---
title: Do Not Use Error Log Level for Non-Critical Issues
impact: LOW
impactDescription: prevents alert fatigue
tags: logging, observability, quality, python
---

## Do Not Use Error Log Level for Non-Critical Issues

Reserve `ERROR` level for things that require immediate attention (e.g., job failure). Use `WARNING` or `INFO` for expected deviations.

**Incorrect:**
```python
try:
    data = fetch_optional_data()
except Exception:
    logger.error("Optional data not found") # Not really an error
```

**Correct:**
```python
try:
    data = fetch_optional_data()
except Exception:
    logger.warning("Optional data not found, continuing with defaults")
```