FAQs

Home Replumbing

Repiping your home may be necessary if your plumbing system shows these signs:

Depending on your plumbing system, plumbers may use cross-linked polyethylene piping, which is durable, corrosion-proof, and freeze-resistant. Other material options include copper and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.

Repiping can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Timelines for repiping vary depending on your home's size, number of fixtures, accessibility, and the size and experience of the plumbing team.

• Frequent leaks or pipe bursts
• Rusty or discolored water
• Fluctuating water temperatures
• Inconsistent water pressure
• Corroded, cracked, or deteriorated pipes

Excavation Services

Excavation plumbing involves digging to access underground pipes for repair or replacement. Plumbers dig trenches and tunnels throughout the property to expose pipes from the top and bottom.

Excavation for plumbing is necessary for projects that can't tolerate less invasive methods, such as trenchless pipe repair or hydrojetting. In general, plumbers avoid excavation since it's more labor-intensive and disruptive than other methods and reserve it for jobs involving major damage, fragile or aging pipes, or environmental concerns.

Plumbing excavation takes between a few days to several weeks. The actual time required for excavation depends on soil conditions, the scale of repairs or replacements, the size of the plumbing team, and other factors.

Tankless water heaters offer numerous potential advantages, including:

• Energy-efficiency
• Cost savings.
• Low footprint
• Indefinite hot water

Tankless water heaters provide reliable, on-demand hot water while offering a long-lasting solution for your home. With proper maintenance, they can last 15–20 years and work well for homes of all sizes. For larger households with higher hot water demands, multiple units may be recommended to keep hot water flowing when you need it most.

Tankless water heaters provide similar benefits to large homes as they do in smaller spaces. Factors that influence their suitability include home layout, number of fixtures, and usage. In large homes, more than one water heater may be needed to meet demand.

Several signs your air conditioning system needs repair include:

• No cold air
• Uneven temperature distribution
• Strange noises
• Musty or burning smells
• Frequent cycling
• Pooling water or excessive condensation
• High energy bills

Air conditioners last up to 20 years — if your unit is nearing the end of its expected lifespan or experiencing increasingly frequent or costly breakdowns, it may be due for replacement.

Schedule professional maintenance for your AC yearly, ideally in the spring and ahead of peak cooling season.

AC repair times vary based on the problem, but most repairs don't take longer than one day. Simple repairs may only need an hour or two.

Some maintenance tasks are straightforward, even with minimal HVAC knowledge, but most repairs should be left to professionals to avoid further damage or repair costs.

Check for clogs in the condensate drain line, and look for damage in the drain pan. Call a licensed technician for AC service if the leaks persist.

ACs lose performance, efficiency, and durability as they age. Minor fixes don't necessitate an AC replacement, but frequent or costly repairs may justify upgrading to a new AC unit.

Check your thermostat settings if your AC isn't cooling properly — they may be set too high. Replace dirty filters as needed and ensure your vents are open and clear of obstructions.

Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical offers emergency AC repair to customers in Portland, Salem, and The Dalles. We're available seven days per week and take pride in our swift customer response time. Call (503) 563-2698.

Yes! We upgrade and replace out-of-date electrical panels to accommodate new appliances, smart home features, and more power use. An upgraded panel keeps your home safe and prevents power outages or electrical fires due to system overload.

Our electricians are skilled in repairing or replacing faulty wires. We arrive with all the tools and technology needed to find and fix the issue right the first time so you can relax knowing your wiring is safe.

We're skilled in all lighting installations, including dimmer switches, outdoor lighting, and more. Call us if you need help installing that perfect chandelier or recessed lighting. We'll make sure it's installed properly and has the right wiring and connections.

Some signs your electrical panel needs replacing are:

A replacement can prevent damage to appliances and dangerous electrical fires. Electrical panel replacement is one of the many electrical services we provide at Sky.

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Overloaded circuits that trip often
• The panel feels warm or hot to the touch
• Burning plastic smell
• Buzzing sounds
• Black or burned spots on the panel or an outlet
• Visible damage or rust on the breakers or the panel itself
• Not enough power to run modern appliances (200 amps is ideal)
• Electrical panel is more than 20 years old

The timeline for replacing an electrical panel depends on the complexity of the work. Some smaller homes may only require a half-day for installation, but in many cases, the job can take upwards of eight hours. Speak to one of our qualified electricians during your in-home assessment for a ballpark estimate.

Some of the biggest benefits of upgrading your electrical panel are:

• Peace of mind knowing your electrical system is up-to-date and safe.
• The ability to use as many gadgets and appliances as you want at the same time without flickering lights or brownouts.
• You can install more outlets with updated features, including GFCI outlets or outlets with USB slots to charge your devices.
• You may have a lower homeowner’s insurance bill and qualify for home energy rebates after upgrading.

Electrical permits and service/reconnect permits may be required when working on residential electrical systems in the area. At Sky, we're well-versed in the details of providing in-home electrical services, and we'll be happy to help you with the application process if necessary.

