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FAQ Tag: replace

What Denver Homeowners Can Expect to Pay for Tankless Water Heaters

In the Denver metro area, tankless water heater installations generally fall between $3,000 and $6,500. The price depends on system size, fuel type, and whether upgrades to gas lines, electrical capacity, or venting are needed. Tankless systems cost more upfront but can deliver long-term efficiency and space savings.

How Businesses Can Plan for Sewer Excavation With Minimal Disruption

For Denver-area businesses, sewer excavation is typically scheduled and staged to minimize disruption while keeping the property safe and accessible whenever possible. Depending on where the sewer line runs, there may be temporary impacts to parking, delivery paths, entrances, or restroom use during parts of the repair. A clearly marked work zone, safety barriers, and upfront communication about timing help you plan around the work and reduce downtime.

Where Are P-Traps Located?

P-traps are positioned directly below or just beyond plumbing fixtures to stop sewer gases before they enter the home. They’re designed to be as close as possible to the drain opening so the water seal stays effective.

You’ll commonly find them beneath sinks, below shower and tub drains, at laundry standpipes, and beneath floor drains. Toilets include a built-in trap as part of the fixture itself, even though it looks different from a traditional P-trap.

Because some traps are hidden behind walls or under floors, issues like leaks, clogs, or dried-out seals can go unnoticed until odors or drainage problems appear. Knowing where traps are placed helps homeowners understand why professional diagnosis is sometimes necessary.

If a drain smells off or isn’t working like it should, Done! can pinpoint the issue quickly. For experienced plumbers for Denver, our team delivers clear answers and long-term solutions you can trust.

Are P-Traps Required?

In nearly all residential plumbing systems, P-traps are required by local and national plumbing codes. Their role is critical: they create a physical barrier between your home and the sewer system by holding water in the drain line.

Without a P-trap, sewer gases can flow freely into living spaces, creating health concerns and persistent odors. This is why sinks, showers, tubs, floor drains, and laundry drains are designed to include a trap as part of their installation.

Homes without proper traps — often due to age, past renovations, or DIY work — may still function but are typically out of compliance. These setups are common sources of unexplained smells and failed inspections.

If you’re unsure whether your plumbing meets current requirements, Done! can inspect your system and recommend the right fix. Homeowners looking for trusted plumbers for Denver can rely on our team to bring systems up to code with minimal disruption.

What If There Is No Room For A P-Trap?

In tight spaces, older homes, or remodels, there may not be enough vertical or horizontal clearance for a traditional P-trap. This is common under pedestal sinks, in basement bathrooms, or where plumbing wasn’t originally designed for modern fixtures. Even when space is limited, plumbing code still requires a proper trap to block sewer gases.

In these situations, a licensed plumber can often rework the drain layout, lower the drain line, or install a compact, code-approved solution such as a shallow P-trap or a properly vented alternative. The goal is always the same: maintain a water seal while ensuring the drain functions safely and efficiently.

This is where experience matters. Improvised or DIY fixes may seem to work at first, but they often lead to slow drains, recurring odors, or failed inspections down the road. A professional evaluation ensures the solution is both functional and compliant.

If space constraints are causing drain issues or preventing a proper installation, Done! provides expert solutions tailored to real-world homes. When you need reliable plumbers for Denver, our team can assess the situation and make sure your plumbing works the way it should.

Lights flickering can be frustrating—and sometimes concerning. In many Denver-area homes, flicker starts with something minor. In others, it’s an early warning sign of wiring or panel issues that should be addressed by a licensed electrician. Understanding the difference helps you act quickly and safely.

Common Reasons Your Lights Flicker

Most flicker starts with something simple. These are the first things electricians typically rule out during an inspection:

  • Loose or aging bulb: If the bulb isn’t seated firmly, it can lose contact and blink. Turn off the power, let it cool, tighten it fully, and test. If that doesn’t help, replace the bulb.
  • LED and dimmer mismatch: Older dimmer switches weren’t designed for modern LED bulbs. That mismatch can cause shimmering or strobing. Use a dimmer rated for LED and make sure your bulbs are labeled dimmable and compatible.
  • Worn switches or fixtures: A switch that feels loose or warm may be failing. Lamp sockets and ceiling fixtures can develop weak springs or corroded contacts that cause intermittent flicker.
  • Normal voltage fluctuation: Large appliances starting up, or brief utility dips during storms, can cause momentary flicker. These short episodes usually pass, but ongoing lights flickering in house is a sign to look deeper.

