Your HVAC system is one of the most crucial parts of your home, and it’s important to make informed decisions about how you go about replacing or repairing it. While traditional forced-air setups have been the standard for many years in HVAC systems, ductless systems—also known as "mini-splits"—have recently been growing in popularity. Since these systems don’t need ducts to provide warm or cool air to homes, sheds, and individual rooms, they’re often a smart investment.
Mini-splits are a two-part system. There is a ventilation unit installed inside of your home—usually towards the ceiling—and an outdoor unit that regulates the temperature of the air it is absorbing. Cold air has the heat extracted from it in the outdoor unit, and warm air is cooled, creating an arrangement that provides both air conditioning and heat to keep your home comfortable no matter what time of year it is.
Unlike standard central air systems that need ducts to distribute air through a home, mini-splits are stand-alone units that don’t require ducts. As a result, they are easily installed in homes or rooms without ductwork. For example, if you have a work shed unattached to your home’s central air system, a heat pump can provide cool or warm air to your shed all year long.
As you consider whether a mini-split cooling and heating system is right for you, take a moment to review the top four benefits of heat pumps below:
Heating and cooling bills can add up over time, and this is especially true for HVAC systems that are over 10 years old and in need of replacement. If you’ve noticed that your utility bills have been getting higher and higher over the past few months and there haven’t been any repairs needed, it’s probably time to consider a standard HVAC or mini-split system replacement.
Air that travels through the ductwork in a traditional system will lose a substantial amount of heat. As your HVAC works to make up for the loss in temperature, it will consume more energy, and more energy usage means higher monthly bills for your household. With a ductless heating system, there is no maze of vents for the air to travel through, as it is blown directly into whichever room the mini-split has been installed in!
Ductless heat pumps can also save you money in the long run because they use energy more efficiently than central air. They also tend to have a longer lifespan than a traditional forced air system. If properly taken care of, a ductless heat pump can last up to 25 years, meaning you can save money on replacement costs.
Temperature regulation throughout your home can be a tricky balance. All homes are different, and while it may be cold in one part of the house, another room may not need much heating throughout the year. With a traditional HVAC system, when you need to heat up one room, you end up heating the entire house, regardless of occupancy.
Ductless heat pumps solve this potential issue by giving you the freedom to decide which areas of your home to heat or cool. Do you like to stay warm in the living room but enjoy sleeping in a cooler bedroom? That type of variation is easy to achieve with a multi-unit ductless setup over a traditional HVAC configuration.
You’ll also save money by not unnecessarily heating or cooling the parts of your home that aren’t in use. Additionally, these units can be added to stand-alone structures or garages that don’t have ductwork, making them an excellent complement to a home with central air.
If you’re building a home or need to replace your current HVAC system, there may be a need to install new ductwork. These installations can be costly, unsightly, time-consuming, and stressful for homeowners.
Ease of installation is one of the driving factors in ductless heat pump’s rise in popularity. Compared to the extensive labor required in either installing ductwork for the first time or working on existing ductwork in your home, setting up a ductless heating system can be a less invasive project.
Over time, traditional HVAC systems with ductwork can build up dust, mold, and other allergens, potentially compromising the air quality of your home. If you and your family are particularly sensitive to airborne allergens, this can mean a lot of uncomfortable allergy seasons, and getting your ductwork cleaned can be a hassle and expensive.
A ductless heat pump system solves the air quality issues that a traditional setup may cause through simplicity and ease of cleaning. As long as the filtration systems in your ductless heat pump are checked every month, you can rest easy knowing that your household is breathing clean, high-quality air!
If you’re looking for ductless heating system replacement or installation services in Novato, Vacaville, or the surrounding Northern California area, choose Peter Levi Plumbing, Cooling, Heating and Drains. When you turn to us for a heat pump repair, replacement, or installation service, you can expect high-quality workmanship and customer service. We also charge by the job, so you’ll always know how much you’re paying upfront. Say goodbye to hidden charges and hello to honest, reliable HVAC service by one of our knowledgeable technicians. You can also review our coupons to save even more on our services.
Learn more about our ductless heating services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call us at 800-605-5713.
Plumbing problems are an inevitable part of home ownership. Whether it’s a clogged drain, a leaky faucet, or a water pressure issue, you’re bound to run into an issue with your plumbing at some point in your life. While some small plumbing headaches are manageable with the right products and some elbow grease, it’s usually better to go with a professional. Since many plumbing issues can be complex and DIY repairs can result in unintended damages, scheduling a plumber for most repairs is usually the safest and most convenient choice. As you decide if your plumbing issue can be solved with a DIY plumbing repair, review a few common plumbing problems and when to call a plumbing pro.
Do you have a steady faucet drip that just won’t go away? Are you at your wit’s end hearing it over and over again? Dripping faucets can lead to moisture problems and higher water bills, two things that no homeowner wants to deal with. A leaky faucet is a very common problem in households and probably something you or your family has dealt with in the past. The fix could be as easy as replacing the washer or cartridge, which most homeowners can do themselves.
