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The Top 5 Quincy High-Efficiency Boiler – 2021 Edition

Written by Anthony Trust 1 on September 15, 2020. Posted in Air Conditioning, Blog, Boilers. No Comments on The Top 5 Quincy High-Efficiency Boiler – 2021 Edition

The Top 5 Quincy High-Efficiency Boiler – 2021 Edition

The best boilers you can find are efficient , reliable, and quiet. A new gas-powered boiler should be able to operate for 10-15 years and save you considerably over a traditional boiler. Here’s a detailed review of the top 5 high-efficiency boilers for 2021.

1. Lennox GWM-IE Boiler

Earning the most efficient Energy Star 2015 mark , the Lennox GWM-IE is a gas-mounted condensing water boiler with an efficiency rating of up to 95 percent AFUE. Unique revolutionary features found in the GWM-IE model include a cost-effective electronic ignition switch that controls temperature and prevents unnecessary burner usage, as well as a combustion tube designed to enhance sound reduction. The heat exchanger tube is self-cleaning, and the mesh burner is corrosion resistant.

Lennox GWM-IE Boiler

The Lennox GWM-IE is a gas modulating condensing boiler which is up to 40 percent more powerful than traditional boilers supported by the manufacturer reports. Its modulating burner is configured most of the time to work in a low environment, minimizing sound levels and fuel costs while maintaining an accurate temperature.

Pros: – Many have praised its efficiency in the winter

Many reviewers have praised the significant fall in the price of monthly energy bills
Many have praised the modulator which runs automatically

Cons: – Expensive purchase price

One reviewer complained that the unit needed frequent maintenance, and had trouble with the ignition.

The Lennox GWM-IE has a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year warranty on the remaining covered parts (the labor costs are not covered by the warranty)

2. Slant-Fin Sentry High-Efficiency Boiler

The Slant/Fin Sentry boiler is an 84.4 percent AFUE gas hot water boiler. The Sentry comes with several noteworthy features such as a heat-conserving pre-purge device, an LED display that tracks system water temperature, and also allows the user to regulate the temperature and a specially built insulated jacket to avoid heat loss and minimize operating noise.

Slant-Fin’s Sentry is a 5 size gas-fired cast iron boiler. It features front-mounted controls for simple installation and maintenance, and an advanced natural draft design ensures efficient operation and reliability. The lower profile nature of the Sentry makes installation simple on sites with limited room or low chimney connections.

Pros: – Many owners have stated that the purchase cost of the boiler is fair for the market

Many reviewers have stated that the boiler is quiet
Several owners praised the long lifespan of the boiler in comparison to other boilers on the market

Cons: – One person complained that the boiler was bulky and took up too much space.

One person complained that the boiler took a bit longer than usual to heat the house.

The Slant/Fin Sentry Boiler comes with a 1-year parts warranty and a lifetime cast iron warranty, prorated after the 10th year.

3. Bosch Greenstar High-Efficiency Boiler

The Bosch Greenstar gas boiler uses a combustion process that achieves an efficiency of up to 95 percent and decreases emissions of nitrous oxide. It is available as a heat-only or combination boiler, and can be built as a wall-mounted or floor-standing unit.

Energy Star performance score and the Greenstar gas boiler provide a wall-hung model with a 96.1 percent AFUE which can be used either as a space heating boiler or as a combi unit. The Greenstar includes features like an Al-Si heat exchanger and an efficiency-enhancing fully modulating fan. The machine comes with an LP and a conversion kit to natural gas.

Pros: – Many owners praised the energy bills dropping in costs

Many owners mentioned how fast the boiler heats the house
Several reviewers praised the efficiency of the boiler

Cons: – One owner stated that the only problem is that after 10 years the fans need to be replaced

Greenstar provides a lifetime warranty for heat exchangers, prorated after the 10th year, and a 5 year warranty for parts and labor.

