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.
Your home’s thermostat is one of the most important components of your HVAC system, as it measures and controls your home’s temperature. When you have an inaccurate thermostat, your HVAC system won’t generate enough cool or hot air to match your setting. Fortunately, knowing the five main signs of an inaccurate thermostat can help you get ahead of the problem and solve it before it impacts your quality of life.
The most obvious sign that you have an inaccurate thermostat is if your home feels colder or warmer than the temperature you’ve set. For example, if you’ve set your thermostat to 70 degrees, but you’re sweating indoors and your home feels like it’s in the 80s, your thermostat likely has an issue.
While you can usually tell if a thermostat is inaccurate based on how a room feels, you could also compare your thermostat’s reading to a separate portable thermostat’s reading. If the two thermostats show different temperatures, an HVAC technician will need to inspect your thermostat to find out what’s causing the inaccurate thermostat reading.
If your thermostat is installed near a place in your home where the temperature consistently swings, your thermostat’s reading is likely off. For instance, a thermostat near a door will likely experience various temperature swings as people enter and exit your home. A thermostat exposed to direct sunlight can also be affected, as the sunlight can make the thermostat believe your home is warmer than it actually is.
Typically, this issue can be solved by installing the thermostat in a new location. However, if your home isn’t properly zoned, you could also need home zoning services to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Another sign that you have an inaccurate thermostat is if you’re still using a mercury-based thermostat that’s not level. These older thermostats are usually installed in older homes and need to stay level to provide an accurate reading.
If you have one of these thermostats and it’s not in a level position, you’ll need to adjust it back to a level position to get an accurate reading. However, it’s usually best to replace the thermostat and invest in programmable thermostat installation services to receive the convenience and energy-saving benefits of modern thermostats.
Modern thermostats rely on sensors to detect your home’s temperature and provide an accurate reading. When these sensors are dirty or damaged, your thermostat can’t properly determine the correct temperature. As a result, a visibly damaged or dirty sensor is a sign you have an inaccurate thermostat. While you can fix a dirty sensor by cleaning the inside of your thermostat and recalibrating it afterward, you’ll need an HVAC professional to repair a damaged sensor.
Thermostats usually have a life expectancy of about ten years. If you have an old thermostat past its expected lifespan, it could be providing inaccurate readings. Instead of repairing an old thermostat, it’s often better to replace it with a new model, especially if you don’t have a smart or programmable thermostat.
With programmable thermostat installation, you can receive all the benefits of the newest temperature-control technology. For example, programmable thermostats give you the opportunity to set your thermostat on a schedule that saves energy while you’re away from home. Many new thermostats also pair with phones and other devices, meaning you can conveniently control your home’s temperature even when you’re away.
If you’re looking for thermostat repair, replacement, or installation services near you in Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, Novato or the surrounding Northern California area, turn to Peter Levi. Our HVAC professionals can inspect your inaccurate thermostat and provide a solution that fixes it for you. You can also turn to us for smart or programmable thermostat installation when you want to upgrade your existing thermostat and receive the most accurate reading possible. Additionally, you can review our coupons to ensure you get a great deal.
Learn more about our programmable thermostat installation and repair services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.
If you own a cat or a dog, you probably want to give them the best life possible. Besides feeding them their favorite foods, buying them a comfortable bed, and playing with them throughout the day, you can make sure they're as comfortable as possible by keeping your home at the best temperature for them. After all, you don’t want your furry companion to be too cold or hot. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to keep your home at the right temperature when you know how to pick the right temperature settings for dogs and cats.
While it’s a good idea to raise your home’s temperature in the summer and lower it in the winter while you’re away from home to reduce energy usage, it’s not always a great idea if you own a pet. For example, it’s usually smart to raise your thermostat past 80 degrees in the summer when you’re not at home, but that thermostat setting can be a bit too hot for your pets.
In the same way, you won’t want to set your home at 60 degrees or colder, as this can be too cold for cats and other animals. Learn more about the right temperature for your pets during the summer and winter below:
During the summer, it’s typically best to keep your home between 75 and 78 degrees at most times for your cat or dog. However, depending on your dog breed, you may be able to bump it up to 82 degrees (but no higher!) when you’re away to save on energy costs. For cats, you can set your home to the mid-80s while you’re gone, as most cat breeds tend to tolerate higher temperatures more easily.
In the winter, you can have your home cooler to save energy and still keep your cats and dogs comfortable. Usually, the right winter temperature for dogs is between 69 and 72 degrees when you’re at home. While you’re away, you can sometimes bump it down to the lower 60s (but now lower) if you only own a dog and it has a longer coat of fur.