If basic bulb or dimmer fixes don’t resolve the problem, electricians look beyond the fixture and into wiring connections, shared circuits, and the electrical panel to find the root cause.

Why Multiple Flickering Lights Need Attention

When multiple lights flicker at the same time across rooms or circuits, the issue usually isn’t the bulb or switch. It’s often upstream, where electricity is distributed through your home.

Two common causes electricians see:

  • Loose or damaged neutral: A compromised neutral wire can cause voltage to swing between circuits, making lights randomly brighten or dim. Neutral faults are high-risk because they can overheat wiring and damage electronics.
  • Panel problems: Loose breaker connections, corroded lugs, or an aging panel can intermittently lose contact. Overloaded or poorly balanced circuits may trigger flicker when high-demand appliances run, especially if loads aren’t distributed well across the panel.

Sometimes the source isn’t inside the home at all. A failing meter base, service drop, or transformer can affect the entire property — and even nearby homes. If neighbors mention house lights flickering too, the issue may be on the utility side.

Diagnosing neutral and panel-related problems requires electrical testing and should only be handled by a licensed electrician.

Is Flickering Dangerous?

It can be, depending on the cause.

Flicker from loose connections can create heat and arcing. Arcing occurs when electricity jumps across a gap instead of flowing through a secure contact, generating extremely high temperatures that can damage insulation or nearby materials.

Electrical faults that cause persistent flicker increase the risk of overheating and fire. Because these problems often develop gradually and out of sight, electricians focus on early diagnosis, before visible damage or failure occurs.

Call for help quickly if you notice:

  • Buzzing or crackling from switches, fixtures, or the panel
  • Burning or smoky smells
  • Discoloration or scorch marks around outlets or switches
  • Warm or hot cover plates
  • Breakers that trip repeatedly or unexplained brightening/dimming

If you’ve been wondering “why are my lights flickering” and the behavior keeps returning or gets worse, don’t ignore it. Even if lights stabilize temporarily, the underlying issue may still be present and can flare up under heavy load or temperature changes.

What You Can Safely Check

You can try a few simple checks without getting into risky territory:

  • Bulbs: Turn off power, let the bulb cool, tighten it fully, and try a new bulb to rule out wear or defects.
  • Swap test: Move the bulb to a different fixture on the same circuit. If flicker follows the bulb, it’s likely the bulb. If it stays with the fixture, the socket or switch may be the issue.
  • Patterns: Note whether flicker aligns with appliance start-up or specific rooms. This helps pinpoint overloaded circuits or voltage drop.

For safety, set firm boundaries. Do not open your electrical panel, remove cover plates to access live wiring, or tighten service connections. If you notice heat, odor, buzzing, or visible damage, stop and call a professional.

If flickering continues after these checks, further troubleshooting requires electrical testing tools and panel access best left to a licensed electrician.

When to Call an Electrician

Call an electrician if:

  • Multiple lights flicker across rooms or circuits
  • Flickering happens daily or worsens over time
  • Lights brighten or dim unexpectedly
  • Breakers trip or partial power loss occurs

Homes with older electrical panels may also lack the capacity for modern electrical loads. A professional inspection can identify weak connections, overloaded circuits, or aging components and recommend targeted repairs or panel upgrades.

How Electricians Diagnose Flicker

Electricians start with a safety-focused inspection, checking fixtures, switches, and accessible connections for wear, heat marks, and loose terminations. They verify LED and dimmer compatibility and correct mismatches that cause shimmer.

They then measure voltage and circuit load, observe appliance start-up behavior, and test for neutral faults, voltage drop, and imbalance. Inside the panel, they inspect breakers, lugs, and connections for corrosion or improper torque. If the issue appears utility-related, electricians document findings and coordinate with the power company.

