Author: raviniadev

Why to Have Your Furnace Checked Before it Gets Cold

It’s gorgeous out…Indian summer. We are enjoying those precious last few days of sitting outside, barbecuing, getting in a bike ride or even a round of golf. Sitting at that football game is still tolerable. Preparing your furnace for winter may be the last thing on your mind, but here is why you should consider […]

Avoiding the Health Risks Associated with Flooding

Last month we provided some advice on how to prevent floods. But, unfortunately, despite everybody’s best efforts, floods sometimes will occur. In addition to the mess, inconvenience and financial impacts, most importantly, there are health risks associated with flooding. We won’t go into the details of the risks, but will provide some advice on avoiding […]

Things You Can Do to Prevent Floods That You Don’t Need a Plumber for

We constantly remind our clients that we can help them prevent their homes from flooding by checking and/or installing sump pumps and battery back-up pumps, and by performing preventative maintenance on their sewer lines. But there are several easy and inexpensive (and maybe even free) things you can do to prevent flooding. Here are a […]

What to Look for When Buying a Toilet

It’s not every day that you buy a toilet. Generally, toilets are bought and installed as part of an overall bathroom project – either new construction or remodel. But toilets do wear out. Or you might want to replace one for any number of reasons. Here are a few things to consider. The Big C’s […]

Reducing Summer Energy Costs

Commonwealth Edison is raising its rates an average of 21% effective June 1. Even if you buy your electricity through a consortium, rather than directly from Com Ed, changes are your rates will be going up as well. So, more than ever, you’ll want to take steps to reduce your energy costs. Here are 20 […]

Common “Do it Yourself” Plumbing Mistakes

Many people (too many people, actually), try to be do it yourself plumbers. After all, they can find out whatever they need to know on the Internet. Right? We have seen firsthand the problems people create when they try to do the plumbing themselves. Minor problems with minor expense become major problems with major expense. […]

Sump Pump 101

Anybody who lives in Chicago and has a basement knows how important it is to have a sump pump. Sump pumps divert ground water away from the home so that it can drain safely without flooding the basement. So here are some important things to know about sump pumps. It starts with the drain tile […]

Improving Indoor Air Quality

With the miserable weather we are having this winter (cold…snow…snow…cold…), we’ve been spending plenty of time indoors, and breathing the air inside our homes. If the air quality is poor, it can have an impact on your comfort and health. The problem is, if there is an air quality problem, you can’t see it and […]

Is It Time for a New Furnace?

Us hearty Chicagoans have just battled through one of the coldest spells we’ve had in decades. But we’re not done yet. Frigid weather will be back. The question is: will your furnace survive? Of course, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to replace it. But here are some warning signs that might prompt you to consider […]