If your home has hard water, you’ve probably noticed brownish stains in your sink, residue on your dishes no matter how often you wash them, and a reddish tint to your drinking water. While hard water isn’t dangerous to your health, it can seriously hurt your plumbing system if left unchecked. Since old pipes can contribute to higher hard water levels and are more likely to be damaged by hard water, it’s essential to know why an old pipe replacement can potentially reduce hard water.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water refers to water with high levels of mineral content, with the common minerals being magnesium and calcium. Over time, these high levels of magnesium, iron, and calcium can cause rust in your pipes, sinks, and other areas that come into contact with the water.

Why Is Hard Water a Problem?

When your home has hard water running through its pipes, it can cause various problems. For example, hard water can give the water that comes out of your shower and taps a reddish look. This water discoloration is due to rust build-up, which can leave brownish stains in your sinks. Additionally, high rust or iron levels in your water can cause your clothes to feel stiff after a wash and your dishwasher to leave residue on your dishes.

Besides being unsightly, hard water can damage your plumbing system over time. As hard water passes through your plumbing system, it will leave behind minerals that will build up inside your appliances, pipes, and fixtures. This mineral build-up can damage pipes, reduce your water pressure, corrode your water heater’s anode rod faster, and clog your drains.

Can Old Pipes Cause Hard Water?

Typically, hard water is caused by high concentrations of magnesium and calcium in a home’s water source. Homes that rely on groundwater usually have hard water since groundwater passes through soil and rock, transporting the minerals in these substances into the groundwater supply.

While groundwater is usually the cause of hard water, some old pipes can also contribute to your home’s hard water levels and harm your water’s quality. If your pipes were installed before 1975, they were likely galvanized pipes made out of steel and coated with zinc. Over time, water passing through the pipes will corrode their walls and cause deposits of iron and other minerals to separate from the pipe. These deposits will then increase your water’s hardness and make your pipes corrode faster.

How Can Replacing or Upgrading Your Old Pipes Reduce Hard Water?

When you have galvanized pipes installed before 1975, you can likely benefit from an old pipe replacement. Since older pipes are more susceptible to corrosion due to hard water and can even raise your hard water levels, an old pipe replacement can help you reduce hard water in your home. Besides lowering your hard water levels, swapping out old pipes for new, more durable ones can reduce the risk of needing a pipe repair or replacement in the future.

Though old pipe replacement services can be a helpful way to reduce hard water, they won’t eliminate it entirely, especially if your home uses groundwater as its water source. Another way you can further reduce hard water levels is to invest in water softening services. 

With water-softening services, a plumber will install water-softening solutions in your home to improve your home’s water quality. With one of these solutions installed in your home, it will remove minerals like magnesium and calcium from your water to reduce your water’s hardness. By lowering your water’s hardness, water conditioning solutions help to increase your plumbing system’s lifespan and reduce the adverse effects of hard water. 

We recommend talking to your local plumbers about the water quality you would like to achieve. Softening systems eliminate hard water, while professional-grade filters can help purify your water. With the right support, you could get bottle-like quality from the water at your kitchen faucet. 

Choose Peter Levi for Hard Water Solutions in Vacaville

If you’re looking for a plumber near you in Vacaville, Fairfield, Vallejo, Benicia, or surrounding areas, turn to Peter Levi. Our certified plumbers regularly provide hard water solutions to homeowners in the area. With our plumbing services in your corner, you can replace old pipes and receive water-softening solutions. We also offer multiple coupons to ensure the services you receive from us fit your budget.

Learn more about our water line replacement and water softening services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.

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:

• Coffee Grounds
• Grease, Oil and Fat
• Bones
• Egg Shells
• Pits and Seeds
• Rice and Pasta
• Fibrous Foods
• Starchy Foods

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!

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.

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.

1. Change Your Air Filters

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.

2. Test Your Furnace Before Winter Arrives

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.

3. Get A Smart Thermostat

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!

4. Inspect Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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.

5. Schedule HVAC Maintenance

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.

