At Crisafulli Bros., we help homeowners throughout the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and North Country keep their systems running smoothly—and quietly.

Here’s a guide to the most common noises you might hear and what they could mean:

Common HVAC & Plumbing Noises (And What They Might Mean)

1. Rattling

Sounds like: Loose change in a dryer

Possible causes:

• Loose screws or bolts
• Damaged fan blades
• Debris in the vents
• Unsecured ductwork

Action: Rattling can escalate into major wear and tear. It’s best to have a technician check it out before parts loosen further.

2. Squealing or Screeching

Sounds like: Nails on a chalkboard (ouch!)

Possible causes:

• Worn-out fan belts
• Failing motor bearings
• High-pressure flow in pipes

Action: If it’s your HVAC, the belt may need replacing. If it’s your plumbing, it could be a pressure or valve issue.

3. Banging or Popping

Sounds like: Someone slamming a cabinet

Possible causes:

• Expanding or contracting air ducts
• Dirty furnace burners
• Ignition delay in gas systems

Action: This one can be tricky. While some duct noise is normal, sudden bangs could mean ignition issues, which need a professional.

4. Hissing

Sounds like: Air escaping from a balloon

Possible causes:

• Refrigerant leak in AC system
• Leaking air duct
• High water pressure escaping through a valve

Action: A hissing HVAC system could be losing efficiency (and costing you money). If refrigerant is involved, it’s especially urgent to call a pro.

5. Gurgling

Sounds like: A percolating coffee pot
Possible causes:

• Air trapped in plumbing lines
• Slow-draining pipes
• Sediment in water heater

Action: Gurgling plumbing is often caused by improper venting or buildup. Don’t ignore it—it could be a sign of a brewing blockage.

When to Call the Experts at Crisafulli Bros.

Some HVAC and plumbing noises are minor. Others could be early warnings of a system failure. If you hear any of the above, especially if the sounds are new or getting louder—it’s time to call in a professional.

At Crisafulli Bros., we:

• Diagnose problems quickly and accurately
• Provide honest, no-pressure repair recommendations
• Offer 24/7 emergency services
• Keep homes across Albany, Clifton Park and the surrounding cities in the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and North Country safe, efficient, and comfortable

Hear Something? Let’s Take a Listen.

Don’t wait until a strange noise becomes a big breakdown. Contact Crisafulli Bros. Home Services today to schedule your HVAC or plumbing inspection and bring peace and quiet back to your home. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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If you’ve noticed your lights dim or flicker when your air conditioner, microwave, or other large appliance turns on, it’s not just a coincidence — it could be a warning sign of a potential electrical overload in your home.

At Crisafulli Bros., we see this often in homes with aging electrical systems or HVAC units that are working harder than they should. Here’s what might be happening, and what you can do to protect your home (and your peace of mind).

What Causes the Flicker?

When a high-powered appliance like an air conditioning unit kicks on, it draws a large amount of electricity in a short burst. If your electrical system is older, improperly balanced, or overloaded, you might notice:

• Lights flickering or dimming momentarily
• Circuit breakers tripping
• Warm outlets or electrical panels
• A hum or buzz when certain appliances run

These signs shouldn’t be ignored. Over time, electrical strain can lead to damaged equipment — or worse, a fire risk.

Simple Fix or Serious Issue?

Sometimes the fix is as easy as a dedicated circuit or an HVAC tune-up. But in other cases, it may be time to:

• Upgrade your electrical panel
• Redistribute the load across circuits
• Replace old wiring
• Add a surge protection or install a soft start on your Air Conditioner

How an Air Conditioner Rejuvenation Kit Helps

An overworked air conditioner puts pressure not just on your cooling system, but also your electrical panel. A rejuvenation kit includes components that help your cooling systm start and run more efficiently, reducing the electrical draw — and in turn, reducing the flicker.

It’s a smart way to not only protect your wiring, but also extend the life of your HVAC system.

Crisafulli Bros. Can Help!

Our licensed electricians and HVAC technicians work hand-in-hand to give you a whole-home solution. We’ll:

• Diagnose the cause of your flickering lights
• Inspect your electrical panel and system load
• Recommend the right repairs or upgrades
• Offer AC tune-ups and rejuvenation kits when appropriate

Don’t Ignore the Signs

A flicker might seem like no big deal—but it could be your home’s way of telling you it’s time for a checkup.

