Our FAQs

With over 30 years of experience, we get asked a lot of questions, but some crop up more than others. Here’s what we get asked most.

We recommend having your HVAC system professionally serviced twice a year – once in spring for your air conditioning and once in fall for your heating system. Regular maintenance helps ensure efficiency, prolongs the life of your equipment, and can prevent costly breakdowns. During these service visits, our technicians will clean or replace filters, check refrigerant levels, lubricate moving parts, inspect electrical connections, and ensure all components function properly.

Faulty Flapper: The flapper may not seal properly, allowing water to flow continuously into the bowl.

Incorrect Chain Length: If the chain connecting the flush lever to the flapper is too short, it can prevent the flapper from closing fully.

Misadjusted Float: If the float is too high, water will continue flowing into the tank and down the overflow tube.

Worn-Out Fill Valve: A malfunctioning fill valve may not shut off properly, allowing water to enter the tank continuously.

Determining the right size air conditioner depends on several factors:

  • Square footage of your home
  • Ceiling height
  • Home’s insulation quality
  • Number and size of windows
  • Local climate
  • Home’s sun exposure

As a general rule, you need about 20 BTUs of cooling power per square foot of living space. However, this can vary based on the factors mentioned above. It’s crucial not to oversize or undersize your AC unit, as this can lead to inefficiency, increased energy costs, and reduced comfort. We recommend scheduling a professional assessment to accurately calculate your cooling needs and recommend the appropriate AC size.

Several factors can cause a water heater to run out of hot water more quickly than before:

Sediment Buildup: Over time, minerals from hard water can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing its heating efficiency and capacity.

Faulty Thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat may not be able to regulate the temperature properly, leading to insufficient heating.

Worn Heating Elements: In electric water heaters, the heating elements may wear out or break, reducing the heater’s ability to warm the water.

Increased Demand: A rise in the number of users or hot water consumption can deplete the supply faster than before.

Dip Tube Issues: The dip tube directs cold water to the bottom of the tank. If it is broken or damaged, cold water can mix with the hot water at the top, leading to faster depletion.

Tank Size: The heater may be too small to meet current demands, especially if household usage has increased.

If a checkup doesn’t solve the problem, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater.

Low water pressure can be caused by several common issues:

  • Check for leaks in pipes that may reduce flow.
  • Clean aerators and showerheads to remove mineral buildup.
  • Ensure the main shut-off valve is fully open.
  • Inspect the pressure regulator (if you have one) for faults.
  • Look for clogged or corroded pipes in older plumbing systems.
  • Contact your water provider to check for supply issues in your area.

If the problem persists, it’s best to call a licensed plumber for a full inspection.

You turn on the furnace for the first time this year and notice a burning odor. What’s going on?

Dust Buildup: If the furnace has been sitting idle for months, dust may have accumulated on the heating elements and in ducts, causing a burning smell when you start the system. This should go away in a few minutes.

Clogged Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and produce a burning odor.

Electrical Issues: Frayed wires or overheating electrical components can create a burning smell.

Worn-Out Bearings: In older furnaces, worn bearings in the blower motor can overheat and emit a burning odor.

Cracked Heat Exchanger: This is a serious issue that can release harmful gases and cause a burning smell.

Overheating Motor: A malfunctioning blower motor can overheat, producing a burning odor.

Call Foster’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at 215-249-9900 for reliable plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and installs in Bucks County and Montgomeryville.