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Our Blog

• Should I Keep Furnace Vents Clear of Snow?

  To ensure safety and efficiency during winter, it's crucial to keep furnace vents clear of snow and ice buildup to prevent carbon monoxide from accumulating indoors. Clearing vents allow for proper ventilation, ensuring appliances work effectively and efficiently. Regular maintenance of water heaters and other appliance vents is also essential to prevent potential failures.
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• Why is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

  When a furnace blows cold air in Chicago winters, it's not always a serious issue. Initially, cold air may be expelled as the system starts up, but prolonged cold airflow could indicate problems like incorrect thermostat settings, a dirty furnace filter, issues with the flame sensor or pilot light, or a clogged condensate drain in high-efficiency furnaces.
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• Using Thermal Imaging to Find Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical Problems

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• Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

  This post discusses the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas in tap water, which causes a rotten egg odor, especially noticeable when running hot water. It explains that hydrogen sulfide can come from decaying organic material in well water or from water heaters with magnesium anode rods. Solutions include installing whole-house water treatment systems for water supply issues or modifying water heaters by replacing magnesium anode rods with aluminum ones.
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• Are Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes

  Chemical drain cleaners can effectively dissolve organic matter but pose risks due to their corrosive nature and potential harm to surfaces and individuals. They are less effective for deep clogs and can be hazardous if not handled properly. Professional drain cleaning with methods like drain snakes or water jetting offers a safer and more effective alternative, provided by services like ABC Plumbing to ensure thorough and safe unclogging without the use of harmful chemicals.
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• The ABC's of Plumbing - Traps

  This blog post explains the purpose and design of plumbing traps, also known as P-Traps. It highlights that P-Traps serve to prevent sewer gases and odors from entering the home while also trapping debris to prevent clogs. The term "P-Trap" originates from its shape, resembling the letter "P," which consists of two 90-degree joints and a horizontal overflow pipe.
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• Tips To Protect Your Plumbing System While Your Away From Home

  To protect your plumbing while away from home, keep the heat on at 60 degrees or higher to prevent frozen pipes, check for leaks or signs of corrosion around the water heater, fix any leaks or clogs to prevent mold and mildew buildup, and ensure the sump pump is working properly by pouring water into the pit to test it.
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• 5 Holiday Fire Safety Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

  To prevent holiday-related fires, ensure decorations are at least three feet away from heat sources, inspect electrical cords for damage, water the Christmas tree daily, check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and never leave cooking equipment unattended. Following these safety measures can help keep your home, decorations, and family safe during the holiday season.
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• How to Save on Heating Bill in the Winter

  To keep your home warm during the holidays without breaking the bank, consider adding area rugs to prevent heat loss through floors, leaving the oven door open after cooking to supplement heating, utilizing sunlight by opening curtains during the day, running ceiling fans in reverse to circulate warm air, and swapping cotton sheets for flannel to stay cozy at night. If you need assistance with your heating system, ABC's NATE certified technicians can help with installation, repair, and maintenance.
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• The ABCs of Heating - Sealed Combustion Appliances

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