Your water heater is one of your home’s most vital unsung heroes. These systems are responsible for every hot shower, clean dish, and fresh load of laundry, which means it’s a big problem when they shut down unexpectedly. The best way to avoid sudden water heater failures is by keeping up with preventative water heater maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explain why maintaining your water heater is so important and cover the top 5 signs that it’s time to schedule a water heater service appointment.

Water heater maintenance is vital when it comes to keeping your unit running safely, reliably, and efficiently. Over time, water heater sediment buildup forces the system to work harder and increases its energy usage. By flushing the tank and periodically maintaining the whole system, you’ll keep your energy costs to a minimum.
Safety is another major reason to learn how to maintain a water heater, especially if yours is gas-powered. Because of the extreme danger of gas leaks, it’s important to have your system periodically inspected and tuned up to ensure gas fittings are in good condition and don’t pose a risk to your home and family. And of course, proper maintenance helps to keep your system running smoothly, helping you avoid shutdowns, premature water heater repair, or even full system replacement.
One of the most irritating and obvious signs your water heater needs repair or a tune-up is if the system is putting out lukewarm or inconsistently heated water. If your water heater isn’t heating properly, it can be a sign of a few issues.
If you’re getting hot water, but only in small amounts, it means one or both of the system’s heating elements have failed, and the parts will need to be replaced. If your water supply is steady, but it only reaches lukewarm temperatures, it’s usually caused by excess sediment buildup in the tank, meaning it’s time to flush the water heater.
Another common issue is a water heater making noise while running. While some sound is expected, rumbling, popping, or high-pitched whining noises all indicate an issue with the unit. If the bottom of your tank is full of sediment, it can cause the unit to overheat, allowing water to boil inside rather than just heating up. Try flushing the tank to see if it stops the noise, and if not, contact a plumbing professional for help.

If water is coming out of your taps with a strange color or a rusty appearance, it usually means the water heater’s sacrificial anode rod needs to be replaced. This component is designed to rust before other components, protecting the rest of your system. But naturally, these sacrificial rods will need to be replaced once they’ve done their job — usually every 3 to 5 years.
Obviously, the water is supposed to stay inside the tank. If you’re noticing water pooling around the unit, it usually means there’s a leaking pipe or connection nearby. If the leaking water is hot or warm, you can narrow down the problem to the outlet pipes. Checking and tightening these connections is a key part of routine water heater service.
A subtle but important sign that you need professional water heater maintenance is if you notice your energy bills rising without any change in your usage. As your system gets older, dirtier, and more worn out, it’s forced to work harder to do its job, meaning it consumes more electricity or gas. There are many reasons for rising energy bills, such as sediment buildup, a failing heating element, or general component wear.
Now that we’ve looked at a few water heater maintenance tips, why do homeowners need to keep up with this task? There are several benefits to regular water heater maintenance, including:
How often should you service your water heater? To get the full benefits listed above, we suggest getting your system professionally inspected, tuned up, and maintained once a year. This gives your plumbing tech a chance to not only clean and maintain the components but also to flush the tank, inspect all gas and water connections, and ensure the entire system is ready to run reliably and safely.
With the right approach to water heater maintenance, homeowners can enjoy safe, reliable, and energy-efficient water heating for the full 8- to 12-year lifespan of their system. While some tasks are relatively DIY-friendly, such as flushing the tank or replacing the anode rod, many repairs and tune-up jobs are best left to the professional. Plus, when you allow an expert to maintain your water heater, you allow them to catch other issues with your system earlier on, protecting you from further damage or breakdowns.
If you’re looking for skilled, effective, and quick water heater maintenance, the team at TRIO Heating, Air and Plumbing has you covered. Our plumbing technicians have extensive experience working with water heaters of all makes and models, from conventional tank-style units like we discussed here, all the way to modern tankless systems. With our tools and knowledge at your disposal, you get the peace of mind knowing your unit has been tuned to perfection and is ready to serve your home for the year to come.
Ready to stop living in fear of that next water heater issue? Contact us today to schedule your next water heater service appointment.
With your crawl space tucked away underneath your home, it’s easy to overlook the importance of insulation in this hidden space. Without a barrier from the elements, your crawl space can let in pests, moisture, and drafts that impact your home comfort and health.
Installing crawl space insulation creates a cleaner, more energy-efficient home by sealing cracks, controlling heat transfer, and regulating moisture levels. In this guide, we’ll explore all the benefits of insulating this often-overlooked space and explain the importance of professional installation by pros like TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing for long-lasting comfort.

