While some people believe they should cover their HVAC system’s outdoor unit over the winter to protect it from the elements, doing so can cause more problems than it solves. For example, covering your outside AC unit can increase the risk of mold and rust developing in the system. So instead of covering your exterior unit, follow these top five maintenance tips to prepare your AC for the winter.
Before you perform any air conditioner maintenance, the first step you should take is to shut off your AC’s power. Turning off your AC power serves two purposes. First, it protects you from electrocution. Second, ensures your AC doesn’t accidentally turn on over the winter.
To turn off your AC safely, you’ll need to find the exterior power circuit. This unit is likely mounted on the side of your home. After you’ve found the circuit, open its cover and look for the switch that controls your AC unit’s power. Flip this switch to shut down your AC. Then, check your AC to make sure it’s stopped running before you perform any other maintenance.
While air conditioners are built to withstand harsh conditions, they can still be damaged. Since the winter can place more strain on your condenser and make any existing problems worse, it’s best practice to check your outdoor unit for signs of damage.
During your inspection, ensure your condenser’s seals are free from cracks and tightly secured, as loose or cracked seals can allow contaminants to get inside the condenser. You’ll also want to look for signs of cracks, leaks, or rust. If you notice any damage, contact an AC professional to provide AC system maintenance and repairs. By contacting a professional, you’ll prevent any issues from worsening during the winter.
Once you’ve checked your AC for damage, you’ll also want to clean it, as dirt and debris build-up could potentially damage it over the winter. When you start cleaning, remove any large pieces of debris, such as dead branches, on or around your unit. Next, use a broom to sweep away leaves and twigs on the condenser or close to it.
With the debris swept away, you can use a hose to spray off any dirt, bird droppings, or dust on the unit. Hosing down the unit will prevent dirt and other potentially damaging particles from corroding your AC’s frame. While cleaning the exterior portion of your condenser is usually safe, it’s best to leave the internal AC cleaning to the professionals. An internal cleaning from a professional will help avoid wear and tear on your system’s components and protect those components from accidental damage that can occur when someone isn’t properly trained.
When you want to keep your AC in good condition all winter long, it’s important to keep it clear of debris following your initial cleaning. During the winter, you’ll often see more debris in your yard, like pinecones, branches, and leaves.
Since debris can get inside and damage your unit, you’ll want to check it every couple of weeks and sweep any debris you notice on or around it. Additionally, snow and ice can add extra weight to your unit and potentially damage it, making it important to remove any snow or ice build-up you notice.
Though you can perform some maintenance yourself, a professional inspection from a trained HVAC technician is always worth the investment. A technician can perform a comprehensive inspection of your unit and ensure it’s ready to handle the demands of winter. Experts can spot issues you might never notice and fix them before they affect your system’s performance and health.
Besides inspecting your unit, an HVAC technician can also perform AC system maintenance and repairs for you. This maintenance keeps your system in great shape and lower the risk of damage to your system over the winter.
If you’re looking for air conditioner maintenance services near you in Northern California, Peter Levi can help. With an experienced team and a wide service area covering Novato and the surrounding areas, we’re prepared to serve any of your AC maintenance needs. When you sign up for air conditioner maintenance from Peter Levi, you can expect your air conditioner to last longer, suffer from fewer breakdowns, and provide greater performance. We also offer various coupons to ensure you get the best deal possible.
Learn more about our air conditioner maintenance services and annual maintenance plan. Please contact us to schedule an appointment today!
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
When your air conditioner is working correctly, it should never blow warm air. Warm air from your AC likely indicates a problem with the unit. It’s critical you have an HVAC technician inspect it as soon as possible. If you’re wondering if it’s time to call an HVAC tech, learn more about the five main reasons why your AC is blowing warm air and the leading solutions for each problem.
Your air conditioner could be blowing warm air due to thermostat issues, low refrigerant levels, frozen evaporator coils, or a variety of other problems. When you know the primary reasons why an AC might be blowing warm air, you can more quickly spot when your AC is having issues and take action before a problem spirals out of control. Review the five reasons why your AC might feel warm and how to solve them below:
Sometimes, an AC that isn’t blowing cool air is due to a malfunctioning thermostat or an improper setting. Before you spring for a full HVAC inspection, ensure your thermostat hasn’t been accidentally set to heat. If it’s not on its heating setting, your thermostat could be malfunctioning.