However, if the dripping persists after you’ve tried the DIY route, it’s time to call in a professional for a faucet repair service appointment. Trying to do anything more complicated than swapping out an old cartridge or washer can increase the risk of damaging the water fixture and creating larger plumbing issues. An expert plumber can identify the exact reason for the dripping and take action to fix it.
Clogged drains happen all the time and can sometimes be easily solved with a plunger or drain snake. However, if these methods don’t work, we wouldn’t recommend using store-bought drain cleaners to unclog your drains, as these cleaners can damage your pipes.
If your drain doesn’t seem to be unclogging with a simple plunger or drain snake, it is best to call a certified plumber to come and take a look. Instead of using store-bought drain cleaners with damaging chemicals in them, a trained plumber will remove the clog with a safe drain cleaning solution. During a drain cleaning appointment, they’ll inspect your drains with a specialized camera. Next, they’ll remove the clog with a drain cleaning solution that removes all debris and doesn’t harm your pipes.
Running toilets can drive up water bills in a short amount of time. While fixing your running toilet could be as simple as replacing the flapper or fill valve, you’ll need a professional to help if the fill tube itself is the problem.
Since repairing or replacing fill tubes can require specialized tools, trained plumbers should handle the job to ensure the fill tube is appropriately fixed. Additionally, if the answer to why your toilet won’t stop running isn’t obvious, it’s best to contact a professional for help. Scheduling an appointment as soon as possible can prevent high water bills and problems from spiraling out of control.
Over time, a leak in your home’s pipes can lead to mold growth and water damage. Your water bills can also increase because of damage to your home’s plumbing system. Even if you can locate the leak, we never recommend trying to repair leaking pipes on your own.
Since leaking pipes can indicate other serious issues and potentially cause hidden water damage throughout your home, it’s better to turn to a professional. Pipe systems in homes are complex and hard to access. If you try to fix a complex pipe leak, you could accidentally cause major damage to your home. Instead of putting your home and plumbing system at risk, let a plumber detect the leak and fix it for you.
Low water pressure can be extremely frustrating. Nothing is worse than taking a shower after a long day’s work and having a pitiful drip instead of a nice, sustained flow of water. Sometimes, the fix is as simple as cleaning your shower head. However, if you still notice a weak stream of water coming from your faucet or shower after you’ve cleaned off the faucet head, you could have a larger issue, such as a failing pressure regulator or a damaged water heater, that requires a plumber.
If you’re looking for plumbing repairs near you in Novato, Vacaville, or the surrounding Northern California area, turn to Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains. From shower and bath repairs to leak detection and water heater repair services, we’ve got the solution for any plumbing issues you may be having in your home. With over 35 years of experience and a team of certified plumbers who provide upfront pricing, we’re confident we can safely and effectively solve your plumbing problem. We also offer several coupons!
Learn more about our plumbing repair services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call us at 800-605-5713.
Your furnace is the unsung hero when it comes to keeping your home cozy during the chilly months. But like any hardworking hero, it needs a little TLC to perform at its best. At Peter Levi, we understand the importance of maintaining your furnace, so we've put together this comprehensive furnace maintenance checklist. Follow these steps to ensure your furnace stays efficient, reliable, and safe all winter.
Safety should always come first. Before you start any maintenance, turn off the power to your furnace. You can usually find the power switch on or near the unit. Safety should also include checking for any unusual smells or signs of gas leaks. If you detect a gas odor, leave your home immediately and call your gas company.
Clear the area around your furnace of any clutter, debris, or flammable materials. Make sure there are no obstructions in the vents or around the intake and exhaust pipes. This step ensures proper airflow and reduces fire hazards.
A dirty air filter can cause your furnace to work harder and less efficiently. We recommend checking and replacing your air filter every one to three months, depending on usage. A clean filter promotes better air quality and reduces strain on your HVAC system.
Ensure your thermostat is working correctly. Test it by setting it to a higher temperature than the current room temperature. You should hear the furnace kick in within a few seconds. If it doesn't, you might need to replace the batteries or call in a professional for thermostat troubleshooting.
While regular homeowner maintenance can help, there's no substitute for a professional tune-up. Schedule an annual furnace inspection and maintenance appointment with a qualified Peter Levi Home Services technician. During this visit, our experts will:
By scheduling a professional tune-up, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your furnace is in excellent working condition, maximizing its efficiency and lifespan.
Regular furnace maintenance is essential for a warm, safe, and energy-efficient home. By following this checklist from Peter Levi and scheduling a professional tune-up, you can help prolong the life of your furnace and avoid unexpected breakdowns during the winter season. If you ever feel uncomfortable performing any of these tasks yourself or encounter issues beyond your expertise, don't hesitate to contact our experienced technicians. We're here to keep your home comfortable and worry-free year-round. Stay warm and cozy!
Wondering if we can service your home? Check out our service areas here.
NOVATO
24 Digital Dr STE 1
Novato, CA 94949
VACAVILLE
1021 Mason St, STE 11
Vacaville, CA 95688
Mon - Fri. 7am - 7:30pm
Sat. 7:30am - 4pm
Sun. 8am - 4:30pm
