Tom Kollias's (kolliasproperty) Blog

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless and tasteless. It is produced when any fossil fuel, including natural gas is burned. When fossil fuels do not burn properly, CO can build up and cause sickness - even death. CO can build up when gas appliances are used improperly or not vented properly....

Gas leaks can be very dangerous, possibly resulting in a deadly fire or explosion, so be sure to know the signs of a gas leak and what to do in an emergency. There are three ways in which you can detect a gas leak. Smell: Natural gas is injected with a distinct ordor, which many people equate to ...

If your home is leaking energy it can end up costing you more to heat your home. Your local hardware stores, building supply stores etc, carry a vast selection of caulks, sealants and weatherstripping that can help you fill in those leaky gaps where heat escapes. Check your attic for holes around...

Install a programmable thermostat Why heat your home when you're not there? You can save around 5 - 10% a year on your heating bill by simply turning your thermostat back 10-15 degrees for just eight hours a day, either while you are asleep or are away from home. This can be done automatically wi...

Many Chicago-area municipalities are sponsoring Christmas tree recycling over the next month, with some getting underway as soon as Saturday. Residents who want to dispose of their trees in an environmentally responsible way can drop them off at one of nearly two dozen parks in the city from Jan....

In most homes, the clothes dryer has become an indispensable part of family living. And for families with children, laundry often seems never-ending. But, many families don't know that clothes dryers can be a leading cause of fires in the home - approximately 15,000 every year. Once you bring the...

Christmas is almost here and most of us will be home with family and friends. Some will not! It can be a lonely time for those stationed away from home defending our freedom, or recovering in a hospital. One example below: --Send A Card To Our Wounded Troops--When doing your Christmas cards this ...

With the winter upon us consumers are looking for additional ways of keeping warm. Please follow these simple suggestions for added safety when using space heaters. Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or d...

Test and install fresh batteries in your smoke and CO Alarms. Plan and discuss your home fire escape plan. Practice a (family) home fire drill. Remember to always check after friends come over for improperly discarded smoking materials. Before leaving your home for the holidays check to see that...

It is important to know what areas of your home, such as crawl spaces, basements, outside walls and unheated rooms are most vulnerable to freezing. You want to eliminate sources of cold air near water lines by fixing windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces and stopping drafts at and n...