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What makes Genz-Ryan different?
We are industry leaders, in every way. We stay on top of the latest techniques and technology, to provide you cutting edge service. It doesn’t hurt that we’re also known as the friendliest team in town! Got a question? The Genz-Ryan team is there to answer it.
What services do you offer?
We provide heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical repairs and replacements for Twin Cities metro residents.
Do you have financing programs available?
We partner with GreenSky to give you financing solutions that work with every budget.
See Financing OptionsHow long do heating systems last?
Different heating systems have different standards for service life, though any can fall short or exceed its average based on maintenance, speedy repairs, and luck.
- Furnaces can last 15 or 20 years but will be showing their age as early as 10 in some cases.
- Heat pumps will outlast a furnace if used exclusively for heat but tend to fall short with a 10- to 15-year service life if used year-round for heating and cooling.
- Hybrid systems last the longest because they strain their component systems less, as long as 25 years. It’s best to replace both systems when one or the other fails.
Ductless mini-splits use the same technology as heat pumps and share their service lives; lengthy for heating alone and shorter for year-round use.
Why is my furnace making noise?
If your furnace starts making strange noises, it can be any number of issues including booms and bangs from delayed ignition, clicking from a damaged igniter or failed flame sensor, rattling from loose screws and damaged components, and shrieking motor belts and friction on other misaligned parts.
Should I repair or replace my heating system?
We typically compare outcomes: If you repair this problem today, will you need to fix something else soon? Will you regret spending so much on a repair when you could have put it toward replacement? The older a system gets, the more the balance shifts toward replacement as a sounder investment.
How can I maximize heating efficiency in the Minnesota winter?
When winter comes through, get the most from your furnace with these winter furnace tips:
- Reduce your thermostat setting (or let a smart thermostat do it) before bed
- Maintain comfortable humidity with a humidifier
- Keep up with annual maintenance and monthly filter replacement
How do I maintain my heating system?
While a professional tune-up once a year is important, as a homeowner, you can also help your heating system by clearing the area around your furnace, changing or cleaning your filters, inspecting for visible damage, looking and listening for leaks of water, refrigerant, oil, gas, etc., and paying attention to any weird sounds, behaviors, smells, and so on.
How much do furnace repairs cost?
It will depend on the nature of the problem and the parts required to repair it. At Genz-Ryan, we will recommend the most cost-effective furnace repair options for your budget, and we will provide detailed estimates before work begins. You can also check out our financing options and special offers for other budget-saving measures.
Financing OptionsWhat are your most common furnace problems?
At Genz-Ryan, our most common heating problems that we encounter include faulty thermostats, igniter failures, thermocouple failures, dirty flame sensors, sooty burners, faulty fan limiters, faulty capacitors, and clogged filters. All of these are relatively minor and inexpensive to repair.
Can a cracked heat exchanger be repaired?
Because of the constant heat cycling that a heat exchanger must endure, once it’s damaged, it often cannot be repaired due to the deterioration of the surrounding metal. Installing a new heating system is often the most cost-effective option.
What is an HVAC zoning system?
A zoning system allows you to heat and cool different areas of your home individually. For example, if your upstairs is always warmer than your downstairs, you could zone them separately for greater temperature control and increased comfort. This also saves energy since you won’t be forcing your system to heat or cool areas that don’t need it.
How often do I need heating system maintenance?
You should have furnaces tuned up once per year, before the cold weather starts. Because they work all year long, heat pumps should have maintenance done twice a year — once before the weather gets hot, and once before it gets cold outside. Having maintenance performed before the most extreme seasons will ensure that your system is ready to perform when you need it most.
How do I know which type of heating system to pick?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to heating, so you’ll want to choose based on your budget, preferences, and goals. Heat pumps and ductless mini-splits can be expected to cost significantly more than furnaces at similar sizes on the front end, for example, but generally require less maintenance, last longer, offer better efficiency, and provide a gentler and more comfortable heat. You might also want to consider your current heating system and what you’d need to do to implement a particular form of heat; if you don’t already have ductwork, a furnace is suddenly far less cost-effective upfront.
Do heat pumps and mini-splits work when it gets really cold?