Even if your crawl space only takes up a small portion of your home, installing the right insulation can make a difference throughout your entire house. Insulation acts as a barrier against the outdoors, controlling moisture levels, temperature fluctuations, and unwanted drafts. Slowing the transfer of heat helps keep warm air inside during the chilly winter months and prevents hot, humid air from entering during the summer.
A well-insulated crawl space also helps keep drafts, pests, and allergens at bay by sealing gaps or cracks in the walls and floor. With protection from the outdoor elements, you’ll enjoy lower energy usage, cleaner indoor air, and a healthier environment for your entire family.
Upgrading your crawl space insulation keeps your home safe, comfortable, and cost-effective. Crawl space moisture control and reduced heat transfer can help improve everything from your energy consumption to your indoor air quality. Discover some of the top benefits of crawl space insulation below to see how a well-insulated space can make a difference in your home.
Crawl space insulation helps prevent heat transfer, keeping your HVAC systems from working harder than necessary to heat or cool your home. You’ll require less energy and notice savings on your monthly utility bills.
Air naturally flows from bottom to top within a home, meaning over 40% of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space. Proper insulation and sealing help prevent moisture issues, mold growth, and the entry of airborne contaminants, keeping them from affecting your indoor air quality.
Crawl space insulation helps keep warm air from entering during the summer and heat from escaping in the winter, maintaining a more consistent temperature in your home throughout the seasons. You won’t have to deal with chilly floors on winter mornings or unbearably hot rooms during the summer.
Proper insulation controls the moisture level inside your crawl space, reducing the risk of mold, mildew, and wood rot. By keeping the space dry, it protects your home’s structural integrity, minimizes health hazards, and prevents costly repairs down the road.

A poorly insulated crawl space can cause uneven temperatures, rising energy bills, and excess moisture inside your home. Performing a visual inspection and checking for the following signs that your crawl space needs insulation helps schedule service before minor problems worsen:
Although it may seem straightforward, attempting to install crawl space insulation on your own can result in improper placement, moisture issues, and potentially costly future repairs. Hiring an experienced pro, like TRIO, helps ensure proper installation of your insulation, so you can enjoy long-term energy savings, consistent home temperatures, and avoid additional crawl space insulation costs down the road.
When you hire a professional for installation, they’ll check for existing issues, handle any necessary repairs, and find the best type of insulation for your space. Next, they’ll carefully install the insulation along joists and walls, secure it for long-term performance, and seal the area to prevent drafts and moisture issues. With help from a pro, you’ll boost your home’s energy efficiency, protect the structure, and create an overall healthier indoor environment.
If cold floors, rising energy bills, and mold growth are impacting your home comfort, call TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing for professional crawl space insulation services. We’ll evaluate the condition of your crawl space insulation, determine if upgrades are necessary, and provide lasting solutions that improve your home comfort and value for years to come. With easy online scheduling, fast response times, and a team of skilled insulation experts, you can trust that we’ll get the job done right.

