Skip to main content

Backed by hundreds of 5-star reviews!

We're available! Call (703) 281-6300 to schedule your service

The Consequences of Putting Off Plumbing Repairs

A busy schedule and pressing responsibilities can push leaky faucet or clogged toilet repairs to the back of your mind. However, neglected blockages and leaks in your plumbing system expose your home to numerous dangers, including health complications, moisture damage, and more. Clogged toilet repair and installation are troublesome to navigate alone, but seeking professional services can ensure the safety of your home through convenient, low-stress options.

So, rather than relying on a faulty DIY toilet repair kit, turn to experts who can guarantee safe plumbing repairs. Washington, DC, Metro area homeowners can rely on Argent Heating & Cooling for such help. Our team also offers professional air conditioning, heating, and appliance solutions at reasonable rates for busy individuals. Call (703) 281-6300 today to schedule a service appointment!

Below, we discuss the consequences of overlooked plumbing repairs:

Water Damage

Clogged toilets create undue pressure in plumbing systems, which can cause overflow and leaks. This scenario is a common cause of damp conditions in homes. Worse yet, excessive moisture creates unsafe living conditions by gradually compromising the integrity of load-bearing materials, causing long-term damage or structural failure.

In addition to being hazardous, water damage is also expensive. Compromised home stability necessitates water damage repairs that average between $1300 and $5600. Therefore, turn to our qualified team of plumbing professionals to repair your clog and prevent water damage before it starts.

Moldclogged toilet repair and install Washington DC Metro area

Abundant indoor moisture also prompts mold growth in your home, which produces an unpleasant odor and poses significant health risks for residents. Occupants exposed to mold and poor air quality may suffer allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Moreover, populations vulnerable to respiratory illnesses face heightened risk from mold exposure.

Insects 

Excess moisture attracts an array of unwelcome guests like cockroaches and termites. These intruders are a health risk to residents and can contribute to structural damage. Insects may also trigger allergic reactions, worsen asthma, and transmit diseases to residents. Infestations are difficult and costly to get rid of, so be proactive when a plumbing malfunction occurs

Sewage Backup 

Sewage backups are the most severe consequence of untimely plumbing repairs. Sewage backups expose you to bacteria and viruses that can lead to illness and create unfit living conditions within your home. Additionally, sewage back-ups often pollute surface water and may even contaminate your water supply.

Clogged Toilet Repair and Install in the Washington, DC, Metro Area!

Washington, DC, Metro area residents can turn to Argent Heating and Cooling for all clogged toilet repair and installation needs. Our team promises knowledgeable solutions every step of the way, from ensuring we have the proper toilet parts to delivering a professional fix. Plumbing repairs can’t wait—call (703) 281-6300 today to discuss your plumbing repair and keep your home safe and comfortable.

What to Do If Your Air Conditioner Breaks in the Summer

At the height of summer, a broken air conditioning unit is the worst-case scenario. Sweltering heat can turn your comfortable home into a sauna and leave you scrambling to cool the indoor temperature. Nevertheless, you can use a few methods to beat the heat while waiting for air conditioning repair from a certified HVAC technician.

For 30+ years, Argent Heating & Cooling has provided the Washington, DC, Metro area with AC unit installation, repair, and replacement services. Our team of professionals has garnered glowing customer reviews, and our efficient processes ensure your unit will be up and running in no time. For more information on our services, call (703) 281-6300. 

Below, we explore how to avoid overheating when your air conditioner breaks:

Turn on Fans 

While fans may seem like an obvious solution to overheating, you can maximize their cooling effects by employing a few hacks. For instance, most ceiling fans spin clockwise, which directs rising hot air back onto the people below them. Yet the recirculation of hot air does little good when your AC is out. So, check your ceiling fan for a switch to change the blades’ direction (it’s usually on the fan’s base). Blades that spin counterclockwise pull the cool air up and disperse a refreshing breeze throughout the room. 

Additionally, if you need to add more cold air to a room, try a small table fan and a few bowls of ice. Position the ice before the fan; as it melts, the fan blows out chilled air. 

Lower the Blinds 

Although you may usually appreciate sunlight streaming through your windows, reduce it as much as possible when your AC is out. Even through closed windows, the sun will heat your home throughout the day. Indeed, about 76% of the sunlight that comes through windows turns into heat. Close windows and draw curtains to keep sunlight and hot air out. 

Although sitting in the dark may not be ideal, you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures until an HVAC repair specialist can attend to your system.

Cool Down with Cold Water 

You can always resort to simple methods if the indoor heat makes you uncomfortable. Start by taking a cold shower and wearing light, breathable clothes to stay comfortable. Also, apply cool towels and washcloths to your wrists, chest, and temples. Create a stock of these cooling towels by moistening and placing them in the freezer (keep a few on rotation to switch out as they melt).