A heat pump or ductless mini-split system will still work to heat your home as temperatures reach freezing, but they start to lose efficiency and need to work harder to provide the same level of heat. Below freezing, you’ll see efficiency the same as or worse than a furnace, and as the temperature lowers, the furnace will pull ahead substantially. Of course, a heat pump is as much as 3 to 4 times as efficient as a furnace during optimal temperatures, so it’s still a great investment for efficiency!
Can I use multiple heating systems together?
If it makes sense for your home, yes! Many homes have both a heat pump and furnace to maintain high efficiency no matter the weather, with reliable on-demand heat when you need to get the temperature up quickly.Heat pumps can pull double duty for cooling, so it’s not much different from the way a traditional air conditioner connects to your furnace’s air handler.
Is a heat pump more energy-efficient than a furnace and AC?
Yes. Because they transfer cool and warm air rather than create it, heat pumps are more energy-efficient than furnaces and air conditioners. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
Do I need a furnace with a head pump?
Twin Cities winters are very cold, which can sometimes reduce the efficiency of heat pumps. To solve this issue, consider a hybrid system, which combines a heat pump with a gas furnace. Homeowners with a hybrid comfort system use their heat pump for most heating and cooling needs and then switch to their furnace when temperatures dip well below freezing.
What happens if your heat pump’s reversing valve is stuck?
Reversing valves can become stuck if they’re damaged, frozen, or have debris or dirt buildup. An HVAC technician can diagnose the problem and provide the right solution.
How often should you maintain a heat pump?
Plan on scheduling a heat pump maintenance appointment at least twice each year — once before the heating season and once before the cooling season.
Are smart thermostats safe?
One of the most commonly asked questions is whether hackers can hack into your thermostat. The answer is that it’s possible but unlikely. As with all Wi-Fi-connected systems, you will want to protect your thermostat with strong passwords and the same up-to-date cybersecurity systems you use to protect your phone, computer, laptop, etc.
Is it difficult to set up and adjust a smart thermostat?
Not at all. Most systems are easily connected to Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Pod, etc. Most feature intuitive controls and will guide you through the steps required to adjust timing, temperature, and incorporated systems.
What is the typical lifespan of smart thermostats?
Most systems will provide accurate, reliable performance for around 10 years. That’s around the same life span as older, traditional thermostat systems.
When should I consider zoning my home?
Zoning your home can be helpful if you have problems with temperature variation from one floor to another, internal areas of your home that tend to overheat or over cool, different temperature preferences from person to person, rooms for special purposes (like an exercise room!), rooms with infrequent use, and/or rooms that have unique cooling and heating requirements (sunroom, basement, bonus room, etc.).
How do you get rid of hot and cold spots in your house?
First, ensure your vents are open and unobstructed in the areas where you notice temperature differences. If your vents are clear, consider other factors that may work against your HVAC system, like broken window and door seals, poor insulation, and dirty ductwork. Temperature zoning can also make a huge difference because it’ll allow you to have multiple thermostats to tailor temperature control to each area.
Can my air conditioning control humidity in my home?
When properly installed and maintained, your air conditioning unit should be able to keep humidity levels between 40% and 60%. Your air conditioner takes your home’s hot and humid air to its cold evaporator coils. It condenses the air to remove the liquid, which is then collected in the drain pan. The blower blows the now cooler and dryer air out into your home and humidity drops. If your system is presenting problems with its humidity control capabilities, schedule air conditioning repair.
What are common problems with air conditioning?
Some of the most common issues related to air conditioners include refrigerant leaks, drainage issues, sensor problems, electronic control failures, and issues arising from inadequate maintenance. Genz-Ryan’s service professionals have seen and solved it all, making us uniquely capable of handling all of your air conditioning repair service requests!
What should I do before turning on central air?
Before turning the air conditioner on for the first time each cooling season, be sure to clean any debris from around the outdoor unit, remove any items that could block air vents throughout your home such as drapes, furniture, or personal items, change your air filters, and schedule routine AC maintenance.
How often should I have my air conditioning serviced?
Genz-Ryan recommends having your air conditioning unit serviced at least once per year ahead of every cooling season, usually at the end of April or beginning of May.
How can I ensure my AC lasts as long as possible?
Scheduling routine maintenance is the best way to ensure your air conditioner lasts as long as possible. Sticking to routine maintenance will also ensure you are able to keep your AC manufacturer warranty active in case urgent repair needs arise.
Should I call for emergency AC repairs after-hours?
