FAQ

My Cousin Vinnie offers complete air conditioning services, including AC repairs, system replacement, new installations, seasonal maintenance, and troubleshooting for comfort and performance issues.

Common signs include warm air coming from vents, weak airflow, unusual noises, inconsistent temperatures, frequent cycling, strange odors, or higher energy bills. If your home isn't staying comfortable, it's time to schedule service.

Warm air can be caused by low refrigerant, dirty coils, a clogged air filter, thermostat issues, or problems with the outdoor unit. A technician can diagnose the exact cause and restore proper cooling.

Most AC systems should be serviced once per year-ideally in the spring before peak summer temperatures. Routine maintenance improves efficiency, helps prevent breakdowns, and extends system life.

A typical tune-up includes inspecting refrigerant levels, checking electrical connections, cleaning the outdoor unit, testing system performance, inspecting airflow, clearing the condensate drain line, and replacing or cleaning the air filter as needed.

Frequent cycling may be caused by thermostat problems, dirty filters, restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or a system that's not properly sized. Short cycling can increase wear and drive up energy costs, so it should be addressed quickly.

Uneven cooling can be caused by duct leaks, insulation issues, airflow imbalances, blocked vents, or system sizing concerns. We can evaluate your setup and recommend solutions to improve comfort in every room.

Turn the system off and let the ice melt. Frozen coils are often caused by airflow problems (dirty filters or blocked vents) or low refrigerant. Once thawed, schedule service to fix the underlying issue and prevent repeat freeze-ups.

Rattling, buzzing, squealing, or grinding can indicate loose parts, electrical issues, fan motor problems, or worn components. Unusual noises should be checked early to avoid bigger repairs later.

Many central AC systems last around 10-15 years with regular maintenance. Ductless systems can also last many years when serviced properly. If your system is aging and struggling, we can help you explore replacement options.

If your system needs frequent repairs, is over 10-15 years old, or your energy bills are rising, replacement may be a better long-term investment. If the problem is minor and the system is in decent shape, repair may be the smarter choice. My Cousin Vinnie can help you compare options.

High-efficiency systems can improve comfort, reduce energy use, provide better humidity control, and often run quieter. Many homeowners notice lower cooling costs after upgrading.

Yes. Smart thermostats can adjust temperatures automatically based on your schedule and reduce unnecessary runtime. They're a great option for improving comfort and efficiency.

Change filters regularly, keep vents open and unobstructed, use blinds during peak sun, seal air leaks, and schedule annual maintenance. Small upgrades like thermostat programming can also make a big impact.

Yes. If your AC stops working during extreme heat, My Cousin Vinnie offers fast, reliable service options to get your system running again as quickly as possible.

Yes. We install and replace air conditioners and can recommend the best system for your home based on comfort needs, layout, and energy efficiency goals.

You can schedule by calling our team or booking an appointment online. My Cousin Vinnie will help you find a convenient time for repair, maintenance, or installation.

My Cousin Vinnie offers complete heating services, including furnace and heat pump repairs, seasonal maintenance, system replacements, new installations, and troubleshooting for comfort and performance issues.

Common signs include uneven heating, strange noises, weak airflow, frequent cycling, higher heating bills, cold spots in the home, or a system that can't keep up on colder days. If your heat doesn't feel consistent, it's time to schedule service.

This can be caused by thermostat settings, a dirty air filter, ignition problems, or issues with the furnace's safety sensors. If you have a heat pump, short bursts of cooler air may happen during defrost mode-but steady cold air means something needs attention.

Heating systems should be serviced once per year-ideally in the fall before cold weather hits. Regular maintenance helps improve efficiency, reduce breakdowns, and extend system life.

A typical tune-up includes checking ignition and safety controls, inspecting burners or heating components, testing airflow, cleaning key parts, inspecting electrical connections, checking the thermostat, and replacing or cleaning filters as needed.

Banging, rattling, squealing, or humming can indicate loose parts, blower issues, airflow restrictions, or wear on internal components. New or worsening noises should be inspected to prevent more expensive repairs.

This is known as short cycling. It can be caused by dirty filters, airflow problems, overheating, thermostat issues, or a system that's too large for the home. Short cycling increases energy use and puts extra strain on your equipment.

Uneven heating can be caused by duct leaks, poor insulation, airflow imbalance, blocked vents, or sizing issues. My Cousin Vinnie can evaluate your system and recommend solutions to improve comfort in every room.

Check your thermostat settings, make sure the breaker hasn't tripped, and replace the filter if it's dirty. If the system still won't run, contact My Cousin Vinnie for fast troubleshooting and repair.

Furnaces often last 15-20 years, while heat pumps typically last around 10-15 years with proper care. Maintenance helps extend lifespan and keep performance steady.