You’ll receive clear explanations, repair options, and guidance on next steps. The goal is simple: identify the true cause—whether it’s a fixture, wiring run, circuit, panel component, or service connection—and fix it correctly the first time.

One Call… It’s Done!

If you notice multiple lights flickering across rooms or circuits, it’s time to bring in a professional electrician. That pattern often points to a shared wiring connection, neutral issue, or electrical panel problem that requires testing and panel access.

Persistent flicker that happens daily, worsens over time, or causes lights to brighten and dim unexpectedly should also be evaluated. These symptoms commonly indicate loose terminations or arcing connections that degrade with normal use.

If flickering appears alongside breaker trips, partial power loss, buzzing, heat, or burning smells, treat it as urgent. These are conditions electricians in Denver are trained to diagnose safely and correct before damage escalates.

For Denver homes and businesses, Done! electricians specialize in tracking down flickering light issues at the source—whether the problem is in a fixture, circuit, panel, or service connection.

Denver winters don’t behave like winters in most parts of the country, and your thermostat shouldn’t be treated like they do. High elevation, intense sun, dry air, and fast-moving weather systems create bigger temperature swings and more uneven heating across Front Range homes.

Our HVAC technicians see it every winter: south-facing rooms that warm up in the afternoon and cool quickly after sunset, systems that cycle more during sudden cold fronts, and homes where the thermostat setting sounds right but still feels off. Managing humidity, sun exposure, and day-to-night temperature changes — often with a programmable or smart thermostat — helps you find the best winter setting without overworking your heating system or driving up energy costs.

Best Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Winter

Use these ranges as a starting point. Adjust one degree at a time until your home feels steady and your bills make sense.

Situation Recommended Set Point Notes
Home during the day Around 68°F Common balance of comfort and efficiency in well-sealed homes.
Nighttime 60–62°F Lower by 6–8 degrees from your evening setting; use proper bedding.
Away for the day 60–62°F Cuts run time without long warm-ups.
Extended trips At least 60°F Avoid going below the mid-50s to limit frozen pipe risk.

Home characteristics matter. Tight, well-insulated homes can stay comfortable at slightly lower set points. Drafty homes or those with thin attic insulation may need a small bump until air sealing and insulation are improved. If you’re unsure of the best temperature to set thermostat in winter for your space, start at 68°F, then tweak based on how rooms feel in the evening and early morning.

How Your Heating System Affects Comfort

Different systems deliver heat differently, which can change what temperature feels “right.” This is key when choosing a thermostat setting for winter that you’ll stick with.

  • High-efficiency modulating or two-stage furnaces: Provide steady, even heat, so 67–69°F often feels comfortable.
  • Single-stage furnaces: Can cause noticeable swings; you may prefer a slightly higher set point to smooth peaks and dips.
  • Radiant heat: Warm surfaces make lower readings feel cozy because heat is even and less drafty.
  • Heat pumps: Cold-climate models can keep pace during many Denver winter days; smart controls improve comfort in temperature swings.

If your home struggles to reach or hold the set point, it may be a system or control issue. Uneven room temperatures, short cycling, or loud runs are signs it’s time for a check. Done! offers furnace repair and thermostat evaluations to get things back on track fast.

Thermostat Energy Savings in Winter

Lowering your set point by about 7–10 degrees for 8 hours can deliver meaningful thermostat energy savings winter after winter. Your home loses heat more slowly at lower indoor temperatures, and your furnace or heat pump runs less.

Consistency pays off. High-efficiency systems do best with planned schedules instead of frequent manual changes. A programmable or smart thermostat will warm the house before you wake or return, so comfort is there when you need it without wasting energy while you’re away.

  • Use a regular sleep setback of 6–8 degrees.
  • Schedule daytime setbacks when the home is empty.
  • Let the thermostat handle preheat and recovery to avoid overshooting.

If you want help building schedules or choosing the best thermostat in winter for your setup, our smart thermostat installation service includes setup, app connection, and training.

Is 72°F a Good Temperature for Heat in the Winter in Denver?

It’s comfortable for many households, but not always the most efficient. If your home is drafty, insulation is limited, or someone is more sensitive to cold – infants, seniors, or those with certain health conditions – 72°F may make sense during cold spells. For long-term savings, fix the root causes so the best temperature for heater in winter, around 68–70°F, feels just as good.