Emergency repairs are for situations in which someone or something might be harmed by leaving the issue alone, an outage on a day above 90, or in a home with young children or other vulnerable people, for example, or an issue causing electrical reactions. Efficiency problems and discomfort, by contrast, should wait until regular hours.
What should you check when your AC isn’t cooling?
Ensure your thermostat is set to cool instead of just the fan, check your filter to make sure it isn’t clogged, and check your evaporator coils to ensure your system hasn’t frozen over. If your system isn’t on, check the switches on the unit indoors and out, and check your circuit breaker.
Why is my AC making noise?
Most noises an AC might start making come down to problems with moving parts such as blowers or fans. Clicks, as your system turns on and off, are normal, while humming can indicate minor issues. You can see more on AC noises here if you are interested in their possible causes.
Do bigger air conditioners work better?
Installing an air conditioner that’s too large for your home won’t cool your space faster, and you’ll waste money on your energy bills. It’s important to have a properly sized air conditioner for efficient cooling.
What is the AC installation process?
During the AC installation process, your HVAC contractor will remove the old system and install the new air conditioner according to manufacturer recommendations. Then, they’ll test the new unit to ensure everything is running smoothly.
How long does AC installation take?
Most AC installation jobs range from four hours to eight hours.
Can I install my own air conditioner?
It’s never a good idea to install your own air conditioner. You risk damaging the AC unit and will lose any warranty protection, so you need to hire a professional HVAC technician.
Will a new air conditioner help me save money?
Newer units run more efficiently than dated air conditioners, which will save you money on your energy bill. You also won’t be paying for frequent repairs for your old AC unit.
Will my basement flood if my sump pump fails?
Without a working sump pump, a flooded basement is a significant risk, especially during large storms or an early spring melt. Sump pumps can fail for several reasons, from internal damage to the motor, clogs due to sediment in the pit, or overheating due to a blocked pump inlet. Routine testing helps prevent catastrophic failure when you need your sump pump most.
What should I do if a pipe bursts in my home?
If a pipe bursts, find the main water supply valve and shut it off. You should also shut off the power to the affected area to prevent electric shock. Collect your belongings and call an emergency plumber for help.
What should I do if I have a gas leak?
If you notice the rotten-egg smell of a gas leak, gather your family and leave your home as quickly as possible. Call your utility provider from a safe location to shut off the gas supply, then call an emergency plumber for repairs.
Should you use store-bought drain cleaners?
You should avoid store-bought drain cleaners because the harsh chemicals can damage your plumbing system. Instead, schedule professional drain cleaning services.
How can you keep pipes from freezing in winter?
The most efficient way to prevent your pipes from freezing is by leaving your water running. Just a little trickle of water is enough to reduce the chance of frozen pipes.
What causes low water pressure?
Low water pressure can be caused by clogged pipes, corroded pipes, or damaged pressure regulators. A knowledgeable plumber can pinpoint the source of your low water pressure and make any necessary repairs.
What should you do when your toilet overflows?
The first thing you need to do is shut off your water to prevent more from going into the tank. Once you’ve done this, contact a professional to request plumbing services.
What shouldn’t you put in a garbage disposal?
There’s a long list of things that shouldn’t go down your garbage disposal. Some things to avoid include coffee grounds, eggshells, grease, animal bones, or fruit and vegetable peels.
What are the benefits of tankless water heaters?
Tankless water heaters offer a lot of unique benefits, including an endless supply of hot water, minimized risk of water damage, improved energy efficiency, reduced utility bills, and less space required for installation.
Is water heater maintenance necessary?
Yes, your water heater should receive regular maintenance at least once a year. Ensure your tank is clear of sediment buildup by draining it completely and refilling it. Benefits of keeping up with water heater maintenance include improved performance, reduced energy consumption, minimized risk of breakdown, and extended service life.
How long do water heaters last?
Storage water heaters can last as long as 15 years, though they’ll start to show their age after 10 years. Tankless water heaters can last for 15 to 20 years. Both unit types will see longer service lives with routine maintenance and quick repairs when needed. You risk premature replacement if you skip maintenance or let water heater problems linger.
When should I replace my water heater?
Besides old age, homeowners should look for signs that a replacement is necessary including loss of hot water volume, rising utility bills, corrosion, and frequent need for repairs.
What should I do if my frozen pipes burst?
