Home Services Questions

Listed below are frequently asked questions asked about the many areas of Lee Company Home Services... click on the link under each one to read more FAQs on each topic!

 

Heating & Air Conditioning

Q: How often should my filter be changed? 
A: 4" pleated filters should be changed twice a year and 1" filters should be changed every 1 to 3 months. If you have pets or smokers in the house, you may want to change your filter more frequently.

Q: What is the average life expectancy of an HVAC system?
A: Typically a heating/air conditioning system will last 10 to 12 years.  Beyond that, efficiency steadily declines.  New, more energy-efficient systems can cut electrical consumption up to 50%. Regular maintenance is a must to maximize efficiency and protect your investment. 

Q: What does SEER stand for?
A: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.  It’s like miles per gallon in a car -- the higher the SEER, the lower the electricity bill.  The current minimum is 13 SEER for new installations

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Energy Services

Q: I feel that my energy bills are too high.  How can you help?
A: A home energy evaluation from Lee Company will provide you with a helpful list of energy-saving ideas prioritized to make the greatest impact on your energy usage. Clients have seen up to 20% or more in energy savings after choosing to follow recommendations.

Q: What does it mean to have an Energy Star rating?
A: Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, designed to help consumers save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.  An Energy Star rating indicates that you have an energy efficient home and can even lead to better mortgage rates.

Q: How do the services from Lee Company differ from the programs offered by my power company?
A: Many power companies provide a do-it-yourself energy evaluation checklist designed to help you identify where your home is wasting energy, but offer no guidance on making repairs.  Some power companies also offer an in-home evaluation conducted by a home energy consultant, who provides both the checklist as well as a referral to a qualified company that can make the repairs -- such as Lee Company. In fact, we’re the only company in middle Tennessee certified by the Regional Energy Savings Network.

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Plumbing

Q: What might be the cause of recent increase in my water bill?
A: An increase in your water bill can often be traced to a leaking toilet. To investigate, remove the lid from the back of your toilet and see if the water in the tank is flowing into the overflow pipe, which is located in the middle of the tank and has a small tube attached to it. If your bill still increases, call Lee Company for assistance.

Q: Why is the water flow lower at some of my faucets?
A: Low water flow that occurs on a specific faucet is often due to clogging in the aerator, a small part at the end of the spout that mixes air with the water as it comes out. If you have low water pressure on all of your faucets, the water utility company could be providing low pressure to your entire neighborhood. If the problem continues,  call Lee Company for assistance.

Q: What is the white substance around my faucets and showerhead?
A: The chalky white substance that forms around faucets and showerheads is a build-up of mineral deposits from the water.  You should have your water tested by Lee Company to see what can be done to prevent mineral deposits.

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Electrical

Q: What should I do when my home loses power?
A: If possible, check with your neighbors to see if the homes around yours have also lost power – if so, the utility company is likely experiencing an outage. If your home is the only one without power, check your main electrical breaker to see if it’s tripped (see question below) and reset if needed. If none of the above apply, call Lee Company for assistance.

Q: How can I tell if a circuit breaker has tripped?
A: If your power is out, look on your main electrical panel for a circuit breaker switch that is in the “middle” position. If found, firmly switch the breaker left to the OFF position, and then firmly switch it right back to the ON position. If your power is still out, contact Lee Company for assistance.

Q: Why do the lights in my home flicker?
A: The flickering of lights in a home is often the symptom of an electrical connection that is beginning to fail at some point in the system. We recommend that you call Lee Company very soon after noticing this condition, as it will definitely worsen as the component continues to fail.

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Appliance Repair

Q: It seems like I am replacing my appliances too often. Is there a way to make them have a longer life?
A: Yes, Lee Company offers affordable maintenance plans designed to keep your appliances in peak working condition and extend their life. Visit the maintenance section of our site to learn more about these services.