  • Seal door and window gaps and add weatherstripping.
  • Improve attic insulation and seal obvious duct leaks.
  • Replace clogged filters and ensure steady airflow.

If temperatures vary room to room, schedule furnace maintenance to correct airflow or control issues before the next cold front.

What Temperature Should I Set When I’m Away?

For daytime absences, aim for 60–62°F. For longer trips, maintain at least 60°F and avoid going below the mid-50s. In Denver’s dry cold, pipes can be at risk when interior spaces hover near 55°F or lower, especially along exterior walls, basements, and crawl spaces. These practices support recommended thermostat settings for winter without risking damage.

  • Open sink cabinets on exterior walls to let warm air circulate.
  • During extreme cold, leave faucets at a slow drip and keep interior doors open.
  • Use smart thermostat low-temperature alerts, and consider a neighbor check-in during deep freezes.

Heading out of town? Making a small thermostat adjustment and checking your heating system can help prevent surprises. If you want a professional look, call Done! Heating & Cooling to schedule a system check before you leave.

When to Replace or Upgrade Your Thermostat

Consider an upgrade if you notice temperature swings, rooms that don’t match the set point, short cycling, a flickering display, or odd run times. A worn sensor or miscalibrated thermostat can waste energy and undermine the best temperature to set thermostat in winter.

Modern options offer strong everyday value:

  • Programmable thermostats: Set dependable day, night, and away schedules for hands-off savings.
  • Smart thermostats: Add learning, geofencing, remote control, low-temp alerts, and usage insights.

If your thermostat is 10 years old or lacks scheduling, upgrading can pay off quickly. Done handles smart thermostat installation, setup, and training so everything works on day one.

Simple Ways to Make Lower Settings Feel Better

  • Seal drafts around doors, windows, and attic hatches.
  • Rebalance supply and return vents in cold rooms.
  • Use thick curtains at night; open them on sunny days to capture heat.
  • Add humidity with a whole-home or portable humidifier.
  • Change filters every 1–3 months during heavy heating use.

These basics often let you lower your thermostat in winter by a degree or two without sacrificing comfort — small changes that add up to thermostat energy savings winter after winter.

Troubleshooting: If Your Home Won’t Reach the Set Point

During a cold snap, your system may struggle. Before you crank the setting higher, check the simple stuff:

  • Filter: Replace if dirty to restore airflow.
  • Vents: Open and clear any furniture or rugs blocking registers.
  • Thermostat location: Avoid drafts or direct sun that can throw off readings.

If issues persist—burner cycling, unusual noises, or no heat—book furnace repair. If your equipment is aging and fixes are adding up, we can compare heating system replacement options, including high-efficiency furnaces and cold-climate heat pumps. We also service hybrid systems and provide heat pump repair when needed.

Why Homeowners Choose Done! Heating & Cooling

Winter in Denver can change fast. You need clear guidance, on-time service, and work that holds up to the next cold front. Done! delivers all three. Since 1999, our licensed HVAC technicians have helped homeowners across Aurora and Greater Denver set schedules that work, prevent frozen pipes, and keep systems running efficiently. You get straightforward explanations, upfront pricing, and results that last.

  • Fast, reliable help: Same-day solutions whenever possible.
  • Transparency from start to finish: Clear pricing with no surprises.
  • Local know-how: Advice grounded in Denver’s climate and housing stock.
  • Simple experience: Friendly pros, tidy workspaces, and follow-through.

If you’re ready to lock in the best temperature to set thermostat in winter for your home—or you want a smart upgrade that boosts thermostat energy savings in winter — One Call… It’s Done!

What Can Affect Dishwasher Installation Time

Most dishwasher installations are straightforward when existing connections are in good condition and the new unit fits the existing space. In these cases, installation can often be completed within a couple of hours.

Installation time may be longer if the old dishwasher needs to be removed, if plumbing or electrical connections need adjustment, or if cabinetry requires modification to accommodate the new appliance. Issues such as outdated shutoff valves, improper drain connections, or limited access can also add time to the process.