Typically, the chance of a thermostat issue being to blame is increased if the thermostat is older or hasn’t been calibrated correctly. You can always check your thermostat manual to ensure all your settings are correct. Still, you’ll probably need to contact an HVAC specialist to review your thermostat and the rest of your HVAC system to determine if the thermostat is to blame.
When your thermostat isn’t to blame, there’s a high chance low refrigerant levels are causing the warm air. Your AC’s refrigerant absorbs the humidity and heat in your air. If your AC doesn’t have enough refrigerant, it won’t be able to effectively remove heat from your air, resulting in warm airflow.
AC refrigerant circulates within a sealed system. While some components require regular maintenance, air conditioner refrigerant rarely needs service—unless there is a problem. In these cases, your AC is likely leaking refrigerant from a hole or crack.
Usually, you can tell your AC has low refrigerant if ice is building up in your exterior unit or if you can hear bubbling or hissing noises. Without quick service, the leaking refrigerant could damage your compressor motor. As a result, you must have an HVAC technician inspect your system, repair any leaks, and refill your refrigerant.
When your condenser coils work correctly, they’ll remove heat from your home’s air and transport it outdoors. However, these coils are in your outdoor condenser and can be exposed to the elements. Due to their location outdoors, grime, dirt, and other debris can sometimes accumulate on them, resulting in reduced heat transfer. Without proper heat transfer, your AC will start blowing warm air. The dirty coils can even put greater strain on your AC, causing early breakdowns.
To solve dirty condenser coils, a trained HVAC technician must turn off your condenser, open up your unit, and clean the coils. You can reduce the chance of your condenser coils getting dirty by regularly removing debris around the condenser and using a hose to wash off any dirt build-up.
Another reason your AC might be blowing warm air is frozen evaporator coils. Your evaporator coils contain your AC’s refrigerant and will help absorb heat from your air. Ice can build up on these coils when you have low refrigerant levels or when air can’t flow properly through your unit. Though the evaporator coils will be cold, they won’t be able to absorb warm air. In these cases, your AC will either blow warm air or no air at all.
Since frozen evaporator coils usually indicate a problem with your AC, you’ll need an HVAC technician to inspect your unit to find the source of the problem. Usually, dirty air filters or refrigerant levels will have caused the freezing, so an HVAC technician may need to repair or replace a filter before cleaning the evaporator coils.
Your AC’s air filters prevent dust and debris from entering your HVAC system. Over time, these filters will get clogged. If you don’t change them, air can't flow through your system easily, and your AC might blow warm air. Fortunately, solving a dirty air filter is easy!
You can simply swap out the old filter for a clean one that fits your system. To prevent dirty filters in the future, you might also want to sign up for a maintenance plan where an HVAC technician will regularly swap out your filters and inspect your system.
If you’re looking for AC repair, replacement, or maintenance services near you in Novato or the surrounding areas, Peter Levi has you covered. When your AC is blowing warm air, you can trust our HVAC technicians to thoroughly inspect your system, share our results with you, and provide any repairs your AC needs to start working again. We can also replace your AC with a more energy-efficient model if it’s damaged beyond repair or on its last legs. Additionally, we offer multiple coupons to ensure you receive the best deal possible on our services.
We welcome you to learn more about our air conditioning services to get started. Please contact us if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment today!
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
Do you know how to shut off your toilet’s water supply? This information can be crucial in protecting your home from water damage. For example, an overflowing toilet or a leaking pipe can make a huge mess if you don’t immediately shut off your toilet’s water supply. Fortunately, turning off your toilet’s water supply is easy and can help prevent water damage and messes.
When you have a toilet emergency, you can prevent a costly mess by turning off your toilet’s water supply. While there are a few ways you can cut off your toilet’s water supply, the most common and easiest way to do so is by using a shut-off valve. Since most homes and apartments usually have a shut-off valve behind their toilets, you can typically follow these four steps to shut off toilet water.
Before using your toilet water shut-off valve, you need to know where it’s located. Typically, a toilet shut-off valve will be mounted on a wall and placed behind your toilet. To find your valve, simply look at the wall behind your toilet. You should see the shut-off valve close to the bottom of the left-hand side of your wall.
After you’ve found your toilet’s shut-off valve, you’ll need to turn the valve clockwise until it’s tight and won’t let you turn it anymore. For those with a push/pull valve, you can pull the valve all the way out to shut off the toilet water. However, if you notice your valve is stuck and won’t turn due to corrosion or rust, we wouldn’t recommend trying to turn it. Instead, you’ll need to use your home’s main water shut-off valve to stop your toilet from overflowing or leaking.
