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Boiler Cleaning
Oil-fired boilers should be professionally cleaned and tuned once a year. Gas-fired equipment needs to be checked every other ... |
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Choosing a Water Heater
When you're choosing a water heater, don't be tempted to simply buy the lowest-cost model available. Water heating uses too ... |
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Crawl Space Ventilation
Ventilation for crawl space and basement areas is a necessary in preventing mildew, musty odors, and even rot. |
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Elevating Appliances
For protection against shallow flood waters, the washer and dryer can sometimes be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated ... |
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Energy Saving Bulbs
Energy-saving bulbs are a great idea, especially in fixtures that tend to be left on for extended periods of time, such as ... |
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Finish Your Basement
Finishing your basement is a good way to add space and value to your home. You'll need to add a vapor barrier and insulation ... |
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Flood Prep - Fuel Tanks
Keep these points in mind when you anchor a fuel tank:
a) If you prefer not to do this work yourself, you can have a ... |
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Flood Prep - HVAC
Keep these points in mind when you have your HVAC equipment raised or floodproofed:
a) Changes to the plumbing, ... |
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Forced Air Insulation
In homes with forced air heat there may be large cracks or gaps where the ducts pass through the ceilings, floors and walls. ... |
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Freezer Savings
You know that old freezer "Uncle Harry" gave you to use in the basement so you could save money by storing on-sale food items? ... |
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Furnace Filters
Remember to clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month, or as needed. |
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Furnace Venting
If you own or are planning to install a high-efficiency gas furnace, ask a certified chimney sweep to check that the furnace ... |
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Heating System Size
Bigger is not always better! Too large a system costs more and operates inefficiently. Have a professional assess your needs ... |
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Home Theater Seating
Designers recommend placing seats back at least twice the width of your screen, but also a few feet away from the back wall, ... |
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Home Weatherizing
Insulation and air-sealing improvements to the shell of your home will always improve your comfort, regardless of the size and ... |
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Humidifier Placement
Place humidifiers and dehumidifiers away from walls and bulky furniture. These appliances work best when air circulates freely ... |
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Humidity Control
To deter mold, keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 ... |
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HVAC Maintenance
Maintain your system periodically to yield immediate energy savings, improved comfort, and a longer trouble-free service for ... |
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Inspecting Gas Vents
When inspecting a new or potential new home, make sure that any of the gas equipment needing ventilation—heaters, dryers, hot ... |
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Installing a Bulkhead
Bulkheads usually come in kits. Lay out the pieces first and follow the directions step by step, and it should only take you ... |
