What Does a Sump Pump Do (and Do You Need One in Your Basement)?

Simply put, a sump pump’s job is to keep water out of your basement. Installed in a small pit (called a sump basin) beneath the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace, a sump pump collects and expels groundwater before it can rise to the surface and flood your basement.  Here’s a closer look at how sump pumps work: Most...

A properly functioning sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against basement flooding. Regular testing ensures that it will work when you need it most. In this guide, we’ll walk you through:  Why Testing Your Sump Pump is Important Sump pumps prevent costly water damage by pumping excess water away from your home. However, they can fail without...

A2L refrigerants are the new industry standard for air conditioning systems, characterized by low toxicity, mild flammability, and reduced environmental impact. Starting January 1, 2025, these refrigerants will replace current options like R-410A in all new AC systems. Here’s what Illinois homeowners and HVAC professionals need to know. Common A2L Refrigerant Types The most common A2L refrigerants approved for residential...

Portable electric heaters are convenient, affordable supplemental heaters that warm stubborn cold areas in your home when you need to. Unfortunately, these heaters can be risky, so you need to pay close attention to how you use them. Here are five safety tips for running your supplemental electrical heater. Stay Away from Combustibles That spot next to the curtains or...

Plumbing repairs are challenging and can be expensive. Doing some of the work yourself can be a great way to save money but it can also create problems. Unless you’re a plumber, there’s a chance you could be making mistakes that you aren’t even aware of, mistakes you’ll discover when it’s too late and the damage is already done. If...

Winter humidity in Illinois brings unique indoor comfort challenges. While most homeowners focus on temperature control, maintaining proper indoor humidity levels is equally important for your health and home. What Should Inside Humidity Be in Winter? Indoor humidity should stay between 30 to 50 percent during winter months. This range prevents problems like dry skin and static electricity while avoiding...

Renovating and remodeling can be stressful and expensive but what’s more stressful is discovering that all your hard work has caused more problems. For your HVAC system, this means that something like adding a window can affect its performance. Here are four ways your HVAC system is affected by modifications to your home. Heat gain and loss As mentioned above,...

“Life hacks” are popular these days because most people are busy, overwhelmed and need shortcuts. Between work, taking care of kids, managing the house, getting enough sleep, exercise and healthy food, you need some relief. Fortunately, your HVAC system doesn’t need daily attention. It does, however, require maintenance and skipping or postponing these core items will cause more trouble than...

A cold shower can sometimes be a treat in the heat of summer. But other times of the year, not so much. If you live with other people, you may find yourself juggling bath times with chores that need hot water because it runs out too soon. If this is an ongoing problem, here are five reasons why and how...

When was the last time you changed the oil in your car? Probably when the manufacturer recommended, based on the mileage & time since the previous oil change. Your heating & air conditioning equipment should be no different.  No matter your system’s age, regular maintenance is a must. Here are 4 reasons why you should schedule an AC tune-up this...