Category: Heating

How to Save on Heating Bills

Oct 30, 2023

How to Save on Heating Bills

  • Heating
  • Uncategorized
Learn the most effective ways to save on heating bills with Lake Cook Plumbing. Contact us today to maximize your home's energy efficiency.

As the heating season approaches, many homeowners are looking for ways to save on heating bills without sacrificing comfort. With rising energy costs, it’s essential to focus on home energy efficiency and smart practices to keep your home warm and cozy while reducing heating expenses. In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you lower your heating bills and create a more energy-efficient home. At Lake Cook Plumbing we specialize in high-efficiency systems! Contact us today to learn more about maximizing your home’s energy efficiency. Read on to discover effective ways to keep your home consistently warm throughout the upcoming colder seasons.

Assessing Your Home’s Energy Efficiency 

Before diving into energy-saving tips, it’s crucial to assess your home’s current energy efficiency. Consider scheduling an energy audit to identify areas where improvements can be made. This assessment will help you prioritize your efforts for maximum savings.

How to Save on Heating Bills

Understanding the reasons behind high heating bills is the first step toward making changes. Common culprits include inefficient heating systems, air leaks, poor insulation, and thermostat settings that are not optimized for energy savings. Now, let’s delve into actionable tips to save on heating bills while maintaining a warm and comfortable home.

Sealing Air Leaks

One of the most significant sources of heat loss is air leaks in your home. Even small gaps or cracks around doors, windows, and other openings can allow warm air to escape and cold air to infiltrate your living spaces. To address this issue, start by conducting a thorough inspection of your home. Check for drafts by running your hand along the edges of doors and windows, and be sure to examine areas around electrical outlets, pipes, and vents. When you locate leaks, seek professional repair to preserve your heating. 

Home Insulation

Proper insulation is a key factor in maintaining an energy-efficient home. Inadequate insulation, especially in critical areas like the attic, walls, and floors, can result in substantial heat loss. Insulation in walls and floors helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home, preventing warm air from escaping and cold air from infiltrating. Investing in quality insulation can lead to long-term energy savings and a more comfortable living environment. To ensure your home is adequately insulated, consider hiring a professional to conduct an insulation assessment. They can identify areas that require insulation improvement or upgrades. 

Programming Your Thermostat 

A programmable thermostat is a valuable tool for achieving energy savings while maintaining comfort in your home. By programming your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on your daily routine, you can significantly reduce heating costs. During colder seasons, set your thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re away at work or asleep and raise it when you’re back home or awake. This strategy prevents your heating system from running unnecessarily and helps you save on energy bills over time. Some advanced thermostats even learn your preferences and can be controlled remotely through smartphone apps, giving you more control and flexibility.

Maximizing Natural Heat Sources

Nature provides an excellent source of free heat—sunlight. During daylight hours, take advantage of this natural heat source by opening curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to penetrate your home. Sunlight can naturally warm your living spaces, reducing the need for additional heating. To maximize the benefits, ensure your windows are clean, as clean windows allow more sunlight to pass through. Conversely, at night, close curtains and blinds to retain heat and prevent heat loss through windows. 

Maintain Your Heating System to Save on Heating Bills

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your heating system operating efficiently. Schedule a professional repair with experts like Lake Cook Plumbing to ensure your furnace or heating system functions optimally. During repair visits, our technicians inspect and clean components, replace filters, and identify potential issues and address them before they become major problems. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and preventing the need for costly emergency repairs. By scheduling routine repairs, you can extend the lifespan of your heating system and ensure it doesn’t have to work harder than necessary, leading to substantial savings over time. 

Save on Heating Bills

By focusing on home energy efficiency, you can enjoy a warmer home and lower heating bills. Sealing air leaks, improving insulation, programming your thermostat, harnessing natural heat sources, and maintaining your heating system are all key steps in achieving substantial savings. Implement these strategies, and you’ll not only stay cozy during the heating season but also keep your energy bills in check. Get a head start on lowering your heating costs by contacting us, at Lake Cook Plumbing!