4. Slant-Fin Galaxy GXHA High-Efficiency Boiler

The Slant/Fin Galaxy GXHA is a gas-fired high-performance steam boiler with an efficiency rating of 81.3 percent AFUE. The boiler features an intermittent pilot ignition, an optional tankless heater, and a display for machine function monitoring. The device also offers a specially designed speed skimmer trough that discharges pollutants and dirt through a drain faucet to reduce periodic cleaning time.

Slant-Fin Galaxy GXHA High-Efficiency Boiler

The Slant/Fin GXHA is a high-performance gas-fired steam boiler with an intermittent pilot ignition and an optional tankless heater. It is designed with little headroom for installation in close locations.

Pros: – One person noted that their energy bills dropped significantly

Several owners praised the speed at which the water was heated in winter

Cons: – Several owners said buying costs were high compared to other brands on the market

One reviewer mentioned a problem with turning on and off that required repair after only a few months.

The Galaxy GXHA comes with a 10-year guarantee on cast iron selection and 1-year parts warranty.

5. Triangle Tube Challenger Solo

The Challenger Solo Triangle Tube is an energy-efficient condensing boiler with an AFUE of up to 94%. The boiler is available in four versions, from 85 MBH to 145 MBH. The Solo has a remote control panel available for both U.S. and measurements of metric units, and advanced control of temperature modulation. The device has a regular outdoor reset and indirect compatibility with water.

Challenger Solo from Triangle Tube is a wall-mounted gas boiler with a heat exchanger for copper tube/aluminum cylinder. It can be vented with different pipe material and size choices, including a concentrated venting option, and is compatible with indirect water heaters.

Pros: – Several people mentioned a significant energy bill cost savings.

Several people praised the boiler’s quiet operation.

Cons: – One person complained that the unit broke after only 3 years of use.

The Challenger Solo comes with a 1-year parts warranty and a 10-year, restricted non-prorated warranty for heat exchangers. It also provides 5 and 10-year parts and labor warranty plans. Registration of a product is required for a complete warranty cover.

Quincy High-Efficiency Boiler Pricing

Pricing for boilers can vary according to scale, design, brand, and quality. The majority of boilers on today’s market are high quality, rated above 87% AFUE for oil-fired boilers, and 90% AFUE for gas-fired boilers. Boilers also have minimum ratings on efficiency. Gas-fired boilers must exceed 82% and oil boilers must exceed 84%. Standard performance boilers are still available in this range, and the ratings will be expressed in price.

Standard efficiency (80% – 89% AFUE) — $2,000 to $4,000
High efficiency boilers (+90% AFUE) — $3,300 to $6,000

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How to Repair and Install a Holbrook Toilet

Written by Anthony Trust 1 on July 6, 2020. Posted in Blog, Plumbing, Tips. No Comments on How to Repair and Install a Holbrook Toilet

Installation of Holbrook toilets is not a very time-consuming task but it involves physical exertion and a reasonable amount of expertise. As with most of the plumbing work, the construction of toilets includes complex factors. By depending on a skilled plumber for toilet installation, many errors can be avoided. Only a slight misstep, like misaligning the toilet on the wax ring, can lead to leaks in the toilet.

Holbrook Plumbing Professionals

Some people may think it’s easy to install toilets in your bathroom. What they may not know is that only making a single minor error will result in expensive toilet repair. Furthermore, if homeowners do their toilet (or any other plumbing) it could void the manufacturer’s warranty. In certain severe cases, the policy of a homeowner will not be paid out if they discover that an unlicensed person performing a plumbing project caused harm, no matter how small.

An untrained person who works on plumbing fixtures may transform a minor problem into something much bigger that can cause burst pipes, clogs, or leaks. The most common issue relating directly to the incorrect installation of a toilet is leakage. Toilet leaks are often visible, which indicates the need for a plumbing professional. Sometimes, however, toilet leaks may occur inside the floor, unnoticed until the repairs are extensive and costly.

Holbrook Toilet Repair

Whether you’re replacing a toilet in a home you’ve just bought, updating your toilet to a newer, more effective water-saving model, repairing a damaged unit or renovating a bathroom, installing the toilet should be done properly to prevent costly toilet repair and damaging leaks.

