When the outside temperature falls below 20° F, take precautions to prevent frozen pipes! Open Doors Open the doors to cabinets and vanities that house water pipes to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. Be especially careful of pipes on exterior walls. Leave doors to any rooms or areas such as an unheated basement or garage with water pipes running through them to allow heat to enter these areas to keep pipes from freezing. The extra fuel usage will likely still be less than the cost of a burst water pipe and water damage. Keep Heat Higher Keep…
Considering that heating our homes is typically the largest utility expense in American household – nearly 45% of residential energy bills – it’s a great place to start working to conserve energy. You will lower your household expenses and help the planet. Here are some very doable tips for reducing the amount of energy you use to heat your home: Keeping the heat only where you need it saves up to 20% on your heating bill annually! Add Insulation If your home has less than 12 inches of insulation, chances are you’re losing valuable heat out through walls and particularly ceilings.…
Is your hot water heater a giant time bomb in your house? Should your hot water heater burst, it will pump hundreds of gallons of water into your house very quickly. These disasters cause significant property damage and the loss of priceless possessions each year in homes. There are some signs to watch for that your hot water heater needs some maintenance immediately, or is on its last leg and you need to plan a replacement fast. Know the warning signs: Leaking Pressure Relief Valve The pressure relief valve is the number one safety feature on your heater. It’s usually…
Know the Location of Your Main Water Shutoff Valve The first thing you may need to do in a plumbing emergency is turn off the water coming into your house. Known as the main shutoff valve, it will likely be a “wheel” valve located somewhere near where the water comes into the house from outside. Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water. Keep an Eye on Your Hot Water Heater If your tank hot water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. If a hot water heater bursts, it…
What’s the best heating system to have installed for living in Maine? When you live in Maine, your heating system is very important for your safety as well as your comfort. We get asked a lot, “What’s the best heating system to have in Maine?” While there isn’t a definitive answer to this question – it really depends on your individual circumstances and needs, we thought we’d give a rundown on the main types of heating systems available for your Maine home: Hot Water Boilers Forced hot water boilers heat water inside the unit and pump it throughout your home…
