Don’t Get Caught in the Cold: Tips To Be Sure Your Furnace is Ready for Winter

Written by deNovo / October 15, 2019

Your furnace kept you warm last winter but it is a complex instrument that should be inspected yearly for safety and efficiency.

Every year when nighttime temperatures start to drop below freezing we receive contacts from individuals who do not have heat; their furnace quits or it won’t start.   In some situations, these individuals may pay more for emergency/after-hour service or the repair may cost more than it would have if the issue would’ve been caught early.

Check Your Furnace Before You Need It

One…

Holiday Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Home Merry & Bright

Written by deNovo / November 30, 2017

The holidays are a time for families to come together and celebrate love and joy. Unfortunately, it can be a stressful time as well. If you’re having family over, the last thing you need is a plumbing disaster on your hands!

To avoid a plumbing emergency, follow these holiday plumbing tips. You can then forget about potential disasters and focus on the good times this season brings!

Holiday Plumbing Tips

Avoid pouring liquid fats and grease down your drain. As these cool, they will…

5 Tips to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter

Written by deNovo / November 13, 2017

Iowa receives up to 26 days of snowfall and 34 inches of snow each winter, with temperatures plunging below zero. To keep the occupants of your home or business safe and warm, we recommend taking steps to prepare your HVAC system for the coming winter.

1. Check Your Building Envelope

Before winter, it is always a good idea to check your building’s envelope for air leaks, especially around doors and windows, and seal any air leaks. For homeowners, this may include replacing the weatherstripping on doors,…

4 Ways You Can Keep Your Water Heating Bill Low

Written by deNovo / October 26, 2017

When was the last time you examined your hot water heater for efficiency? Energy.gov estimates that hot water heaters are responsible for about 12 percent of a home’s yearly energy usage. The only appliance that uses more is the HVAC system. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to control your hot water usage and your water heating bills.

1. Schedule an Energy Assessment

Most utility companies, especially electric companies, offer free energy assessments. These involve examining your home’s total energy usage and…

Seasonal Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

Written by deNovo / October 10, 2017

To ensure your sump pump is working optimally, it is best to perform general maintenance tasks every three months or so. The best way to remember this is to check your sump pump at the beginning of each season.

These sump pump maintenance tips can help you protect your home and give you the peace of mind knowing your sump pump is working all year long.

Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

Clean the sump pump and sump pit. Uncover the sump pit and clean…

Prepare Your Furnace for Winter with CSI

Written by deNovo / September 13, 2017

Cold weather is right around the corner…is your furnace ready? Now is the time to prepare your furnace for winter! With Our CSI offer we will ensure your furnace will work the first time you need it and every time after. You can’t go wrong with Clean – Safety – Inspection.

Clean

– Remove burners.

– Vacuum heat exchanger.

– Check for leaks.

Safety

– Checking safety limits.

– Testing for…

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for Me?

Written by deNovo / August 18, 2017

Tankless water heaters are an energy efficient alternative to traditional tank heaters. They are many times referred to as “on-demand” water heaters because they only heat the water you are using and provide a continuous supply of hot water. In contrast, tank water heaters must fill an entire storage tank full of hot water, which has to be refilled every time it runs out.

“Is a tankless water heater right for me?”

This is a question we get a lot. The truth is,…

The A, B, C’s of Back-to-School Plumbing Tips

Written by deNovo / August 7, 2017

As the kids get ready to go back to school, don’t forget to take care of your home’s plumbing! You may not realize it, but your plumbing undergoes a lot of stress as the school year starts up again. By following these back-to-school plumbing tips, you can ensure that a plumbing emergency won’t be on your school shopping list.

A) Shower Safety

Hot showers are nice, but a scalding shower can mean a serious burn for you or someone in your family. To…

7 Signs You Need a Dehumidifier

Written by deNovo / July 25, 2017

Excess humidity in your home can lead to a number of issues, including mold, mildew, allergens, and more. To combat excess humidity you can invest in a dehumidifier. But how do you know when your home is too humid? Here are 7 signs you need a dehumidifier.

You probably need a dehumidifier if:

Poor Ventilation: You have high humidity rooms, such as bathrooms or kitchens, with little-to-no ventilation

A Musty Smell: Your home, or even just a room in your home, has a consistent musty or “wet” smell

Condensation: You experience…

How Often Should I Change My Air Conditioning Filter?

Written by deNovo / July 12, 2017

Maintaining your furnace and air conditioner is essential to its efficiency and longevity! One of the most important routine maintenance items is changing your air conditioning filter.  A dirty filter slows the air flow through your system and makes the operation of your HVAC system harder, which wastes energy and could potentially cause future problems. The filter removes debris and pollutants from circulating in your home, therefore improving your air quality.

For standard residential disposable filters you should…