Q: I’ve purchased new appliances with digital controls. Should I be using surge protectors on them?
A: Yes, many modern appliances are controlled by computers and should be protected from lightning strikes and power surges, just like you would protect your personal computer.

Q: Why is my “quiet” dishwasher not getting my dishes clean?
A: Dishwasher manufacturers often install smaller pumps and motors in order to achieve a “quiet” operation on these units. Additionally, they sometimes program dishwashers to alternate between spraying the top rack and bottom rack to also reduce noise. When purchasing a new dishwasher, compare models to find one that is sure to meet your needs.

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Home Security

Q: Can Lee Company support my existing Home Security System?
A: Yes, in most cases we can use all of your existing equipment and establishing monitoring for you on the same day.

Q: Can Lee Company install a new home security system?
A: Yes, we have trained and qualified technicians to help you choose the perfect home security system for your family and ensure a quality installation on a comprehensive range of home security system products .

Q: Who owns the equipment Lee Company installs?
A: You own all equipment from day one. Lee Company strongly believes that customers should have full control of their home security system should your needs ever change in the future.

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Duct Cleaning

Q: How often should my residential heating and air conditioning system be cleaned?
A: Lee Company recommends that most residential heating and air conditioning systems be cleaned once every five years. You might consider cleaning your heating and air conditioning system more often if you or your family suffer from allergies or asthma; you have pets that shed large amounts of hair or dander; you have smokers in your household; or you experience water contamination in your home. We also recommend heating and air conditioning system cleanings prior to moving into a new home, or after remodeling or renovating your existing home.

Q: How do you clean heating and air conditioning systems?
A: Lee Company technicians use the “source removal” method, the most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems. We connect a powerful vacuum to your HVAC system that reverses the airflow, pulling dust and loose debris from your ducts. We also use special tools during the process to loosen any debris stuck on the inside of the ducts.

Q: How long will it take to clean the ducts in my heating and air conditioning system?
A: It takes approximately six to eight hours to properly clean the heating and air conditioning ducts a 2000-2500 square foot home. Certain factors can make the job take longer, such as where your duct is located, the types of ducts in your home, and how accessible the ducts are for connecting the vacuum.

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Replacement Windows

Q: How do I know which type of replacement window is best for me?
A: All replacement windows installed by Lee Company are custom-sized and manufactured to fit your existing window opening, while also offering you the style and options you desire for your home. We can help you choose from the three types of materials available for replacement windows today:

1)    Aluminum – a low-cost option, common in the South since it easily conducts heat and cold (low energy efficiency)
2)    Vinyl – a highly-popular, maintenance-free window with advanced multi-pane construction offering high-energy efficiency
3)    Wood – an authentic choice of material offering the classic window-pane look and a natural composition

Q: What is a window sash?
A: A window sash is the part of the window (or door) that contains the glass.

Q: What is a double-hung window?
A: A double-hung window has an upper and lower sash that can both be opened at the same time.

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Home Renovation Services

Q: What size and types of home renovation services do you offer?
A: Lee Company can handle any size of project, from patching small holes in drywall to complete home renovation projects. View our home renovations services page for a list of the many types of work we can do for you.

Q: Do you offer free estimates?
A: Yes, one of our Home Services Consultants will visit your home, evaluate your needs, and provide a detailed estimate free of charge.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept cash, checks, and credit cards, and payments are due when services are rendered. We also offer convenient monthly ACH withdrawals on our monthly home services maintenance agreements.

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Planned Service

Q: Which equipment in my home should I have maintained annually?
A: All of the mechanical systems in your home should be maintained annually.  This includes all heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and also the appliances in your home.

Q: Why should I have annual maintenance performed on my home?
A: Maintaining your homes mechanical systems can help provide cleaning, mor efficient operation and help prevent future problems form occurring.

Q: Which appliances should have routine maintenance?
A: Our basic appliance planned service agreement covers the maintenance of your home’s microwave, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer.

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