Tips for Hiring a Plumber
That drain that won’t drain. That sump pump that won’t pump. That water heater that won’t heat water. As Roseanne Roseannadanna used to say: “It’s always something.” While it may not always be something, you quite frequently do need the assistance of a good plumber. So how do you select an experienced plumber? Here are […]
Tips for Buying a Standby Generator
Hot weather. Cold weather. Pouring rain. Even high winds. All can cause a power outage in your house. And the results can be quite aggravating. Spoiled food. Lost data. And inconvenience. All these nuisances can be avoided if you have an automatic standby generator. These generators are connected to your home’s electrical system, turning on […]
Tips for Buying a Refrigerator – Part 2
Last month we began providing tips for buying a new refrigerator. We discussed: Advantages and disadvantages of various styles (top, bottom, side-by-side, French door models) Size (width, depth, height) Color and finish (black, white, slate, stainless steel, black stainless steel, matte black stainless steel) Here are some other things to consider. Energy efficiency. Energy Star-certified […]
How to Prevent Lead Poisoning
More than 400,000 people die from lead poisoning a year in the United States. Lead poisoning can also cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure, respiratory problems, depression, reduced sperm count, and miscarriages and stillbirth. Young children are especially vulnerable, and childhood lead poisoning can stunt their physical and mental development. Children exposed […]
How to Keep the Upstairs Cool in the Summer
Picture this: you’ve spent the past few hours on a recent summer evening relaxing in the downstairs living room in a comfy 72 degrees – exactly what you set your thermostat to. But when it’s time to call it a night and you begin to walk upstairs, you slowly notice the temperature starting to rise. […]
Electrical Terms 101
When an electrician comes to your house, or when you’re looking at electrical items at the hardware store, you might be exposed to some language you absolutely do not understand. That’s completely understandable, as electric work is a highly specialized field that many homeowners don’t know about. To make it a little easier to understand, […]
Tips for Buying a Refrigerator – Part 1
The average life of a refrigerator is 14 years but can vary from 10 to 18 years. If your old refrigerator is getting to be that age, or if you want to take advantage of one with newer features, here are some tips on buying a new unit. More tips are on the way next […]
A Dozen Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality in the Summer
It’s hot out there. And that extreme heat not only is uncomfortable, but it also threatens the air quality in your home. Here’s how: Heat creates stagnant air, increasing pollutants that can enter your home. Heat also generates airborne particles and gas pollutants such as carbon dioxide. Warmer temperatures cause flowers and plants to bloom […]
Tips for Hiring an Electrical Contractor
There are some electrical projects that are easy for a DIYer. Maybe putting in a new outlet or doing some basic rewiring. But getting an electrical job wrong not only can cause expensive damage, but you could risk serious injury or more if you make a mistake. That is why many people will hire an […]
How to Tell If Your AC Is Short Cycling
Summers in Lincolnshire, IL and Chicago can be hot and humid, which is why you need a reliable air conditioning system to provide relief during the dog days of summer. But, unfortunately, like all appliances and electrical equipment, air conditioners do tend to break down from time to time, leaving you to sweat it out […]