Immediately turn off your water supply and electricity and call a professional plumber to address the burst pipe. It’s important to also document the damage, dry the affected area, and check the ceilings for any overhead burst pipes.
Why do frozen pipes burst?
Contrary to what you might expect, pipes don’t just burst because of expanding ice. Instead, what happens more often is that the expanding ice puts pressure on unfrozen water closer to the faucet, forcing it out of the faucet or a joint in a way that damages your plumbing.
If my pipes are frozen and haven’t burst, are they safe?
Not necessarily. Damage can occur during thawing as water suddenly rushes past a blockage, and some damage can only be revealed when water begins to flow freely again. Even if you’ve avoided damage in the past, the circumstances inside your pipes might be different this time. It’s best to seek professional service rather than risk significant water damage to your home.
Why did I lose power in only one room?
This usually tracks back to a tripped circuit breaker — or, in a home with an outdated electrical panel, a blown fuse. You can easily reset the breaker by going to your electrical panel and flipping the switch for that room back to the “on” position. If you regularly have tripped breakers, you likely need a panel upgrade to distribute the electrical load across more circuits.
What’s the difference between a circuit breaker and an electrical panel?
A circuit breaker refers to each of the electrical switches found in an electrical panel. A modern electrical panel contains many circuit breakers, each governing a different room or appliance in your home.
Why do I need to upgrade fuse boxes?
Putting aside the cost and frustration of buying a new fuse whenever one blows in your home, fuse boxes are substantially more prone to failure and electrical fire hazards. Modern circuit breakers are far safer and more reliable at cutting power to avert harm to people or property. Fuse boxes are also out of code, reducing the value of your home and causing some difficulty if you wish to sell it.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel to install an EV charging station?
If your home has an older electrical panel that isn’t 200 amps, or you’re already loading it to its full capacity and lack space for a new circuit breaker, you’ll need an upgrade. Modern electrical panels with available circuit breakers shouldn’t require an upgrade to install an EV charging station.
What’s the difference between adding a sub-panel and upgrading my main electrical panel?
A sub-panel acts as a satellite, useful for controlling circuits in out-of-the-way areas. Adding a sub-panel can’t help when you need to supply more power to high-draw appliances or circuits or when you already have troubles stemming from your main electrical panel regarding reliability, power draw, etc.
Can faulty wiring cause power loss in one room?
Having no power in a single room, like a garage or bathroom, is often caused by tripped GFCI outlets or circuit breakers. If you flip the breaker or reset the outlet and it continually trips, you likely have an underlying problem like faulty wiring that’s disrupting the flow of electricity. Loose connections and damaged wiring should be addressed by a trusted electrician with professional wiring and rewiring.
Why should I worry about rewiring my house?
Old wiring isn’t just inefficient and often unable to adequately supply newer high-power appliances, it can be a serious hazard to your home. Rewiring a home with old wiring significantly reduces the risk of house fires, in addition to the various benefits you’ll see in terms of safe, clean, reliable electricity delivered to your gadgets and appliances. And even if you have newer wiring, you may want to rewire with a remodel, expansion, or the addition of new lighting or appliances.
How much does rewiring cost?
The cost of rewiring your home will vary with a number of different factors, so it’s hard to say before we can assess the specifics of your situation. The size of your home, accessibility of your wiring, the products you’re installing, any changes or repairs that need to be made in the process, and a host of other factors all will shape the final cost of rewiring.
Will rewiring my house improve my home value?
Yes, rewiring your home will almost always improve the value of that home. Old wiring is, as mentioned, a risk factor for house fires, can limit the appliances a home can run, etc. New wiring eliminates a lot of concerns for prospective buyers, which, in turn, improves what you could reasonably ask for your home — and even if you’re not selling, reducing the risk of damage to your home or electronic devices is a sound investment.
Can I rewire my own house?
Rewiring your home without falling out of code, to say nothing of the actual technical difficulties and safety concerns, can be extremely difficult without proper training. While it may not be technically impossible to do so, it’s easy to end up breaking the law, harming yourself, or damaging your property in the process. We recommend always leaving it to a certified electrician.
Will rewiring my house be messy?
The rewiring process can be quite messy, but we’ll take every precaution to minimize the mess and then take care to clean up after ourselves when we’re done. We don’t want your brand-new electrical systems to be overshadowed by the frustration of a lengthy cleanup, after all.
