Home How-To's

You hear it all the time from your local meteorologist: "today's dew point is..." But what exactly is a dew point, and what does it mean? Chances are, you’ve observed a dew point in action a million times, but never thought twice about it. If you’ve seen condensation on a cold glass on a summer day, or droplets settled across your lawn on an early morning outing, you already know the effects offalse

Summer 2020 is definitely not shaping up to be the laid-back and carefree season we’re used to, but many of us are using (or at least trying to use!)  our extra time at home to spruce things up. We’ve put together this list of easy ways to improve your home’s efficiency, appearance, and functionality that anybody can tackle, regardless of your DIY skill level.

These days, when shopping around for a new boiler, the term “condensing” is probably one you see often. So what exactly is a condensing boiler? In short, it is a boiler designed to increase fuel efficiency and reduce wasted energy by reclaiming some of the energy that goes up the chimney.

What’s better - oil or gas? While there’s no way to define which is “better,” there are a range of factors to consider when making the decision between the two big dogs of the heating world.  Take into consideration supply and usage factors, the equipment needed to heat with each, and the overall operation and efficiency of these fuels and systems when deciding which is the best choice for you.  

Your home’s boiler system has failed - what a bummer! But should you pay for the repair or look into replacing your system with a new one? If this is the first time you’ve had an issue, a repair makes sense.

You might be looking for ways to cut your carbon footprint, but do you have any idea how much of an impact your current lifestyle has on the environment around you? In this infographic, we’ve collected the CO2e, or or carbon dioxide equivalent, of everything from watching TV to using different forms of transportation, and things you would never think contribute to climate change.

I’m Ellen- I’m in my thirties and I (along with my husband) am a first-time homeowner! I also happen to work for Viessmann, a leading company in effective, economical heating systems. As their “Consumer Specialist” and writer, I’m supposed to tell you, the other homeowners out there, how to best keep your house cozy and warm without breaking the bank.

With a range of hot water heating options available, what’s your best bet? The simple answer is, there’s no simple answer. The best way to learn what type of hot water heater is best for you and your home comes down to discovering the options available, and what their claims to fame and shortcomings are.

It’s that time of year again, the days are getting shorter, the thermostat is starting to drop, and the sweaters have migrated from the basement to your closet once again. Grab a pumpkin spice coffee or a mug of hot chocolate, and take a survey on your home’s cold weather readiness - what needs to be done to prep for the incoming cold? Read on for 5 simple tips to brace yourself for winter.

Schools are out for the summer, and the winter coats are safely tucked away for the season- but those high heating bills are still in recent memory. Before they start up again, here are a few quick and easy summer projects that can help you get your house in tip-top-shape when winter rolls around again.