Air conditioner not working? Got an emergency? Chill out! Call reliance home services for quick air conditioning service and relief from the heat.

When it comes to beating the heat in Los Angeles, Reliance Home Services primary goal is to keep customers happy and comfortable. Reliance Home Services can identify the air conditioning solutions that are best for your home whether you need to repair or modify your current air-conditioning system, or you are in the market for a new solution.

If you are tired of over paying your utilities bills, paying for expensive repairs, no longer getting the comfort that your systems once provided, or if you are ready to install a cooling system for the first time, our comfort advisors will come to your home and design a comfortable and cost-effective custom cooling solution. Backed by the top name brands of equipment, Reliance Home Services customers can choose from the best and most advanced air conditioning equipment for your needs.

You can rely on our expertise to see that your newly installed system works properly and satisfies your home comfort needs. If you are in need of air-conditioning repair, our fully qualified technicians are ready to assist, whenever you need us. When you call Reliance Home Services, you can be assured that your cooling system will be repaired quickly – and repaired right the first time.

The maintenance of your cooling system is important in improving the air quality of your home. To ensure you are breathing safe and pollutant free air, Reliance Home Services technicians will seal rips, separations and cracks in your ducts, as insulate other areas, improve indoor air quality, offer relief to allergy and asthma sufferers and reduce utility bills. Reliance Home Services uses many proven methods for improving air quality, including H.E.P.A. filters, ultra violet light systems, air purifiers, electronic air cleaners, and duct cleaning. For a full service company that cares for your comfort, safety and health, call Reliance Home Services.

Reliance’s air conditioning repair services include:

• Refrigerant Replacement
• System Tune Ups
• Emergency Services
• High Velocity Units
• Heat Pumps
• Multi-Zone Cooling Systems
• Ductless Split Systems
• Thermostats & Air Cleaners
• Whole House Filter Systems
• Central Air Units
• Humidification and Dehumidification
• Duct repair and Replacement
• Insulation
• You name it, we do it!

We repair all air conditioner brands, makes and models, including:

• Ruud
• Lennox
• Rheem
• York
• Comfortmaker
• Janitrol
• American Standard
• Carrier
• Trane
• Bryant
• and more!

For over 65 years, Los Angeles homeowners have turned to Reliance Home Services time and again for installation, maintenance and repair of their home heating systems. When it comes to residential heating, our clients’ peace of mind and comfort regarding their heating system is our primary concern.

Whether you need to modify your existing heating system or you need a brand new system, Reliance Home Services can identify the economical and comfortable heating solution that is best for your home. Our licensed and experienced comfort advisors will even come to your home and design a custom solution based on your needs. We will provide you with real home heating solutions that offer the greatest return on your investment year after year — with the latest in gas and electric furnace technology and cutting edge energy saving systems. Reliance Home Services is determined to keep pace with developing technology to provide only the best for all customers.

Just as your automobile needs regular checkups, so does your heating system. Before temperatures drop outside, it is a good idea to have your heating system checked out by one of Reliance Home Services’ maintenance technicians. Small problems can become bigger problems as your heating system continues to run, so call Reliance Home Services for prompt and professional routine maintenance.

Should you require repairs on your current heating system, our skilled technicians have the know-how to diagnose, adjust or repair your furnace heat pump, air handler or existing heat system so that you are comfortable all year long, all at a price you can afford. No job is too big or too small. We can provide you with a professional diagnostic evaluation of your problem and fix it right the first time.

Call Reliance Home Services if you need heating system repairs, maintenance or replacement. We’ll take the heat – so you can keep comfortable during the coldest temperatures.

Reliance’s list of heating repair and maintenance services includes:

• Furnace Repair
• Heater Repair
• Heat Pumps
• Electric Water Heater Repair
• Boilers
• Thermostats
• Baseboard Heating
• Radiant Heating
• Humidifiers
• Electronic Air Cleaners
• Filter Replacement
• System Tune-Ups and Maintenance
• Emergency Services
• You name it, we do it!

We repair & replace all heating systems; all makes and models, including:

• Trane
• Ruud
• Lennox
• Rheem
• York
• Comfortmaker
• Janitrol
• American Standard
• Carrier
• Bryant
• and more!