Removing your Old Toilet

The old toilet has to be removed before the new toilet is installed. While it’s not a particularly challenging process, it requires proper preparation, for example, protecting the floors against residual water coming out. Ensuring that the water supply valve is turned off and then carefully removing the device without damage from the flange also requires close attention. When the flange gets rusted or broken, a licensed professional will need to assess the repair.

Installing Your New Holbrook Toilet

In addition to ensuring the right size for the wax ring, it has to be handled very carefully. The plumber must position the new toilet bowl, press it into the compound, and fasten the toilet bowl to the flange with nuts and bolts designed for that particular purpose. Importantly, the plumber will then ensure that the toilet bowl is level with no rocking. If you find leakage between the base and floor of the toilet, the wax ring probably needs to be replaced.

Holbrook Toilet Install

Assembly of the toilet tank requires putting a gasket between the tank and the pipe-and often a rubber cushion. The bolts holding the tank must be fastened carefully to avoid damage to the porcelain while keeping the tank watertight and stable to prevent leakage. The components of the tank inside need close attention. The flapper lever, float ball, ballcock and other important components are included. The water line is carefully reconnected and switched back on to fill the tank once the inner components have been mounted.

Checking for Leaks

Upon toilet installation, leaks can occur in any number of locations, so the plumber needs to thoroughly inspect the connections made by himself and also the connections made by the manufacturer for leaks. The water level in the tank should be set correctly, then the toilet flushed a couple of times to ensure it works properly.

After the wax gasket melts, the bolts securing the toilet into the flange are inspected again to ensure they are secure and there is no wobbling. Bolts that are too long may be cut down. The final step is to add the seat to the toilet and to scrub.

Common Toilet Problems and How to Fix Them:

-Solving a Loose Flush Handle
When the flush handle becomes loose from the rest of the tank or disconnected.

Typically one of two solutions are required:

Reconnect the lift wire or lift chain that connects the lift arm from the flapper.
Adjust the handle mounting nut inside the tank; it has reverse threads that require counterclockwise rotation to tighten.

-Fixing a Running Toilet
One very popular (and very annoying) problem you can certainly address on yourself is when a toilet is running continuously. It’s relatively easy to fix a running toilet. The problem occurs either because the flapper does not sit correctly when the flush valve is opened, or because the water level in the tank is too high and causes water to spill over the top of the overflow tube and down into the tank. The repairs are very easy to do with either problem. Both refill valves have water level control methods, so it is easy to adjust or replace flapper valves.

-Repairing the Flush Valve
The flush valve is located in the middle of the tank and is a plastic or brass covering connected to the tank’s bottom opening. This works with a float ball or rubber or neoprene flapper. The flapper or float ball sits against the opening of the valve and holds water in the tank until the flush handle is on. A chain or lift wire attached to the handle rod raises the flapper away from the valve seat when the handle is depressed and allows the water to flow out of the tank and into the toilet bowl. The flapper falls back down into the valve seat when the tank is empty, sealing the opening and allowing the tank to be refilled with water.

A vertical overflow tube is inserted into the flush valve which extends from the base of the flush valve up into the tank. The function of the overflow tube is to prevent water from flooding the tank, as well as to allow a small amount of water to flow down into the toilet bowl as the tank refills. A small refill tube mounted at the top of the overflow tube allows a small stream of water to flow down through the refill process into the bowl. This restores the standing water level in the toilet tank, thus keeping the trap sealed.

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How do Milton Smoke Detectors work?

Written by Anthony Trust 1 on June 27, 2020. Posted in Blog, Smoke Detectors. No Comments on How do Milton Smoke Detectors work?

Today’s smoke detector technology is light years ahead of units that came out just a few years prior. As such, they offer a wider variety of options. Most importantly, have you taken your time to protect your home against fire? Here is some helpful information that might be useful to know about these life-saving devices.

Milton Heat Detectors:

The oldest form of fire-detection device is a heat detector. It merely functions via a special detection element located inside the machine. This device activates when it reaches an extreme increase in temperature or a pre-set trigger temp.