The best type of insulation depends on your climate, moisture levels, and crawl space design. The most common options include fiberglass batts, spray foam, and rigid foam panels. Our skilled insulation professionals can evaluate your space to determine the best type for lasting performance and efficiency.
Many homeowners benefit from both crawl space insulation and encapsulation. Insulation helps control your home temperature and energy loss, while encapsulation seals gaps and cracks to block out pests and drafts. Combining the two helps provide maximum energy efficiency, protection, and temperature control.
Some of the top signs you’re due for an insulation upgrade include sagging, torn, or missing sections, visible moisture and mold, and temperature fluctuations throughout your home. If you notice any of these warning signs, contact our team for a professional insulation evaluation and replacement.
As summer winds down and you explore places like Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge less frequently, you’re probably not thinking about installing a new AC unit as the outdoor temperatures get cooler. However, choosing to install a new AC unit in winter provides an opportunity to save money in the summer.
Learn why winter is a smart time to install an AC unit, how to get special rebates and incentives, and the benefits of a professional AC installation in the winter months.
There are several benefits of installing AC in the off-season. Winter is considered the “off-season” for most AC installation companies, which makes it a smart time to invest in an upgrade. Demand for new air conditioning units is typically lower in the winter, resulting in lower prices as well. HVAC technicians have a much less hectic schedule in the winter, so there’s also a lot more flexibility when it comes to scheduling your professional AC installation.
When it comes to getting various discounts and manufacturer rebates, there are many off-season HVAC deals to be found. The deepest discounts for winter AC installation savings are available from November through January, because demand is at its lowest during this time.
You may also benefit from lower labor costs and more flexible scheduling. HVAC contractors are typically less busy, which means you might get new air conditioner cost savings on the upfront cost associated with a new AC installation. Many major AC manufacturers offer additional price discounts and rebates in late winter to clear out older inventory and make room for new inventory.
Along with these savings, you could be eligible for the federal Energy Efficient Home Credit. This credit offers up to $3,200 annually for specific home comfort equipment, including up to $600 for qualifying central air conditioners and up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps. Several local incentives are available from the state of California and from certain utility companies, helping you maximize your savings even more.
As you prepare your home for summer, a new AC unit makes this season much more enjoyable. Here’s how getting a new AC unit improves summer comfort and efficiency:
Choosing HVAC installation in colder months may seem counterintuitive, but there are several hidden costs associated with waiting until summer to replace your AC. While a new AC has better energy efficiency regardless of when it’s installed, choosing to replace it in the summer costs more because demand during this time of year is much higher, resulting in higher prices for the unit and the installation. Buyers typically pay a premium for new AC units during peak season.
Knowing exactly when to replace your AC unit may seem tricky. However, if you have an older system or your current system is constantly breaking down, replacing it early is the best way to enjoy a cool, comfortable home when summer arrives. You’ll also pay more for emergency repairs during the peak season, so it makes sense to upgrade your AC early to prepare for the summer heat.
Why install a new AC before summer? There are several benefits to scheduling professional AC installation during the colder months.
Scheduling a new AC unit installation in the winter gives you access to better appointment availability that works for your busy lifestyle. You’ll also enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is fully prepared for the hot summer months with a new AC unit that offers improved efficiency and performance.
In most cases, AC manufacturers lower prices during the winter months, making the upfront cost more affordable. Labor costs may be lower in the winter due to reduced demand for air conditioners. You’ll also be eligible for various incentives like tax credits and rebates to help you save even more money.
Regardless of the time of year, installing a new energy-efficient air conditioner provides you with benefits like minimal maintenance and optimal performance. Higher SEER ratings, quiet operation, smart thermostat integration, and improved indoor air quality mean you’ll enjoy a reliable air conditioner that keeps your home cool during the peak summer heat.