Contact Crisafulli Bros. Home Services today to schedule your electrical safety inspection or HVAC service. We’ll help you keep the lights on and the AC running — safely and efficiently.

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Thermostat tips for an energy-efficient and cost-friendly AC and heater:

• Unoccupied hours: If there are stretches in the day when your home is unoccupied, then your AC or heating system should be adjusted to run less often in those hours. Program your thermostat to allow the temperature to fluctuate 8 degrees from your normal desired temperature when no one will be in your home. If you live in a moderate climate, then you might be able to shut off your thermostat entirely when no one is home. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian about safe home temperatures for any pets you leave home alone, though.
• Sleep schedules: You can also fluctuate your thermostat by five degrees or so during hours when everyone in your house is asleep. Typically, a temperature adjustment of five to eight degrees will not be dramatic enough to rouse someone from slumber. Consider getting a small fan or an extra blanket for any family member who might be more sensitive to temperature while sleeping or trying to sleep.
• Moderate temperatures: When a heatwave rolls over the area, you might want to crank the AC to the coldest possible temperature. Or, you might do the inverse with your heater when during a cold snap. Choosing extreme temperature settings on your thermostat doesn’t do much other than put stress on your HVAC system and raise your energy bills. If you choose your desired temperature and leave it there, then you will feel the same amount of temperature relief without going overboard.
• Thermostat upgrades: Older thermostats have less functionality than newer models. They are also prone to defects that may cause your HVAC system to run more often than necessary, increasing your energy bills. You should consider upgrading your thermostat to a new, smart system. Some even let you set the temperature from anywhere in the world with Wi-Fi, making it simple to make small adjustments when you aren’t home.

Thermostat Issues? Crisafulli Bros. Can Help!

If you live in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or the surrounding region, you can call upon Crisafulli Bros. to help you with thermostat issues. We can install a brand new thermostat that better controls your home’s internal climate without draining too much energy. You can also call on us for a diagnostic of your HVAC system, which may reveal other problems that are contributing to higher energy bills.

For more information, call (518) 868-0494 today, or use an online contact form.

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Even though our weather hasn’t caught up with the calendar, we should start seeing some warmer temperatures sooner rather than later—we’ll keep our fingers crossed! Once the temperature starts to rise, you’ll need to make the switch to air conditioning, but is your system ready? At Crisafulli Bros., we can help you with all your spring HVAC tune up ensure your home is in tip-top shape for the coming season! Call us to set up an appointment today! (518) 868-0494

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• Make sure your thermostat is set to cool
• Make sure your thermostat is in manual mode, not programmable
• Set temperature down 5 degrees below room temperature to see if unit comes on

2. Is your Indoor or Outdoor unit running?

• Do you hear a buzz by the unit?
• Make sure you have power to the unit, check electrical box for blown fuse/tripped breaker

3. Not enough air blowing through registers:

• Check air filter near the furnace
• If dirty, remove and replace
• Pleated 1” filters fill quickly and need to be replaced more often than 1” fiberglass filters

4. Inadequate cooling:

• Check outdoor unit for dirt or pollen covering unit
• Remove any debris (i.e. plants, tall grass, etc.) around the outdoor unit
• Use garden hose to clean any debris off the unit

5. Water around the furnace?

• Is the condensate pump plugged in?
• Is the pump running? Overflowing?

6. AC still not working properly??

Call Crisafulli Bros!

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Crisafulli Bros. has earned the service industry-coveted 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor awarded annually to approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer Reviews on local service companies.

“Crisafulli Bros. is honored to receive this recognition from Angie’s List as we pride ourselves on delivering friendly, personal and attentive customer service. Our staff places great value on our customer relationships and treats every job or project, no matter the size, with the “Red Carpet Treatment” it deserves.” Andrea Crisafulli Russo, President

“It’s a select group of companies rated on Angie’s List that can claim the exemplary customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Our standards for the Super Service Award are quite high. The fact that Crisafulli Bros. has earned this recognition speaks volumes about its dedication providing great service to its customers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2012 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, including earning a minimum number of reports, an excellent rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2012 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Angie’s List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 550 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. More than 1.5 million paid households use Angie’s List to gain unlimited access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine, and the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.