Heat detectors may be ideal if the space is small and confined where high heat fires are likely to occur. They also might be a good idea to have if the speed in sensing smoke and fire is not of great concern. The thing about these two scenarios is that neither of them lends itself to residential fire protection.

So when you’re thinking about ways to protect your home against fire, ignore heat detectors, focus on having smoke detectors. They’re good at detecting fire, smoke, and extreme heat faster than any heat detector.

Milton Smoke Detectoron Smolke

They’ve also proven to be very good at detecting fires in residential homes. If you don’t have smoke detectors in your home then now is an excellent time to buy them, and if you already have smoke detectors it’s the perfect time to make sure they are working fine, and batteries are kept current.

How do Milton Smoke Detectors Work?

Besides having a heat detector, you have three options when it comes to choosing a smoke detector: photoelectric, ionization, or a combination of both.

How do you Choose the Milton Right Smoke Detector for your House?

Now we know smoke detectors are essential but do we know how they work?

Don’t worry if you don’t know how they work; most people don’t have a clue how they function. Here we’re going to show you how they work just in case you want to know.

Ionization vs photoelectric smoke detectors:

Ionization Smoke Alarms

These smoke alarms are very responsive if you experience a fast, raging fire. They have a small amount of radioactive material that passes between two electrically charged plates which then create an ionization chamber. This is a configuration that ionizes the air and creates a current that flows between the plates. If smoke enters that space, it absorbs alpha particles and disturbs the ionization process, which reduces the current and activates the alarm.

Photoelectric smoke alarms

These alarms are more responsive to smoldering fires, especially those fires that begin with a long period of smoldering. Photoelectric alarms work using a light source and a photoelectric sensor. As smoke is entering the chamber and crosses the path of the light beam, the light gets scattered by smoke particles, aiming it toward the sensor, which in turn triggers the alarm.

If you’re looking for the best protection, use both types of alarm technologies.

There are combination smoke detectors that use both technologies- photoelectric and ionization. Having both in place, you increase your chances of being alerted to fire and protecting your family if an emergency arises. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends the use of both technologies to get the most protection for your house.

Residential fires that happen and result in fatalities include both flaming and smoldering fires. And since it’s tough to predict not only the occurrence of a fire but also the type of fire that may strike, having both forms of smoke detection is essential.

With these precautions, you’ll get the earliest signs possible whether you’re asleep, awake, what type of fire it is, or what time of day. Also, if you install smoke detectors that come with a monitoring service, your house is protected even if you’re far away, whether it’s a quickfire or a fire that smolders over time.

How to get the best smoke detection coverage for your home

If the alarms you already own are photoelectric, you should consider purchasing ionization detectors and placing one beside each photoelectric unit. Check your owners manual if you’re not sure what kind of smoke detectors you’re dealing with, or you can remove the smoke detector and look at the back. You’ll either find the word “ionization” or “photoelectric.” If it’s in the budget, you could also replace your smoke detectors altogether with combination units. With these units, you have the peace of mind and convenience of both types of technologies working together in a single device.

Smoke detector placement and operation procedures

How do you determine where you install the smoke detectors, and also how many you need?

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, you should install your smoke detectors inside every bedroom, on each level of your home, and outside each sleeping area. Bigger homes will need more fire alarms than small houses.

If you install smoke detectors as part of a comprehensive smart home system, they can connect on a single platform so that when one alarm triggers, all of the smoke detector alarms in the house will sound. Notifications will be sent to your system’s control panel, and you’ll receive them on your mobile device as well.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about smoke detectors:

Are there options for the hearing impaired?
-Yes, there are smoke alarms that use visual and audible warnings.

Why is the smoke alarm beeping or chirping?
-It’s usually an indication that the battery is dying and needs to be replaced.

How often should I change my smoke alarm?
-The NFPA suggests changing your smoke alarms every ten years.