When you own a cat, you’ll never want to set your thermostat below the 70 to 72-degree temperature range, as cats struggle to maintain their natural body temperature below 70 degrees. That being said, if you like your home toasty warm during the winter, you’ll be happy to know that most cats can be comfortable in temperatures up to 88 degrees.
It’s important to remember that the recommended temperature ranges listed above aren’t right for every pet. While most cats and dogs will be happy at the temperatures above, some factors can affect the right temperature for your pet. The main factors you’ll want to consider when choosing the right temperature for your pet include:
Since these factors can impact what temperature is right for your pet, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian on their temperature recommendation. Additionally, if you have any exotic pets, you’ll also want to check with a vet about the right thermostat settings.
While we all want to be great pet owners, it’s easy to forget to change the thermostat before you leave for work or remember what temperature is right for your animal. With a programmable or smart thermostat, you can solve these issues, as these thermostats will automatically adjust your thermostat on a schedule. Additionally, some smart thermostats allow you to change the temperature while you’re away from home, ensuring you can always keep an eye on your home’s temperature and adjust as needed.
If you’re looking for programmable thermostat installation services near you in Novato, Vacaville, or the surrounding Northern California area, turn to Peter Levi. With our trained HVAC technicians in your corner, we can help you select the right programmable thermostat for your home and your pet. After you decide on a thermostat, we can install it for you to ensure you can always easily control the temperature of your home.
Learn more about our smart and programmable thermostat installation services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.
When an AC system is reaching the end of its life, it will struggle to cool your home, raise your energy bills, and make loud noises. An older AC system will also need more frequent repairs, meaning you’ll have to shell out more money to keep your AC running. Typically, AC systems last between 15 to 20 years. As they age, they’ll use more energy and need more repairs.
If your AC is starting to break down or is over 15 years old, it can save you money to replace your old unit with a new system.
While you might want to delay replacing your old AC due to the costs of a new unit and installation services, keeping an old unit around can cost you more money in the future. By replacing your system, you can reduce AC repair costs, properly size your unit for your home, and increase your home’s energy efficiency. Learn more about how all these factors can save you money when you invest in a new AC installation below:
As an air conditioner ages, it often stays on longer to cool your home effectively. This inefficiency increases energy usage, directly impacting your monthly energy bills. In addition, older AC units usually have a lower Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), meaning the system will consume more energy to cool a home than a system with a higher rating. All residential ACs sold in the U.S. must have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. In the state of California, the minimum SEER rating is 15.
While a SEER rating of 13 is the national requirement, air conditioning systems with higher SEER ratings can help you save money while limiting emissions. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests switching from a SEER 9 AC to a SEER 14 AC could save customers around $35 a month in energy bills. By switching to one of the California-allowed SEER 15 units, you can expect even more money in savings.
When you reach out to an AC installation specialist for assistance, they can help you find the most energy-efficient model that’s right for your home. A trained specialist should be able to tell you about the best brands available, the AC’s expected increase in energy efficiency, and any other information you’d like to know. After this new AC is installed, the system’s reduced energy consumption will help you save money over time by lowering your energy bills.
Another way a new AC installation can save you money is by reducing the chance your AC will need repairs. Since your old AC will have experienced wear and tear over the years, it’s far more likely to need service than a new model. Some older models may also not be as durable as newer systems. This increased risk of needing a repair can cost you, especially if you constantly have to repair the unit or replace broken parts.
With a new model, you can lower your risk of needing repairs. Updated units tend to be more durable and won’t have experienced wear from years of use. With a fresh AC system, you won’t have to shell out cash for new repairs or replacement parts. You can also extend the life of your unit and lower the chance of needing repairs by investing in regular maintenance, such as Peter Levi’s Complete Comfort Club.
When you have an old AC system in your home, it could be improperly sized. If your air conditioner is too small for your home, it will have to run longer and harder to cool your home properly. An AC that runs longer than necessary will increase your energy bills, resulting in increased costs. An undersized AC will also break down faster and require costly repairs sooner than it should. Even oversized AC systems can cause issues, as they run for shorter cycles that stop adequate dehumidification, which can make your home’s air feel clammy.
As you look for a new HVAC system, a trained technician can inspect your home to find the proper size for your future AC unit. Besides looking at your home’s square footage, a knowledgeable technician will review your home’s interior heat gain, ceiling height, air leakage, layout, and sun exposure. By reviewing all these factors, you can select an appropriately sized AC for your home. As a result, a correctly sized AC will prevent extra costs due to excess energy usage or premature repairs.