You can also pair your AC installation with other winter HVAC services, such as a furnace inspection and tune-up. If your furnace is aging and needs to be replaced, winter is an ideal time to upgrade to a new heat pump that provides both energy-efficient heating and cooling in one unit.
You’ll also get more streamlined service and better scheduling to get your heating and cooling needs met in one visit. Addressing your heating needs in the winter is the best way to ensure your system is clean and properly tuned to meet the demands of cold temperatures. Installing a new AC unit at the same time provides the same benefits for hot summer temperatures.
The experts at TRIO Heating, Air, & Plumbing are available for your winter AC installation in the Greater San Francisco Bay area. Choosing to install a new air conditioner in the winter offers a range of benefits, including improved energy efficiency and financial savings. Contact us today to schedule your AC installation or another HVAC service with our company.
Air scrubber for HVAC systems is a device that’ll improve your indoor air quality (IAQ). It’s an advanced filtration system that minimizes contaminants in your air when the HVAC fan is turned on.
If you’re wondering how air scrubbers work or how to get one installed, call TRIO Heating, Air, and Plumbing today. Our HVAC technicians are based out of San Jose, CA, and we serve Menlo Park, Pacifica, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, and other surrounding communities. If you’re in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area and want better indoor air quality, contact our team today to learn your options or to schedule a consultation.
Depending on where you live in Santa Clara County, the outside air quality may be quite poor, with heavy pollution and high ozone, especially when California wildfires run rampant in the area. Installing HVAC air purification in your home helps immensely with the indoor air quality, because your indoor air gets pulled through your regular air filters, then hits additional technologies to kill bacteria, neutralize pollutants, and further remove smoke and debris from the air.
Air scrubbing is another term for whole-house air purification. You can have this type of advanced air filtration system installed inside your ducts to “clean” the air using state-of-the-art technology to destroy pollutants and remove even the tiniest pollutants, odors, dust, and allergens.
Air scrubbing goes beyond your average air filtration system, using light waves and ionizing processes to neutralize contaminants and remove them permanently from your indoor air. They work by:
This multi-stage process makes your indoor air clean, safe, and healthy to breathe.
Here are some of the most common IAQ issues air scrubbers solve:
You may be wondering whether an air scrubber is the same thing as an air purifier. While they have similar jobs, comparing an air scrubber vs. an air purifier is like comparing a vacuum with a broom. They both clean the floor, but one removes debris much more effectively. An air scrubber is the advanced version of a purifier.
TRIO offers many indoor air quality solutions. Schedule an in-home consultation today to find out which option is best for you.
When you reduce airborne contaminants in your home, you minimize allergens, volatile chemicals, and other particles. Pollutants and pathogens are broken down at the molecular level to enhance your indoor air quality. This is especially helpful to infants, the elderly, and anybody with allergies, asthma, or respiratory disorders.
As long as you continue to schedule regular HVAC maintenance and keep air filters clean, air scrubbers will reduce the strain on your heating and cooling system by reducing the pollutants that can accumulate inside the system and on the coils. This will improve its performance and reduce your energy use.
California offers many rebates and tax incentives to homeowners looking to improve their home’s efficiency. You can check the state Climate Action site for HVAC upgrade incentive opportunities, and look up whether your home qualifies for additional rebates when upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC.
Air scrubber installation should only be done by a qualified, professional HVAC technician. Otherwise, it could be ineffective, or worse, a safety hazard. At TRIO, we have all the tools, experience, and training required to put your new air scrubber in safely.
When choosing an air scrubber, it’s important to consider factors like:
Our contractors will correctly position and mount the air scrubber, attach it firmly within your ductwork, and test everything to ensure proper operation. Then they’ll install the filters and give one final thorough evaluation before leaving.
To learn more about putting an air scrubber in, you can count on our team to give you all the info you need after a consultation. We’ll go over costs, timelines, and answer all your questions so you get the right air purification system for your needs.