Are there distance or square footage requirements for smoke alarm installation?
– Check local regulations to get the exact details

Here are some guideline for smoke alarms:

Don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.
Never paint smoke alarms. Paint, stickers, or other decorations could keep the alarms from working.
When interconnected smoke alarms are installed, it is important that all of the alarms are from the same manufacturer. If the alarms are not compatible, they may not sound.
Choose smoke alarms that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
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Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

Written by Anthony Trust 1 on June 17, 2020. Posted in Blog, Smoke Detectors, Tips. No Comments on Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

Did you know that between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., half of all fire deaths happen? Installing a Brookline Village smoke alarms is one sure way of increasing your survival chances in case of a fire. However, these devices don’t last forever. Replacing your Brookline Village smoke detectors 10 years after the date of manufacture is the safest way of keeping the detectors functional per a recommendation from the United States Fire Administration (USFA) recommends.

All of your smoke alarms should be changed at the same time, use units that are made by the same manufacturer for best results. It is fairly easy to do these days, luckily. First Alert and Kidde are the leading smoke detector brands due to mergers and acquisitions, they are the only two big players in the smoke detector industry. Next, is another company growing in popularity thanks to its smart smoke detector system.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

Another tricky question to ask is how many smoke alarms should your home have? You can find your city’s code by simply searching ” smoke detector code” online because codes can vary from one municipality to another. Most require an alarm in each room where people sleep, an alarm in hallways outside of bedrooms, and at least one on each level, including the basement.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector

Photoelectric sensors do a great job of detecting slow-burning, smoky, smoldering fires while Ionization sensors are better at detecting fast-burning, flaming fires. Ionization sensors less effective but less expensive making them more popular than photoelectric. It is best to install at least one of each type of alarm and its very important to know what type of smoke detector you have installed.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

Carbon monoxide detectors are also a must so don’t stop at smoke alarms! The local code also governs the requirements. Generally, you want a carbon monoxide (CO) detector on each floor. A fire extinguisher can also mean the difference between life and death. Not only can a fire extinguisher put out small fires, but it can also be used to open up a path of escape in the event of a raging fire; place one on each floor. While you are improving your family’s fire safety, take a moment to draw up an escape plan for family members.

Installing the First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm in your home will decrease your family’s chance of falling victim to the “silent killer.”

The First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a terrific solution because it has an electrochemical CO sensor and its wirelessly interconnected so it alerts the other connected alarms when there are dangerous conditions. You can program up to 11 locations into the connected alarms, and the voice will tell you where hazards exist.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

The smoke sensor is photoelectric, which is better for detecting slow, smoldering fires. Each unit is operated using two AA batteries, included in the package. It tells you when the battery is low with a beep every minute. Potentially saving you and your family from any harm caused by fires or CO.

Notably, Consumer Reports recommends this model because it did an excellent job of detecting high and low CO levels in its tests, and the device conveys unsafe environments. Consumer Search and The Spruce also stand by this high-quality device. It also has a 77% positive rating in Amazon, which is among the highest in this price range.

First Alert backs the quality of this detector with a seven-year limited warranty.

The First Alert Battery Operated Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm is one of two smoke detectors recommended by professionals the world over. The First Alert detector is a top pick for many reasons, For one, it’s more affordable and who doesn’t like to save money?

During a review of the product, I noticed one buyer was unable to connect his units. He contacted the manufacturer and received two replacement devices in a couple of days. He appreciated the excellent customer service. There are some complaints of false alarms, even when there are no clear causes.

Pros:

Also detects CO
Interconnected
Combination voice and beeping
Excellent customer service

Cons:

Expensive
Complaints of false alarms

The Kidde Smoke Alarm Dual Sensor Detector is Unique Because it’s Equipped with Photoelectric and Ionization Sensors.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector – Kiddie

The Kidde Smoke Alarm Dual Sensor Detector is a great selection. First of all, the device has both of the sensors recommended by countless fire safety pros. Also, you have the option to wire this smoke detector into your home’s electrical system. This way you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries. There’s also a 9V battery backup in the back of each detector that covers you in case of a power outage. Kidde backs the quality of this device with a 10-year limited warranty.

Brookline Village Smoke Detector Tips

This Kidde detector is one of two smoke detectors recommended by consumer reports. In the reviewers’ tests, the unit responded quickly to paper fires with little smokes but lots of flames and also had a fast response time for smoldering, smoky fires.

