Prep Your Standby Generator and Keep It Going All Winter

October 17, 2022

A standby generator is a smart addition to any home or commercial building. If the power goes out due to a downed line, blackout or any other issue, the generator will ensure that you still have electricity. Having the power go out during the winter can be an especially serious issue. Without electricity, you won’t have any heat, and the temperature inside could quickly get cold enough for your pipes to freeze and possibly burst. Even if you have a gas furnace for heating, your system still won’t run as electricity is required to run

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A Guide to Preventing Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter

October 12, 2022

The winters in the Fox Valley area and the rest of Wisconsin can be bitterly cold with average daily lows in January hovering around 9 degrees and highs that rarely reach above freezing. There are also plenty of days every year when the temperature plunges well below zero. These freezing temperatures can easily allow water to freeze inside your pipes and potentially cause the pipes to burst. The good news is that you can easily prevent your pipes from freezing simply by following all of these steps, and if you do encounter a burst pipe or any other plumbing issue,

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Try These Houseplants For Better Indoor Air Quality

October 3, 2022

Many plants are often considered excellent houseplants to help improve indoor air quality. Whether you’re looking for a houseplant for your office or a plant to complement your home decor, below are some of our recommendations to improve your indoor air quality as winter rolls around. English Ivy English Ivy is a plant that will clean the air of toxins and impurities. It has been used for centuries to purify the air, especially in old houses. The English Ivy is a perennial evergreen shrub with small leaves and greenish flowers. The leaves are thin, have a

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What Does My HVAC System’s SEER Rating Mean?

September 19, 2022

Heating and air conditioning systems today have yellow tags on their side. These tags are required by federal law on all heating and air conditioning systems sold in the country. The tags help consumers find heating and cooling systems that are energy-saving. This helps you save money each month on electricity. For whole-house air conditioning units, the tag on the side has a rating called SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). SEER ratings can save you money each month on electricity and help you find the most budget-friendly unit. At Black-Haak in Greenville, WI, we help our customers make sense of

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6 Solutions to Low Water Pressure

September 12, 2022

Low water pressure negatively affects the quality of life in your home. Showering becomes more time-consuming, the washing machine takes more time to fill up, and doing laundry takes more time than usual. Apart from these frustrating tasks, you also risk dealing with plumbing problems over time. Several reasons can lead to low water pressure in your home, and every situation is unique. Sometimes the pipes in your home may contain mineral deposits that restrict water flow, or the municipal supply line could lack the optimum water pressure. To fix these problems, you’ll need to seek assistance

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5 Ways of Protecting Your Pets From Electrical Hazards

September 4, 2022

As a pet owner, it’s essential to be aware of the potential hazards that electricity can pose to your furry (or scaly) friend. While animals are naturally curious creatures, they often don’t realize the dangers that electrical outlets, wires, and cords can pose. Each year, thousands of pets are injured or killed by electrical shocks. As a pet owner, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers of electrical hazards and take steps to prevent your pet from being injured. Here are some tips to help you keep your pet safe from electrical hazards. 1. Keep Electrical

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How to Prepare for a Power Blackout?

August 18, 2022

Power outages are a common occurrence in all parts of the US. You should always prepare for them, whether they last a few minutes, hours, or several days. These blackouts may happen due to various reasons like big storms, snow, ice, excessive winds, or a system failure at the power plant. No matter the reason, these inconveniences are never welcome. In the cases of severe weather, most channels usually warn the residents of possible blackouts. However, if the storm has already started, you may not have enough time to prepare for one. Therefore, you should always

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Top Plumbing Issues in Fox Valley

August 12, 2022

Fox Valley residents experience their share of plumbing problems, like every other person in Wisconsin. Our [company name] local experts respond to various plumbing repairs and replacements all day and have found that most of our house calls rotate around the same issues. While there are common plumbing issues that you can repair easily, some of them require the attention of a trained plumber. That’s why this article is essential to help you know what to watch out for and how you can get help. Leakages Leakages mostly come up due to wear and tear.

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7 Ways to Choose the Right HVAC Contractor

August 8, 2022

When your heating and cooling system breaks down, it can be tempting to call the first HVAC contractor you see advertised. However, it’s important to take the time to choose a reputable and qualified contractor who will do the job right. Here are seven factors to consider when choosing an HVAC contractor. 1. Experience Experience is always the number-one factor when choosing an HVAC contractor. An experienced contractor will have the knowledge and expertise to properly assess your HVAC needs and install the right system for your home or office. Make sure to ask potential contractors

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Indoors or Outside: Where Should You Install Your EV Charger?

July 20, 2022

If you own an electric vehicle, installing an EV charging station at your home offers huge benefits compared to having to always use public charging stations. The most obvious factor is the convenience of being able to charge your car overnight as you sleep. Having your own EV charging station at home also tends to be far cheaper than paying the high surcharges at most public charging stations. The average cost at public charging stations usually ranges between $0.30 and $0.60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and the current average electricity rate in Wisconsin is around $0.11 per

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