Even in the summer, buyers should think about heating. Why? Because a buyer can’t feel how well the system works once it is shut off for the season. Even when we test it during home inspection, it is not the same as when it is fighting the winds howling outside. This summer, there have been
Summertime, and you can fry an egg on the street! Last week’s heat wave led to this most-asked question: “Do you have air conditioning?” In the house, with no air conditioner I ‘fessed up to people, this year, that I did not grow up with air conditioning. I did not get one until years after
Happy New Year. Today, I am nerding-out on you about hot water tanks. The basics of hot water: Direct-fire tanks are typical in Massachusetts. These are the gas or electric tanks that run a flame under a tank of water. When you open your faucet, you use some of that 30- or 40- or 50-
Direct vent heating systems are the ones that run so efficiently that they can vent through a PVC pipe instead of a chimney. Why does the efficiency matter? If the air coming out of the boiler is still very hot, it cannot travel through plastic PVC pipes. Newer high-efficiency boilers and hot water heaters use
When house hunters calculate their monthly costs, some overlook the cost of heating and electricity. However, it is difficult to get an accurate estimate of your future costs. Current usage cost: Electric and gas companies in Massachusetts will provide the current cost at a specific residence. Some listing agents will provide it. It is a
Tenants, here are things you can do to increase the heating efficiency of your apartment. You can save money on your home heating. Yes, I know that you are stuck with the system your landlord chose, but you can make it work better. Windows, the quick fix: Open and close, then lock all your windows.
What does your house need from you as winter approaches? Before the first frosty night, do these things: Close and lock all your windows. They seal better when they are locked. Turn off your outdoor spigot. If you don’t, it might freeze and break. It’s easy. Find the shut off in your basement. Turn it
If you are lucky enough to have insulation in the floor bays of your attic, what is it made of? If you are really lucky, you could have cellulose – stuff made of old newspapers. Cellulose insulation looks like dirty cottony paper-pulp. You are also lucky if you have fiberglass (that pink cotton-candy-looking stuff.) These, fortunately, are
Tuesday, November 12 will be the first very cold night of the season! What does your house need from you? If you are off today for Veteran’s Day, do yourselves a favor and do these things: Close and lock all your windows. They seal better that way. Last chance to turn off your outdoor spigot.
When house hunters calculate their monthly costs, some overlook the cost of heating and electricity. However, it is difficult to get an accurate estimate of your future costs. Current usage cost: Electric and gas companies in Massachusetts will provide the current cost at a specific residence. Some listing agents will provide it. It is a