Is it Time for a New Furnace? If your furnace is 10-15 years old, it’s already reached its average lifespan. If it’s even older and still working fine, consider yourself among the fortunate few. But here’s the thing: no matter how new or old it might be, it won’t last forever. So, is this the … Read more
Are you a fan of curling up in front of warm fire when outside temperatures turn colder? Most people are, and what’s not to like about it! On the other hand, fireplaces aren’t maintenance free, which means true enjoyment can be had only after you’ve had your fireplace and chimney thoroughly cleaned by a professional … Read more
Whether or not we’re headed for more and more severe weather remains to be seen. All we know for sure is that we’re susceptible to it, and need to take proper precautions to protect family, home, and belongings. At the same time, you don’t need an oncoming hurricane or other force of nature to alter … Read more
If you feel like you’re not yet master of your own wood fires place, here’s a crash course on how to advance your skill set by creating and sustaining longer-lasting fires with greater heat generation. Wood Stove vs. Fireplace It’s easier to get a fire started in a conventional fireplace, but easier to keep one … Read more
If your furnace has a pilot light, that’s kind of like having a pet – something else other than your kids that requires regular, if not constant, monitoring. Not just for the fun of it, mind you, but for the safety of your home and family. Pilot lights – which have been replaced by electronic … Read more
When strong winds, slippery roads, and high snow accumulations combine, the results can be treacherous. But by staying safe and warm, most people can ride out a winter storm with a minimum of distress. But what happens when a winter storm results in a temporary power outage? Whether it’s expected to last 2 hours or … Read more
As you’re reading this blog, are you sitting comfortably – all warm and cozy – in your favorite room, while elsewhere in your home you might need an extra sweater, slippers, and hand warmers to help prevent frost bite? Voila, hot and cold spots! A common condition when you have an older heating system, especially … Read more
There are so many ways to prepare your home for winter that they won’t all fit in a single blog. We know because we published one on this very subject last fall, and nothing (except one crucial item) will be duplicated in this one. So taking it from the top, here’s what you can do … Read more
There’s only so far you can turn up your heat before it starts becoming cost prohibitive. So what can you do – quick fix wise – when the heat’s blasting but you’re still chilled to the bone? As you might expect, you have choices galore. Here ways to keep warm indoors: Cover your windows: Go … Read more
We adults are pretty funny creatures, especially when preparing for a family road trip. Funny how? We spend so much time on planning our travel routes, making sure we’ve packed enough to survive Armageddon, and cancelling newspaper and mail delivery, that we tend to neglect our kids. As if it’s enough to tell them to … Read more