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By brenna@admachines.com

Emergency Furnace Repair Scenarios

Oct 16, 2023

Emergency Furnace Repair Scenarios

  • Heating
Understand when your furnace needs emergency furnace repair or the issue can wait. Contact Lake Cook Plumbing for expert advice and repair.

When it comes to your home’s heating system, issues can arise at any time, often when you least expect them. Some furnace problems can be resolved with regular maintenance and scheduled repairs, but others require immediate attention. In this blog, we will explore common furnace problems, identify which ones qualify as emergencies, and provide some tips. Learn how to handle emergency furnace repair scenarios, with Lake Cook Plumbing. We offer expert advice and furnace repair services to ensure that your furnace is well-prepared for the colder seasons. Contact us today to schedule a furnace repair service!

Common Furnace Problems

Understanding the underlying causes and symptoms of common furnace problems is the first step in identifying whether you’re facing an emergency. Here are some typical furnace issues:

  • Furnace Leaking Carbon Monoxide
      • Cause: Cracked heat exchanger or improper ventilation.
      • Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, or a CO detector alarm.
  • Furnace Won’t Turn Off
      • Cause: Malfunctioning thermostat, relay switch, or wiring.
      • Symptoms: Continuous operation, resulting in overheating and discomfort.
  • Furnace Blowing Cold Air and Won’t Shut Off
      • Cause: Ignition or flame sensor problems, thermostat issues.
      • Symptoms: Ineffective heating, discomfort, and potential frozen pipes.
  • Furnace Fuse Keeps Blowing
    • Cause: Electrical overload, short circuits, or faulty components.
    • Symptoms: Repeated loss of power to the furnace.

What Furnace Problems are an Emergency and Why

Identifying an emergency furnace repair scenario is crucial as it often involves issues that present immediate safety risks, endanger your well-being, or have the potential to cause extensive damage to your property. These situations demand prompt attention to prevent dire consequences. If your furnace is exhibiting any of these signs, shut your furnace off, and call for emergency repair:

  1. Furnace Leaking Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced during the combustion process. When it escapes from a malfunctioning furnace, it poses a severe risk to your health and life. 
  2. Furnace Won’t Turn Off: A furnace that won’t turn off poses the threat of overheating your home. While you sure won’t be cold this fall and winter, comfort should still be a priority. Not attending a furnace that won’t shut off can lead to uncomfortable conditions, overheating, and increased energy bills. 
  3. Gas Leak: A leak in your gas supply line or connections can release natural gas into your home. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous as natural gas is highly flammable and can lead to explosions or fires if ignited.

Immediate Steps for Emergency Furnace Repair

When faced with an emergency furnace issue, take these immediate steps:

  1. Evacuate: Leave your home immediately. Avoid using any electrical switches, appliances, or even phones, as any spark can potentially ignite the gas.
  2. Open Windows and Doors: As you exit, open as many doors and windows as possible to ventilate your home and allow the gas to dissipate.
  3. Do Not Use Flames: Do not light matches or use lighters inside your home.
  4. Do Not Use Phones: Avoid using any electronic devices or phones inside the premises. Go to a safe distance before making any calls.
  5. Call for Help: Once outside, contact your gas utility company’s emergency line and notify them of the gas odor. They will dispatch a technician to address the gas leak.
  6. Professional Inspection: After the gas company has resolved the immediate issue, you should contact a professional furnace technician to inspect and repair the furnace, ensuring it operates safely.

DIY Troubleshooting Tips

In some cases, you can perform basic troubleshooting to address non-emergency furnace problems. Check for issues like dirty filters, thermostat settings, and power supply before seeking professional help. If these standard troubleshooting steps do not resolve your furnace issue, contact Lake Cook Plumbing immediately. At Lake Cook Plumbing, our experienced technicians are available 24/7 to address your emergency furnace repair needs promptly, ensuring your safety and comfort. 

Benefits of Professional Emergency Repair

Professional emergency furnace repair offers:

  • Expert diagnosis and quick resolution.
  • Compliance with safety standards.
  • Peace of mind knowing the issue is fixed correctly.

