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Water Heater Maintenance: Homeowner Do's and Don'ts

It’s time to shine a light on your water heater! Often overlooked but essential, water heaters play a crucial role in our daily comfort—delivering hot showers, clean dishes, and fresh laundry. Maintaining this appliance goes beyond just comfort; It's a key factor in extending its lifespan, saving you money, and ensuring your home can be the cozy haven you want it to be. Let's explore the dos and don'ts of water heater maintenance.

The Dos:

Regular Flushing

The accumulation of sediment is one of the leading causes of water heater issues. Schedule regular flushes to eliminate sediment and maintain optimal efficiency. This simple task can go a long way in preventing clogs and promoting longevity.

Temperature Checks

Set your water heater temperature to a safe and efficient level. Generally, around 120°F is recommended to prevent scalding and reduce energy consumption. Regularly check and adjust the temperature as needed.

Anode Rod Inspection

The sacrificial anode rod in your water heater plays a crucial role in preventing corrosion. Regularly inspect and replace it if necessary, usually every 3-5 years, to ensure it continues to protect your tank.

Visual Inspections

Keep a keen eye on your water heater for any signs of leaks, rust, or unusual noises. Early detection can prevent small issues from turning into major problems.

Professional Maintenance

Consider scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year. A Peter Levi plumber can perform a thorough check, address potential issues, and provide valuable insights into your water heater's health.

The Don'ts:

Ignoring Strange Noises

Unusual sounds coming from your water heater, such as popping or cracking, could indicate sediment buildup. Ignoring these noises may lead to reduced efficiency and potential damage.

Setting the Temperature Too High

While it's tempting to turn up the heat during colder months, setting the temperature too high poses a safety risk and accelerates wear and tear on your water heater.

DIY Repairs Without Expertise

While minor maintenance tasks can be handled by homeowners, attempting major repairs without the necessary expertise can cause more harm than good. Leave complex issues to the professionals.

Neglecting Anode Rod Replacement

The sacrificial anode rod can only do its job for so long. Neglecting its replacement can expose your water heater tank to corrosion, significantly shortening its lifespan.

Skipping Professional Inspections

Even if your water heater seems to be working fine, skipping professional inspections is a risky move. Regular check-ups can catch potential problems early on, saving you from costly repairs down the line.

Choose Peter Levi

In conclusion, a little care goes a long way when it comes to your water heater. By following these dos and avoiding the don'ts, you're taking proactive steps to ensure your water heater operates efficiently and has a long, trouble-free life. Remember, a well-maintained water heater keeps you comfortable and brings peace of mind.

Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The expert plumbers from Peter Levi are ready to help! Not sure if we serve your area? Check out the counties and cities that we service here.

5 Tips On How To Get The Most From Your Water Heater

As winter settles in, ensuring your home stays comfortably warm becomes a top priority. Did you know that water heating accounts for 14%-18% of the average homeowner's utility bill, making it the second largest expense in your home? Luckily, our Peter Levi team is here to dive into some essential tips and tricks to help you make the most of your water heater during the chilly winter months. Let's explore how you can optimize efficiency, conserve energy, and maintain a comfortable atmosphere within your home.

1. Adjust the Temperature Setting

Start by setting your water heater to a temperature that balances comfort and energy efficiency. During winter, a slightly higher setting may be desirable, but be cautious not to go beyond 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding and save energy.

2. Insulate Your Water Heater and Pipes

Consider insulating your water heater and exposed pipes. This minimizes heat loss, ensuring that the water retains its warmth as it travels from the heater to your faucets. Insulation is a simple, cost-effective solution that can significantly improve your water heater's overall efficiency.

3. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Winter places additional demands on your water heater, making routine maintenance crucial. Schedule a Peter Levi plumber to check for potential issues, flush the tank, and ensure all components are functioning optimally. This proactive approach helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and extends the life of your water heater. If you don't remember the last time your water heater was checked by a pro, call us today!

