Concerns about climate change are the creative inspiration behind groundbreaking works in film, including the BBC series Planet Earth II and the Academy Award-nominated film Don’t Look Up.

The motivation behind Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer prominently linked to billionaire Elon Musk, is rooted in addressing the greenhouse gas emissions from conventional cars.

However, households across the globe continue to depend on traditional energy sources to fuel their residences and vehicles. The world is in collective discussion on what we should do to preserve our planet for the sake of humankind.

One particular appliance is central to every home — the water heater. These units are typically powered by gas or electricity.

There are generally two types of water heaters, tank and tankless. San Diego Plumber California Plumbing specializes in both tank and tankless water heater repairs and installations. A tank water heater is typically recommended for large households with around-the-clock water heating demands, as it produces hot water by heating and storing water in large quantities. However, this also means that any water that is heated needs to be continually heated to maintain its temperature in the tank. 

Tankless water heaters do not keep hot water on standby at a specific volume or degree of heat. Also known as demand-type water heaters, tankless water heaters only heat water when called for. Demand-type water heaters may be beneficial for environmentally- and cost-conscious homeowners.

In certain cases, water heaters can simply be repaired. 

However, it is important to acknowledge when water heaters are beyond repair, or when the cost to repair certain leaks or corroded components would be entirely less than the cost of repair.

Solar Powered Hot Water

The future of energy looks clean and bright, with solar water heaters increasing in residential adoption. However, this is not without any catch.

“Tax subsidies are not the only reason for the solar explosion. The conversion efficiency of panels has improved by as much as 0.5% each year for the last 10 years […]”

— The Dark Side of Solar Power, Harvard Business Review

While solar-powered water heating solutions offer clear environmental and economic benefits over the long term, solar systems may be cause for waste management concerns.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s official projections assert that “large amounts of annual waste are anticipated by the early 2030s” and could total 78 million tonnes by the year 2050.

The Harvard Business Review raises the alarming possibility of annual waste amounts being even more than anticipated if solar panels are replaced with newer models at a higher rate than predicted. Waste could be managed with adequate recycling infrastructure, but the promise of such a future hangs in limbo.

The innovations of renewable energy raise questions of many different facets. Furthermore, experts believe that multiple forms of clean energy would be needed to meet the energy demands of American society.

If you have questions or concerns about your water heater, call a reputable and licensed plumber to discuss your options for water heater repair or replacement.

California Plumbing
455 Willowcrest Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910

This month, California is experiencing one of its wettest on record as the state is buffeted by one storm system after another due to a weather phenomenon scientists are dubbing an ‘atmospheric river‘. While our parched state is in dire need of a good hosing off by the atmosphere, many homeowners are watching with despair as their yards quickly turn into a marshy wetland with no end to the water in sight.

Part of this is thanks to complacency in upkeep thanks to the years of extreme drought we’ve suffered recently. With no rain coming, many homeowners have either forgotten or not noticed that their drainage systems have become completely or partially blocked by dust and grime-a recipe for disaster when your property suddenly experiences a 2-inch dump of rain over the course of a weekend.

Even if the drains haven’t given you a problem yet, with this new deluge, there’s no telling how much mud and dirt have taken up residence in your drainage system thanks to runoff. While this weather won’t last forever, there’s no telling when the next big storm is coming, which means you need to get prepping!

That being said, scheduling regular drain cleaning services can be a hassle (especially with how flaky plumbers have gotten over the past couple years). Your best bet is to find a trustworthy and reliable plumber who has a solid reputation. Here in San Diego, that means contacting California Plumbing.

California has been providing plumbing services for residents of San Diego for a decade now and has managed to get quite the fanbase. Their Yelp page has a remarkable 5-star rating with well over 200 reviews – and impressive achievement for any plumber today. Take a look at what their customers are saying:

We had an issue with our plumbing that needed prompt (although not emergency) attention. I called Thursday and they answered the phone (unlike another company that I tried) and set up an appointment for a technician to come the next morning.
Alex Gonzalez showed up right on time and quickly evaluated and fixed both of the problems we were experiencing. He was friendly, polite and professional and took the time to explain the situation and educate us regarding several aspects of our home’s plumbing. He did excellent work and we would recommend California Plumbing to anyone in need of plumbing services!

Dave S., Yelp Review

Shane was polite, helpful and very efficient.  We had an unusual request for the water valve under the kitchen sink.  Shane immediately understood our desire and replaced the existing valve with a significantly superior one.  He did not have the parts with him as we did not want the usual repair.  He immediately drove out to the right store and brought the parts back to repair the valve the way we wanted it.  This was all done in less than 2 hours.  He cleaned up after himself.  This worked out so much better than expected and we will definitely use him again!

Barbara S., Yelp Review

Keeping your drains clean is one of those many unglamorous aspects of being a homeowner, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Give California Plumbing a call today and make sure your yard is ready for the next deluge!

California Plumbing

+16197873443

For those who love warm weather or live in a sunny region, it is important to understand what your home needs when it comes to regular care and maintenance.

Humidity Management

Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air.

Humidity levels that are too low can make the air feel dry and uncomfortable. Humidity levels that are too high can negatively affect your health and your home. High humidity can give rise to mold, as moisture breeds bacteria, and pests, which are drawn indoors for heat and moisture. 

Most homeowners are used to running the air conditioner during the summer, but many are running their air conditioners more than necessary, unaware that high humidity levels can make hot weather feel even hotter. While air conditioning can reduce humidity levels, a much more efficient way to lower the temperature and the humidity of the home is to install a dehumidification system. Rather than blasting the air conditioning, you can save money on your utility bills by installing a dehumidifier.  Dehumidification systems are installed with the home’s central air system, which streamlines the overall functioning of your home system to create stable and comfortable indoor humidity levels and temperatures.

Efficient Fireplaces 

There is nothing more calming or cozy than cuddling up by the fireplace on a rainy day. However, despite feeling toasty initially, it turns out that most traditional fireplaces are not as effective as one may think when it comes to warming up. A safe fireplace requires a chimney with a vent to let out the smoke that arises from the burning firewood. However, as gas is released through the chimney, the air in your home is also pulled up and out through the chimney. This is why your home heating system kicks in and starts working harder than it normally does in order to bring your room temperature back up.

Traditional fireplaces are also not the most environmentally friendly, as not all wood burns cleanly. Burning wood emits pollutants into the atmosphere and the smoke can leave hazardous residue in your chimney. 

A safer and more efficient alternative to the traditional fireplace is a gas-burning insert with a built-in fan for heat distribution and energy efficiency. These fireplaces are also programmable—you can time them to activate at your favorite time of the day. 

Water Heater Maintenance

In addition to the hearth, the bathtub is a symbol of peace, comfort, and safety in your home. A hot bath can soothe away the troubles of any bad day—but running a hot bath requires a well-maintained water heater.

As seasons change, many San Diego homes will require water heater repair. As with any home maintenance project, it is best to hire professional services to get the job done to ensure your safety and satisfaction. Hot water is important in every aspect of our daily lives—from bathing and shampooing to dishwashing and laundry. The Best San Diego Plumbers will repair or replace your water heater so that you enjoy hot water for the health and hygiene of you and your loved ones. You can give them a call today:

California Plumbing
455 Willowcrest Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910