If you’re interested in receiving the cost-saving benefits of a new AC system and looking for AC installation near you in Northern California, Peter Levi can help. Our certified HVAC technicians can help you select a new AC system meeting your needs and remove your old AC for you. Next, our team will install the system and be available if you need any AC repair or maintenance services in the future. Additionally, we offer various coupons to ensure our services meet your budget.
Learn more about our AC installation services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.
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!
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!
It's officially spooky season. With all the haunted houses and scary movies, you may already feel on edge. There's nothing like scary sounds in your home to really send you into a panic! Here are 5 scary sounds you should never hear coming from your HVAC system and what they mean exactly.
If you hear this noise coming from your HVAC system, it's usually due to a problem with your motor or blower. Your blower motor might be worn out due to overheating or old age. A lot of times, homeowners experience overheated blowers because of dirt buildup or a bad capacitor. Contact an HVAC professional if yo notice any high-pitched squealing or screeching coming from your heating and cooling equipment.
Rattling noises are certainly not something you want to ignore, because they could indicate a pretty serious problem. For one, it could mean you have a cracked heat exchanger, which is the number one cause of carbon monoxide leaks. However, it could also just mean you have a loose screw that needs to be tightened. All that being said, though, if you hear rattling, you should contact an HVAC professional right away to make sure it's not a serious issue.
Metal against metal noises are not only unpleasant, but it could be a sign of a problem that needs attention. A lot of times, scraping indicates an issue with your blower wheel. However, it could also mean there's a loose part that needs tightening. No matter what, you should contact an HVAC professional if you hear scraping.
If your HVAC unit bangs, especially when it shuts off, it's likely due to a dirty air filter. When your filter is dirty and clogged, it restricts airflow and causes warm air to back up into your furnace instead of out. However, once the heating cycle stops and your furnace turns off, the metal panels cool and can produce a banging noise. Like with any strange, sudden noise you hear, it's not a bad idea to contact an HVAC professional just in case it's a more serious issue that needs attention.
Buzzing sounds can be confusing because there are so many reasons for it. It could mean you have loose wiring, broken parts, unbalanced fan blades, or even a dirty air filter that needs replaced. Needless to say, if you hear buzzing coming from your HVAC unit, you should schedule an appointment with your local heating and cooling contractor to be safe.
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 needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.
A ductless mini-split, also known as a ductless HVAC unit, is a type of heating and cooling that doesn't require ductwork for installation. Many homeowners nowadays are installing ductless mini-splits in their home - and for good reason. Here are 7 benefits to consider if you're on the fence about whether or not to have one installed yourself!
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star ductless units use 60% less energy than conventional electric heating systems. This means that you are able to save more money on your utility bills. In fact, you can save 30-40% off the energy costs. However, this is only true if your unit is properly installed and regularly maintained.
Ductless mini-splits are easy to install AND save you space. You can actually mount them on your wall so you don't have to worry about moving around furniture or having any invasive ductwork being an eye sore. Homeowners report them being much more aesthetically pleasing than most traditional HVAC units because of this.
Ductless systems are a lot more energy efficient than most traditional units, for a few different reasons. First, you can turn off units in rooms that aren't being used rather than continuing to heat or cool your entire house. Second, you never have to worry about leaky ductwork because no ductwork is necessary for these units to operate. And lastly, ductless units use variable speed compressors instead of one- or two-speed compressors. This means that they're constantly making adjustments to keep your home at a consistent temperature instead of cycling on and off - saving you electricity.
Air ducts collect all sorts of contaminants like dirt, dust, mold, pet dander and more. Because your ductless unit operates without the use of ductwork, this isn't something you need to worry about. You can enjoy a much cleaner home, free of contaminants and germs when you go ductless.
If your family is one to fight over the temperature in the house, then a ductless mini-split might just be the solution to end all that bickering! Having more control over your comfort is one of the greatest benefits of owning a ductless unit. Your ductless mini-split comes equipped with indoor single-room, wall-mounted units that give you the ability to heat and cool certain area or "zones" of your house without having to heat and cool the entire home. This means that you can control and adjust the temperature in each individual room to ensure everyone in your home is comfortable.
We recommend scheduling annual maintenance no matter what type of HVAC unit you have - even ductless! However, the maintenance you need to do as a homeowner is much less than what you'd need to do if you had a traditional HVAC unit. You will still want to clean the filters, keep the vents of the wall unit clear, and tidy up around the units to make sure they maintain proper airflow. However, you don't need to worry about cleaning any ductwork, sealing duct leaks, or anything of that sort like you do with traditional units.