Once you’ve turned the shut-off valve clockwise, check if your toilet’s water has actually been turned off by flushing your toilet. When you’ve had to shut off your toilet water due to a clog, you can lift the float level in the back tank. When you’ve performed either of these checks, you’ll know the shut-off valve has worked if your tank doesn’t refill in your tank. After you’ve verified your water supply is off, you’ll likely want to contact a plumber to repair whatever issue caused a leak, clog, or overflow.
Though a plumber will usually turn your water back on after completing a repair, it’s simple to do it yourself. All you have to do is turn the toilet’s shut-off valve counterclockwise until it doesn’t turn anymore. Next, you can test if your toilet is receiving water by flushing the toilet. If everything is working correctly, your bowl and tank should refill with water. If not, you’ll likely need help from a plumber.
If you’re looking for a plumber near you—in Novato or the surrounding areas—turn to Peter Levi, a Bonney company. When something goes is with your toilet, give us a call! Our plumbers will inspect, diagnose, and repair the problem. Our experts can also replace your toilet if it’s past the point of repair. Before you receive any of our services, you should review our coupons to receive the best deal possible.
We invite you to learn more about our toilet repair and replacement services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
It's a new year with new opportunities and a fresh start! We often talk about getting ourselves in shape, but what about also getting our plumbing in shape? Here are the top 6 New Year's resolutions for your plumbing.
No matter how big or small, make sure you fix all leaks right away. Even small leaks can cause big problems if not addressed, because they can worsen over time. Not only that. but they can also cause high water bills and expensive damage.
Many people set New Year's Resolutions for themselves that 0ften look a lot like this: "Get in better shape". Well, your plumbing system should also be kept in good shape. This year, make sure you're taking good care of your garbage disposal. Consider purchasing drain strainers to catch food scraps you don't want going down your drains and avoid putting the following down your drains, as they can lead to clogs:
If you looking to save on energy this year, consider lowering the temperature on your water heater to start. Did you know water heaters can use more than 10% of a home's energy consumption? That's why setting it lower by a couple degrees can help reduce the amount of electricity you need to heat all of that water. Not only should you look at lowering the temperature on your water heater this year, but you should also remember to flush it. Routine flushing can help prevent malfunctions, costly repairs and breakdowns. This also helps clean your water heater, removing any mineral, dirt, or sediment build-up.
By installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads, you can save a lot of water and money. Low-flow fixtures use much less water than older, outdated fixtures. However, don't let that fool you. Even though they use less water, that doesn't always mean less pressure. Low-flow plumbing fixtures still allow you to accomplish everyday tasks, like showering, washing your hands, flushing the toilet and doing the dishes, with ease and efficiency.
Does your home still operate using old pipes? If your pipes are old and overused, it can cause them to deteriorate, rust, and leak. Not only can this cause poor water damage, but it can also cause poor water quality. When you replace old pipes with new pipes, you can save money, protect your home from leaks and damage, and improve your water.
Chemical drain cleaner that you pick up at the store can wreak havoc on your pipes, and cause more damage to them. Consider ditching your chemical drain cleaner and invest in professional drain cleaning services instead. This will help ensure your drains stay in tip top shape all year long without causing damage to your pipes.
Don't forget to also add "schedule a plumbing maintenance" to your New Year's Resolution list! For over 35 years, Peter Levi has been providing fast, professional plumbing services you can count on. The experts at Peter Levi are here to help with all your plumbing needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
Regular maintenance of your water heater is essential to ensure its proper functioning and to prevent any issues from arising. Not only will it ensure you have access to hot water when you need it, but a well-maintained water heater will also help reduce energy costs and provide you with peace of mind. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of water heater maintenance and the many benefits that come along with it.
Fewer Repairs
Maintaining your water heater is one of the best ways to avoid costly repairs down the road. A well-maintained system is much less likely to need repairs. Regularly maintaining your system can help catch small issues before they become larger, more expensive problems. It can also help extend the life of your water heater and ensure it runs optimally. For example, checking for rust or corrosion build-up can prevent a leak from happening, which can save you from an expensive repair bill. Investing in regular maintenance will save you money in the long run by helping you avoid costly repairs.