Pros:

Does a great job of detecting flaming and smoldering fires n Interconnected
Battery backup

Cons:

Recall notice
Hard to silence
Sensitive sensors

We should also note that the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall for some of these Kidde devices. In the manufacturing process, a yellow cap was left on the units that blocked one of the smoke sensors. It’s unlikely you will find one of these, but if you do see the yellow cap on your detector, contact kiddie for an immediate replacement.

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How to Choose the Best Avon Smart Smoke Detector for Your Safety

Written by Anthony Trust 1 on June 17, 2020. Posted in Blog, Smoke Detectors, Tips. No Comments on How to Choose the Best Avon Smart Smoke Detector for Your Safety

Having a smoke alarm that tells you there’s a fire no matter where you are is way better than just a smoke alarm that tells you there’s a fire. There are some Avon smoke detectors called smart smoke and carbon monoxide (CO), which are among the most useful categories of smart home gear on the market, mainly because they offer a clear advantage over old versions of the same product. Also, if you have a second home or travel frequently by owning one of these smoke detectors, you may gain the peace of mind that otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to have.

Once you install your smoke alarm and have it powered up, you have to download the relevant app and connect it to the device wirelessly. When the alarm goes off, not only are you going to receive an audio alert, but many include helpful voice instructions instead of just having a siren. Your smartphone also tells you what the problem is (whether it’s smoke or CO, which alarm was activated, and sometimes even the severity of the smoke).

Avon Smart Smoke Detector

A lot of smoke detectors in the market hook into additional smart home gear and IFTTT, which means that you can get even more clever by having the lights start flashing if smoke has been detected. Maybe the most significant benefit of having one of these smoke detectors is that you won’t be chasing down midnight chirps since you’ll also get phone-based notifications about dying batteries.

Here is a list with the best options on the market today

Best Avon Smart Smoke Detector:

-Nest Labs Nest Protect
This smoke detector is one of the most mature intelligent smoke alarms on the market, and it’s a no-brainer if you want one of the most sophisticated and reliable smart smoke detectors out there. Its warnings are varied, integrated lighting is color-coded based on the type of threat, and the product includes helpful voice alerts when activated. Additionally, if you have Nest gear at home, such as a Nest Thermostat, things get even better, as you can configure the Protect to shut off your ventilation system if it detects smoke, a potential lifesaver. The Nest Protect isn’t cheap, standing at $119, but way pricier options are out there. In this case, though, it’s worth the buy.

Best smart listener:

-Roost Smart Battery (2nd Generation)
The upfront cost is higher than an ordinary lithium smoke-detector battery, but the Wi-Fi module is reusable, and replacement batteries are only slightly more expensive than ordinary ones. Remember that the priority is to protect your home. Install this battery in your conventional smoke detector, and it will send a push notification to the contact list you set up in its app, so you can take action even if you’re not at home.

Things you Should Know about Avon Smart Smoke Detectors

Most of the time smoke alarms, smart smoke alarms tend to work almost identically. The device is installed high on the wall or on the ceiling (typically replacing an old-school smoke alarm in the same location), either using batteries or in-wall power. It’s essential to upgrade a hardwired model that you replace all the detectors in the chain with the same make and model. One of the reasons for hardwiring a smoke detector is that if one detects a dangerous condition, it can trigger all the others to go off.

Avon Smart Smoke Detector

While the competition in this space is small, the category is already quite fragmented. The bulk of the category consists of straightforward smoke detectors as described above, but some outliers exist to complicate your buying decision.

Avon Smart Smoke Detectors

First, we have the concept of the smart battery: Rather than replace the entire alarm, an intelligent battery replaces the 9-volt cell inside your smoke detector. The battery contains a Wi-Fi radio that can communicate with your home network and a companion smartphone app. The battery also includes a microphone that listens for the smoke alarm into which it has been installed.

When the alarm goes off, the battery leaps into action, working much like a standalone detector. The Roost Smart Battery is not a perfect solution, but it sits at just $35, which is much more affordable than a smart smoke detector. If you have a limited budget, this is worth a look.