Preventative Maintenance

It’s a common human tendency to address issues only when they become urgent or critical. However, when it comes to your home’s heating system, this approach can lead to discomfort, higher repair costs, and even safety hazards. Regular furnace maintenance is the key to avoiding such situations and enjoying a warm, worry-free winter. Maintenance typically involves cleaning, filter replacement, thermostat calibration, safety checks, and lubrication. It’s advisable to schedule furnace maintenance at least once a year, ideally before the heating season begins. Fall is an excellent time for this, as it ensures your system is in top shape when you need it most. 

Prioritize Your Safety and Comfort

In conclusion, understanding the difference between regular furnace repairs and emergency scenarios can make all the difference in maintaining your safety and comfort. Whether it’s a carbon monoxide leak, a furnace that won’t shut off, or any other urgent issue, prompt action is crucial. Rely on professionals like Lake Cook Plumbing for emergency furnace repair, we can ensure your furnace is ready to take on the colder months safely and efficiently! Contact us today to schedule an appointment with us!

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By brenna@admachines.com

Dangers Of Your Electric Space Heater

Feb 09, 2023

Dangers Of Your Electric Space Heater

  • Heating
dangers of electric space heaters

Electric space heaters can be a great way to stay warm in the winter, but they also come with some risks. Knowing potential electric space heater dangers and how to stay safe can help prevent accidents and keep you and your family safe this winter. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the potential dangers of electric space heaters.

Appropriate Uses Of Electric Space Heaters

Electric space heaters are a great way to warm up a room without having to turn on your central heating. They can be used in garages, bedrooms, offices, and other small spaces. However, it is important to use them safely and in the correct way. Otherwise, you might be vulnerable to electric space heater dangers. 

Electric space heaters should never be used near water or any kind of moisture. This is due to the potential for electrocution if the heater is exposed to a liquid. Additionally, space heaters should not be used around children and pets as they could get burned or shocked. Because electric space heaters get so hot, they can actually melt or burn things in front of them or the surface they sit on. That’s why it’s important to never point a space heater directly at anything or leave it on a flammable surface like a carpet.

Dangerous Uses Of Electric Space Heaters

Understanding electric space heater dangers is very important. Electric space heaters can be a fire hazard if not used correctly. Be sure to keep your space heater at least three feet away from any combustible materials, such as curtains, furniture, or clothing. 

Always unplug the space heater when it is not in use, and never leave it running unattended. Make sure that the area around the heater is well-ventilated because they can get extremely hot.

Electric space heaters can also be a shock hazard if not used with care. Make sure that your space heater is plugged into a grounded outlet. You should also avoid using extension cords as they can overheat, causing a fire. Never touch the heater when your hands are wet as this could cause an electric shock.

Electric Space Heaters Vs. Furnaces

Electric space heaters are a great way to provide supplemental heating in areas of your home. However, they may not be the most efficient way to keep your home warm. Furnaces are generally more energy-efficient than electric space heaters and can help reduce energy costs. 

Although electric space heaters can provide quick heating, their high electricity consumption can be costly, particularly as rising electricity prices continue to affect households; they also tend to have shorter life spans than furnaces. 

When compared to furnaces, electric space heaters tend to be less efficient in terms of overall energy efficiency. Additionally, it is important to note that electric space heaters cannot provide the same level of comfort that a furnace can.

Conclusion

By now, you have got an idea about the dangers of electric space heaters. Electric space heaters are not an ideal option for long-term use. Despite their convenience, electric space heaters can be a fire hazard and shock hazard, as well as having higher running costs than central heating. Call Lake Cook Plumbing today if you need heating repair. We would be happy to assist you, just like the hundreds of customers that have left us a review!

By zachadmachinescom

How To Avoid Winter Drain Problems in Lake Zurich

Nov 24, 2021

How To Avoid Winter Drain Problems in Lake Zurich

  • Heating
drain problems in lake zurich

If there is one thing people do not want during the winter season, it is a clogged drain. In some cases, there could be serious ramifications if you do not consider the following tips. Repairs for drains can put a damper on your mood as well as your wallet. 

