Answers to Your Common HVAC Questions

McQuade Heating and Cooling, Plumbing and Refrigeration offers financing through Michigan Saves and Wells Fargo.  Please visit our website for additional information: mcquadeheatcool.com.

Yes, we offer warranties on parts and labor for new installations.  Please call our office at 888-I-DO-COOL (888-436-2665) for additional information.

Yes, If the display on your thermostat is fading or difficult to read, the first thing we recommend is to change the batteries in your thermostat.  Most thermostats have a battery indicator on the display panel that shows when the batteries are running low.

In Fall and Winter, when the outside temperature drops, the indoor humidity level needs to be adjusted. McQuade Heating and Cooling recommends 35% to 40% as the desired humidification setting.  Our service technicians can adjust the humidifier to help keep the interior of your home comfortable during dry winter months.

Your humidifier should be on when using your furnace in the fall and winter.  When the outside temperature drops, you need to adjust your indoor humidity level up to the max setting. Our experienced service technicians can help you set your humidifier to the recommended settings to you have comfortable humidity level indoors during the dry winter months. Your humidifier should be off when using your AC in the summer.

McQuade Heating and Cooling recommends replacing the media air filter in your air cleaner twice a year.  Media filters are usually four inches wide, or five inches wide.  If there are pets or smokers in the home, filters need to be changed more frequently.

McQuade Heating and Cooling recommends that you check your furnace filter on a monthly basis and change it as soon as the filter looks dirty or can no longer see through it.  Furnace filters are usually one or two inches wide.  Furnace filters should be changed once a month. If there are pets or smokers in the home, filters must be changed more frequently.

McQuade Heating and Cooling, Plumbing and Refrigeration recommends that you change your humidifier pad once a year, at the beginning of your heating season.

McQuade Heating and Cooling, Plumbing and Refrigeration provides exceptional service and installations in Southeast Michigan. Our service area includes Macomb County, Oakland County, and parts of St. Clair County.

McQuade Heating and Cooling, Plumbing and Refrigeration’s normal business hours are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.  Our service appointments are regularly scheduled during this timeframe. We do have technicians on call for emergencies after hours and on weekends and holidays. Our on-call service is available 24/7/365.  Please call our office at 888-I-DO-COOL (888—436-2665) for additional information, or to schedule an appointment.

Yes, proper yearly maintenance is important to ensure factory warranty coverage, proper operation, and optimum lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment. McQuade Heating and Cooling, Plumbing and Refrigeration recommends you set up a maintenance appointment for your AC in the Spring or Summer.  McQuade Heating and Cooling, Plumbing and Refrigeration recommends you set up a maintenance appointment for your furnace or boiler in the Fall or Winter.  Not only does annual maintenance extend the life of your equipment, but also, it allows us to identify any problems that need to be addressed before they turn into larger issues.  Call our office to ask about our Energy Savings Agreement (ESA) that includes a cost savings to the customer.  The ESA includes one AC maintenance appointment in Spring/Summer, and one furnace maintenance or boiler maintenance appointment in Fall/Winter.

The lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment can vary. On average, a typical furnace or air conditioner can last 15-20 years.  With annual maintenance your equipment will provide many years of reliable service. When your HVAC equipment needs to be replaced, please contact McQuade Heating and Cooling, Plumbing and Refrigeration to schedule an appointment for a free quote. Please call our office at 888-I-DO-COOL (436-2665) for additional information  or to schedule an appointment.

The AUTO setting means your fan will run only when your system is heating or cooling the air. The ON setting will continuously blow air , even when the HVAC system is not heating or cooling air.

McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing recommends a professional furnace maintenance once per year, ideally in the fall before the heating season begins. Annual furnace maintenance may help improve energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, prevent equipment breakdowns, and extend the lifespan of your heating system. Regular furnace maintenance helps to ensure safe operation and may prevent carbon monoxide issues.

Common signs you may need furnace repair include:

• Cold air blowing from vents

• Uneven heating throughout your home

• Strange noises like banging or rattling

• Frequent cycling on and off

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to schedule professional furnace repair as soon as possible to avoid a complete equipment breakdown.

The lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment can vary. On average, furnaces can last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. If your furnace is over 15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or is no longer heating efficiently, it may be time to consider a furnace replacement or new heating system installation. Contact McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for additional information or to schedule a free quote.

Your air conditioning system should be serviced once a year, preferably in the spring. Regular AC maintenance helps improve cooling performance, lower energy costs, and reduces the risk of emergency AC repairs during peak summer months.

You may need air conditioner repair if you notice:

• Warm air coming from vents

• Water or refrigerant leaks

• Loud or unusual noises

Prompt AC repair service can prevent system failure and costly replacements.

