A gas water heater can last for years, but its lifespan depends heavily on how well it’s maintained. With a few routine tasks—and prompt attention to warning signs—you can reduce wear on key components, limit corrosion, and keep efficiency from dropping.

Because gas appliances involve combustion and ventilation, some tasks should be handled by a qualified technician. Still, many high-impact actions are homeowner-friendly and can be incorporated into an annual maintenance rhythm.

Start with inspection and safe operation checks

At least once a year, inspect the heater’s exterior for rust, leaks, or unusual residue. Verify that the area around the unit is clear and that air vents and combustion-air pathways are unobstructed. Also confirm that the temperature/pressure relief valve discharge pipe (if present) is properly routed and not blocked.

If you smell gas, hear pe ... Read more »

Before the next Illinois cold snap hits, taking a few practical steps to winterize your plumbing can reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes. Cold weather can turn small issues—like exposed lines in unheated areas—into costly repairs in a matter of hours.

Start by identifying where your pipes are most vulnerable. Look for plumbing in exterior walls, basements that aren’t sealed or insulated, crawl spaces, garages, attics, and areas with drafts. If you can feel cold air coming from around pipes, the space is likely not adequately protected.

Insulate the pipes and block drafts

Insulate exposed pipes using foam pipe sleeves or other weather-appropriate insulation. Focus on sections along exterior walls and near areas where plumbing passes through unconditioned spaces. If the pipes run near vents or gaps, consider sealing those openings with caulk or weatherstripping so cold air can’t reach ... Read more »

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the soil. Because it’s colorless and odorless, the only way to know if you’re exposed is to test your indoor air—then decide whether mitigation is warranted.

Many homeowners ask how radon mitigation systems work and what triggers the need for one. In most cases, mitigation focuses on preventing radon from entering living spaces and safely venting it outdoors.

First: confirm the problem with radon testing

Before installing any system, you typically need radon measurements from a certified testing approach. Short-term tests can provide quick insight, but long-term measurements are often more reliable for assessing typical exposure levels. If results show elevated radon, you’ll generally be advised to consider mitigation.

National and regional guidance commonly uses action levels (often expre ... Read more »

A two-story home often comes with a familiar problem: one floor stays too hot while the other feels too cool. That’s where zoning systems come in—typically adding motorized dampers and controls so different areas can be heated or cooled separately. For many homeowners, the question isn’t whether zoning works, but whether it’s worth the cost for their specific house.

At a high level, a zoning system divides your home into zones (such as upstairs and downstairs), allowing your HVAC to condition each area based on setpoints and scheduling. Instead of running at a single temperature for the entire duct system, the system can restrict airflow to parts of the house that don’t need it at that moment. In practice, this can lead to steadier comfort and less “over-conditioning” of unused rooms.

When zoning is most likely to pay off

Zoning tends to be a strong fit when yo ... Read more »