FAQs

Cooling

Should You Run Your AC With Windows Open?

Running your AC with windows open is not recommended because it allows hot, unconditioned air and outdoor pollutants into your home. This forces your system to work harder, reduces efficiency, and can lead to higher energy costs and more wear on your equipment. For best performance, keep windows closed while your air conditioner is running.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling My House?

If your air conditioner is running but your home isn’t cooling, the issue is usually restricted airflow or a system that isn’t operating at full capacity. In Spokane Valley and Northern Idaho, this is often caused by a clogged air filter, dirty coils, or a unit that hasn’t been serviced recently. Start by checking your filter, then have the system inspected if the problem continues.

How Long Has Mainstream Been Serving Spokane And North Idaho?

Mainstream has been serving homeowners in Spokane Valley and the Inland Pacific Northwest for over 20 years, providing trusted electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing services.

Do You Offer Both Residential And Commercial Services?

Yes, Mainstream provides both residential and commercial electrical, HVAC, and plumbing services throughout Spokane Valley and the Inland Pacific Northwest.

Is Mainstream Electric The Same As Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing?

Yes, Mainstream Electric is now part of Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, offering expanded home services while maintaining the same trusted team and expertise.

What Can I Expect When I Schedule Service With Mainstream?

When you schedule service with Mainstream, you can expect prompt arrival, clear communication, upfront recommendations, and professional work from trained technicians.

Heating

How Long Has Mainstream Been Serving Spokane And North Idaho?

Mainstream has been serving homeowners in Spokane Valley and the Inland Pacific Northwest for over 20 years, providing trusted electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing services.

Do You Offer Both Residential And Commercial Services?

Yes, Mainstream provides both residential and commercial electrical, HVAC, and plumbing services throughout Spokane Valley and the Inland Pacific Northwest.

Is Mainstream Electric The Same As Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing?

Yes, Mainstream Electric is now part of Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, offering expanded home services while maintaining the same trusted team and expertise.

What Can I Expect When I Schedule Service With Mainstream?

When you schedule service with Mainstream, you can expect prompt arrival, clear communication, upfront recommendations, and professional work from trained technicians.

How Do I Know if I Need Heat Pump Repair or a Full Replacement?

Heat pump repair is often the right choice when the issue is isolated, the system is relatively newer, and the cost is reasonable compared to the unit’s remaining life. Replacement may make more sense when the system has frequent breakdowns, poor efficiency, expensive component failures, or ongoing comfort problems. Age, repair history, energy use, and overall condition all help determine the better long-term option. A full inspection is the best way to compare short-term repair costs with long-term replacement value.

Does a Heat Pump Cool as Well as a Traditional Air Conditioner?

A heat pump can cool a home as effectively as a traditional air conditioner because both systems use the same basic refrigeration process to remove heat from indoor air. Cooling performance depends more on proper sizing, airflow, installation quality, and system condition than on whether the equipment is labeled as a heat pump or an air conditioner. In many homes, a well-installed heat pump provides comparable summer comfort along with the added benefit of heating.

Plumbing

How Long Has Mainstream Been Serving Spokane And North Idaho?

Mainstream has been serving homeowners in Spokane Valley and the Inland Pacific Northwest for over 20 years, providing trusted electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing services.

Do You Offer Both Residential And Commercial Services?

Yes, Mainstream provides both residential and commercial electrical, HVAC, and plumbing services throughout Spokane Valley and the Inland Pacific Northwest.

Is Mainstream Electric The Same As Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing?

Yes, Mainstream Electric is now part of Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, offering expanded home services while maintaining the same trusted team and expertise.

What Can I Expect When I Schedule Service With Mainstream?

When you schedule service with Mainstream, you can expect prompt arrival, clear communication, upfront recommendations, and professional work from trained technicians.

Do You Guarantee Your Plumbing Work?

Yes. Mainstream backs its plumbing repairs with a workmanship guarantee and provides upfront pricing before work begins.

How Can I Prevent Major Plumbing Problems In My Home?

Regular inspections, drain maintenance, leak checks, and proactive water heater servicing help prevent costly plumbing problems.

Drains & Sewers

Is Mainstream Electric The Same As Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing?

Yes, Mainstream Electric is now part of Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, offering expanded home services while maintaining the same trusted team and expertise.

What Can I Expect When I Schedule Service With Mainstream?

When you schedule service with Mainstream, you can expect prompt arrival, clear communication, upfront recommendations, and professional work from trained technicians.

How Do I Know If I Need Sewer Line Replacement?

Severely collapsed, corroded, or repeatedly failing sewer lines may require full replacement to restore reliable drainage.

Will Sewer Repair Require Digging Up My Yard?

Not always. Many sewer problems can be resolved using trenchless repair methods that minimize excavation.

What Is The Difference Between Drain Cleaning And Hydro Jetting?

Drain cleaning clears clogs, while hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to fully clean pipe walls and remove heavy buildup.

What Are The Signs Of A Main Sewer Line Problem?

Multiple slow drains, sewage odors, gurgling toilets, or backups in lower-level fixtures may indicate a main sewer line issue.

Electrical

How Long Has Mainstream Been Serving Spokane And North Idaho?

Mainstream has been serving homeowners in Spokane Valley and the Inland Pacific Northwest for over 20 years, providing trusted electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing services.

Do You Offer Both Residential And Commercial Services?

Yes, Mainstream provides both residential and commercial electrical, HVAC, and plumbing services throughout Spokane Valley and the Inland Pacific Northwest.

Is Mainstream Electric The Same As Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing?

Yes, Mainstream Electric is now part of Mainstream Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, offering expanded home services while maintaining the same trusted team and expertise.

What Can I Expect When I Schedule Service With Mainstream?

When you schedule service with Mainstream, you can expect prompt arrival, clear communication, upfront recommendations, and professional work from trained technicians.

Why Do Plugs Fall Out Of Electrical Outlets?

Plugs fall out of electrical outlets when the internal contacts inside the outlet become worn over time. This creates a loose connection, which can lead to arcing, heat buildup, and potential fire risks.

Is A Warm Electrical Outlet Dangerous?

Yes, a warm electrical outlet can be dangerous. It may indicate an overloaded circuit, loose wiring, or a failing connection, all of which can increase the risk of electrical fires if not addressed.