A proper installation includes verifying that water, drain, and electrical connections are secure and testing the dishwasher to ensure it operates correctly before use.

Frozen pipes don’t automatically burst, but the risk is very real — especially in Denver and the surrounding Front Range, where temperatures can drop quickly and stay below freezing for extended periods.

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. That expansion increases pressure inside the pipe, particularly between the ice blockage and a closed faucet or valve. If the pressure becomes too great, the pipe can crack or burst. In many cases, the pipe actually breaks after the ice begins to thaw, when water flow resumes and escapes through weakened areas.

Whether a frozen pipe bursts depends on several factors:

  • Pipe material: Copper and CPVC pipes are more likely to burst than PEX, which can expand slightly.
  • Location of the pipe: Pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and unheated commercial spaces are more vulnerable.
  • How long the pipe stays frozen: Denver cold snaps that last several days increase the risk significantly.
  • Water pressure: Higher pressure puts more stress on frozen sections.

For Denver-area homes and businesses, sudden temperature swings are a major concern. A pipe may freeze overnight during a cold front, then thaw quickly during a sunny afternoon, creating the perfect conditions for a delayed burst and unexpected water damage.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, acting quickly can help prevent a rupture. Keeping faucets slightly open, warming the affected area safely, and calling a professional before thawing causes damage can make a big difference.

Unthawing frozen pipes isn’t just about getting water flowing again — it’s about preventing a pipe from bursting and avoiding costly damage. In Denver-area homes and businesses, where rapid temperature swings are common, frozen pipes are especially risky once thawing begins.

When a pipe is frozen, pressure builds inside it. If thawing happens too quickly or unevenly, that pressure can cause cracks or sudden bursts — often behind walls or in ceilings where damage isn’t immediately visible. This is why many pipe failures happen after the ice melts, not during the freeze.

Professional plumbers use controlled thawing methods designed to safely restore flow while relieving pressure. Just as important, they can inspect the pipe for hidden damage and address weak points before they turn into leaks or floods.

For Denver homes and commercial properties, frozen pipes are most common in:

  • Exterior walls and unheated areas
  • Mechanical rooms and utility spaces
  • Older buildings with limited insulation
  • Vacant or low-use properties during cold snaps

If you suspect a pipe is frozen – especially if water pressure has dropped or stopped entirely – it’s best to call before attempting to thaw it yourself. Early professional help can prevent emergency repairs, water damage, and business downtime.

If you suspect your pipes are frozen, it’s important to act quickly—but carefully. In Denver-area homes and businesses, frozen pipes are common during sudden cold snaps, especially in exterior walls, unheated spaces, and older buildings.

Signs of frozen pipes may include:

  • Little to no water coming from faucets
  • Unusual drops in water pressure
  • Frost on exposed pipes
  • Strange noises when turning on taps

Even if there’s no visible damage yet, a frozen pipe can burst without warning — often when temperatures rise and the ice begins to thaw. This can lead to hidden leaks, structural damage, and costly repairs.

Calling a licensed plumber as soon as you notice a potential freeze allows the issue to be addressed safely. A professional can locate the frozen section, thaw it in a controlled way, and check for cracks or weaknesses before water flow is fully restored.

For Denver homes and commercial properties, early professional intervention is one of the best ways to avoid emergency plumbing calls, water damage, and business disruption.

What an AHU Does

An AHU typically contains key components such as the blower motor, evaporator coils, air filter, and controls. Together, these parts circulate air, support cooling performance, and help maintain indoor air quality by filtering and conditioning the air before it reaches living spaces.

How an AHU Fits Into Your HVAC System

The air handling unit works with the outdoor AC unit to deliver cooled air throughout the home. If the AHU is not functioning properly, issues like weak airflow, uneven temperatures, or reduced efficiency can occur even if the outdoor unit is running.

When AHU Service Is Needed

Problems such as unusual noises, poor airflow, moisture issues, or inconsistent cooling often point to an issue within the air handler. Professional inspection and maintenance help ensure the AHU is operating safely, efficiently, and in coordination with the rest of the system.

Done! provides diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs for air handling units to restore proper airflow and reliable cooling performance.

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