We're all about saving the environment these days! Because ductless mini-splits are so efficient, it's also great for the environment. If a room isn't being occupied and therefore, doesn't need to be heated or cooled, then you can easily just turn off that part of the unit. It requires less energy, and is much better for the environment.
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 ductless mini-split needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.
The leaves are going to start falling soon - and fall will be here before you know it. As the weather cools down and you kick on your furnace for the first time since winter, it's important to make sure your HVAC unit is ready. Here are the best ways to prepare your HVAC unit for fall.
The beautiful, colorful leaves falling during this time of year might be pretty - but it can be hazardous to your HVAC unit. Items like leaves, twigs, branches, and other debris can get lodged into your outdoor unit and cause blockages. Not only can this obstruct air flow, but it can also be a fire hazard. Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of any debris this fall by making sure it is well-maintained.
The seasons aren't the only thing changing. Your air filter should also be changing! It’s important to remember to change your air filters every 1-3 months to keep your indoor air quality healthy and your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently.
This time of year is when the weather starts to change, and evenings cool down a bit. The same settings you had on your thermostat for July and August aren’t the same settings that might be comfortable for you now. Set the temperatures to comfortable settings for you and your family this fall and winter.
Now is the time to get your furnace ready for the cooler months ahead. A professional tune-up will help make sure your unit is clean and running at peak performance. The last thing you want is to have your furnace break down in the middle of winter.
Air leaks in your ductwork, windows, or doors mean that your HVAC system won't work as efficiently as it could. If you start to notice drafts throughout your home, then this is a sign you have air leaks. Seal all of your windows and doors with caulking and weather-stripping.
Carbon monoxide can be a huge problem if your furnace develops any cracks in the heat exchanger, so you want to have detectors to alert you of this possibility in case it happens. Smoke alarms on the other hand play an important role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Stay safe this fall and winter, and make sure all alarms and detectors in your home are working properly, have fresh batteries, and are doing their job to keep you safe and alert in the event of an emergency.
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 needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.
There's nothing like a failed AC in the middle of a hot Northern California summer. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for homeowners to face problems with their air conditioning. After all, you're using it a lot more this time of year. Knowing these problems ahead of time could be beneficial in taking steps to prevent them. Here are the common AC problems homeowner's face in the summer.
When your air filters get clogged with dust, dirt, debris and other pollutants, it causes your air conditioner to work much harder to cool your home. Not only can this cause higher-than-usual energy bills, but it can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. If you or someone in your home is already living with respiratory issues like asthma and allergies, then a dirty or clogged air filter can make those problems even worse.
Before summer rolls around, it's important to clean around your outdoor unit. Over fall and winter, dirt and debris has likely accumulated around your unit. Things like branches, sticks, and leaves can get into your outdoor unit and obstruct airflow. Removing these items and cleaning around it to ensure there's no blockage will help improve the airflow and prevent your system from overheating this summer.
An AC that isn't working is definitely a problem this time of year! Before panicking, make sure you check the thermostat settings to make sure your it's on and set correctly. If all looks good on that front, check your circuit breaker. Still can't locate the problem? Then it's time to contact a professional to inspect your unit for you.
When you turn on your AC unit, you expect cool air. But have you ever turned it on and been met with warm airflow instead? If your unit is working but just not cooling like it should be, then you may have a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a blocked condensate drain. Call your HVAC contractor to inspect your unit for you.
If you're low on refrigerant, then it's likely due to leaks because your refrigerant levels should never change. Leaks can cause a number of problems if not addressed. First, it can decrease the efficiency of your system. Second, it cause cause serious health issues for you and your family which shouldn't be taken lightly. It's important you contact a professional about your refrigerant levels and never attempt to fix the issue on your own.
There's a reason it's recommended you schedule maintenance once a year at least. When your unit isn't well-maintained, it won't work as efficiently. Not only that, but it could fail much quicker than if you had it maintained annually. To ensure your AC doesn't run into problems when you need it most this summer, make sure you schedule annual maintenance with your local HVAC contractor.
For over 35 years, Peter Levi has been providing fast, professional AC repair, maintenance, replacement and installation services you can count on. The experts at Peter Levi are here to help with all your AC needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.
NOVATO
24 Digital Dr STE 1
Novato, CA 94949
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Vacaville, CA 95688
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