A common overlooked symptom of a potentially costly plumbing problem is a sputtering faucet. Most people attribute the occasional ‘cough’ from the faucet as a sign of a little harmless air in the pipes. If this only happens occasionally, that’s usually true, but if you have one or more faucets in different parts of the home doing this, or if it’s an ongoing thing, then you probably have something amiss with your plumbing. The coughing is air in the pipes, and if it’s happening a lot it means that you have a crack or break somewhere in a water pipe. This is usually with a main line coming into the house and can lead to an extremely costly repair.

If you’re experiencing this problem your first move should be to call the water department and have them check your meter and the surrounding lines. If they find no problem on their end you need to call us and we will come over and locate the leak before it becomes a break and costs you money while depriving you of water service.

That little drip of water off a basement pipe might be something to be concerned about as well. Most homeowners chalk this up as condensation or just a ‘normal’ leak, and sometimes that’s the case. However you should monitor the leak. If it becomes more than just a few drops per hour, it’s time to get it checked. It’s a good idea for homeowners to inspect their exposed pipes a couple of times a year to make sure there aren’t any undiscovered drips. If you find a puddle, it’s usually time to give us a call before things get out of hand.

Stuck drains and toilets also give warning signs, but people typically don’t know what to look for when it comes to plumbing problems. If you have a completely clogged sink drain chances are the drain got slow before stopping totally. Regular drain cleaning might have prevented it. Usually a homeowner will notice this and think it’s just something that happens normally. It is true that drains will sometimes slow for harmless reasons, but these instances usually last only a few minutes or hours. A drain that is consistently slow for a longer period of time is a sign that something is obstructing the pipes and should be checked by a professional. The same is true of slow toilets or shower drains. An occasionally sluggish drain is no sign of alarm, but if you find yourself in need of a plunger on a regular basis, it’s time for some help.

Paying attention to the early warning signs means problems can probably be repaired without a major investment. It starts getting costly when it’s necessary to tear out pipes, dig up lawns, or do major work to correct a problem. So the next time your faucet coughs when you turn on the water it might be trying to tell you something that could save you a lot of money, if you pay attention. Don’t hesitate to give us a call even if it’s just for advice over the phone. We’d much rather help you stop a small problem before it escalates into a major issue that can cause a costly repair.

First let’s make it clear that electricity is dangerous and has to be handled with the utmost caution. Many folks think that wiring and electrical projects are something that can be handled by anyone who is the least bit handy with tools and has some basic do-it-yourself skills. It is true that a handyman can handle some minor electrical projects, but most electrical projects need to be handled by an expert, or at least closely supervised if done by a homeowner. If not it they can lead to many problems, not the least of which could be fire or electrocution.

Sure, you can probably install a new wall socket or light switch just remember the golden rule of working with electricity, SHUT OFF THE POWER. Its not enough to just flip a breaker. Flipping the breaker can shut off power to where you’re working, but only if you get the right one. Failure to do it can lead to a nasty shock, or even worse, so don’t take chances, flip the main breaker and kill all the power before you start any electrical project.

If your project requires more than just installing a switch or socket it’s probably time to call in the electrician. Here are a few reasons why you need the pros:

• It might have to be inspected.

Many people forget that cities and states have uniform electric codes that apply to both new construction and existing structures. If your project requires major rewiring chances are you’ll need to get the local building inspector to come look things over, and many times the inspector will only sign off on a project if a licensed electrician has done the work.

• Bad wiring is hard on gadgets.

It might be hard to believe but a poor wiring job could be ruining your fancy new big screen TV, computer, game system, or any number of high end electronics in your home. An improperly wired home can cause fluctuations in power to these items. It might not seem like it, but a slight drop in voltage can cause these electronics not to operate properly or fail completely. Here’s something else. Did you realize that fluctuations in power could affect the quality of the picture on your big screen? It’s true, and it’s also true that bad wiring can cause electronic interference that can affect the speed of WiFi connections and cause your computer to run slower and possibly overheat.

• If your lights ever go dim, you need help.

