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Useful Tips
1. Lighting Lighting is a very important element when planning kitchen remodeling in Chicago. Recessed lights in the ceiling, accent lights in the cabinets and pendant lights over work surfaces let home owners create light schemes for the kitchens ever changing needs. Dimmer switches allow mood control.
Some owners put off kitchen remodeling in Chicago because they are so used to being cramped they cannot visualize a better design.
Construction companies in Chicago, designers and architects have to begin by asking the family how they wanted to use the kitchen and what style they are looking for.
Some of the owners borrow the looks from a favorite movie.
2. Heating System
Routine Maintenance Tips
*Check filters every month.
*Smell around the appliances for gas odors.
*Visually inspect exhaust vents for rust, damage or deterioration.
*Have annual system maintenance service performed one month before the heating season begins.
Quick Fixes
Problem: There is no heat at all.
*Check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker.
*Replace the drive belt
*Call a qualified professional.
Problem: Your rooms aren’t warm enough.
*Replace the filter.
*Clean the registers; remove the obstacles blocking register.
*Seal the leaking ducts with duct tape.
Call a qualified professional.
Problem: Soot collects in your house
*Replace the filter
*Call a qualified professional to clean the heating system.
Problem: The blower makes unusual noises when the blower is off.
*Tighten the screws of the pulley.
*Replace the blower mounts.
*Replace the drive belt.
*Adjust the belt tension.
*Call a qualified professional.
3. Plumbing System
Routine Maintenance Tips
*Toilet paper should be the only paper product flushed down a toilet.
*Maintain water softener according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
*Water filters and ice maker filters should be changed according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
*Avoid using your garbage disposal if you are on a septic system.
*Drain sediment from water heater tank according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Quick Fixes
Problem: Little or no water from the faucet or shower head.
*Check to insure water shut off valves are completely open.
*Remove aerators and clean them as needed.
*Call a qualified professional.
Technical Terms
Shut-off valve:
A valve that controls the flow of water to an individual fixture, allowing water supply to be stopped to one fixture without affecting the water supply to other fixtures.
Aerator: A device that exposes air or causes air to circulate through.
4. Refrigerator
Routine Maintenance Tips
*Clean the interior shelves, shell and gaskets every three months.
* Once a year, clean the coils on the back or underneath with a vacuum cleaner.
*37F is an ideal temperature for your refrigerator compartment and 0F for freezer.
*If the door gasket is sealing properly, it should hold a dollar bill in place when closed.
Quick Fixes
Problem: The refrigerator is not running, no sound can be heard and the interior light is out.
*Check for blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
*Check plug and replace the cord if damaged.
Problem: The refrigerator stopped running, the light is on and you hear an occasional clicking.
*Test fan if necessary.
*Test the thermostat and replace if necessary.
Problem: The refrigerator constantly cycles on and off.
*Clean the coils with a vacuum only.
Call a qualified professional.
Problem: Frost forms rapidly or the unit does not defrost.
*Open the door less often.
*Adjust the door hinges to ensure tight seal.
Clean or replace the gasket. Leaks in the door seal will make it difficult to maintain desired temperature.