Most central air conditioners last 12–15 years with proper maintenance. Contact McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing to ask about A/C installation or replacement.

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency HVAC service for heating and cooling issues that can’t wait. Whether your furnace stops working in winter or your AC fails during extreme heat, contact McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for emergency HVAC repairs.

An HVAC emergency includes:

• Carbon monoxide concerns

• No heat = furnace or boiler breakdown during extreme cold weather

• No A/C = air conditioner breakdown during extreme heat

If you experience a safety issue related to your HVAC equipment, call McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing to schedule emergency heating or cooling repair.

An HVAC maintenance service typically includes:

• Inspecting and cleaning components

• Checking electrical connections

• Testing system performance

• Replacing or cleaning filters

• Ensuring safe and efficient operation

Annual HVAC maintenance may prevent equipment failures and improve energy efficiency.

You can improve energy efficiency by:

• Checking and replacing air filters every 1–3 months

• Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance

• Sealing air leaks and improving insulation

• Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system

These steps help lower utility bills and improve indoor comfort.

You may need HVAC system replacement of your furnace and/or air conditioner, if:

• Repairs are frequent or costly

• Your system is over 15 years old

• Energy bills keep increasing

Our experienced personnel can help you decide whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective option.

Most HVAC installations can be completed in one day, depending on the system type and home size. Our team ensures a professional installation that maximizes efficiency, comfort, and system lifespan.

McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing proudly provides heating and cooling services to homeowners and businesses throughout Macomb County, Oakland County, and parts of St. Clair County in Southeast Michigan. If you search locally for HVAC repair near me, you are probably in our service area. Call us to confirm service for your area.

McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is known for providing world-class service since 1970. As one of the longest-standing HVAC companies in Southeast Michigan, we have provided high quality furnace installs, heating and cooling repairs, and expert plumbing services for 56 years! We have the knowledge and experience to handle your residential or commercial business needs, serving the community for decades with:

• Experienced, certified technicians

• Reliable emergency HVAC services

• Honest pricing and quality workmanship

• Excellent customer reviews

Our techs and our trucks are ready to help you keep your home comfortable year-round.

We provide a full range of professional plumbing services, including:

• Plumbing repairs and troubleshooting

• Drain cleaning and pipe repair

• Water heater, sump pump, and toilet replacement

• Fixture installation and replacement

Plumbing problems? Don’t let leaks dampen your day. If you are looking for reliable plumbing services or emergency plumbing repair, look no further than McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing.

Yes, we offer emergency service for urgent plumbing issues such as burst pipes, overflowing toilets, severe leaks, and water heater failures. If you need reliable emergency plumbing repair, look no further than McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing.

You may need professional plumbing repair if you notice:

• Low water pressure

• Slow or clogged drains

• Water stains or mold growth

• Unusual noises in pipes

• Sudden spikes in your water bill

Addressing plumbing problems early can prevent costly water damage.

Yes, we provide water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement for both standard tank water heaters and tankless water heaters. Our skilled plumbers and service technicians can help you determine whether repair or replacement is the best option for your home.

Standard tank water heaters last 8–12 years, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. 

Common signs include:

• No hot water or inconsistent temperatures

• Discolored or rusty water

• Water pooling around the unit

Call McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for assistance with your water heater.

Yes, we offer professional drain services to clear clogs and restore proper drainage. If you’re experiencing slow drains or recurring clogs, our plumber uses safe, effective methods to remove buildup and prevent future blockages.

Common causes of clogged drains include:

• Grease and food buildup, or hair and soap residue

• Tree root intrusion

• Flushing non-flushable items

Regular drain maintenance and cleaning can help prevent recurring plumbing issues.

Yes, we provide professional plumbing installation for sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, garbage disposals, sump pumps, and more. Professional and proper installation ensures efficient operation and helps prevent leaks or damage.

Pipe replacement may be needed if:

• Your home has vintage pipework or a legacy (outdated) plumbing system.

• Pipes are leaking or show corrosion

• Rust-colored water; dirty water 

Call McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing if you have plumbing issues. Our skilled plumber can evaluate your system, diagnose the problem, and recommend the best repair or replacement solution.

McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has been providing the finest plumbing service in Macomb County and Oakland County, and parts of St. Clair County, since 1970. If you are searching online for a plumber near me, contact us for reliable service, fast response times, and quality work!

Home owners and business owners choose McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing because we offer:

• Fast response times, reliable service, and quality work.

• Honest pricing and quality workmanship

• Emergency plumbing service

• Excellent customer reviews on Google

Trust McQuade Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing to provide dependable plumbing solutions, exceptional customer service, and fair pricing.