Maintain Your Warranty
One of the most important reasons to regularly maintain your water heater is to keep your warranty intact. Water heater manufacturers often require that you keep up with regular maintenance for their warranty to remain valid. This means that, if something goes wrong with your water heater, you won’t be stuck footing the bill for any repair or replacement costs if you haven’t been keeping up with regular maintenance. That could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run, so it’s definitely worth it to have a professional come in and inspect your water heater every now and then.
Improves Efficiency
Keeping up with water heater maintenance can significantly improve the efficiency of your system. This is because a well-maintained water heater has fewer problems and can therefore work more efficiently. A dirty and neglected water heater, on the other hand, has to work harder to heat the water it needs to, thus costing you more in energy bills. Regular maintenance will also ensure that the burner and heating element are working properly so that your hot water isn’t wasted by inefficient heating. Not only will regular maintenance save you money on your energy bills, but it will also give you peace of mind that your water heater is running as efficiently as possible.
Peace of Mind
When it comes to our homes, having peace of mind is of the utmost importance. Knowing that your water heater is running safely and efficiently can provide great comfort and assurance. Routine maintenance for your water heater can help bring you this peace of mind. Maintenance checks can identify any potential issues or problems before they become bigger problems down the line. You can have the assurance that your water heater is running optimally and be confident in its performance. Regular maintenance will also help ensure your family’s safety from potentially hazardous leaks or faulty components.
We hope that by walking you through some of the benefits of regular water heater maintenance you understand the effect it can have on your system and wallet! In need of a repair or experiencing issues with your water heater? Our Peter Levi team is here to TAKE CARE of all of your water heater needs today!
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
Are you concerned about your water heater? It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that might indicate it’s time for a repair or tune-up. In this blog post, we’ll cover the five most common signs that you should have a professional take a look at your water heater and determine if it needs a repair. Knowing these signs can help you protect your water heater from further damage and save you time and money in the long run. Read on to learn more!
Fluctuating Temperature
Is your hot water temperature constantly changing? A fluctuating temperature is a sign that you may need a water heater tune-up. This can be caused by a buildup of mineral deposits around the heating components in your water heater, resulting in inconsistent water temperature. If your hot water temperatures are always changing, it’s time to have a professional check out your water heater to make sure everything is working properly. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re stuck with no hot water!
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is an early sign that your water heater might need a tune-up or repair. The culprit might be sediment build-up in the tank or a blocked distribution line. This can lead to water getting trapped in the heater and eventually reducing the amount of water pressure you experience. You might also see reduced water flow when multiple taps are running at the same time. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to look into scheduling a tune-up for your water heater. A trained technician can flush the tank and check out any potential blockages in your plumbing system. They’ll also be able to tell you if there’s any other issue that could be causing the low water pressure. Don’t let low water pressure put a damper on your morning routine – get your water heater checked out as soon as possible!
Rust Colored Water
If you turn on the hot water in your house and notice that the water is a rust color, it's time to take a closer look at your water heater. This could be a sign that there's an issue inside your water heater tank. Rust in the hot water can be a sign of corrosion, which can lead to further damage if left unaddressed. It's important to have a professional take a look at your system to determine if the rust colored water is coming from the tank or from corroded pipes. Taking care of it sooner than later could save you from costly repairs down the road.
No Hot Water
Having no hot water is one of the most obvious signs that your water heater needs to be repaired. Without hot water, you’re unable to take a hot shower, do laundry, or wash dishes. It’s an extremely inconvenient situation. If you suspect there may be something wrong with your water heater due to there not being any hot water, it’s best to call a professional plumber. They can diagnose the issue and advise you on the best course of action. You don’t want to risk trying to fix the issue yourself if you don’t have any experience as this could lead to more harm than good.
Your Water Heater Is Leaking
Leaking water heaters can cause serious water damage to your home, making it a more urgent repair than the signs mentioned above. If your water heater is leaking, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. A leaking water heater can be caused by an issue with the pressure valve, corroded or damaged pipes, or a defective unit. You should not try to repair the leak yourself, as this can make the issue worse. Instead, contact a certified technician who can help you diagnose and resolve the issue quickly and safely.
Our Peter Levi team hopes by providing you with some of the most common signs you are in of a water heater tune-up or repair you will be able to RESOLVE any small problems before they turn into something more costly. Are you experiencing one of the signs above or just haven’t had a tune-up in some time? Let us TAKE CARE of it today.