Avon Smart Smoke Detectors

A similar idea comes in the form of the smart listener. Again, the idea here is that you don’t rip out your existing smoke detectors, you install an extra piece of hardware that can listen for an alarm going off and alert your phone if it hears one, which turns a traditional system into a smart one. This is different from the Roost battery because the alert plugs directly into a power outlet. The Leeo Smart Alert Nightlight, at $50, is currently the best option on the market.

What to look for when shopping

Interconnectivity: Some devices support an interconnectivity feature, so if one alarm goes off, all the other alarms in the house will go off as well. This can be a significant benefit if you have a huge home and fear you might not hear an alarm going off elsewhere in the house.

Multiple users:

Obviously you’re safest if more than one person receives a push alert that there’s a fire in the house.

Detector sensitivity and accuracy:

It’s challenging to scientifically test how well a smoke/CO detector does its primary job without actually burning your house down. That said, simulating smoky conditions can reveal a little about how sensitive a detector is. As well, you can consider the consensus about the underlying technology in a smoke detector.

Notification variety:

A loud siren is expected, but voice alerts are quite handy: They tell you what type of hazard has been detected and alert you to its location and can even tell you how to respond.

Smoke and CO:

It would be best if you got a detector that handles both smoke and carbon monoxide in a single device. There’s no point in forgoing carbon monoxide detection in any smoke alarm you install today.

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East Boston Water Heater Replacement Costs

Written by Anthony Trust 1 on June 16, 2020. Posted in Blog, Water Heater. No Comments on East Boston Water Heater Replacement Costs

The typical price range for an East Boston water heater goes for about $802 – $1,518. How We Get This Data? Researchers contacted homeowners searching for water heater installations. When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey. We compile the data and report costs back to you.

East Boston Water Heater Installation Cost

On average, it costs around $802 to $1,518 for the installation of a tank water heater, or an average of $1,136, including the unit and labor. Tankless heaters cost about $1,000 to $3,000. Importantly, most large water heaters can cost from $300 to $2,000. Plumber labor runs for about $45 to $150 per hour. It takes around three to four hours to get the job done.

Whether you want to replace an old water heater or install a completely new one, we will discuss the different costs for heaters. We’ll cover everything you’ll need to know about pricing out on your next tank installation in this guide. Hybrids, high efficiencies, solar, and tankless are also going to be mentioned.

East Boston Water Heater Diagram

Average Costs to Replace a Water Heater

Average Cost $1,136
Typical Range $802 and $1,518
High Cost $11,000
Low Cost $350

New East Boston Hot Water Heater Installation Prices

Installing a completely new water heater could cost as low as $550 or as much as $10,000 or more, the unit and labor included. The basic electric and gas water heaters units cost easily from $400 to $1,600.However, some can range anywhere from $250 to $6,000, depending on the brand and type of heater. Installation costs may vary significantly depending on the type as well.

Type Average Unit Price Range Installation Cost

Standard Tank Storage $400-$1,600 $150-$600
Tankless $250-$2,500 $400-$1,500
Hybrid/High Efficiency $700-$3,000 $150-$600
Solar $1,000-$6,000 $2,000-$4,000

There are two main styles of East Boston water heaters: tank heaters and tankless. As the name implies, a tank water heater keeps hot water ready to use in a large tank that holds anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons of hot water ready to be used. Tank water heaters are installed in 90% of homes in the U.S.

It cost two to three times more than standard tank heaters to buy and install tankless water heaters. They will run you more in labor costs because they are harder to install. The advantage is that with these small box sized units, they can deliver an endless supply of hot water whenever you need it through a series of super-heated coils. People usually call them “on-demand” heaters.