What can you do to solve these issues? These following tips cover drains for all aspects of your home this winter. 

Do Not Pour Grease Down the Kitchen Sink

This is easily the #1 mistake homeowners make throughout the year. When you pour grease or any kind of fats or oils down the drain, you’re just asking for a catastrophic clog.

When grease, oils or fats are poured down the drain, it might seem harmless since it’s a liquid. But the liquid quickly cools, congeals and then becomes a sticky trap that catches anything else going down the drain. And eventually, it becomes one big clog that’s completely blocking your drain. Drain replacement or repairs can put a severe dent in your finances. 

Instead, collect oils, fats and grease into a re-sealable can or cup. As an alternative, place the can of grease, oil or fats into a refrigerator unit and wait for the substance to congeal. After the material congeals, simply throw out the can or recycle. 

Avoid Clogging Your Garbage Disposal

While grease is the absolute worst substance you can put in your drain, there are other objects that should be avoided all together. This is especially pertinent if you have a garbage disposal unit as part of your drain system. These items include the following:

  • Bones
  • Fibrous fruits/vegetables: This includes celery, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce
  • Coffee Grinds
  • Fruit Pits: Includes Avocado pits, peach pits, etc.
  • Corn Husks
  • Egg Shells
  • Potato Peels
  • Pasta, Rice and Grains

If these items much like grease or oil, can clog up your drain or prevent the garbage disposal blades from working properly. If the blades are jammed, this can also increase the buildup in the disposal drain. 

Water Heater Failure

Hot water heater failure is a common problem during the winter due to cold temperature changes. The water coming into the heater is colder, and drops the overall temperature of the water. When the water is colder, it becomes harder to heat, and the water heater must work more intensely to get the water hot. The winter months also requires the use of more hot water to stay warm in the colder weather, so the water heater is used more often. A bad part or build-up can cause water heater failure during the winter months due to excessive use. Once a part is broken, a plumber has to be called to fix the issue. To prevent this issue from occurring, be sure to set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees and reduce your hot water usage. 

Frozen Pipes

When you combine high water pressure with freezing temperatures, water can quickly freeze your pipes. Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter months, and can also lead to pipe breakage. Frozen pipes can also go undetected until the problem becomes severe. A sign that your water pipes may be frozen is a light water flow from your shower or sinks. If you suspect your pipes may freeze, leave a sink on very low, just so that the water is slightly dripping out. This can help reduce pressure and keep water flowing. To prevent freezing, you can also use insulation wrapping on your pipes. If water seems to be flowing short or you want to look into prevention methods, contact your local plumber.

Call Lake Cook Plumbing today & take care of any drain problems before winter arrives!

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By zachadmachinescom

6 Reasons to Call for Boiler Maintenance in Illinois

Nov 15, 2019

6 Reasons to Call for Boiler Maintenance in Illinois

  • Heating
boiler maintenance in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

As winter approaches, we’ve been providing tips for getting ready for the cold. With our help, you’ve shut down your AC units and given your furnaces the maintenance they need. Now, it’s time to give your boilers the Lake Cook Plumbing service! Boilers are just like furnaces in that too much downtime can make them less reliable and inefficient. By getting boiler maintenance for our experts, you can be sure to stay warm during the cold Illinois winter.

Here are six reasons to call us to get boiler maintenance before the Illinois winter hits:

 

Cut back on energy costs

Unless you have an HVAC system, your boiler uses the most energy in your home annually. Cutting back on that heavy usage by making your boiler more efficient can save you plenty of money. On average, keeping your boiler well-maintained can save you 10% on your energy bills.

 

Comply with local safety laws

Neglected boilers are known for being dangerous. That’s why local laws often require boiler owners like yourself to schedule regular maintenance calls for your boiler. It’s a bad idea to keep a boiler in bad condition, and it’s even worse when you’re fined for it.

 

Get the most out of your boiler

A boiler is an expensive investment, so ensuring it has a long life is a good idea. Getting boiler maintenance from Lake Cook Plumbing can help your boiler run as long as possible. The average lifespan for well-kept boilers is about ten to fifteen years.

