Peter Levi Plumbing Inc.

Get More Valuable HVAC and Plumbing Tips By Visiting These Links

In our recent blog posts, we’ve discussed how to identify some common HVAC & cooling problems. To learn more information about any of these topics, visit the links below.

• Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about plumbing leaks at The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
• Stop by NYC.gov to get a ton of information on reading water meters properly.
• Why should you change your HVAC system’s filter? Visit the This Old House website to find the answer to this and other common air conditioning questions.
• Read this helpful DoItYourself.com article for some quick information on fixing a leaky faucet.
• Did you know that repairing a small water leak can save you a lot of money? It can, according to The Daily Green.

For plumbing or HVAC service assistance, call (415) 814-6900 to speak with the professionals at Peter Levi Plumbing & Heating.

What to Do When Your HVAC System Isn't Heating

If your heater or air conditioner isn't working, taking a few simple steps can determine if the problem is serious. Before you call a professional HVAC repair company when your HVAC system won’t turn on or isn’t heating, take a look at your equipment.

Check To See if the Thermostat Is Turned On
Sometimes the thermostat is simply turned off or is on the wrong setting. Since it’s possible that this factor could be the root cause of your HVAC problem, go over to your thermostat and make sure that everything is set to where it should be.

Inspect the Air Filter
Changing out the air filter every few months is a regular part of HVAC maintenance. But when this activity is neglected, the filter can become clogged, causing the HVAC unit to malfunction. Open the air filter compartment, which should be located at the bottom of the HVAC system, and inspect the filter. If the filter is old and dirty, try replacing it with a new one and see if that corrects the problem.

Make Sure the HVAC Switch Is Turned On
All HVAC units have a power switch that looks the same as a light switch. Disabling this switch will completely shut an HVAC system down. If your system won’t turn on, locate the HVAC power switch and make sure that it is flipped in the upright position.

Talk to a Professional
If your HVAC unit is still acting up, contact an HVAC specialist immediately. They will be able to come to your house and correct the problem in a timely manner.

At Peter Levi Plumbing & Heating, we specialize in HVAC installations and repairs. Give us a call today at (415) 814-6900 if you need heating or air conditioning services of any kind.

A Homeowner's Guide to Plumbing Leak Detection

While home leaks are often small and barely noticeable, they can still increase water costs considerably. To learn some crucial information on finding plumbing leaks, read this brief homeowner’s guide that we’ve put together.

Spotting a Leak

Reading the water meter is an almost foolproof way to check for leaks. To do this, first find the water meter in your house, which is probably located beneath the kitchen sink or in the garage. Next, turn the main water supply off to your house, along with appliances that use water, and then jot down the flow indicator number on the meter. Wait for a few minutes and then write down what the water meter says again. There’s a good chance that your plumbing is leaking if the two numbers do not match.

Finding Common Plumbing Leaks

Once you notice that you have a leak, the next step is to find out where the leak is coming from. Because plumbing leaks often come from bathroom, kitchen, and outside faucets, go throughout the house and inspect these items for leaks. Make sure the bathroom toilet is not leaking by examining the flapper valve, which is the most common cause of toilet leaks. If you can't find the leak, contact your local plumber for some professional assistance.

Plumbing leaks can be fixed with the help of an expert plumber in no time at all. If you notice a plumbing problem in your home, be sure to call the professionals at Peter Levi Plumbing & Heating. Schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable plumbers today by calling (415) 814-6900.

Get More Information About Furnace Maintenance And Proper Drain Care

Your home includes many complex systems, such as the heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. To find out what you can do to keep these home systems in good working order, visit these links:

• Find out why the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends annual furnace inspections by reading this press release.
• For a further explanation of what foods shouldn’t go in your garbage disposal, see this article from Angie’s List.
• Discover why you should have a professional inspect your furnace in this article from the state of Michigan.
• For a list of places in San Francisco where you can recycle the cooking grease you are not pouring down the drain, see this page from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
• Get more tips on how to check for water leaks in your home in this article from the EPA.

Why You Should Have Your Furnace Inspected Before Cooler Weather Sets In

Winter is coming, and temperatures will be dropping. Soon, you will probably be taking your quilts and sweaters out of their boxes and dialing up the thermostat in your home. But before you raise the heat, be sure to schedule a furnace inspection. Although many people don’t make furnace check-ups part of their regular home maintenance routine, a timely furnace inspection can help you to:

Keep Warm
If you haven’t even thought about your furnace since last winter, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise when outside temperatures plummet. If your furnace malfunctions, you might have to shiver for several days while you wait to get it fixed, since your local HVAC company may be booked solid with emergency heating repairs. Stay ahead of the queue by scheduling a furnace inspection before the frost arrives.

Save Money
Even if your furnace seems to heat your home just fine, it may need to be cleaned. A dirty furnace can still provide heat, but it will work hard and burn a lot of fuel, which will cost you extra money. A clean furnace runs more efficiently and lowers your energy bills while still keeping you warm. Though you can usually check and change your furnace filter yourself, you should have a professional inspect and clean the blower assembly.

Stay Safe
Occasionally, a damaged or dirty furnace can seriously threaten your health. If your furnace malfunctions, it could release invisible, deadly carbon monoxide gas into your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are an important safety measure to warn you when the CO presence in your home reaches dangerous levels, but a CO detector cannot prevent a CO leak. To identify possible CO hazards before they occur, have your furnace inspected at least once a year.

At Peter Levi Plumbing & Heating, we offer friendly, professional heating and air conditioning service, cleaning, and repair. Schedule your furnace inspection with a local HVAC company by calling us at (415) 814-6900 today.