Most of us know that you don’t need to overload a wall plug, but did you realize you can overload your breaker box as well? If your house has had an addition or has been remodeled your breaker box might need to be upgraded. If your lights dim slightly sometimes—when an air conditioner compressor kicks in is a good example—it might mean there’s too much strain on your breaker box. Breaker boxes are not a do-it-yourself project. If you suspect any problem with yours it’s time to call the pros.

If you’re nervous or scared to do an electrical project then don’t do it. That’s the best advice you can receive on the subject. We’re ready to help out, and you’ll have the piece of mind that comes from knowing the job was done right. Give us a call and we’ll be by to give you some advice and an estimate. Plus let us give everything a good looking over so you’ll know that your juice is not only going to keep flowing, but keep flowing safely.

Let’s say your new home has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a large unfinished space over the garage. You tell yourself that the space over the garage would make an excellent apartment or rec-room someday, and fully plan on using that space for some sort of do-it-yourself project. If that’s the case why not have some of the most difficult work done by the contractor and have water and electrical hookups put in place for future expansion? Having the water pipes ran to the area and a couple of electrical boxes put in place will save you a lot of time and headaches when you start your project. It will also spare you the expense of having those hookups inspected when it’s time to get going with the expansion.

Outdoors is another place to look at with an eye for future expansion. That big beautiful backyard looks great as it is, but what if you want to eventually add a swimming pool, gazebo, or patio? Sure, it’s not a big deal to have those things built or installed later, but you can save a big hassle if you preplan your water and electrical hookups. Again this will save the time and expense of having the inspector come out, but it could also save your lawn or property from unnecessary damage too.

It’s not a big deal to have a trench cut and pipes and conduit ran underground before you lawn gets a layer of sod. However wait a couple of years and let your lawn get pretty and lush and you’re going to have a major project. Not only will you have to destroy part of your lawn to run those pipes, but also you’ll have to look at a patch of yard that doesn’t match the rest of the lawn for months to come. Speaking of your lawn, have you considered permanent sprinklers or watering systems? There’s a good chance you should. Using hoses and portable sprinklers is a good stopgap measure, but these are often leaky, wasteful, and offer limited coverage unless you want to constantly reposition the system. Instead it might be in your best interest to install a permanent system. Permanent sprinkler and watering systems are much more efficient than portable systems, and can greatly enhance the resale value of your home. Tell your contractor about your future expansion plans and together you can put everything in place to make those projects neater and faster when the time comes.

Another overlooked area for future consideration is when installing your water meter and your electrical breaker box. Some water meters just don’t allow enough water flow to service a large home and a swimming pool. Even though you might not be fully convinced you’ll add a pool or other outdoor item such as a pond or fountain it’s still a good plan to get a larger volume meter installed by the water company. The meter will cost a bit more up front, but your water bill will remain at the same rate. Then a few years down the road when it’s time to build the new pool you won’t be at the mercy of the water company to replace your meter before you get started.

Before the first shovel of dirt is turned or the first nail driven it’s a good idea to have a long talk with your builder or contractor. Discuss your future plans and wants and have them customize your house plans to meet those needs. It might cost a few more dollars up front, but it will be more than worth it when you begin to turn your house into your dream home.

Has someone in your home complained that the drain in the basement has an odor coming from it? If so there’s no need to panic. Basement and other floor drains operate in the same fashion as the pipes under your sink or toilet. Deep down in the ground below the concrete is an elbow, and that elbow is put there just to keep odors from seeping back into your home. However that drain in your basement floor doesn’t get the same amount of use as the drain under your sink or toilet. As such a vital part of the system might need to be replenished, but it’s not going to cost a lot to fix it.

Did you realize that water is the part of that system that keeps the smells out? Water collects in the elbow and makes a barrier that seals off the pipe and stops odors and gases from traveling up the pipes. Over time that water will evaporate and compromise the seal, allowing odors to back up into your home. Pouring just a gallon or two water down that drain will not only close off the pathway to odors, but will also flush any old, dirty water down the pipes.