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
You deserve a warm home for the holidays. There's nothing worse than your furnace breaking down in the middle of all your holiday festivities. Bah-hum-bug! That's why annual furnace maintenance is so important. Here are 5 reasons why you should schedule furnace maintenance before the holidays.
Overtime, your furnace will experience normal wear and tear - especially if your unit is used constantly. However, a furnace maintenance will help ensure that you don't face any premature breakdowns or malfunctions. If you want your system to run efficiently for as long as possible, regular cleanings are essential. For example, if you have a dirty air filter, your unit will have to work much harder to heat your home. This added stress can greatly impact your furnace's efficiency levels. Not only that, but it can also lead to high energy bills. During the holidays, especially, you want to save money where you can. A furnace maintenance will clean all the necessary components to ensure system efficiency - and help you save money!
Your furnace is one of the biggest appliances you own - and it's not cheap! You want your unit to last as long as possible, right? Well, the more well-maintained your furnace is, the longer it will last. Not maintaining your unit can cause it to break down early because small problems got larger. During your maintenance, a technician won't just clean your unit, but they will also test and check all the different components to catch any problems early enough. That way, you can fix any issues before they end up causing your unit to fail. This will also help you save money on needing emergency repairs. The last thing you need is for your furnace to fail during your holiday celebrations.
Without routine maintenance, your furnace can pose a threat the health and safety of your family. During normal operation, your furnace is designed to release carbon monoxide. However, if there's a crack or a leak in your heat exchanger, for example, it can cause the carbon monoxide to leak out into your home. An HVAC technician will be able to inspect your unit for any signs of any heat exchanger damage and carbon monoxide leaks. Leaks like this can be extremely harmful, and even deadly. That's why we recommend that anyone with a gas furnace have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Don't let carbon monoxide be the Grinch that stole Christmas!
Furnace warranties are extremely important. They provide you, as the homeowner, protection if you ever experience a problem with your new unit such as it failing prematurely. However, if you forgo furnace maintenance and don't take care of your equipment, many companies will void your warranty and you will lose that protection. It's best that you check your paperwork to see the terms and conditions of your warranty agreement.
For over 35 years, Peter Levi has been providing fast, professional heating and cooling services you can count on. The experts at Peter Levi are here to help with all your furnace maintenance needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
Whether you’re a homeowner of a brand new build, fixer-upper, or anything in between you will most likely face a drain clog in your home. With any home service issue you face you will most likely have a few questions before diving into fixing the problem. Our Peter Levi Plumbers are EXPERTS when it comes to your plumbing and drain needs, and we’re happy to answer any questions our customers have. Let our team dive into some of the most common questions we receive about drain clogs so you can determine what your next steps are.
Every 18-22 Months
While many of the systems around your home require regularly scheduled inspections and cleaning, like your A/C or furnace, your drains are significantly lower maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean it’s okay to leave it alone for years on end. When it comes to cleaning your drains, you want to do it often enough to prevent clogs from forming. We find drain clearings are most effective when performed once every 18 to 22 months.
Not Always
We’d like to be able to tell you that all drain clogs are minor, but that’s simply not the case. Yes, some drain clogs are minor and can be fixed with a plunger or hand-cranked snake. While some can also indicate more serious problems lurking down in the drainage system, such as a broken or clogged sewer pipeline, root infiltration in the sewer line, or blocked drain vents. If these larger issues aren’t dealt with ASAP, clogs could soon be in every household drain and sewage may start to flood into the lower parts of your home house.
They’re inevitable!
First things first, thank you for being a proactive homeowner! Making sure food scraps don’t make theirs way down your drain and using drain covers are great ways to prevent future drain clogs. If clogs are still happening, please remember that you can’t stop all food waste from going down the drain. Eventually, drains are going to clog up, and this is one of the reasons routine drain cleanings are so helpful! Clogs can also be caused by things other than food waste like hard water deposits, soap scum, & hair.
NO
The simple answer: NO! Any plumbing professional would tell you to avoid using store-bought drain cleaners, like Drano. Why? Store-bought cleaners aren’t very effective, since they only open a small hole through the drainpipe obstruction without actually cleaning anything, letting the clog come right back. They can also cause MORE damage to your drain pipes due to their acidic elements. This will end up causing you more money in the long run by creating a more severe problem than just a clogged drain!
We hope that through answering some of these common drain clog questions we have helped you make a decision on what your next step is! Whether you are dealing with a minor or major drain clog it is best to let the professional TAKE CARE OF IT. If you have any further questions or believe you are dealing with a clogged drain, our Peter Levi team is here to help. Give us a call today at (855) 433-6800!
