Generator Maintenance Tips for Reliable Winter Backup Power

November 30, 2025

When winter storms come to the state of Wisconsin, power outages often happen without warning. In Appleton, WI, having a dependable generator will help make a difference between comfort and chaos. Proper generator maintenance helps to make sure that your backup power in the Fox Valley is ready when you need it most. Why Routine Maintenance Matters Without scheduling maintenance sessions on a regular basis, your generator might fail when you need it most. Routine maintenance on your unit will help you keep your system running more efficiently all winter. Keeps Systems Reliable During Outages When

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How a Whole-Home Generator Protects You During Wisconsin Winters

November 23, 2025

Winter in Wisconsin can be brutal. While snow-covered landscapes create postcard-worthy views, heavy ice and wind can leave you without power for days. For Fox Valley communities, power outages happen often during winter storms. A whole-home generator keeps your heat and essential appliances running when the weather gets bad. If you have had to bundle up indoors waiting for the power to return, investing in a generator could be a smart move to make this season. The Risks of Winter Power Outages When temperatures dip below freezing, even a short power outage can cause major problems. Without electricity,

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Winterizing Your Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures Made Easy

November 18, 2025

Wisconsin winters bring icy temperatures and heavy snow that can cause damage to your outdoor plumbing. Faucets and hose bibs exposed to cold weather can freeze easily. Winterizing your outdoor plumbing will help to prevent these emergencies. In this guide, we’ll give you tips for frozen pipe prevention in Appleton, WI, and explain when it’s best to call a professional. Why Outdoor Plumbing Needs Attention Outdoor plumbing is at the highest risk during winter because of exposure to freezing temperatures. Water inside pipes expands as it freezes, which can crack or burst lines. Even minor damage can create

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Why You Should Inspect Your Electrical System Before the Holidays

November 12, 2025

The holiday season is a time to fill your home with warm gatherings with family and friends. Before you start getting your decorations in order or preparing for family dinners, make sure your system is ready for the extra workload. Scheduling an electrical inspection in Appleton, WI, helps to make sure that your system can safely handle the stress of the season. Whether you are hosting a large family gathering or decking out your home in dazzling lights, taking time to check your wiring, panels, and circuits can go a long way toward holiday electrical safety. The Risks of

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Is a Heat Pump the Right Heating Option for Appleton, WI Homes?

November 2, 2025

Preparing your Appleton home for the long winter ahead means being able to balance comfort, cost, and efficiency. In recent years, many have started looking beyond traditional furnaces to consider modern heat pumps. Thanks to advances in cold-climate technology, today’s heat pumps can perform efficiently even when temperatures drop well below freezing. For many homes in Appleton and the Fox Valley, a heat pump can be an excellent choice for energy-efficient, year-round comfort. You may be wondering whether a heat pump is the right fit for your home. Let’s take a closer look at how these systems

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5 Reasons to Install a Water Softener This Fall

October 20, 2025

Hard water can leave mineral build-up on fixtures, dull your dishes, and rob soaps of their suds, and that’s before winter chills set in. Treating your water this fall requires more than a quick rinse; it needs a solution that tackles scale at its source. At Black-Haak, in Greenville, WI, we help homeowners through every step of installing the right water softener for lasting results this season. 1. Appliance Protection From Scale Buildup When hard water courses through your dishwasher, washing machine, or water heater, it deposits tiny mineral particles inside vital components. Over weeks,

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Preparing for Power Outages During Oshkosh, WI, Winters

October 13, 2025

When frigid winds knock out power in the dead of winter, you need a plan to keep your family safe and warm. Prepping backup heat, lighting, and food supplies takes a little effort but prevents last-minute panic. Assessing Your Home’s Vulnerability When winter storms knock out power, your home’s weak points become obvious. You might notice that certain rooms feel colder faster than others once the lights go off. That happens when insulation gaps or older single-pane windows let cold seep in under a blackout scenario. You also face risks if your main electrical panel

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What to Expect When Upgrading Your Heating System

October 6, 2025

Choosing a new heating system isn’t just about selecting the most or least expensive model. There’s a huge variety of system types, sizes, and features. At Black-Haak in Greenville, WI, we guide you through the entire process. It begins with a consultation and load calculation, followed by our assistance in selecting the system with the features and efficiency you want. The detailed estimate will include the anticipated duration of the installation. Next, we schedule the swap, and then we can guide you on how to prepare to minimize disruption to your household. After the installation, we

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How To Transition Your HVAC System for Fall Weather

September 19, 2025

Whether you have a traditional heating system and AC or a heat pump in your Greenville, WI, home, it’s important to prepare properly for the colder weather to ensure that your comfort isn’t compromised. In this article, the HVAC experts at Black-Haak discuss home heating prep that gets your system ready for lower temperatures and prioritizes effective and energy-efficient performance. 1. Schedule Seasonal HVAC Maintenance When fall arrives, it’s likely that your heat has been sitting unused for several months. Before you rely on it for daily warmth, we recommend scheduling professional HVAC maintenance in Fox Valley. A

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Fall Plumbing Maintenance for Wisconsin Homes

September 18, 2025

Plumbing maintenance is an essential task that can protect your home while ensuring you have convenient and reliable use of this system. At Black-Haak, we help homeowners tackle seasonal changes with clarity and care. Let’s walk through what your plumbing system needs this fall to stay ready, responsive, and clean through the colder months. Check Outdoor Spigots Before the First Freeze Most people stop using their hose long before the first frost hits, but that doesn’t mean the hose bib is safe. If you leave a garden hose connected as the weather becomes cold, water trapped

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