Although you may like to refresh yourself by opening your freezer, doing so can spoil frozen food and create a hefty electric bill. Argent can help you save on air conditioning repair costs, so don’t negate that by leaving your freezer open. 

Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances air conditioning repair Washington, DC, Metro area

Ovens and stoves heat your home’s interior. Standing over a hot stove can make you sweat, but you’ll also feel that heat throughout your house. Moreover, depending on the size of your home, dryers and dishwashers may have a similar effect. So, opt for cold cuts, salads, fruit, and popsicles instead of cooking when your AC breaks. If you need to get out of the house, use the opportunity to pick up take-out. Avoiding your stovetop and other heated appliances can significantly impact room temperature. 

Call Argent Heating & Cooling for Emergency Air Conditioning Repair in the Washington, DC, Metro Area!

Washington, DC, Metro area homeowners can turn to Argent Heating & Cooling to keep their units running smoothly and avoid emergency air conditioning repair. Our exceptional HVAC services include seasonal maintenance, quality repairs, installations, and more. In the case of an outage and for all things HVAC, call (703) 281-6300 today!

Situations That Call for Emergency Maintenance Services

Living in an apartment comes with annoying responsibilities, like maintenance issues that strike at the most inconvenient moments. From a leaky faucet that disrupts your peaceful morning routine or a refrigerator that stops running to a sudden power outage that leaves you stumbling in the dark, these unforeseen problems can turn your cozy haven into a chaotic mess. Yet hiring emergency maintenance services can be a game-changer, especially in the fast-paced Washington, DC, Metro area.

 

Rather than attempt to fix those maintenance issues alone, turn to Argent Heating & Cooling. Our professional technicians offer HVAC, generator, radiant heating, and further repair and maintenance services. While tackling these problems without professional assistance often worsens the situation, using our trained and certified professionals knocks out these tasks efficiently and safely. Learn more about our service options or schedule an appointment by calling (703) 281-6300.

When is Emergency Maintenance Called For?

 

  1. Water Heater Breakdown

Although out of sight, water heaters fulfill a crucial function in every home. Therefore, a stop in their functioning amounts to an emergency. Argent’s technicians can provide emergency and scheduled maintenance for water heaters, the latter of which may prevent the former from occurring. Ask these professionals about easy upkeep.

  1. Electrical Emergencies

Complete power outages, sparking outlets, exposed wires, and frequently tripped circuit breakers may indicate hazardous electrical situations. Such problems could result in fires, electrocution, or damage to expensive electronic equipment.

 

Call emergency maintenance services without delay to help keep your family safe and prevent additional damage. Electrical issues should never be taken lightly, and professional assistance is the safest way to address them.

  1. HVAC Failuresemergency maintenance services Washington, DC, Metro area

Around the Washington, DC, Metro area, summers can be scorching and winters freezing. Thus, an HVAC system breakdown presents a severe inconvenience and compromises your comfort. Extreme temperatures can also impact the health and well-being of residents, especially vulnerable populations such as older adults or infants.

 

If your apartment’s heating or cooling system fails during extreme weather conditions, contact emergency maintenance services to restore its functionality. Better yet, schedule annual maintenance with Argent so that we can catch and correct issues before they spiral out of control.

  1. Critical Appliance Failures

While not all appliance failures require immediate attention, certain situations can qualify as emergencies. For instance, a broken refrigerator can lead to food spoilage and health hazards, particularly in warm climates. Similarly, a malfunctioning stove or oven can disrupt meal preparation, especially if it is the sole cooking appliance in the apartment. 

 

Appliance failures that affect essential functions and impact your daily life necessitate emergency maintenance services. Likewise, a generator malfunction can create an emergency if a storm is imminent. Calling Argent can help minimize the disruption and inconvenience caused by the malfunctioning appliance.

Rely on Emergency Maintenance Services in the Washington, DC, Metro Area

Residents and renters in the Washington, DC, Metro area can call Argent Heating & Cooling for emergency maintenance services. Our team offers HVAC, generator, appliance, and more maintenance and repair services for families. We guarantee knowledgeable solutions and high-quality services from our technicians. Call (703) 281-6300 to learn more or to schedule a service appointment.

What Is a Maintenance Emergency?

The term “maintenance” carries connotations of substantial yet convenient services. Many people consider such tasks worthy of attention but not necessarily priority. Therefore, emergency maintenance services may sound contradictory at first. Yet some common maintenance issues, in certain circumstances, call for immediate attention: a generator breakdown in poor weather, faulty gas lines, broken heating during the winter, and so on. When you need such help, turn to Argent Heating & Cooling.

