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4 Consequences of Neglecting Air Conditioner Maintenance

When was the last time you had your A/C checked? If you can’t remember, that’s a RED FLAG! A/C systems should be checked at least annually and most manufacturers actually require it in order to stay within your system’s warranty. Not only is proper air conditioner maintenance essential to keeping your AC running efficiently, but it can also prolong its lifespan. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 4 consequences of neglecting annual air conditioner maintenance.

1) Poor Air Quality

Neglecting proper air conditioner maintenance can lead to a number of issues with air quality in your home. Poor air quality can be caused by clogged air filters, which reduces the amount of air flow, leading to an increased level of dust, dirt, and other airborne particles that can adversely affect the environment. This can also cause a buildup of bacteria and mold, both of which can cause serious health problems. Investing in regular maintenance for your air conditioner is essential for ensuring good air quality in your home or business.

2) Higher Energy Bills

It’s easy to overlook the importance of proper air conditioner maintenance. But, neglecting it can have serious consequences on your energy bills. Without regular maintenance, your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, resulting in higher electricity bills. Your air conditioner needs to be kept clean and well lubricated to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency. When filters get clogged, coils get dirty or evaporator fins become blocked, your air conditioner has to work harder, using more energy and costing you more money in the process. Regular maintenance ensures that your air conditioner is running at optimal efficiency, saving you money on energy costs in the long run.

3) Reduced Lifespan

Neglecting air conditioner maintenance can drastically reduce your system's lifespan. Without regular check-ups, the parts of your system can start to wear out faster than they normally would. These parts may need replacing sooner, resulting in a shorter lifespan for your AC unit. Regular maintenance also helps identify problems early on, so that you can take action before the damage becomes too severe. Don't let neglecting your AC maintenance result in an early replacement!

4) Breakdowns and Emergencies

One of the most dangerous consequences of neglecting air conditioner maintenance is the increased chance of system breakdowns and emergencies. Without proper and regular maintenance, components can quickly become worn or malfunction, leading to unexpected breakdowns or even complete system failure. Having to repair or replace your air conditioning unit due to neglect can be an expensive and time-consuming process, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the damage. On top of that, if you're dealing with a breakdown in the middle of a heatwave, you'll have to wait for a technician to be available before you can cool your home down again. To avoid having to deal with unexpected breakdowns and emergencies, it's important to stay on top of regular AC maintenance and inspections.

Neglecting air conditioner maintenance can have a number of serious consequences for your home. To protect yourself from these issues, ensure your AC unit is inspected, serviced, and cleaned regularly by our Peter Levi team of experts. Doing so will help improve your system's performance and efficiency while minimizing the risk of future breakdowns.

Is Your Electrical Bill Going Up? Your A/C System Could Be The Cause

If your electrical bill has been steadily increasing, you might be wondering what is causing the sudden jump. Unfortunately, one of the most common culprits is your air conditioning system. From an inefficient compressor to a faulty thermostat, there are several things that can cause your electricity bill to skyrocket. In this blog post, we will explore four of the most common reasons why your A/C system could be the cause of your expensive electrical bill.

Your Air Filter Is Dirty

Are you noticing that your electricity bill is steadily increasing? There could be a few culprits behind the increase, and one of the most common causes could be that your air filter is dirty. A clogged air filter can lead to a variety of problems, including high electric bills. When your air filter is dirty, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through the system. This increased workload results in your system running longer, which means more electricity is needed to power it. This extra energy use directly translates into an increased electricity bill.

dirty air filters

Low Refrigerant Levels

Is your electric bill soaring despite having your air conditioner running the same amount? You might want to take a closer look at your air conditioner’s refrigerant levels. If you’re not sure what refrigerants are or how they work, don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Refrigerants are special types of fluids that absorb heat, allowing your AC unit to cool your home. When there isn’t enough of it, your air conditioner has to work harder and longer to reach the temperature you set on your thermostat. This causes your electric bills to rise and puts more stress on your AC system, leading to potential breakdowns. If you suspect low refrigerant levels, contact a qualified technician to inspect your AC unit and determine if a refill is necessary.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Faulty Thermostat

Your thermostat may not seem like it’s part of your air conditioning system, but a faulty one can still drive up your electric bills. A faulty thermostat can cause your air conditioner to run continuously and may also cause it to cycle too often, using too much energy. To avoid this, make sure you check the thermostat on a regular basis. Inspect it for wear or damages, and replace it if necessary. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, then contact an experienced technician who can help diagnose the issue and ensure that everything is running correctly.

Faulty Thermostat

Lack of Maintenance

When it comes to explaining why your electric bill is going up, one of the most common culprits is a lack of maintenance. A/C systems require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently and safely. If you haven't had your system serviced in a while, chances are it's not running at its best. Regular maintenance checks can help identify potential issues before they become costly problems. This could include anything from a leaky gasket to clogged air filters or ducts. Your HVAC technician will be able to tell you if any components need to be replaced or serviced. They may also be able to suggest ways for you to reduce your energy usage, such as installing a programmable thermostat or switching to more efficient lighting.

Lack of Maintenance

Your air conditioning system is one of the biggest culprits behind skyrocketing electric bills. When your air filter is dirty, refrigerant levels are low, your thermostat is faulty or you lack proper maintenance, your A/C system can end up using a lot more energy than it should. Taking the time to regularly maintain your air conditioning system, replace the filter and keep an eye out for signs of faulty components can help reduce your electric bill by ensuring that your A/C system is running efficiently. Ready to give your system some TLC? Our Peter Levi team is here to TAKE CARE OF IT today!

