Last updated 4 months ago
As any HVAC company can tell you, one of the most important maintenance considerations for your central heating and cooling system is how often you replace your air filter. The air filter inside the return air vent provides many important functions, all of which can become compromised if it is not changed regularly. This can result in anything from increased allergies at home to failure of your furnace or air conditioner. Read on to learn more about the importance of routinely changing your HVAC filter.
Your Filter Protects Your System
The HVAC filter is designed to capture dust and other particles that circulate through your heating and cooling system. A dirty or clogged filter cannot adequately prevent dirt from contacting the internal components of your air handler. Accumulation of dust and particles can reduce the overall function of the air handler and contaminate your air ducts. A clogged filter greatly reduces airflow and causes undue strain on the air handler. This can cause furnace failure or a failure of the blower motor.
Your Filter Improves Your IAQ
Another vital function of your air filter is the elimination of allergens and other irritants from your indoor air. Unfortunately, a clogged filter can actually worsen your indoor air quality. Not only is a dirty filter unable to capture additional particles, but it can actually re-release these particles into your HVAC system where they are then distributed throughout your home.
Your Filter Increases Your Energy Efficiency
Because a clean filter promotes good airflow and keeps the internal components of your air handler clean, your furnace or blower motor will consume less energy. This helps to improve your overall efficiency and lower your bills. You can also eliminate costs associated with repairs caused by dirty filters.
It is recommended that you at least check your filter once per month. If you live in the Ross or Bay Area, and you'd like to improve your HVAC system, contact Peter Levi Plumbing at (415) 814-6900 and see how our expert techs can help you!
Last updated 4 months ago
A quality plumber can help with a variety of household issues, from hard water buildup to slow drains. Visit the following resources to learn more about preventing and handling these problems.
Got a plumbing problem you can't seem to handle on your own? all Peter Levi Plumbing, Inc. at (415) 814-6900 to request your free estimate today!
Last updated 4 months ago
With 2012 behind us, we're eager to start 2013 off on the right foot! We're aiming to once again make it on Pacific Sun's "Best of Marin County" for in the category of Best Plumber for 2013, and we can only get there with YOUR help. We made "Best Plumber" in the Marin County before and we're sure we can do it again with your votes! Please take the time to vote for us today by visiting Pacific Sun's 2013 Best of Marin Voting website.
Votes will be tallied until January 27, 2013 at midnight. Thanks and have a great one!
Last updated 4 months ago
Bernie, a Customer Service Representative here at Peter Levi Plumbing Inc. learns how to snake a drain - clearing the pipes of the clog. Everyone, including our CSR's get put to work! Now if only we could train the Peter Levi dogs to do some plumbing tricks....
The next time you have a clogged drain, give Peter Levi Plumbing Inc. a call! We promise to send over an EXPERIENCED technician to come and snake your drain, not a customer service representative!
Last updated 4 months ago
The water supply that enters your home contains many things besides pure water, including calcium and magnesium ions that can solidify when the water evaporates, causing a number of problems. This condition is known as hard water, and may be noticeable in the following ways:
Scale Build-Up in Appliances and Pipes
You may have noticed a hard white crust forming around the spouts of your faucets and showerheads—this is the result of hard water, as each time the fixture is turned off, the water that dries on the end leaves behind a small amount of scale. This phenomenon is not only unsightly and difficult to clean, but can severely impact the functioning of water-containing devices such as hot water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. Scale buildup can even block household pipes, leading to costly repairs.
Formation of Soap Scum
The minerals contained in hard water react with the primary ingredient in soap to form soap scum, a slick substance that does not lather. This requires the use of additional amounts of soap to clean hands, hair, dishes, and clothing, and there will still be a sticky film left after washing. Skin washed in hard water may become dry and irritated, while hair will lose its shine and bounce. Even the fibers in clothing can be affected, causing items to feel starchy and preventing the thorough removal of dirt.
Water Spots on Dishes
When dishes are hand-washed and left to air-dry, the minerals in hard water can cause small white spots to be left behind when the pure water evaporates. This effect is less likely to occur in a dishwasher, as specialized rinse agents are used to coat the dishes so beads of water slide right off.
If you are tired of dealing with the above problems, consider installing a water-conditioning system such as FLOW-TECH Home. Both FLOW-TECH and traditional water softeners treat water as it enters your house, removing or deactivating the molecules that cause scale buildup. Call Peter Levi Plumbing, Inc. at (415) 814-6900 to learn more about your water conditioning options.
