as required.
• To practice social distancing and minimal intrusion into your home or place of business, we have asked our technicians not shake hands or have any direct contact with anyone while at your home, and to keep the recommended distance at all times, when possible. We also ask you to return the favor.

Take care and be aware.

Sincerely,

The Russo Family and our entire Russo Bros. & Co. Team

Dear Clients,

Russo Bros. & Co. knows you are concerned about the coronavirus (COVID-19).  As your neighborhood plumbing, heating and air conditioning technicians, we want you to know that your safety is our top priority.  As a precaution, we have implemented a number of sanitary health procedures:

• All staff members have been trained on respiratory and hand hygiene, including cough etiquette, proper techniques for using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and washing hands with soap and water.
• All staff members with a respiratory illness (cough, runny nose, fever) will be on mandatory leave and can only return to work with a doctor’s note.
• Any staff member that has been in close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 will be on mandatory leave for 14 days.
• Our trucks are outfitted with hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and gloves.
• All technicians will continue to wear booties over their shoes while working in your home.
• The Russo Bros. office building and warehouse are disinfected twice daily.

While the staff here at Russo Bros. & Co. is doing all we can on our end, we ask for your help as well.  Please notify Russo Bros. prior to our arrival if you (or another family member) are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illnesses (cough, runny nose, fever) or have been in close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days.

We appreciate your cooperation and we thank you for being a loyal client.

Sincerely,
Russo Bros. & Co.

A major cause of water damage in homes is washing machine related failures. Of these failures, most are the direct result of a faulty supply hose. Traditional rubber supply hoses can malfunction due to normal wear and tear over time.  When was the last time you checked yours?

You should look for signs of:

• Blisters and cracks.
• Worn areas where the material is thinning, especially where the hose bends or bubbles.
• A loose connection with the water supply.
• Corroded connections where metal has rusted.

Replacing your washing machine hoses with stainless steel hoses can leave you with peace of mind. Stainless steel hoses are reinforced and can withstand repeated high pressure of water. When properly installed, they have a much lower failure rate compared to traditional rubber hoses. An even better choice is a stainless steel hose with an auto-shutoff feature. If the hose attempts to burst, the connector will sense a change in water pressure and stop the flow of water. This type of hose can be the difference between extensive damage and just a little bit of water to clean up.

Please note, even with stainless steel hoses and no obvious signs of wear, hoses should be replaced approximately every five years. Some of the wear and buildup occurs from the inside out and is not always visible.

Call today to schedule a washing machine hose inspection!

To schedule an appointment, please contact us directly at:
(973) 887-1334 or by email at info@russobrosplumbing.com

As a water heater ages, it starts to deteriorate. Watch out for the following signs:

• Running Out of Hot Water: One sign of a water heater aging is running out of hot water quicker. This is a giveaway that the unit is starting to fail.
• Noise: As a water heater ages, sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank. This sediment is heated and reheated, causing hardening over time. When this happens, you’ll start to hear rumbling and banging from your water heater. These sounds indicate that the tank is at the end of its useful life.
• Rusty Water: Discolored, rust-tinted water is a telltale sign that your water heater is rusting away from the inside out and will most likely start to leak in the near future.
• Leaking/Moisture Around the Tank: If you notice water dripping on the bottom of the tank or see any pinhole leaks, the tank is definitely on its last leg.
• Gas Odors: It’s very common for older tanks to emit small amounts of natural gas through loose fittings and joints. If you notice this, call Russo Bros. & Co. right away.

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, please contact us at
(973) 887-1334 or by email at info@russobrosplumbing.com to schedule service or replacement.

Most water heater manufactures recommend flushing your water heater annually. This maintenance will help flush minerals and sediment that can buildup over time and settle at the bottom of your water heater tank causing your unit to work harder, thus making it less efficient. By flushing your water heater you will extend its useful life and protect your plumbing fixtures from sediment and minerals that make their way into your home’s plumbing system.

• Cleans out sediment
• Reduces water heater noise
• Improves heating speed
• Reduces energy cost
• Helps to avoid four odors from stagnant water