Furnace Maintenance Checklist You Should Be Following Right Now
Here in Chicagoland in February, the furnace has been running around the clock for a few months now. As we start to dream of warmer temperatures and hopefully experience the last blasts of cold weather before the spring, our furnaces are still working hard to keep our homes cozy and warm during these last months […]
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, odorless, invisible killer. More than 400 Americans a year die from it, and more than 20,000 Americans will visit the emergency room due to it. One danger of carbon monoxide is it is difficult to recognize because the symptoms are similar to the symptoms you might suffer from the […]
Roof De-icing
In the winter months, we know how to take care of our driveways, porches and outdoor steps. We shovel, we spread salt. That’s how we prevent injuries. What we don’t always do, however, is protect our roofs from accumulating ice that can not only damage the roof and cause water damage inside the house, but […]
Electric Resolutions for 2019
Most people’s New Year’s resolutions focus on getting healthy, saving money, paying more attention to family, etc. All well and good, but how about putting a “charge” in your New Year’s resolutions by changing how you use electricity (sorry about the pun). Here are some thoughts: 1. Get the LED in. LED lights, while more […]
Is Your Furnace Making Funny Noises?
During this time of year, our furnaces are working hard around the clock. In fact, they work overtime to ensure the warm air stays circulating throughout our homes. But what if your furnace begins making strange noises? A loud humming noise, a rattling or grinding, or even a loud boom? These noises can be a […]
How to Avoid Frozen Pipes in the Winter
‘Tis the season of Chicagoland’s frosty winter. Shorter days, colder temperatures and recurrent snowstorms are all standard fare during our long winter months. Ensuring your home is equipped and prepared for the dropping temperatures is not only a priority but a necessity, at this time of year. One cause of concern for homeowners during the […]
HVAC Resolutions for 2019
Chances are, when considering your New Year’s Resolutions, your HVAC system is not high on your list. But while you’re writing your resolutions down (you do write them down – don’t you?), consider these for your beloved heating and cooling system. Change your air filter regularly. Air filters prevent dust, dirt and other particles from […]
Outdoor Fall Tasks
With fall here, there are a few things you can do to prepare for winter now (including getting your furnace tuned up). Here are a handful of suggestions of things you might want to do outside before it gets too cold. Clean out your gutters and downspouts. When the rains come, you’ll want the water […]
What You Can Do to Avoid a Flooded Basement
Summer is thunderstorm season. Yes, those storms can cool things off and are good for the lawn and garden. But they can also lead to expensive and inconvenient basement flooding. We constantly remind (nag) you of plumbing to do’s to prevent flooding – installing and maintaining sump pumps and having your sewer line rodded. But […]
Caring for a Hot Tub
After a hard day at work or play, there isn’t anything like soaking in a hot tub to decompress and relax those muscles. But along with the pleasure comes responsibility. You need to care for your hot tub. Here are some tips. Monitor water chemistry. You need to know the required levels of pH, alkalinity, […]
