5 Reasons to Avoid DIY Plumbing

Doing your own repairs (and even some upgrades) around the house can be a rewarding process. Even if you struggle through it, the end result is all yours. Plumbing, however, is a different story. Instead of a rewarding experience, you could find yourself in some hot water (or living with none at all). Here are five reasons to avoid do-it-yourself...

As if you weren’t spending enough time at home, winter is coming. That means more time indoors. So how do you stay healthy with less time outdoors? The answer is simple: make sure your indoor air conditions are just right. Here are five ways to do it. Tune-up your furnace  Keeping your indoor temperature warm enough throughout your house means...

No one likes cold showers, especially during the winter. Here are six of the most common reasons water heaters fail and ways you can minimize this risk. Sediment buildup in tank  Over time, small particles and dissolved contents in your water supply collect inside your tank. Regular maintenance includes flushing the tank at least once per year. If you live...

The first step when solving a problem is to identify it. Your energy use is no different. To save energy, you need to first figure out where it is being wasted. Here are the six most common reasons why your HVAC system is consuming more energy than it should and how to fix them. Inefficient furnace Your furnace is your...

Check for furnace problems before Illinois temperatures drop below freezing. This complete guide shows you how to prepare your furnace for winter. It includes …  DIY Winter Furnace Preparation Replace Your Furnace Filter Start your winter preparation with your furnace filter. A clean air filter does more than improve air quality—it helps your system run efficiently and prevents unnecessary strain...

There is no doubt that poor plumbing can lead to inconvenient and expensive problems. However, most people overlook the risk that poor plumbing can pose to your family’s health, especially the problems that go unnoticed and issues you get used to dealing with. Here are some common plumbing problems that lead to health issues. Sewer gases Plumbing is designed to...

As much as everyone loves summer, every year it comes to an end. Colder temperatures, shorter days, and falling leaves are right around the corner. Is your furnace ready for the fall and winter? Here are 6 reasons to get early maintenance on your furnace before the temperature starts to drop. You will identify problems before they become major issues...

When it comes to replacing your home’s cooling equipment, you have two options: wait until it dies or take action before. Your best option is to replace your air conditioner before it fails. So how do you know when it is time for an AC replacement? Here are some guidelines. Your comfort level is decreasing If, despite proper maintenance, your...

Have you noticed structural issues, pests, or mold in your home? If you answered yes to any of these, it might be time to consider crawlspace encapsulation. Encapsulating, or lining, your crawlspace involves installing a vapor barrier to provide several benefits including moisture control, improved indoor air quality, & pest control. Moisture Control Excess moisture, especially in a crawlspace, can...

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool, especially during the hot summer months. One aspect of your system you might not give much thought to is the type of refrigerant it uses. Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned R22 refrigerant. So what does that mean for you if your system uses R22? What is refrigerant...