If your system is older, needs frequent repairs, or heating costs keep rising, replacement may be the smarter option. If the repair is minor and the system is in otherwise good shape, repair may be the best move. My Cousin Vinnie can help you compare options.

High-efficiency systems can lower heating costs, improve comfort consistency, reduce temperature swings, and often operate more quietly. Many newer systems also offer better airflow and humidity control.

Yes. Smart thermostats can help reduce energy use by adjusting temperatures automatically when you're away or asleep, without sacrificing comfort when you're home.

Many homeowners choose 68-72°F while home, and slightly lower when sleeping or away. The best setting balances comfort and energy savings based on your home's insulation and your household's routine.

A light dusty smell can be normal at the start of the season as dust burns off. However, strong burning smells or electrical odors should be taken seriously. Turn the system off and schedule service if the smell doesn't go away quickly.

Yes. If your heat goes out during freezing weather, My Cousin Vinnie offers quick service options to restore warmth and comfort as soon as possible.

Yes. My Cousin Vinnie installs and replaces furnaces and heat pumps and can recommend the right system based on your home's size, comfort needs, and efficiency goals.

You can schedule by calling our team or booking an appointment online. My Cousin Vinnie will help you set up a convenient time for repair, maintenance, or installation.

My Cousin Vinnie offers full-service residential plumbing, including leak detection and repairs, drain cleaning, toilet repairs, faucet and fixture replacement, water heater service, garbage disposal repairs, and general plumbing troubleshooting.

Signs of a leak include higher-than-usual water bills, water stains on ceilings or walls, damp cabinets, musty odors, low water pressure, warped flooring, or hearing running water when nothing is turned on. Catching leaks early can help prevent costly damage.

Shut off the main water supply immediately, then turn on a faucet to relieve pressure and reduce further leaking. If water is near outlets or electrical equipment, turn off power to the area if it's safe. Then contact My Cousin Vinnie right away for emergency plumbing help.

Slow drains are usually caused by buildup from grease, soap scum, hair, food debris, or mineral deposits. If multiple drains are slow or backing up, it may be a larger issue in the main drain line that needs professional attention.

Not always. Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes over time and may not fully clear the clog. Professional drain cleaning is often safer, more effective, and helps prevent repeat clogs.

A running toilet is typically caused by a worn flapper, fill valve issue, or incorrect float level. It can waste a lot of water, so repairing it quickly can save money and prevent bigger problems.

Frequent clogs can come from flushing non-flushable items, using too much toilet paper, low-flow toilet issues, or partial blockages deeper in the drain. If plunging isn't solving it, it's time to schedule service.

Low pressure can be caused by mineral buildup in fixtures, a failing pressure regulator, hidden leaks, partially closed shutoff valves, or problems with the water supply line. We can diagnose the cause and restore proper flow.

Loud banging is often caused by water hammer, which happens when water shuts off suddenly and pipes jolt. It can also be caused by loose pipe supports or high water pressure. Fixing it helps reduce noise and prevents long-term wear.

Rusty or discolored water can be caused by corrosion in pipes or sediment inside your water heater. If it happens only with hot water, the water heater is often the source. If it affects both hot and cold water, the issue may be in the plumbing system or supply line.

A rotten egg smell can be caused by bacteria inside the water heater or an issue with the anode rod. Other odors could point to drain or sewer gas issues. We'll identify the source and recommend the right fix.

Warning signs include inconsistent hot water, strange noises, discolored water, leaks around the unit, long recovery times, or sudden temperature changes. Addressing issues early can help prevent breakdowns.

Tank water heaters typically last about 8-12 years, while tankless units can last longer with proper maintenance. Routine service can help extend the life of your system.

If the unit is older, leaking, or needing frequent repairs, replacement may be the better choice. If the issue is minor and the system is otherwise in good shape, repair may be more cost-effective. My Cousin Vinnie can help you compare your options.

Yes. We install and replace faucets, sinks, toilets, shower fixtures, and garbage disposals. Professional installation helps prevent leaks and ensures your fixtures operate properly.

Stop using the affected fixture and try a simple solution like a plunger if it's safe. If the backup continues-or if multiple drains are involved-call My Cousin Vinnie for professional drain and plumbing service.

Avoid pouring grease down the drain, use drain strainers for hair and food debris, only flush toilet paper, fix small leaks early, and schedule plumbing service if you notice repeated clogs or pressure issues.

Yes. If you're dealing with major leaks, burst pipes, sewage backups, or no hot water, My Cousin Vinnie offers fast service options to protect your home and restore normal plumbing quickly.

You can schedule by calling our team or booking an appointment online. My Cousin Vinnie will help you set up a convenient time for repair, replacement, or installation.