If your furnace has a pilot light, that’s kind of like having a pet – something 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 Pilot lights – which have been replaced by electronic ignitions … Read more
The dog-eat-dog world of commerce can work for or against you, and often at the same time. Let’s say, for example, you’re planning to replace your heating or air conditioning system, and you’re determined to purchase the lowest-price option, because “Nobody’s going to rip me off!” And yet, so many times when price is our … 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 frostbite? Voila, hot and cold spots! A common condition when you have an older heating system, especially one … Read more
Let’s say you’re as faithful as can be when it comes to keeping your heating system in sound working order. You have it inspected by a professional once a year, every few years you have your ducts cleaned, and you have multiple zones and programmable thermostats so your heating system isn’t over-worked throughout the winter. … 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 are ways to keep warm indoors: Cover your windows: Go from … Read more
Being prepared for an emergency means being prepared anywhere. You know, like having what you need, when and where you need it. And having an action plan in place so you’re not left scratching your head, wondering what to do next.So, from an unexpected storm, power outage, or car failure, or whatever bit of bad … Read more
We, adults, are pretty funny creatures, especially when preparing for a family road trip. Funny how? We spend so much time 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 be … Read more
While June is recognized as National Safety Month, any time is a good time to beef up your home defenses to help prevent accidental injuries or sickness. It doesn’t matter if you have babies at home, family members with special needs, elderly family members, etc.; everyone, no matter what age or condition they’re in, is … Read more
