How Much Will This Cost?
You always approve the price before any work is preformed. We make certain you have all the information necessary to make the best decision possible with the options we provide. You will always have a choice and never have an unexpected invoice total after the work is complete.
I have never had to call a plumber before, what should I expect?
Thornton & Grooms is dedicated to customer service and your safety. Each and every employee goes through an in-depth background check and drug testing, we want only the best people in your home. When you call Thornton & Grooms a friendly and knowledgeable customer service person will help you schedule an appointment the is convenient for you or you can even schedule service online. Our service technician will call you before arriving at your home to let you know who is coming and expected arrival time. The technician arrives in highly visible Thornton & Grooms truck, wearing a uniform and name tag. Your technician will be clean, friendly and take time to listen to your needs and offer the best solution for you. We guarantee your satisfaction with our Above & Beyond™ Customer Service.
I purchased my own sink, faucet and toilet, will you install them for me?
We are happy to provide any service our customers need. Not only will we install your equipment . . . we’ll make certain it is installed properly and we will stand behind our workmanship.
My husband and I work during the week and cannot stay home to wait for a plumber, do you have any options for us?
We operate 7 days a week and are ready to provide you with weekend service that is Above & Beyond your expectations. Please call and we’ll arrange a service call that is convenient for you and your schedule. We charge regular service rates weekdays for appointments scheduled up to 6:00 PM and on Saturdays until 4:00 PM.
What if my job turns into a larger project, do you have any payment options?
We offer a variety of 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. Click here for financing information.
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I’m very busy and in the past I have had contractor who made multiple trips to fix the problem, do you operate this way?
No, we arrive at your home in a fully stocked truck with all the equipment, parts and tools needed for most for repairs. If we don’t have it with us, one of our delivery vehicles will bring it to your home in minutes so we can be efficient with your time.
How does current forced air gas heating technology work?
The thermostat senses that the room temperature is cooler than the set temperature and signals the furnace to come on. Inside the furnace a small exhaust vent blower comes on to force the unused vent gas out the flue. This in turn allows gas and air into the heat exchanger to be ignited by a glow bar. When the gas begins to burn it heats up the metal heat exchanger. The furnace blower then comes on and blows the air warmed by the heat exchanger into the room through your duct system and registers. Ultimately, you and your family feel warmer.
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 an input furnace. With today's furnaces obtaining 80% to 90% in efficiency you just don't need as large a furnace. The old gas guzzlers were wasting almost half of their heat up the flue vent to the outside and not into your home. A Thornton & Grooms comfort specialist can help you in deciding what system is right for your home.
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How will I know it's time to replace my system?
When your system starts giving you more problems and the problems are not cost effective to repair, particularly when major components such as the compressor start making unusual noises or otherwise indicating need for service. Because newer equipment is more energy efficient, the money you save in reduced utility costs, might pay back your purchase price of a new system years earlier than you might think.
Is there anything I need to do to get my heating system ready for winter?
Most heating systems are quite reliable and will provide you with quick, comfortable heat when you need it, providing you take good care of the system. Have your furnace cleaned and inspected by one of our professional technicians before the cold harsh winter sets in.
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. It is always a good idea to have us clean and inspect your furnace once a year.
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What are some ideas for saving on our heating bills?
Try lowering your thermostat setting a few degrees, especially while you sleep. Changing it from 72 degrees to 67 degrees could save up to 10%. You can also have Thornton & Grooms install a programmable set back thermostat that will do this automatically. Check your home over carefully for air leaks, especially around windows, doors, electrical switches and outlet plates on outside walls. Make sure your fireplace damper is tightly closed when the fireplace isn't in use. Glass fireplace doors can reduce the loss of heated air when you are using the fireplace. Use kitchen, bath and other ventilation fans sparingly in cold weather. Exhaust fans remove a very large amount of heated air. Make sure heating registers and air returns are not blocked with furniture and personal items. Have your furnace system cleaned and properly adjusted annually. A dirty gas furnace can be a real gas-guzzler! Consider replacing your old, inefficient heating system with a new high efficient energy-saving 92% efficient gas furnace.
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.
I have a foul odor coming from my garbage disposal. What can I do to eliminate this odor?
Foul odors occur from a buildup of food debris within the disposer. To eliminate this odor, place ice cubes and lemon or orange peels in the disposer and run for 30 seconds. Next, squirt a little liquid dish detergent into the disposer while it is still running. Finally, run cold water for about 30 seconds to rinse all the debris away.
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My showerhead and faucet aerators have a buildup of a white substance around the area where the water comes out. Is there anything I can do other than replace them?
We would be happy to replace them for you. But first, try this. To remove mineral deposits from the showerhead, take a plastic bag and pour a cup of vinegar in it. Place the bag over the showerhead and use a twist tie to hold it in place overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub off the deposits. You might be able to remove the aerators from the faucets and allow them to soak in the vinegar overnight.
My air conditioning is not working - What can I do?
One of the most common causes of failure is that some one has switched off the power supply. So check that circuit breakers and isolators are all OK and working. Another common cause is blocked air filters, so check they are clean and are regularly kept clean. If all else fails and you are still having a problem, contact our service department and we’ll send out a qualified technician and have your A/C fixed in no time.
Where should I place a Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance. Keep the detector out of the way of pets and children. Each floor needs a separate detector. If you’re getting a single carbon monoxide detector, place it near the sleeping area and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake you up.
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How serious is indoor air pollution?
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.
Why is my throat dry?
Dry air in your home can make your throat feel dry and cause or aggravate respiratory ailments. It is recommended that your home maintain a humidity level between 30 and 60 percent.
During extremely cold weather, your home loses humidity to the outdoors and the level may drop to as low as 10 percent. A humidifier adds moisture to your indoor air and can help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes.
What are the benefits to installing a humidifier?
With central heating, people are confined indoors with unnaturally dry air for many months each year. Humidifiers help to keep comfortable levels of moisture in the air, and properly maintained levels of humidity are beneficial for your respiratory system.
Whole-house humidifiers work like old-fashioned room humidifiers: They add moisture to the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. Whole-house humidifiers use water mist instead of hot steam, which keeps the entire house at the desired humidity level.
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