4. Consider a Tankless Water Heater

For those looking to upgrade, tankless water heaters offer on-demand hot water, eliminating the need for a storage tank. This conserves energy and provides a constant hot water supply, which is ideal for households with increased winter usage.

5. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Combat the winter demand for hot water by installing low-flow fixtures in your faucets and showerheads. These fixtures help regulate water flow, reducing the amount of hot water needed for daily activities. Not only does this conserve energy, but it also ensures a steady supply of warm water during peak usage times in the winter, promoting efficiency and comfort. Our team of plumbers can install the latest, most efficient fixtures for your home.

Contact a Peter Levi Professional To Help With Your Water Heater Needs

Your water heater becomes invaluable in maintaining a warm and comfortable home as temperatures drop. By following these tips, you're optimizing efficiency and ensuring that your water heater operates at its best throughout the winter season. At Peter Levi, our plumbers are committed to your home's well-being, and our experts are ready to TAKE CARE of any water heater needs that arise. Stay warm and cozy all winter long!

When you're ready to talk to one of our plumbing professionals, we're here for you 24 hours a day. Not sure if we service your area? Check out the cities and counties we serve here.

How a New HVAC Unit Can Save Homeowners Money

Brand new home hvac unit

When your HVAC system starts to show signs of breaking down or is past its recommended 10-15-year lifespan, you’ll need to consider an HVAC replacement. Though you might be worried a new HVAC unit isn’t worth the costs, it can actually save you money in the long run. As you decide whether an HVAC replacement is worth the investment, find out more about the top three ways new HVAC units can save you money.

1. Reduced Repair and Maintenance Costs

The longer an HVAC system runs, the more likely it is to need repairs and maintenance. While regular maintenance is recommended regardless of age, constantly having to repair your HVAC system isn’t, and it can be a sign your HVAC system needs a replacement. Since HVAC systems past the 10 to 15-year mark often need far more repairs, the repair costs will often continue to spiral and put a strain on your budget.

In contrast to old systems, new systems don’t usually need regular repairs, meaning your annual repair bills will be much lower. When they need an unexpected repair early on in their life, the repair will often be covered by a warranty and won’t require you to pay a dime.

2. Improved Energy Efficiency

New high-efficiency HVAC units will almost always be more energy-efficient compared to older units. Whether it’s due to new design features, smart controls, or higher SEER ratings appropriate for your home’s size, new systems will use energy more efficiently than older ones. In fact, new Energy Star-rated HVAC units can save you up to 20% on your cooling and heating costs.

Newer models also won’t have energy inefficiency issues due to wear and tear. While older systems struggle to maintain peak energy efficiency because of wear on key systems, new models will provide optimal performance. As a result, the new HVAC system will be far more energy-efficient than your older model and save you money on your monthly energy bills. If you don’t already have a smart thermostat, you might want to invest in one to make your HVAC system even more energy efficient. 

3. Increased Home Value

New HVAC units can increase the value of your home, making them a good choice for homeowners who plan to sell their homes in the near future. Since new HVAC systems provide more effective and energy-efficient heating and cooling performance, they add value to buyers and can increase the price of your home. 

Home buyers are also more likely to pay for a home with a new HVAC system due to the convenience of it, as it means they won’t have to deal with repair or replacement services any time soon. Due to all the ways HVAC systems add value and make your home more appealing, they can help put more money in your pocket when you decide to sell your home.

Choose Peter Levi for HVAC Replacement Services in Novato and Vacaville

If you’re looking for HVAC replacement services near you in Vacaville, Novato, or the surrounding areas, turn to Peter Levi. When you partner with us for HVAC replacement services, we’ll recommend the most efficient models for your home, remove your old unit, and install the new HVAC system. You can also sign up for Lucky’s Comfort Club, an annual maintenance contract that ensures you receive regular maintenance and inspections of your home’s HVAC system. Additionally, we offer several coupons that can help you save money on our services.

Learn more about our HVAC installation and replacement 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.

NOVATO
24 Digital Dr STE 1
Novato, CA 94949

VACAVILLE
1021 Mason St, STE 11
Vacaville, CA 95688

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