 

Keep your warranty valid

Boilers, like many appliances, require their owners to follow certain warranty stipulations to be qualified for compensation. One you’ll often see for boilers is to get regular maintenance from a professional. Keeping your warranty valid can help you save money if something goes wrong with your boiler.

 

Stay safe from carbon monoxide and explosions

As well as producing heat, boilers are also a source of carbon monoxide. Because of this, boilers are designed with exhaust pipes to safely vent the deadly and odorless gas outside. However, carbon monoxide can become a serious problem if you don’t give your boiler regular maintenance. Also, anyone who’s read The Shining knows what can happen to poorly-kept boilers!

 

Better energy efficiency and reliability

Complex appliances like boilers can wear down over time. Getting regular maintenance from us will help keep your boiler’s various parts in good condition. This can help your boiler use less energy and avoid breaking down, both of which can cost you money.

 

Why call Lake Cook Plumbing to service my boiler?

Boiler installation & repair at its best can be found at Lake Cook Plumbing. When the weather outside is frightful, and the fire isn’t proving so delightful, you can turn to our boiler services to experience radiant warmth during the coldest days of the year. We house the latest makes and models for you to install in your home. If by chance they run into issues, we can repair them too. We’re highly adaptable in regards to meeting all the needs of customers across the Lake Zurich, IL area.  Don’t think your home will have room for a boiler? Then we’ll find a way; we’re clever like that. Call us today to learn more about getting your boiler in peak condition!

By zachadmachinescom

5 Reasons to Call for Furnace Maintenance

Oct 25, 2019

5 Reasons to Call for Furnace Maintenance

  • Heating
furnace maintenance in Illinois by Lake Cook Plumbing

In our last blog, we helped you prepare your AC for the winter by shutting it down. Now it’s time to get your choice of heating ready for the winter. Illinois winters are known for being freezing and windy, so getting your furnace ready is very important. The period of downtime your furnace experiences over the summer can make it less efficient and reliable. By calling Lake Cook Plumbing and scheduling furnace maintenance, you can ensure your furnace will be ready to face the winter.

Here are five ways that getting furnace maintenance will benefit you this winter:

 

Determine if you need a replacement

It can be hard to determine how old your furnace is if you didn’t personally buy it. When we do maintenance work on your furnace, you’ll be able to learn how old it is and determine if a replacement is necessary. Getting your maintenance done as soon as possible can give you more time to shop around.

 

Extend your furnace’s life

You should never neglect your appliances and other systems. Furnaces that don’t get regular maintenance usually have shorter lifespans and use more energy to run. Also, breakdowns will be much more common and you’ll have to pay for their repairs.

 

Avoid dangerous gas leaks

If your furnace is a gas model, it’s extra important to keep it in good condition. If it gets damaged or worn down, it can produce deadly and odorless carbon monoxide. Also, having a damaged gas furnace puts you at risk of house fires from leaking flammable gasses.

 

Save money and avoid full repairs

Furnace maintenance costs money, but it’s nowhere near as much as a full replacement or repairs. Getting furnace maintenance let us find problems before they become furnace-stopping breakdowns. Avoiding these breakdowns will help you stay warm this winter and save money on major work.

 

Improve energy efficiency

A statistic from the Department of Energy says about half of a furnace owner’s energy usage comes from using the furnace. By getting regular maintenance, we can discover and prevent problems that would make your furnace inefficient. A well-optimized furnace uses about 30% less energy than usual.

 

What makes Lake Cook Plumbing my best choice for keeping my furnace in good shape?

Lake Cook Plumbing is here to offer the best furnace installation & repair that ensures you have an effective, efficient, and most importantly, safe heating system. We house the latest makes and models of furnaces so you have the chance of getting your hands on modern heating technology designed to give your family the highest level of comfort. Plus, we offer a wide range of repairs that meet any of your heating needs. Call Lake Cook Plumbing today to get your furnace ready for the winter!

By zachadmachinescom