Answers to your questions about heating, efficiency, tanks and more

From time to time, all of our customers have questions about their heating systems. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. We have also taken this opportunity to answer questions about your water heater and our services. If you don’t see an answer to your particular question here, please contact us today and we will be happy to provide one. 

EQUIPMENT:

• Q: What should I do if my heating system doesn’t work?
• Q: How does a furnace work?
• Q: How is a furnace different from a boiler?
• Q: What is a "cracked" furnace?
• Q: On mild winter days my furnace runs in short blasts and my home keeps alternating between being too hot and too cold. How can I fix this?
• Q: I hear a lot of talk about “high-efficiency” heating systems. How do you determine a heating system’s efficiency?
• Q: Is there anything we can do about the smell of heating oil?
• Q: At what temperature should I set my thermostat?
• Q: Should I install a programmable thermostat?

WATER HEATERS:

• Q: What is an indirect-fired water heater?
• Q: Why do oil-fired water heaters save money and prevent hot water run-outs?
• Q: What can I do to maintain my water heater?

SERVICE:

• Q: Do you provide 24-hour service?
• Q: How long do customers have to wait for emergency service?
• Q: How long does it take to get an estimate on a new heating system?
• Q: Approximately how long does it take you to complete an installation of a heating system?
• Q: Do you offer service plans?
• Q: Is annual maintenance necessary?
• Q: How do I know what size furnace to install?

TANKS

• Q: Are underground tanks subject to federal regulations?
• Q: Can I replace my old underground storage tank with a new one?

REPLACE OR REPAIR:

• Q: How can I determine whether it will be more cost-efficient for me to repair or replace my old heating system?