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Blog - At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air we provide 5 star residential plumbing, heating, and air services throughout Los Angeles. Call today to schedule your service!

Anthony Navarro

By: Anthony Navarro
October 5th, 2023

If you own a tankless water heater or are considering getting one, you've likely come across terms like "hard water," "water filtration," and "water softener." These terms are crucial in understanding how to maintain a functional tankless water heater in your home. Hard water, rich in minerals, can lead to early breakdowns in tankless water heaters. Mineral deposits accumulate inside the heating elements and pipes, causing various issues. Moreover, hard water can harm your plumbing system and appliances beyond just the water heater. To combat this, a whole-house water softener is recommended, as it reduces water hardness and safeguards your plumbing and tankless water heater. While not mandatory, manufacturers often suggest installing some form of water treatment to prevent hard water issues, which can even void the warranty. Now, let's explore the benefits of adding a water softening system to your tankless water heater: 1. Extended Lifespan: Hard water can lead to overheating and clogs in your water heater, causing unnecessary wear and tear. Water softeners prevent mineral build-up, ensuring a longer life for your tankless water heater. 2. Quick Hot Water: Hard water minerals can slow down the heating process, making it take longer to get hot water. Water softeners remove these minerals before they enter the water heater, ensuring immediate access to hot water and enhancing efficiency. 3. Cleaner Dishes: Hard water leaves unsightly marks on dishes. Water softeners eliminate excess minerals, keeping your dishes spotless and ready for use. 4. Energy and Cost Savings: Mineral deposits in pipes make your water heater work harder, consuming more energy and leading to higher bills. Water softeners maintain the health of pipes and components, preventing deposits and saving energy. While a water softener isn't mandatory for your tankless water heater, it's strongly recommended to protect your investment. Manufacturers may void the warranty without one. In essence, a tankless water heater is an investment, and a water softener can safeguard it from the damaging effects of hard water, ensuring longevity and cost savings in the long run. So, consider adding a water softening system to your tankless water heater for a smoother, more efficient, and longer-lasting hot water supply in your home.

Heating | HVAC

By: Anthony Navarro
October 3rd, 2023

If you've ever found yourself shopping for a furnace, you've likely encountered the overwhelming abundance of options, each boasting superior quality. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry – we're here to guide you in the right direction. Having extensive experience in installing furnaces in homes throughout Los Angeles County and its surrounding areas, we've gained valuable insights into what constitutes a high-quality furnace. While Los Angeles enjoys a milder climate compared to some other regions, it's still essential to make the most of your furnace investment. Cutting corners on quality isn't the path to securing a long-term return on your heating system. In this video, we'll present our carefully curated list of the top 5 furnace brands, explaining precisely why they stand out as excellent choices for your heating requirements. These top furnace brands, listed in no particular order, include: 1. Lennox 2. Goodman 3. Carrier 4. Trane 5. American Standard Throughout the video, we'll delve into key factors that set these brands apart. We'll discuss warranty offerings, efficiency ratings to help you save on energy bills, additional features that enhance comfort, and the cost associated with installing each of these furnaces. By the end of this video, you'll be well-equipped with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the ideal furnace for your home. If you want to read the full article you can check it out here If you're ready to dive deeper into the world of heating & air you can check out our article on the cost of HVAC installation here to further help prepare you for a complete look at investment costs. If you’re interested in learning more about the installation cost for your home and live in the Los Angeles area, go ahead and give us a call at (310) 853- 8690 or visit our HVAC services page to book a consultation. We will guide you through the essential information you should be aware of before making a investment in a new HVAC system.

Heat Pump Water Heater

By: Anthony Navarro
September 27th, 2023

In this video, we will to provide you with a in depth overview of the Golden State's rebate program, shedding light on the eligibility criteria for this credit, and also exploring the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit. Additionally we will also guide you through the application process, making it easier for you to take advantage of these awesome incentives. California's Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate program is designed to promote energy-efficient solutions that benefit both homeowners and the environment. By upgrading to a heat pump water heater, you not only reduce your energy bills but also contribute to California's efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These rebates are a great way to offset the initial cost of this eco-friendly technology. To qualify for the rebate, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as residing in California and installing an eligible heat pump water heater model. Our video will provide detailed information on these criteria, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what it takes to be eligible. Additionally, we'll delve into the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit, which can further enhance your savings. This tax credit can be applied to various home improvements aimed at reducing energy consumption, including heat pump water heaters. By combining the rebate and tax credit, you can significantly reduce the financial investment of transitioning to more energy-efficient appliances.

Water Filtration & Purification

By: Anthony Navarro
September 21st, 2023

Whole house water filtration systems offer many benefits for home owners, but these systems are not for everyone. Understanding the limitations of whole house water filtration systems can help you determine the right water filtration for your home.

Air | HVAC

By: Anthony Navarro
September 19th, 2023

In this video, we'll delve into various effective methods to cool down a room. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly DIY solutions or are willing to make a few investments, we've got you covered with practical tips and tricks that will help you beat the scorching heat.

Plumbing

By: Anthony Navarro
September 14th, 2023

In this video, we invite you to step into the shoes of a dedicated plumbing service technician as they navigate a bustling day in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Join us on this insightful journey as we follow their every move, witnessing their skills and unwavering commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of multiple residential units while also guaranteeing that homeowners enjoy the comforts of reliable hot water.

Heating | Air

By: Anthony Navarro
September 13th, 2023

Air quality pays a huge factor when it comes to asthma, and making sure you have the right air filters to protect you or your loved ones can seem like a big task.

Water Filtration & Purification

By: Anthony Navarro
September 13th, 2023

Water treatment (also known as water filtration) can benefit all homes, but with so many options out there, it can get a bit tricky to understand how much the perfect water treatment may cost you.

Tankless Water Heaters

By: Anthony Navarro
September 13th, 2023

If you're in the market for a new tankless water heater, chances are you'd heard of Navien, and for good reasons. Navien is one of the top tankless water heater manufacturers, which make them a great addition to any home. But what does it cost to have a Navien tankless water heater in your home? Including installation, you can expect a Navien tankless water heater to cost between $4,700-$8,300, but what factors affect the cost?

Plumbing

By: Anthony Navarro
September 13th, 2023

While you may not always think of your toilet, it plays a major role in your day to day life, and finding the right toilet to fit your needs is crucial. If you're in the market for a new commode, you'll find an overwhelming amount of options out there, but don't worry, we've got your back.