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 [...]
Silt And Sediment Can Cause Plumbing Problems
August 25th, 2011 · DIY Blog · DIY Plumbing · Water Heaters
The Boston Water and Sewer Commission periodically does work on the water infrastructure. Local water main replacements and repairs can leave homeowners without water for a period of time, but they can also introduce silt and sediment into residential Boston plumbing once service is restored. Larger silt and sediment particles can collect in hot water [...]
Test The Pressure Relief Valve On Your Water Heater
August 18th, 2011 · DIY Blog · DIY Plumbing · Tips and Tricks · Water Heaters
Last week, I gave you a procedure to use for draining your hot water tank. You should perform water heater maintenance annually to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently, and does not accumulate sediment that can cause your water tank to fail prematurely. As part of your annual water heater maintenance routine, you can [...]
How To Drain Your Water Heater
August 12th, 2011 · DIY Blog · DIY Plumbing · Tips and Tricks · Water Heaters
Water heaters can give you years of trouble-free service, but a little water heater maintenance can help extend the life of your tank beyond its minimum rated service period. Many water tanks suffer from lack of maintenance, which can deteriorate the tank and cause it to fail prematurely. To help keep your hot water tank [...]
Last week, I talked about air conditioner efficiency in terms of window air conditioners. In some situations, window air conditioners will work just fine. For some homeowners in Boston, central air conditioning is the preferred solution because it cools the entire house, instead of a single room or selected rooms. As a brief refresher, the [...]