If you’ve been a homeowner for very long, then you probably already know that plumbing problems are just a part of life. It’s likely you’ll suffer from at least a small leak or a minor drain clog. If you’re lucky, that’s the worst you’ll have to deal with.
But it’s important to know that if your pipes are old, made of outdated material, or damaged in some way, then it’s time to consider if you might need whole-house repiping–when all the pipes in your home are replaced with newer plumbing pipes.
Read on to learn how to determine if you should have repiping done.
Do you know how long your air conditioner is designed to last? This could be a bit of a trick question since it’s dependent on one really big factor–maintenance.
The standard air conditioner should have professional maintenance done at least once a year, and if you have a year-round heat pump system, maintenance should be done twice a year. So long as this schedule is followed, then your air conditioner should theoretically have a useful service life of 10-15 years.
Of course, that does mean that eventually, you’ll have to replace the system. But how do you know when that time has come? Read on as we uncover some of the most common signs that your air conditioner may need an upgrade sooner rather than later.
Water heaters are one of those home comfort systems that are relatively easy to take for granted, even though they are one of the appliances we rely on the most. Could you even imagine being without hot water for showering and all the other needs a modern household has?
Which Is Better for Your Home: Tank or Tankless Water Heater?
Tank-style heaters store and continuously heat water in a 40–80‑gallon tank. They cost less upfront but can run out during high demand and lose energy through standby heat.
Tankless heaters heat water on demand, offering limitless hot water, about 20–30% more energy efficiency, and a smaller footprint—but they require a higher initial investment and may need upgrades for gas lines or electric capacity.
Choose based on your usage: A tank works well for low to moderate households, while tankless is ideal for high-demand scenarios or energy-conscious homeowners.
Consider installation complexity: Tank models are easier and cheaper to install; tankless units might require venting updates and higher-capacity utilities.
Evaluate long-term value: Tank heaters generally last 8–12 years, whereas tankless models can reach 20+, offsetting higher upfront costs with energy savings and longevity.
When it comes time to replace your water heater–yes that’s right, no water heater lasts forever–then you’ll want to do your due diligence in exploring your options to make sure you have the most efficient system possible. If you’re nearing that point, it’s smart to prepare for replacing your old water heater.
The two main options to choose from when selecting a water heater are the tank water heater and the tankless water heater. You may have heard a lot about the tankless system in recent years, as it is growing in popularity. It’s become an ultra-efficient option for many homeowners! However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for every home and situation. Read on as we uncover the differences between these systems, or review this guide comparing tank and tankless water heaters.
When your air conditioner is on and running, it makes a few sounds that are completely normal. Most sounds happen as your unit is starting up or turning off. Noises that are minimal don’t usually signal that anything is wrong, but other sounds can be cause for concern. If you’re not sure about the sounds coming from your AC unit, always get it checked out.
As a general rule, there are five sounds that your AC unit should never make. Hearing an unusual sound is a sign that something is wrong, and you should reach out to a professional as soon as you can. A certified technician has the expertise to identify the problem and fix it. Ignoring concerns can lead to permanent damage to your air conditioning unit.
Nobody likes to get sick–and unfortunately, the germs and viruses that make us ill are typically too small to see or feel. Microscopic pathogens such as bacteria, mold spores, and viruses can cause a wide range of health issues, and most people are unaware of what they’re breathing in as a result.
A general rule of thumb of the last couple of years has been that staying home helps us avoid sickness. But on the contrary, contaminants can be indoors and still make you sick, even without you going anywhere. This is especially true for households with central HVAC systems, which have a risk you might not have ever considered.
There may be mold, mildew, or bacteria present in your HVAC air ducts! And every time you run your central air conditioner or heating system, the blower fan helps those spores and particles enter your living space, where they have the opportunity to infect you and your family.
The solution to this? A UV germicidal light! This is also referred to as a UV air purifier. Read on to learn more!
We don’t expect the average homeowners to know very much about the intricate components of their air conditioner. We do, however, expect the average homeowner to want their system to work as efficiently and effectively as possible, which is why it’s important to know what myths about your air conditioner can actually hurt its performance.
One of these myths is about refrigerant. The common misconception is that refrigerant is a fuel that “runs out.” This is not the case, though! your air conditioner is supplied with enough refrigerant upon manufacturing to ideally last its entire useful service life. If your system is losing refrigerant, it means you have a leak. Read on to learn more!
If you’ve lived in our climate for even just a year, then you know how important it is to have a powerful and effective air conditioner. But what about the expense of running one? While the cost of electricity isn’t in our control, we can certainly help you with some tips to utilize your air conditioner more efficiently.
There aren’t many things we’ll tell you to do on your own when it comes to servicing your air conditioner for good reason. It’s for your safety as well as the integrity of your cooling system. There are some things you can do to help your system work more efficiently and cost less.
Of course, our first tip is going to be to schedule maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance is essential for optimal performance, efficiency, and extending the lifespan of your air conditioners and HVAC system. Professional maintenance allows our technicians to thoroughly inspect, adjust, and clean the components of your air conditioner that need it. All maintenance is performed by trained technicians who have the expertise to ensure your system operates safely and efficiently. Complex maintenance tasks and repairs should always be handled by a qualified HVAC technician to ensure safety and proper operation. Our professionals have the expertise to maintain all types of HVAC systems, including central AC, ductless systems, and heating systems. We proudly serve the Central Valley and understand the unique climate challenges faced by homeowners in this region. It’s best practice to get your air conditioner serviced by a professional twice a year.
When considering maintenance, it’s important to know that the typical range of costs for air conditioner maintenance can vary depending on your system, but proactive care helps reduce repair costs and extends the system’s life. We recommend this service once a year twice a year if you have a heat pump system. Here’s how spring maintenance preps your AC for summer and helps you avoid efficiency loss and breakdowns. Regular maintenance helps all air conditioners and systems run efficiently and reliably.
If you want to keep your system in top shape, scheduling a tune up or repair is easy schedule your appointment today and rest assured that your HVAC system is in the hands of trusted professionals. Now, onto the other tips for boosting AC efficiency!
Spring is a vital time of the year for an HVAC contractor. Why? Because it’s when we get to provide one of the most important services there is for your air conditioner–maintenance! And in a place that gets as warm as Modesto, this is an essential need.
The reason we recommend this service now is because it’s before you need your system the most. Having maintenance done now gives your system the best chance to get through this summer and the summers to come as reliably as possible! Read on as we uncover what professional AC maintenance will grant you.
Do you know what the #1 most common plumbing problem is? This might not come as a surprise to you, but it’s a drain clog! Just about every homeowner had dealt with a clogged or slow drain at some point. Fortunately, our professional plumbers handle unclogging drains like it’s our business–because it is!
We’d also like you to know, however, how to avoid drain clogs if at all possible. We’re here for you to effectively eliminate and prevent clogging in the future, but in the meantime, we’d like to help you have as few plumbing issues as possible related to clogs. Read on for some of our best tips.
So, the time has come–many a homeowner has faced this problem–you’ve encountered a drain clog. This is certainly an inconvenience, but not the end of the world, right? You could just run over to the closest store, buy some store-bought drain cleaning solution and fix the problem quickly… except, you really shouldn’t.
The fact is that store-bought drain cleaning “solutions” promise to work miracles on your plumbing system, but can actually do more harm than good. That’s right “drain cleaners” can actually be detrimental to your plumbing pipes. If you have a plumbing issue–even if it’s something seemingly minor like a clog–the best thing you can do is call a professional plumber. Read on to learn more about why!