We generally recommend changing everything at the same time so your home is fully upgraded and ready to handle modern appliances and power needs. After looking at your current system, we'll be able to better advise you on your options.

Typically, a generator providing between 5,000 and 8,000 watts is enough to power an entire home, including extras like your laptop or TV. Still, it's best to speak to an expert about sizing. Too small, and you won't be able to run everything you want to use. If it's too big, you'll waste money and energy. At Sky, our experienced electricians will go over the pros and cons of the different-sized generators and help you find the right one for your specific needs.

You'll likely need to have your home's power shut off for at least a day while installing a whole-home generator. Depending on the complexity of the job, it could take several days in total. We'll let you know what to expect well before we get started so you can plan accordingly.

Maybe not. A professional electrician should assess your existing electrical system and determine whether you need any upgrades or repairs before connecting a generator. This will ensure everything runs safely and complies with local Oregon and Washington regulations.

Yes, generators must be installed according to Building Code 99-10 by licensed electricians, with all appropriate permits, including building, fire, plumbing, and mechanical in place before beginning the installation.

Consider AC replacement if your air conditioner isn't blowing cool air, is over 15 years old, or needs frequent repairs.

The biggest benefits of AC replacement are more reliable comfort, fewer repairs, and improved efficiency, which helps lower your energy bill while reducing environmental impact.

Call Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical to speak to an HVAC expert about the best type of AC to suit your home. After a home assessment, we can provide a more accurate quote. We also offer helpful financing options to make your new AC more affordable.

The time it takes for AC replacement depends on the type of system you have installed, the complexity of the job, and the size of your home. On average, AC installation can take anywhere from four to eight hours.

Your AC needs to be big enough to cool your home efficiently but not so big that you're wasting energy as it runs. When you schedule an AC replacement with Sky, our experienced HVAC technicians measure your home and assess your needs to help you choose the right system for your space.

Yes! We offer HVAC financing for qualified customers. We understand that a new air conditioner is a big investment that not every household can afford all at once.

A new AC lasts about 15 to 25 years. Regular maintenance helps ensure the expected service life of your air conditioner.

New air conditioners are designed for energy efficiency. They often feature programmable timers and temperature settings, which use less power overall.

At Sky, we offer warranties on new heating and cooling systems, giving you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you'll be covered.

The best way to find the right AC for your home is to trust the experts. When you schedule with Sky, a knowledgeable HVAC technician will assess your unique needs and measure the space before recommending the best AC option for you.

Annual furnace inspections are recommended to help keep your system running safely and efficiently. Scheduling maintenance before the heating season can help identify potential problems early and prepare your furnace for the colder months ahead.

Unusual banging, rattling, squealing, or grinding sounds can be a sign that something isn’t working properly. The cause could range from a loose component to a problem with the blower motor or another internal part. If the noise continues, have an HVAC technician inspect your system.

Before scheduling a repair, check your thermostat settings, make sure the furnace has power, and inspect your air filter. If everything appears normal and your furnace still isn’t working properly, it’s best to call a professional for diagnosis and repair.

Many furnace repairs can be completed within a few hours, while more complex issues may take longer. The exact timeline depends on the problem, the type of furnace, and whether replacement parts are needed.

Furnace issues can have several causes, including dirty or clogged filters, ignition or pilot light problems, thermostat issues, worn components, and blower motor problems. Routine maintenance can help catch some of these issues before they lead to larger repairs.

Yes. Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical offers 24/7 emergency HVAC repair when you need help restoring your home’s comfort.

The right choice depends on your furnace’s age, condition, efficiency, and repair history. If an older system needs frequent repairs, struggles to keep your home comfortable, or contributes to rising energy costs, replacement may offer better long-term value. A Sky HVAC professional can evaluate your system and help you determine the best option for your home.

Consider replacing your furnace if it's over 20 years old, you're experiencing poor air quality, your energy bills are out of control, or the frequent repairs have become too expensive. A Sky heating and cooling technician will help you decide whether to repair or upgrade your system.

A new furnace provides consistent and efficient heating, keeping you and your family comfortable. You can program the system to turn off when you're not home, saving you money on energy bills. A new furnace may even increase the value of your home.

Every home has unique needs. The furnace size you need depends on the size of the space you want to heat and other factors, like the Portland area climate. Sky's expert HVAC technicians can help you choose the right furnace for your space.

A simple furnace replacement takes anywhere from four to eight hours. If you need ductwork or insulation added, it could take longer. Once our technicians see your existing system, they'll be able to give you a more accurate timeline.

A brand-new furnace lasts for 15 to 20 years. You can ensure the expected lifespan with regularly scheduled maintenance.

Yes. You'll use far less energy to heat your home, which saves you money on your energy bill while reducing your environmental impact.

Yes! Qualifying customers have several financing options. You can have your new furnace installed now and then pay it off in affordable installments later.

We install natural gas and electric central furnaces, heat pumps/ductless systems, and geothermal heat pumps. We can also install ductwork as needed.

A warranty is included with furnace replacements. You can relax knowing that you're covered if something goes wrong after your furnace installation.