Homeowner & Landlord Guides
Plain-English help for heating, plumbing and hot water problems, written for older homes in New York.
Boiler Not Working? A 9-Step No-Heat Checklist
Before you pay for an emergency call, run through these safe no-heat checks for steam and hot water boilers. Covers…
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How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
Frozen and burst pipes are among the most expensive winter home repairs in NYC and Westchester. Here is where pipes…
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Why Your Steam Heat Pipes Bang, and How to Fix It
Banging and hammering in steam heat is common in older NYC and Westchester homes. Learn the causes (pitch, water…
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Should You Repair or Replace Your Boiler?
A practical framework for deciding whether to repair or replace a steam or hot water boiler: age, heat exchanger…
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NYC Heat Season: A Practical Guide for Bronx & Manhattan Landlords
NYC heat season rules (Oct 1 - May 31), the required indoor temperatures, and how building owners can avoid no-heat…
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Heat Pump Rebates & Incentives in Westchester and NYC
How Con Edison Clean Heat and NYSERDA heat pump incentives work in Westchester and NYC, what typically qualifies, what…
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Converting From Oil to Gas: What to Expect
A step-by-step guide to oil-to-gas heating conversion in Westchester and the Bronx: utility service, equipment,…
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Why Your Hot Water Runs Out Faster in Winter
Colder incoming water, sediment, tankless coils and undersized tanks all make hot water run out faster in winter.…
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How to Bleed a Hot Water Radiator
Step-by-step guide to bleeding hot water radiators and baseboard, plus why you should not bleed steam radiators and…
Learn moreNYC Local Law 152 Gas Inspections, Explained
What NYC Local Law 152 requires for periodic gas piping inspections, which buildings are covered, what inspectors look…
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Winterizing a Vacant House: The Complete Checklist
A plumbing and heating winterization checklist for vacant homes, estates, rentals and properties for sale in New York,…
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Carbon Monoxide Safety During Heating Season
Boilers, furnaces and water heaters can produce carbon monoxide when something goes wrong. Learn warning signs, NY…
Learn moreWhat Size Water Heater Do You Need?
How to size a tank, tankless or indirect water heater for your household, with first-hour rating, flow rate and winter…
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Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: Which Is Right for You?
A straight comparison of tankless and tank water heaters: hot water supply, upfront cost, gas line and venting…
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