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
Let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of having used Drano or another store-bought drain cleaner! For many homeowners, the first thing they turn to when they encounter a slow or clogged drain is a liquid drain cleaner from the nearest store. They see it as a cheaper, quicker fix than contacting a professional. However, chemical drain cleaners can cause a variety of problems. Keep reading to see why you should always avoid using store-bought chemical cleaners to resolve your drain problems.
Drain cleaners can cause both internal and external damage to your home's plumbing. They work by creating a chemical reaction within your drain pipe with the help of hydrochloric acid. Heat is then generated by these reactions, causing cause significant damage to the pipe itself. Pipe corrosion can lead to a burst pipe, which can lead to a serious plumbing emergency, such as a flood.
The fumes released from liquid drain cleaners can irritate the eyes, nose, lungs, and throat, causing shortness of breath. Mixing drain cleaners, even accidentally, with other cleaning products can result in deadly gasses!
Drain cleaners are not guaranteed to be effective. Depending on the cause of your clog, drain cleaner may not have any effect at all. Sometimes, drain cleaners can clear a clog temporarily, but they end up reappearing. That’s because liquid drain cleaner won’t address more serious underlying issues, like broken pipes or a sewer line that isn’t working properly. You can easily end up wasting your time and money by using store-bought drain cleaners.
While chemical drain cleaners seem like an easy, quick fix they can cost you your time, money, and overall well-being! Whether you are dealing with a minor or major drain clog it is best to let the professionals TAKE CARE OF IT. Put down the DRANO and give our Peter Levi team a call today at (855) 433-6800. We are always here to help!
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
Winter is coming... is your HVAC system ready? The last thing you want is to find out there's a problem with your system when the weather begins to cool down and you need your furnace the most. Luckily, there are ways you can make sure your HVAC system is ready for winter so you can enjoy peace of mind and comfort all season long.
Air filters should be changed every 1-3 months to ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. When your air filters are dirty and clogged with pollutants, your HVAC system has to work harder to pull air through. This added stress can increase your utility bills, cause system breakdowns, and lead to poor indoor air quality. Before winter arrives, change out your air filters and remember to do so every few months.
Before winter arrives, turn your furnace on a few times and let it run for a while. This will allow you to see if there are any problems that need to be addressed. If you notice anything strange, like loud noises, bad odors, no heat, or weak airflow, then schedule an appointment with your local HVAC technician right away. You should also check your thermostat and make sure that it shows your home is heating up. If it doesn't, then this could indicate a problem with your thermostat. The last thing you want to deal with is a furnace breakdown in the middle of a cold spell, so make sure to address any concerns now.
Get smart by getting a smart thermostat! This will allow you to stay comfortable while also saving energy this winter. If you purchase a smart thermostat with Wi-Fi connectivity and a phone app, then you will be able to track and control your temperature and energy consumption at all times - whether you're home or away. A smart thermostat will allow you the ability to turn the heat down while you're gone for the day, but kick it on right before you get home so you're not walking into an igloo!
Carbon monoxide is also known as the "silent killer" because it's odorless and invisible. That's why it's so important for every home to have carbon monoxide detectors. Any furnace that burns fuel produces carbon monoxide as a byproduct. In fact, the number one cause of carbon monoxide leaks is a failed or a leaking heat exchanger. When it comes to your HVAC unit, make sure you're cleaning your heat exchanger and that it's working properly. Have a professional check for any cracks or leaks during your annual inspection. You should also make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are all working properly.
One of the best ways you can prepare your HVAC unit for winter is to schedule maintenance. It's recommended you schedule maintenance bi-annually (once for your AC unit in the early spring, and once for your furnace in the early fall). This will help you catch issues early enough to avoid breakdowns or malfunctions this winter. Not only that, but maintenance can help prolong the life of your unit and also help you save on energy costs.
For over 35 years, Peter Levi has been providing fast, professional heating and cooling services you can count on. The experts at Peter Levi are here to help with all your HVAC system needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.
GM, Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains
With over twenty years of expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and drain services, I specialize in delivering high-quality solutions for residential needs. From high-end heating and air conditioning systems to comprehensive plumbing and underground construction projects, I am committed to providing exceptional service and reliability for every household. Whether it's an emergency repair or a planned home upgrade, my focus is always on delivering the best customer experience.
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. Closed