Will applying for financing delay my service?
Applying for financing with GreenSky takes only a few minutes, and most people are approved fairly quickly. It should not delay the service that you need.
How can I prevent clogged drains?
Over time, it’s almost inevitable that your drains will end up needing professional attention to return them to their full function so they can flow like new. But there are certainly a number of behaviors that contribute to you needing drain cleaning far earlier and more frequently than necessary, which you can avoid with some care.
You should only put things down your drains that can flow through freely, break up easily without any risk of catching and enduring, and that won’t grow or swell while passing through your pipes. Avoid putting these common causes of clogs down your drains: grease/fats, rice, hair, “flushable” wet wipes.
Can drain cleaning damage my pipes?
Professional drain cleaning in and of itself is extremely unlikely to damage your pipes. The drain cleaning process might reveal a hole already worn in your sewer line or a poor or leaky connection in your drains if that problem already exists in your pipe. However, the pressure of even the harshest hydro jet is unlikely to damage the integrity of your pipes.
Alternatively, caustic liquid plumbing solutions can very well damage your pipes permanently and push you several steps closer to needing repair or replacement.
Should I have my drains cleaned as preventative maintenance?
It’s almost inevitable that certain sticky, troublemaking substances will end up down your drains: hard water, hair conditioner, or hair can be as bad as anything you might put improperly down a garbage disposal, but you can hardly avoid them going down your drains in most cases.
It’s certainly worth considering preventative drain cleaning if you’ve had your pipes for a while, especially if you’ve noticed or suspect any slowing of drainage. The longer you go without drain cleaning, the slower your drains will be because new incoming substances will have more time to adhere to the rougher surface in the narrower pipe.
What is HomePulse?
HomePulse offers 24/7 peace of mind with our proactive diagnostic technology for your furnace and A/C. We’re always on the lookout, so you don’t have to worry.
HomePulse guarantees a 24-hour response and a 2-hour appointment window guarantee. We’re there when you need us, on your schedule.
Our 24-hour response guarantee means you’re never left in the cold—or the heat. If your system fails, we’ll be there within 24 hours with a 2-hour appointment window, ensuring your comfort is quickly restored.
What does HomePulse cover?
Our plans cover your furnace, AC or heat pump, and water heater. Plus, they include unlimited drain cleaning! We’ve got all your bases covered.
A major benefit is that you’ll never pay for another repair on your furnace, AC and water heater. With HomePulse, covered repairs cost you $0.
Refer to the plan details on the page above, add this point.
If I have a HomePulse plan, how much do I have to pay for repairs?
With HomePulse, 100% of your repair costs are included. No unexpected bills – just reliable, worry-free service. (covered repairs)
Forget service call charges! HomePulse members enjoy no service fees and exclusive discounts on additional services.
Why should I enroll in HomePulse?
HomePulse gives you peace of mind by continuously monitoring your home’s heating and cooling systems. It keeps everything running smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying your home.
With HomePulse, you get real-time updates on the health of your heating and cooling system. If there’s an issue, HomePulse detects it BEFORE it happens and notifies you, ensuring timely maintenance and repairs.
We are the only home services provider in the Twins Cities with this technology.
My HVAC equipment is less than 2 years old, why do I need HomePulse?
Our Protection Plan is perfect for you! With HomePulse, you can extended your warranty, and if you purchased through us – you will never have to pay for another furnace or A/C again, as long as you are a member.
Plus, HomePulse covers additional benefits like priority service, and discounts on future repairs or upgrades, helping you protect your entire home investment—not just your HVAC system.
Are there any additional discounts for HomePulse members?
Yes, HomePulse members enjoy exclusive discounts! You get 25% off air filters when you select auto-ship and a 20% discount on upgrades and enhancements.
Is HomePulse compatible with all HVAC systems?
HomePulse is designed to be compatible with almost every HVAC system. To ensure compatibility and address any concerns or equipment questions, please contact us to schedule an assessment. During the appointment, we will evaluate your system. If no flaws are found, HomePulse should work seamlessly with your HVAC setup.
How do I install HomePulse?
You don’t need to worry about installing HomePulse yourself. Simply give us a call, and we’ll schedule an appointment to come over, assess your HVAC system, and handle the installation for you. Our team will ensure everything is set up correctly and address any questions or concerns you might have during the process.