A faucet or showerhead that’s not flowing properly is also easily fixed, and the cost is no more than a bottle of vinegar, a plastic baggie, and some zip ties to hold things in place. Simply unscrew the fussy showerhead or sink aerator by hand or with a masking tape wrapped wrench to avoid scratches. Once the part is removed put the parts in the baggie with the vinegar and seal it up for the night. By morning the mineral deposits that are affecting the performance of the fixture will be loosened and can be removed with a soft brush or cloth. But what if you can’t remove the fixture? That’s an easy fix too. Just take the baggie full of vinegar and affix it to the fixture with the zip ties. Then wait overnight and fix things the next morning with a brush or cloth.

Now that the fixtures are working properly it’s time to do something about that fussy garbage disposer. Before you begin it’s important to understand that you should never reach into your disposer, even if it is completely disconnected from the power. You should also never insert any tools or objects into the disposer in an attempt to loosen any deposits. If the performance of your disposer is that compromised it’s time to call a plumber and have a new one installed. But if your disposer is just sluggish and sometimes smells, that’s an easy fix.

Take roughly two trays of ice cubes, a large lemon and a large orange and you have all you need to give your disposer the once over. Cut the lemon and orange into quarters and drop several sections into the disposer followed by a handful of ice cubes. Then hit the switch and run your disposer as normal. Repeat this a couple of times then flush the disposer with hot water. The ice cubes clean the blades in the disposer and the citric acids in the fruits both clean and deodorize the inside of the disposer. Doing this monthly will keep your disposer clean and can help avoid clogs and costly damage to your system.

So the next time you need to handle a few projects at home before you settle in to enjoy the big game maybe you should start with a little work around the kitchen and bathroom. A few easy fixes can make you seem like a hero to your family and can greatly improve life in your home. And if you play your cards right it will more than earn you the right to enjoy some quality TV time undistracted.

How airtight are your doors and windows? You might answer quickly and say that they’re very airtight, but that might not be the case. Go to your door and see how snugly it fits within its frame? Is there some wiggle room? How about that gap underneath? Can air come in around the hinge side? If you answered yes to any of those it’s time to start your first project.

It’s easy to weather seal a door or window. Many modular doors and windows have built in adjustments to tighten the seal as they loosen due to age and natural weathering. Many times a slight adjustment to a latch is all that’s needed to tighten the door or window and restore an airtight seal. If that won’t do it then all that’s needed is to make a trip to the home improvement warehouse for some inexpensive weather stripping. Installing it usually doesn’t even require any tools and it can drastically cut heating and cooling bills, plus it’s a good way to quiet a rattling door or window.

Speaking of seals, let’s take a moment to check the seal on the refrigerator door. Can you feel cool air coming out around the door of your refrigerator or freezer? If you can then you’re also feeling money coming out of your pocket in form of higher utility bills. Don’t panic, you can fix this too. Get the make and model of your refrigerator and go to the dealer. Buy a new door seal and install it yourself. Then get ready to turn down the refrigerator or your milk might freeze solid because it’s going to stay a lot colder inside.

Since we’re in the kitchen lets take a look at the faucet. Does it drip at all? Has your faucet seen better days? Is it no longer bright and clean like it was when you bought the place? If you said yes to any of those questions it’s time to replace that faucet. A faucet that drips once every 15 seconds can waste up to 50 gallons of water per month. 600 gallons of water per year not only adds up on the bill, but it wastes a precious commodity that’s becoming more strained every day. Replacing that faucet can take as little as a half hour, and depending on how fancy you want to be can cost as little as $30.

Now turn on the hot water, after all you have to test the faucet. Does it take a while for the water to warm up, or does it just not get all that hot? If this is the case it’s time for a water heater. An inefficient water heater can rob you every month. Because it struggles to keep the water hot it ‘runs’ all the time, constantly spinning that electrical meter. Most water heaters don’t require a bunch of special wiring and can be removed and replaced easily in a day. Get ready to enjoy hot water again, but careful, not too hot. Keeping the thermostat on your new unit set to a reasonable temperature is yet another way to slow down that light meter.

These are just a few examples of easy projects that will potentially save some money. It might be time to take an hour or so and give your home the once-over to see just how many ‘little’ things you can find that are easily fixed. You won’t get rich on the savings, but you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re keeping your home in tip top shape, and you might even have a little fun doing it. And if you’re not a born handyman—or handywoman—you can just make a list of those projects and give us a call, we’d be glad to help.