The Pilot Light When Out On My Furnace. What Do I Do?
If you have an older gas furnace, one problem you may encounter over the course of a long heating season is a burned-out pilot light. The primary cause of most pilot light failure is wind or …
What’s That Odd Smell Coming From My Furnace?
You may think that keeping a close eye on your furnace will help you spot problems early, long before an eventual breakdown. But the truth is that most furnace problems aren’t easy to see. That’s …
All About Your Home Thermostat
You probably know that using a thermostat can save you money on your energy bills if it’s used properly. But what kind of thermostat should you buy, and is it worth the money to switch …
Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth The Money?
Imagine it’s a cold winter morning (not difficult to do these days!). You start up your car and turn the heater on, then let it sit for a few minutes while it warms up. A …
How Often Should I Service My Water Heater?
The average conventional (storage-type) water heater lasts about 10 or 12 years, depending on the quality of its construction and other factors, such as the chemistry of your water supply. But perhaps the most important factor …
How To Fix Hot And Cold Spots In Your Home
Many of us have problems with uneven heating in our homes – a room that’s always cold, for example, or a big temperature shift between the first and second floors. You could solve the problem …
Why Heating Oil Is A Good Way To Heat Your Home
You have a lot of decisions to make when it comes to buying a new home or renovating an old one – but one of the most important is a choice that a number of people …
Carbon Monoxide Basics: What You Should Know
If you have an appliance that burns fuel for energy – whether it is a water heater, furnace, boiler, fireplace, or cooking range – it emits at least some carbon monoxide (CO) as it runs. If …
Heating Basics: Reading A Fuel Tank Gauge
If you manage your own heating oil or propane deliveries, one simple but important task you’ll have to master is reading your tank gauge. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to do: if …
What Does It Mean If Heating Oil Is “Gelling”?
If you live in an area that experiences cold winters the way we do here in the Hudson Valley, using normal, untreated heating oil can sometimes be problematic – especially if your storage tank is outdoors. …