Who knew that you could use “sexy” and “thermostat” in the same sentence? The makers of the new Nest thermostat have done just that and by all accounts, they’ve hit a home run. If you’re into technology, the Nest may make a great addition to your Boston home heating and cooling plan. This “learning” thermostat [...]

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According to Angie’s List, plumbers are the most searched-for service providers on Thanksgiving. There’s no hard evidence to prove it, but the number of increased visitors often put stress on plumbing systems, and can lead to a Boston plumbing emergency just when you need it least – during a holiday! Here are a few tips [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Toilets give years of dependable and often maintenance-free service, so when problems arise, some homeowners don’t know what to do. Mechanically speaking, toilets are pretty simple devices, which is why they don’t often develop serious problems. Here are a few common toilet problems Boston homeowners may encounter, and what you can do to solve them. [...]

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If you want to add a new toilet, but shrink at the thought of adding plumbing, Boston homeowners rejoice! A macerating toilet may be just what you’ve been looking for. Before you break any concrete or open up a floor, consider this elegant solution that will allow you to add a toilet in any room [...]

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Setback thermostats, also known as programmable thermostats, are worth their weight in gold. According to the Department of Energy, homeowners spend an average of $2,200 annually on energy bills, including heating and cooling. Aside from the mortgage and taxes, heating and cooling costs are likely to be the largest expenses associated with the home. Homeowners [...]

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November 19th is World Toilet Day, and your chance to squat for those less fortunate. Help out and do your part at: http://worldtoiletday.com/squat/

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Making a few changes to the way you use and care for the major systems in your Boston home can save a bundle on utility bills. While some of these tips apply only to the summer cooling season or winter heating season, you can save money year-round by assessing your utility usage carefully. Air Conditioning [...]

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Steam heat systems are notorious for being hard to control, making rooms either too hot or too cold. Unfortunately, steam heat systems may distribute heat unevenly, making it impossible to adjust the system overall. Are there simple steps you can take to adjust the heat output in each room of your Boston steam-heated home? Yes! [...]

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