Utility costs frequently surprise new homeowners. While smart home buyers research utility costs in their area so they can properly plan a budget, the actual costs are frequently higher. Even if the buyer asked the seller for examples of their utility costs during negotiations, lifestyle differences and temperature comfort preferences could increase costs by 25 percent or more. [Read more…]
New Home Owner Series: AC Start-Up Guide
After an unseasonably warm winter and early spring, you’ll be needing your air conditioner sooner than ever. As a new homeowner facing your first spring, you might be asking, “How do I prepare my air conditioner for the summer?” Starting your air conditioning for the season involves more than just pressing a button. Actually, you can just press a button and ignore maintenance, but it raises the risk of inefficiency, poor air quality, and breakdown. [Read more…]
New Home Owners Series: Biofuel vs. Regular Heating Oil
Oil delivery never used to have choices except for the company used. Heating oil was heating oil, and what you got from one company was basically the same as you got from another company. [Read more…]
New Home Owner Series: What To Do If Your Pipes Burst
As a new homeowner, your first winter involves learning the quirks of your furnace and heating system. While burst pipes are a possible known risk if you have a heating failure, several factors can lead to either a burst pipe or a frozen and then burst pipe. [Read more…]
New Home Owner Series: Winter Storm Preparedness
Winter isn’t just staying inside where it’s warm when you’re a homeowner. Extreme cold, nor’easters, snow squalls, sleet, snow and high winds can damage your new home or just make life miserable. Let’s tackle some of the most common questions we receive about winter storm prep from our customers, especially the new homeowners. [Read more…]
New Home Owner Series: Common Winter Plumbing Issues
Winter plumbing problems are the worst and probably scare homeowners the most, not just new homeowners. Leaks can cause tremendous amounts of damage. Fortunately, a bit of knowledge and planning can prevent problems for both new and established homeowners. [Read more…]
New Home Owner Series: Prepare Your Home for Winter
Winter is more than hot chocolate and cozy blankets. A little preparation now will keep your home safe and warm all winter long. Here are tips for new homeowners settling into their first winter season. [Read more…]
New Home Owner Series: What Is Bioheat®?
Home heating options used to be limited. The home you bought most likely used either oil or gas, unless you were unlucky enough to have an electricity-powered heating system, and that was it. You stayed with whatever you had. [Read more…]