A professional home services provider serving the Washington, DC, Metro area, Argent has helped homeowners for 40 years. While all homeowners may contact us if their home experiences a breakdown or malfunction, those with an Argent Maintenance Plan will receive Priority Emergency Service. This option is available after our standard hours and on weekends. Better yet, folks can sign up for our HVAC Maintenance Plan as proof against breakdowns. Still, with winter approaching, keep emergency circumstances in mind. To schedule a service call or learn more about Argent, call (703) 281-6300 or visit our website!

Below, we define several scenarios that qualify as maintenance emergencies:

A Broken Gas Line or Leak

First, consider any issues with a gas line as pressing. 177 million Americans use natural gas in their homes for heating, stovetops, and other systems. Yet despite the fuel’s widespread use, gas leaks create several hazards, some lethal.

Common signs of gas leaks include “rotten egg” smells, hissing sounds, dying plants, and high gas bills. Occupants of a home with a gas leak may suffer headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and irregular breathing. If you or a loved one notice these issues in your home, leave the building and call emergency maintenance services immediately.

If you suspect a gas leak exists but want to double-check, contact Argent for an indoor air quality test. As a preventative measure, you can have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Although they cannot pick up gas leaks, they can catch instances where appliances improperly burn gas or kerosene.

No Heat in Freezing Weather

Emergency Maintenance Services in the Washington DC Metro Area

Next, remain vigilant for a loss of heat during winter weather. Although Virginia winters tend to be relatively mild, losing heat in freezing temperatures can disrupt the daily functioning of a household. In addition to the discomfort it causes occupants, a lack of heat may create conditions for indoor pipes to freeze and burst.

Still, should you lose heat during the winter, consider whether you have an emergency on your hands. If the outage occurs during a warm spell, you might be able to wait a few days for maintenance. However, the middle of a cold snap or a blizzard qualifies as an emergency. We recommend you prepare your heating system for winter to avoid such dilemmas.

No AC in Hot Weather

Alternatively, Virginia’s long and hot summers can be catastrophic if a household’s air conditioning drops out. Common AC problems include a lack of cold air, leaks, malfunctioning fans, or non-stop functioning. Again, homeowners must consider outdoor conditions when deciding whether they have an emergency on their property. Still, the region’s climate tends toward heat and humidity.

Generator Breakdown

During stormy springs and falls, generators offer a crucial lifeline for homeowners. They can power a home’s critical electrical systems when its municipal grid goes out due to extreme weather. However, as with all machines, generators can break down.

Some common causes of generator failure include a lack of routine maintenance, wet stacking (when a generator’s output outpaces a building’s needs), and old fuel in the system. Yet no matter the cause, generator failure before or during a storm constitutes a maintenance emergency.

Emergency Maintenance Services Available in the Washington, DC, Metro Area

Despite what the term “maintenance” may suggest, it applies to dire situations and homeowner needs. If such an instance arises for you, reach out to Argent Heating & Cooling for professional emergency maintenance services in the Washington, DC, Metro area. We support homeowners throughout the region with HVAC, radiant heating, generator, and more services. For help with your home technology systems, call us at (703) 281-6300 or visit our website today!

Should You Repair or Replace Your Appliances?

You know that it’s important to maintain your home appliances. However, it’s also vital to recognize when you should call a pro for repairs or a replacement. By using a few simple questions, you can evaluate your appliances’ condition. And for quality appliance repair in the Washington, DC, Metro area, look for a reliable service like Argent Heating & Cooling

 

For over 30 years, our company has served Washington, DC, with high-quality appliance maintenance, repair, and installation services. From radiant heating and indoor air testing to HVAC system installation, we provide an array of efficient services at affordable rates. 

 

Here, we list some questions you should ask when considering whether to repair or replace your dysfunctional appliances: 

How Much Would A Repair Cost? 

This is among the first and most central questions to ask when deciding what to do with a troublesome appliance. To get a decent estimate, call an appliance repair expert and have them appraise the cost of repairs on your appliance. 

 

Compare that to the cost of replacing your appliance with a new model. While most people would pay for repairs since they’re cheaper, remember that, as your current model ages, the cost of repair will rise as well. Inevitably, you’ll need a replacement.  

What’s The Age Of The Appliance?

As we mentioned above, age often factors into and even determines the cost of repairs for a home appliance. So, you should determine the age of your faulty appliance and then decide whether it should be repaired or replaced. You can find the age of your appliance by searching its model or serial number online. 

