Copper in Boston Plumbing Still A Target Of Thieves
November 3rd, 2011 · DIY Air Conditioning · DIY Blog · DIY Heating · DIY Plumbing
Copper theft is on the rise and Boston has seen a rash of thefts involving copper plumbing. Boston Housing Authority employees are facing a Civil Service Hearing related to accusations that they illegally removed copper plumbing from a public housing complex in Roslindale. Last month, two men were arrested in New Hampshire in connection with [...]
PVC Outgassing: What’s The Fuss?
October 31st, 2011 · DIY Blog · DIY Heating · DIY Plumbing · Water Heaters
Pipes have been made of many materials over the years including copper, iron, aluminum, clay, and even wood! Plastic, in the form of polyvinyl (PVC) pipe, is a relatively new addition to the mix. PVC pipe has been approved for use in both fresh and wastewater applications, and is also used in exhaust applications for [...]
In the last several posts, I’ve focused on home heating and the pros and cons of using heating oil versus natural gas. For some Bostonians, simply getting through the winter with any heat at all is their primary concern. A program that helps low-income households in Boston and other places around the country may lose [...]
In the last few posts, I’ve talked about the pros and cons of using oil for home heating in Boston. In addition to the rising cost of heating oil, and the issues that arise as a chimney deteriorates, there are some environmental issues that are unique to heating oil that homeowners should think about when [...]
Still Thinking About An Oil-to-Gas Conversion in Boston?
October 7th, 2011 · DIY Air Conditioning · DIY Blog · DIY Heating
Last week, I talked about how heating oil and natural gas compare from several different standpoints. We get a lot of interest from homeowners who would like to convert their Boston residential heating equipment from heating oil to natural gas. While there are many benefits of making such a conversion, there’s one consideration that many [...]
As the fall weather turns cooler, for some homeowners in Boston, heating their homes in winter is becoming a big concern. The cost of home heating oil continues to rise, and many people who use it are considering the switch from oil to gas. How do oil and gas compare, and what are the options [...]
Boston Furnace Replacement Considerations
September 23rd, 2011 · DIY Air Conditioning · DIY Blog · DIY Heating
The decision to replace a furnace can be difficult. If the decision to replace hasn’t already been made by circumstance, cost is the usually primary factor in the decision. Can you afford to replace your heating equipment, or can you get one more season out of the old furnace? Boston homes need heating equipment that [...]
Boston has been urbanized for a very long time, and along with urbanization comes a growing problem: storm water flooding. In Boston, the Back Bay area was also filled in for development in the late 1800′s. More than 100 years later, the shrinking water table in Boston has created some issues with the stability of [...]
Now is a great time to get your high-efficiency furnace tuned up for winter heating. Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating offers these tips to help you get ready for the colder fall weather. High efficiency furnaces typically take in fresh air and exhaust to the outside. High efficiency furnaces can be vented through pipes at [...]
Earthquakes In Boston? Could (And Did!) Happen!
September 2nd, 2011 · DIY Blog · DIY Heating · DIY Plumbing
Last week, there was a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on as an earthquake centered in Virginia rattled much of the East Coast, including Boston. No significant damage to buildings was reported here, but infrequently, earthquakes can and do happen along the East Coast. When they do occur, it’s a good idea to have plumbing and [...]