Is a Dirty Air Filter Hindering the Performance of Your Furnace?
Is a Dirty Air Filter Hindering the Performance of Your Furnace? Of all the things that homeowners can do to keep their furnaces running smoothly and efficiently, the most important one is checking and changing air filters on a regular basis. A dirty air filter is one of the biggest threats to the performance of [...]
What is a Good AFUE Rating for a New Furnace?
What is a Good AFUE Rating for a New Furnace? A new furnace is a big investment, and something that is likely to be in your home for more than a decade. As a result, it’s important to know everything you can before you choose a unit that’s right for your home. For homeowners in [...]
Use a Programmable Thermostat to Put Your Energy Savings on Autopilot
Use a Programmable Thermostat to Put Your Energy Savings on Autopilot In continuation of this week’s discussion on energy saving options for San Francisco, Palo Alto or East Bay area homeowners, we wanted to talk about programmable thermostats and how you can use them to easily cut down on your utility bills. A programmable thermostat [...]
When Do You Need an Inspector?
When Do You Need an Inspector? If you’re having work done in your home by a plumbing or HVAC contractor, should you have the job looked at by a city or county inspector? The answer can vary, but in most cases it comes down to the contractor doing the work and the type of project [...]
Going, Going, Almost Gone: The Federal Energy Tax Credits
Going, Going, Almost Gone: The Federal Energy Tax Credits If you haven’t taken advantage of any of the federal government’s energy tax credits, you have a little bit of time left, but not much — they run out on December 31, 2011. If you’re one of the many people hoping they’ll be extended just as they [...]
Autumn Means Furnace Maintenance
Autumn Means Furnace Maintenance The first day of autumn means different things to different people, but if you’re a Bay Area homeowner, it should mean it’s time to do some furnace maintenance as you get ready for the temperatures to begin dropping. Many Bay Area residents don’t have or use central AC so your furnace may [...]
What Do You Know About Automatic Zoning?
What Do You Know About Automatic Zoning? How many times have you found yourself checking the thermostat because one part of your home always seems to be colder or warmer than everywhere else? If you have have a multi-level Bay Area home, your top floor may always seem to be warmer than the main floor where [...]
A Licensed Plumber can Help with that Old House Purchase
A Licensed Plumber can Help with that Old House Purchase It’s difficult not to be tempted with all the great purchase deals available on older homes in the Bay Area — that 19th century townhome you’ve admired while headed to work for the past several years may now have a for sale sign in the front yard [...]
Save Money by Calling a Contractor?
Save Money by Calling a Contractor? Saving money and calling a contractor might seem like they should be mutually exclusive phrases — at least if you believe all the myths. But if a remodeling project is in your future, you may find that consulting with contractors during the planning stage can lead to cost savings on [...]
When Flying Solo Isn’t a Good Idea
When Flying Solo isn’t a Good Idea Over the psst 10-15 years we seem to have become a country of DIYers and there are several national home improvement retailers that should be very happy with that trend. There are probably a number of reasons why homeowners are tackling their own projects: an increase in homeownership [...]
Burlingame Plumber to the Rescue
Burlingame Plumber to the Rescue It’s hard to believe but a lot of people don’t realize our company services the entire Peninsula and parts of the East Bay, in addition to all the work we do in the city. One of our most visited cities is Burlingame. That’s right, we’re your best bet when you [...]
The High Cost of a “Low-Priced” Contractor
When uninsured moonlighters or handymen injure themselves while working on your property, you are legally responsible. You might be liable for medical expenses, for compensation if the individual cannot work, and for pain and suffering.
Carbon Monoxide Warning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is called “the silent killer.” It is an odorless, colorless gas that’s a by-product of gas combustion. CO can cause illness or death before you’re aware of its presence. Fortunately, with good ventilation and well maintained, properly adjusted gas and wood burning appliances, the chances are good you will have little to [...]
Regular Heating and Cooling Maintenance is an Evolutionary Requirement!
What’s the one thing in your house that directly impacts your safety, your health, your comfort and your finances? No, not an unruly kid! It’s your heating and air conditioning system, of course.
Safety. Health. Comfort. Finances. Those are four pretty important things, wouldn’t you agree? If you think about it, those are the main reasons we live in houses instead of caves. Ask any caveman and I’m sure he’d be thrilled to trade places with you–providing he could be sure he would remain safe, healthy, comfortable and financially sound.