 

For example, a water heater’s serial number is usually on the side of the tank, while an air conditioning unit should have it on a label in the front or back of it. In many cases, the serial or model number will tell you the date your appliance was manufactured by how it is labeled, and you can also look up the age online by putting the number into a search engine. Once you learn the age of your faulty appliance, you have another important bit of info that will help you figure out whether to pay for replacement or repairs. 

 

Generally speaking, if your appliance is only a couple of years old, a repair should be fine. Beyond that, you’re taking a risk on overspending on home appliance repairs when you could save money with a newer replacement. 

What is the Max Lifespan of an Appliance?

Following from learning the age of your dysfunctional appliance, another important piece of information is its average lifespan. Matching your appliance’s current age to its max lifespan can help you further determine whether you want to repair or replace it. 

 

If its age is still fairly below its lifespan, then we would recommend repairs. On the other hand, if it is several years past it, then you should seriously consider making a replacement to avoid the inevitably higher cost of repair. 

Is Lack of Energy-Efficiency An Issue?

Finally, one key factor to think about is whether your appliance is causing your energy bill to rise due to its lack of energy efficiency. These days, this often happens due to older model appliances breaking down and requiring more energy to function properly, even after several home appliance repair services to them. 

 

If you notice this steep rise in energy costs and learn that it’s due to your inefficient appliances, we recommend getting replacements for your appliances. That way you’re saving money on your energy bills and from the costs of repair. 

Argent Heating & Cooling: Appliance Repair for the Washington, D.C., Metro Area

Appliances are big-ticket items, which means they aren’t often meant to be replaced. All homeowners do their best to maintain them, as well as stretch their lifespan through professional appliance repair services. However, there will come a time when you’ll have to decide to make a replacement. 

When that time comes, call on a reliable home appliance service like Argent Heating & Cooling. We provide quality appliances such as heat pumps, air conditioners, radiant heating systems, generators, and more, all at quality prices and with quick and easy installations. With our 45 years of experience and high customer satisfaction across the Washington D.C. Metro area, we assure you that you won’t regret choosing us the next time you need a big appliance repair or replacement for your home. Contact us at (703) 281-6300 for more information and schedule an appointment today!

Routine Maintenance vs. Emergency Maintenance Services in Northern Virginia

With the start of the fall season, we understand how easy it is to get side-tracked and forget to upkeep our household appliances. Keeping up with routine maintenance on your home appliances will help prevent future major appliance failures and reduce the need for emergency maintenance assistance. If you ever find yourself in need of emergency maintenance services in the Washington D.C. Metro area, Argent Heating & Cooling can provide you with years of home maintenance services to ensure your appliances are working efficiently to keep you comfortable in your own home.

If you are unsure whether or not your appliances are working properly, Argent Heating & Cooling can provide the emergency appliance repairs you need! While scheduled maintenance is always recommended, we know that sometimes emergencies happen and you need assistance immediately. With any emergency appliance repair you need, you can trust Argent Heating and Cooling professionals to help. To understand the importance of both routine and emergency maintenance for your household appliances, we have provided more information for you below.

Planned Routine Maintenance

Planning your appliance maintenance will ensure two things happen: that your appliance works for the entirety of its lifespan and that your repair costs stay within your budget. You can also save energy, which is not only good for the planet but good for your wallet. Giving your appliances regular maintenance will help your them run more efficiently throughout each season. It’s also good to check if your system is covered under a manufacturer’s warranty to learn more about your appliances’ specific maintenance requirements.

At Argent Heating and Cooling, we offer special incentives for those with our high quality Maintenance Plan:

  • Our experienced technicians will inspect your system twice a year and inform you of any repair or maintenance that’s needed
  • Priority during emergencies
  • 10% discounts on service call fees, replacement parts, and labor.

Emergency Maintenance Repairs

Emergency maintenance or breakdown maintenance often costs three times as more as planned maintenance. Unplanned maintenance tends to take longer and cost more due to repair specialists working overtime and ordering materials or parts they may not have readily available at the time you need it most. If your appliance or HVAC system has just gone out, what do you do? Argent Heating & Cooling has over 30 years of experience and can provide appliance services, repairs, and replacements to any heating or cooling equipment you may need.

Speak with one of our Argent Heating & Cooling HVAC professionals today!

Argent Heating & Cooling provides top notch support and expertise to our clients in need of home maintenance repairs. Each of our technicians have decades of experience, so they know exactly what to look for and how to fix it. We know that breakdowns can happen at anytime and that’s why we’re still available to cover you on the weekends and after hours on weekdays. Argent Heating & Cooling provides professional emergency repair services to Northern VA, Maryland, and Washington D.C. With Argent Heating & Cooling, we can get you out of an appliance emergency and back on to normal in no time!

For emergency service in the Northern VA and DC area, contact us today and don’t forget to view our current HVAC specials here!

Book Online

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.