Does Changing Your Furnace Filter Really Matter?
February 18th, 2012 · DIY Air Conditioning · DIY Blog · DIY Heating
Your forced-air furnace has a filter that helps catch dust and debris. Ultimately, the filter prevents this material from being distributed through the ductwork. Most forced-air furnaces have disposable filters, although you can buy cleanable filters you can re-use. Furnace manufacturers recommend that the filter be cleaned or changed monthly for best performance. For homeowners [...]
Heating Season Can Bring Added Hazards
January 19th, 2012 · DIY Air Conditioning · DIY Blog · DIY Heating
We’re in the middle of heating season in Boston, and with the economy being as tight as it is, this information bears repeating: carbon monoxide (CO) dangers are sharply increased, so it makes sense to pay attention to what you may not see, feel or even recognize! CO is a colorless, odorless gas. It can [...]
Basement Flooding Can Cause Big Boiler Problems
November 18th, 2011 · DIY Air Conditioning · DIY Blog · DIY Heating · DIY Plumbing · Water Heaters
Flooding is among homeowners’ worst nightmares. The damage occurs fast – it’s often unstoppable – and water does a very good job of ruining a lot of things! It’s easy to see how carpeting, furniture, walls and wood can be damaged by water. Other items that might be in the basement – like laundry equipment, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Boston winters can bring surprises, including heavy snows and winter storms. Making sure your home is ready for winter before the snow flies is the key to staying comfortable all season long. If you’ve had your furnace or boiler inspected and all is well, here are a few more tips to keep your Boston home [...]
In my last post, I talked about winterizing your Boston home from the outside. Making sure that water can get away from your home is key to preventing leaks. Draining sprinkler lines and faucets can help prevent freezing damage to valves and lines. Winterizing the outside of your home is only half of the battle. [...]