At TRIO Heating and Air, we always use high-quality products and take the necessary time and care required to do the job right the first time. If you’re looking for a reliable HVAC company to install your air scrubber, contact us at (415) 306-8727 or send us an email through our online form, and our local indoor air quality experts will set your consultation appointment as quickly as possible.
When pest problems, rising energy bills, and uneven temperatures pop up, many homeowners are quick to assume their HVAC systems or windows are to blame. However, the actual culprit could be the crawl space insulation. Poor insulation in your crawl space can lead to moisture buildup, heat loss, and mold growth, all of which can negatively impact your home, health, and wallet.
Explore the most common crawl space insulation problems to help you know when to call an experienced professional for insulation inspection, replacement, or repair.

Properly installed insulation is the key to a comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient home. The top benefits of proper crawl space insulation include:
Poor insulation in your crawl space can cause problems throughout your home. From rising monthly bills to potential health hazards, discover the most common issues homeowners deal with below.
Without proper insulation, your crawl space stays chilly during the cold winter months. As heat naturally travels toward colder areas, the temperatures inside your home may drop, leaving you with cold floors and rooms that won’t stay warm. In the summer, the reverse happens, as heat from the crawlspace seeps into your home, causing rising temperatures.
Lack of insulation makes your crawl space more prone to condensation, leaks, and rising humidity, which can lead to moisture problems and mold growth. Damp conditions create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive, causing health problems, structural damage, and musty odors to circulate throughout your home.
With heat escaping from your crawl space, your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Drafts, air leaks, and temperature changes cause your heating and cooling systems to run longer, resulting in higher energy consumption and utility bills.
Without insulation blocking their path, rodents, insects, and other pests find entry points to enter your crawl space. These creatures quickly make themselves at home, breed, and cause damage to wiring, wood, and the surrounding area. An infestation can also lead to health problems because pests spread bacteria and allergens around your home.

Many homeowners are unaware that poor crawl space insulation may be contributing to their home and health issues. Some of the top signs you crawl space insulation isn’t performing properly include:
Some of the most significant effects of poor crawl space insulation in your home are poor indoor air quality and reduced energy efficiency. Without a boundary preventing heat transfer and moisture intrusion, your HVAC system has to work overtime, and airborne allergens, spores, and irritants are more likely to spread throughout your home.
When your crawl space insulation isn’t performing correctly, you’ll often notice uneven temperatures, more frequent HVAC repairs, and high energy bills. There’s nothing preventing heat from transferring in and out of the space, so your HVAC system has to work harder to reach your desired temperature, causing increased energy consumption and higher utility costs.
Without proper sealing, poor crawl space insulation also affects your air quality. Rising moisture levels, mold growth, and pest problems can cause bacteria, spores, and other airborne irritants to circulate around your home. As these contaminants enter your living spaces, they can cause respiratory issues, unpleasant odors, and worsening allergy symptoms.

Always choose a trusted insulation installation pro for reassurance that your crawl space insulation is installed properly. They have the tools and expertise to calculate the correct amount of coverage, eliminate gaps, and find the right type of insulation for your home. With professional installation, you’ll have peace of mind that your home is safe from moisture issues, pest problems, and unnecessary energy waste.
Insulation professionals also perform inspections to determine the condition of your crawl space insulation and identify any potential problems. A thorough assessment helps you catch issues early and replace your crawl space insulation to protect your home, health, and comfort. TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing offers rebates and coupons that help you save on insulation services.
Protect your home and improve comfort with crawl space insulation services from TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing Our skilled assessors evaluate your crawl space, recommend the most effective insulation upgrades, and quickly install them to prevent energy loss, pest infestations, and uncomfortable temperatures.
Call us or book online to schedule your appointment in San Jose or the surrounding areas today. We proudly serve homes and businesses throughout the Greater San Francisco Bay Area.
The last thing you want to encounter after a great day at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in San Jose, CA, is a plumbing leak. Knowing how to spot hidden plumbing leaks is key to addressing the problem early and preventing further damage. The team of experienced plumbers at TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing has some tips about why it’s important to catch leaks early, common signs of hidden plumbing leaks, and more.

Not only is catching leaks early the best way to prevent water damage from leaks, but there are many other reasons that catching this issue early is so important.
Here’s how to tell if you have a water leak and some common hidden plumbing leak warning signs to look for.
Knowing the top places where leaks occur is one of the best ways to understand how to find water leaks in your house.
Remember these leak detection tips to help you find water leaks in your house.
While recognizing the signs of a hidden plumbing leak is helpful, using a professional leak detection service is the best way to determine the exact cause and location of the leak. This service plays a vital role in protecting your home and makes it easier to find plumbing issues early.
The sooner you can detect hidden plumbing leaks, the better you’re able to prevent serious water damage to your home and plumbing. Here are some proactive steps to take that will make finding and addressing leaks easier.
TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing is a reliable provider of plumbing and leak detection services and water leak repair near you. Our team proudly serves customers in the greater San Francisco Bay Area with a commitment to excellence and community well-being. To schedule a professional plumbing inspection or leak repair service, contact us today!