Contact The Pros At Peter Levi Today! We Are Here For All Your HVAC System 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 HVAC system needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.

When enjoying quality time with friends and family this Thanksgiving, the last thing you want to deal with are plumbing troubles. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid a plumbing emergency this holiday. Here are the top 5 tips every homeowner should know before hosting guests!

1. Be Careful What You Put Down The Drain

When cleaning up after Thanksgiving dinner, you may find it to be easier to just dump the leftovers in the sink and let the garbage disposal take care of it. However, some things just don’t belong down the drain. To prevent clogging and overwhelming your plumbing system, you should throw all leftovers in the trash bin. The following items should not be put down the drain:

• Grease, Oil and Fat
• Egg Shells
• Coffee Grounds
• Bones
• Poultry Skins
• Potato Peels
• Pasta and Rice
• Seeds, Nuts, and Pits

2. Come Up With A Shower Schedule

Your water heater will surely be overwhelmed this time of year if you plan to host overnight guests. That’s why it’s a good idea to come up with a shower schedule and space them out a bit. Ask guests to wait 10-15 minutes between each shower. This will allow hair and soap enough time to disperse so you don’t have to deal with clogged pipes, and your tank enough to refill with hot water, so your guests don’t have to step foot in an ice cold shower.

3. Prepare Your Bathroom

Your bathroom is going to see a lot more holiday foot traffic than usual if you plan to host family and friends. That being said, make sure it’s prepared! First, equip your bathroom with all the necessities: toilet paper, soap, towels, and a plunger. Then, consider hiding any “flushable” wipes. Even though flushable wipes are considered “flushable”, they can wreak havoc on your plumbing because they don’t disintegrate as well as toilet paper. It’s probably best you don’t have guests using them, as it could lead to clogs in your pipes. Also, make sure your guests know what is flushable and what is not. To put it simply, only two things belong in the toilet: toilet paper and waste. Anything else should be thrown away in the garbage.

4. Address Plumbing Issues Before Guests Arrive

Is there a leak you’ve put off fixing? Do you have water backing up in your shower or sink? Does your toilet make strange noises, even when not in use? Whatever the plumbing issue may be, it’s a good idea to take care of them before hosting Thanksgiving. This way, you can be sure you won’t have to deal with any plumbing issues over the holiday.

5. Dispose Of Cooking Grease Properly

We talked a bit about tossing leftovers into the sink, but we feel that grease needs to be discussed further. Many homeowners think that because grease is a liquid, it’s fine to put down the sink. However, this is far from the truth. In fact, grease will solidify once it cools and this can block your pipes. It’s best to let grease cool and solidify and then toss it into the trash can instead of pouring it down your drains.

Avoid A Plumbing Emergency This Thanksgiving And Contact The Pros At Peter Levi Today! We Are Here For All Your Plumbing Needs In Northern California.

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.

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.

1. Squealing or Screeching

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.

2. Rattling

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.

3. Scraping

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.

4. Banging

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.

5. Buzzing

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.

Are You Hearing Any Of These Scary HVAC Sounds? Contact The Pros At Peter Levi Today! We Are Here For All Your HVAC 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 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!

1. Saves You Money

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.

2. Saves You Space

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.

3. Increases Your Energy-Efficiency

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.

4. Improves Your Indoor Air Quality

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.

5. Gives You More Control and Offers Personalized Comfort

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.

6. Requires Minor Maintenance

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.

7. They’re Environmentally-Friendly

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.

Contact The Pros At Peter Levi Today! We Are Here For All Your Ductless Mini-Split 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 ductless mini-split needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.

Best Ways To Prepare Your HVAC Unit For Fall: A Homeowner’s Guide

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.

1. Clean Your Outdoor Unit

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.

2. Change Your Air Filter

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.

3. Adjust Your Thermostat

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.

4. Schedule A Maintenance

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.

5. Check For Air Leaks

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.

6. Ensure All Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Working

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.

Contact The Pros At Peter Levi Today! We Are Here For All Your HVAC 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 HVAC needs. Contact us today at 800-868-6885 or online here.