If your home constantly feels muggy or you’re always coming down with a cold, your home’s humidity levels might be at fault. Typically, ideal humidity levels hover around 40% to 55%, and when your home’s humidity dips below or spikes above these levels, you can run into several problems. To keep your home in the best shape possible and protect your comfort, take a moment to learn more about why home humidification is essential and the five main signs you need a humidification system.

Why Is Home Humidification Important?

When your home has too high or low humidification levels, you can experience several issues, both to your home and your comfort. For example, if your home has low humidity levels (around 15-30% humidity), you can experience the following problems:

Besides the problems low humidity levels can create, high humidity levels (around 55-80% humidity) can also harm your quality of life and home. Some of the main problems high humidity causes include:

The Top 5 Signs Your Home Needs a Humidification System

Since low or high humidification levels can cause several issues, it’s essential to monitor your levels and ensure your home’s air stays at around 40% to 55% humidity. Fortunately, HVAC technicians can solve the issue by installing the right humidification system for your home. However, before you spring for a humidification system, you’ll need to know you’re having humidity issues in the first place. Review the five main signs that you need a humidification system below:

1: You’ve Noticed Your Scalp and Skin Is Always Dry 

Low humidity levels in your home can cause your hair and scalp to feel dry. Since dry air pulls moisture out of your skin, your skin will be more easily irritated, leading to an itchy scalp and dry, flaky skin. A humidification system can solve this problem by increasing the humidity in your home.

2: Your Furnace Runs Constantly in the Winter

When you have low humidity levels in your home, your home’s air will feel drier. This dry air will cause your furnace to run longer during the winter, as dry air retains less heat than wet air. As a result, your furnace will have to run for longer periods to keep your home at your desired temperature. By fixing your humidity levels, your furnace will work more efficiently and use less energy, leading to reduced energy bills.

3: Wood Furniture and Floors Are Cracking or Rotting

Dry air will have a direct effect on your wood furniture and floors. Since dry air pulls moisture from wood, low humidity levels can warp and crack your wood flooring or furniture. When you have high humidity levels, the opposite problem occurs, as your wood floors and furniture will absorb too much water from the air. These wet conditions can cause your floorboards to expand and cup. Eventually, high humidity levels can even cause your wood floors to rot.

4: You Notice Musty Smells or Mold Around Your Home

Besides rotting your floorboards, high humidity levels can cause mold to grow in your home. Overly humid air regularly causes patches of mold to form on a home’s walls and can make your home smell musty. If mold builds up in your home, it can harm your indoor air quality, causing allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Mold growth can also stain surfaces, cause your home to smell bad, and make it easier for fungi to grow and damage your home.

5: Excess Static Electricity or Dust

Another key sign that your home’s air is too dry is if you’ve noticed a lot of static electricity or dust around your home. Since low humidity levels increase static electricity, you’ll probably notice more static shocks when you touch a metal door handle or another metallic object in your home. This static electricity will also cause dust to cling to your furniture and other surfaces, leading to greater dust build-up in your home.

Choose Peter Levi for Humidification Services in Novato and Vacaville

If you’re looking for humidification services near you in Northern California, Peter Levi has you covered. When your home’s humidity levels are too low or high, our HVAC technicians can inspect your home and help you select the right humidification system. After you select a system, we’ll install it for you to ensure your home always has the correct levels of moisture. You can also review our coupons for our plumbingheating, and air conditioning services to receive the best deal possible on whatever service you need.

Learn more about our humidification system services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us

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. 

Step 1: Shut Off Your AC’s Power

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.

Step 2: Inspect Your Air Conditioner’s Condition

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.

Step 3: Clean Your Exterior Unit

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.

Step 4: Keep Debris Away From Your Unit Throughout the Winter

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. 

Step 5: Schedule an HVAC Inspection and AC System Maintenance  

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.

Choose Peter Levi for AC System Maintenance in Northern California

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!

Why Does My Air Conditioning Feel Warm?

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.

5 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Is Blowing Warm Air

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:

1: Thermostat Issues

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.

2: Low Refrigerant

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. 

3: Dirty Condenser Coils

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.

4: Frozen Evaporator Coils

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.

5: Dirty Air Filters

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.

Choose Peter Levi for AC Repair Near You in Novato, CA

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!

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.

How to Turn off Your Toilet’s Water Supply

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.

Step 1: Locate the toilet’s shut-off valve

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. 

Step 2: Turn the shut-off valve clockwise

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. 

Step 3: See if your water supply is turned off

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.

Step 4: Turn the water back on by rotating the shut-off valve counterclockwise

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.

Choose Peter Levi for Plumbing Services Near You in Northern California

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

Top 6 New Year's Resolutions For Your Plumbing: A Homeowners Guide

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.

1. Fix All Leaks Right Away

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.

2. Keep Your Garbage Disposal In Good Shape

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:

3. Give Your Water Heater Some Attention

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.

4. Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

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.

5. Replace Old Pipes

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.

6. Ditch The Chemical Drain Cleaner

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.

Have You Made New Year's Resolutions For Your Plumbing Yet? Schedule A Plumbing Maintenance With The Pros At Peter Levi Today! We Are Here For All Your Plumbing Needs In Northern California.

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.

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!

Pro Tips: 5 Signs Your Water Heater May Need A Repair

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. 

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.

1. Ensures System Efficiency

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!

2. Extends The Lifespan Of Your Furnace

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.

3. Keeps Your Family Safe and Healthy

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!

4. Protects Your Warranty

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.

Contact The Pros At Peter Levi Today! We Are Here For All Your Furnace Maintenance Needs In Northern California.

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.

NOVATO
24 Digital Dr STE 1
Novato, CA 94949

VACAVILLE
1021 Mason St, STE 11
Vacaville, CA 95688

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