For over 70 years Crisafulli Bros. has provided plumbing, heating and air conditioning design, installation, service and scheduled maintenance to our residential and commercial clientele. Founded in 1939, Crisafulli Bros. now spans three generations combining the pride and craftsmanship expected from a locally owned and operated family business with the resources and knowledge available from a large national company.

With over 60 employees and a fleet of over 40 vehicles, Crisafulli Bros. is one of the largest mechanical contracting companies in the Capital District. Crisafulli Bros. has consistently ranked high in consumer satisfaction and has been recognized as “Best Of” by the Times Union for the past six years straight.

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Listen to our Spring 2012 Radio Ad:

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Here are a few tips on how you can save valuable energy and put a little money back in your pocket.

• Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats can be installed for approximately $200 – $250 and can save up to $200 per year by automatically turning up your air conditioning and turning down your heat during certain times of the day and night. Using a programmable thermostat and adjusting the temperature in your home while you are at work or asleep, can save you up to 30% on energy.
• Consider installing a tankless water heater. Although a tankless water heater requires a larger initial investment, the savings realized in the long run outweighs the upfront cost. Tankless water heaters are designed to heat water on demand, water is not stored and continuously heated as it is in traditional water heaters.
• Be judicious when deciding what temperature to set your home at. According to the EPA, you can save up to 3% on your energy bills simply by adjusting your thermostat just one degree, either up or down depending on the season. You will notice the savings, but not the temperature difference.
• Wash your clothes in cold water. By washing your clothing at colder temperatures (70-80°F) you will use approximately 40% less electricity than at higher temperatures. This could save as much as $100 per year. Additionally, conserve water by washing full loads, when necessary to wash a small load, use the economy setting if available.
• Unplug appliances and invest in a load monitor. According to a recent IBM study, you can reduce your monthly electric bills by as much as 15% by knowing how much power you are actually using when your appliances are not in use, but still plugged in. Load monitors display how much energy any plugged in device is consuming and when it is using that energy. Monitors help determine which appliances should be turned off and unplugged when not in use. There are even programmable load monitors that are designed to cut power automatically.

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Studies also indicate that regular AC tune-ups will maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency. In terms of finance, the cost of annual AC maintenance is recovered very quickly in savings on your monthly utility bill and reduced repair costs.

Here are some more benefits of routine AC maintenance:

• Ensure unit is running at manufacturer’s specifications
• Reduce monthly utility bills
• Increase the lifespan of your unit
• Prevent the growth of harmful air quality conditions
• Reduce dust particles, dirt, and bacteria
• Prevent an inconvenient breakdown

Are you looking for an experience HVAC technician in Albany and Clifton Park, NY to perform your routine AC maintenance? Look no further than Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing and Heating. Serving the Capital Region for more than 70 years. With less service problems, more efficient air flow, and lower energy bills, the benefits of routine AC maintenance far outweigh the monthly cost. Contact us today to learn more about our routine HVAC services.

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Check and Change Air Filters

Clean or replace the air filter once a month during the spring and summer months. In doing so, you’ll extend the life of your air conditioning system and increase its efficiency.

Keep Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit Clear of Debris

Check your outdoor unit frequently for fallen debris. To ensure your safety, first turn off the thermostat and the outdoor unit’s breaker. Once everything is off, check the unit’s sides and top for debris, including plant growth, grass clippings, and debris. Debris is often caught in coil walls, which can be cleaned with a soft-bristle brush designed to sweep the fins. The fan pulls air through fins so you should expect to find dust on the fins. When it’s removed, you increase the unit’s efficiency and longevity.

Inspect AC Cooling Coils for Frost and Ice Build up

Check the coils on the front of the air conditioner to ensure they are not icing up. When the outdoor temperature becomes cool, roughly 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and you are still running your air conditioning, it’s important to make sure it is not affecting your unit. If you see that the unit is forming ice, turn it off until the temperature rises then clean the filter.

A thoroughly maintained and inspected air conditioning unit will operate at peak efficiency. Like most home investments, regular Air conditioning maintenance is far less costly than repairs or replacements. Another great option to ensure the maximum efficiency of your air conditioning unit is to schedule an annual checkup from your local Albany, New York HVAC experts. As leaders in the industry, Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing and Heating in Albany NY can provide a thorough inspection, cleaning, and AC maintenance service at an affordable rate.

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