Average cost with installation:

Tank: $900 (40- to 50-gallon tank)
Tankless: $3,000
Cost Tank Tankless
(materials + labor) $700-$2,000 $1,000-$3,000
Lifespan 8-12 years 20+ years
Energy Source Gas, Propane, Electric, Solar Gas, Electric, Propane
Installation Time 2-3 hours 8-10 hours

Pros

Endless supply
Proven track record
Easy to install
High efficiency available
Smaller
Cheaper
Only 5% energy loss
Saves up to 25% on utilities

Cons

Not great for northern climates
Need multiple units for large homes
Takes up a lot of space
Expensive to install
30%+ energy loss
Always on – using energy

Water Heater Costs by Gallon

Tank Size (Gallons) Price Range*
30 $270-$900
40 $320-$1,600
50 $400-$2,200
75 $900-$3,000
80 $1,000-$3,000

*Does not include labor costs to install.

All types of East Boston water heaters use either electricity or gas (natural or propane). Normally, natural gas-fired units cost $100 to $200 more than electrical types. An electrical coil, much like a stovetop coil, or via a gas pilot light is where the internal heating comes from. Natural gas units cost more upfront and they’re less energy-efficient in the long run, but the high price of electricity in most parts of the country makes gas the cheaper long-term choice for most households. Electrical types, however, whether tank or tankless, are a better choice for small apartments or smaller areas since they don’t need venting or make-up air.

Electric Gas
Energy Source Electric Natural gas
Works During Power Outage No Sometimes
Lifespan 8-12 years 8-12 years
Recovery Rate 1-2 hours 30-60 minutes
Energy Efficiency 95% 60-70%
Cost Over 12 Year Lifespan $6,250 $5,000
Price of Unit $200-$2,880 $250-$1,800

Oil-fired East Boston water heaters and Propane heaters both fall on the more expensive end of the spectrum starting at $1,000 to $3,000 for just the unit. Rural and off-grid homes might benefit from oil-fired or propane, they also offer an alternative to electricity and natural gas.

East Boston Plumbing

Power venting adds $300-$600 to the unit’s price, plus you’ll add $300-$500 for wiring and electrical. Natural and propane gases create carbon monoxide as they burn, creating a potentially serious health hazard if not vented properly. This system uses a powered fan to push exhaust air and hazards out of your home.

Direct Venting adds $500-$1,000 to the cost only if you’re converting from electric to gas. This system uses the fact that hot air rises over the cooler surrounding air. As the gas burns, the air heats up and vents out of your house through a vent stack above the unit.

East Boston Water Heater Setup

High-efficiency water heaters can cost an average of $1,000 to $3,000 the unit and labor included but they’re from 100% to 300% more efficient than conventional water heaters used today. A combination of factors is what creates better energy efficiency, these factors include:

Better insulation
Heat pumps
Plastic tanks
Smart controls with leak detection and protection alerts for connected devices

Solar water heater installation costs as much $1,800 to $5,500 but can skyrocket up to $13,000 or more. Some people supplement their system with a solar tank or tube style heater. They are very expensive but these can help increase what’s available for your family.

For most hybrid heat pump water heaters you’ll pay in the range of $1,200 to $3,500. This price includes both the materials and labor. They’re the most expensive style of tank heater and the most effective. Heat pumps are large units, requiring as much as seven feet from clearance from floor to ceiling, plus up to 1,000 cubic feet of surrounding air space, so they’re not a good choice for small houses and apartments. They use a heat pump to pull heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water in the tank via a compressor and coils.

Rheem Water Heater Prices vs. Other Popular Brands
Rheem $400-$2,300
AO Smith $400-$3,500
Bradford White $400-$3,000
Kenmore $350-$1,000
Whirlpool $350-$1,500

The costs above are estimates for the unit only. They are for the common 30- to 50-gallon capacity units and do not include installation, transportation, or other additional expenses.

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Dorchester Smoke Alarm Facts & Figures

Written by Anthony Trust 1 on June 16, 2020. Posted in Blog, Smoke Detectors, Tips. No Comments on Dorchester Smoke Alarm Facts & Figures

According to the National Fire Protection Association, dead batteries are the cause of failure of Dorchester smoke detectors 25 percent of the time. That’s why it’s very important to regularly check the batteries in your smoke alarm. Residential is the leading property type for fire deaths (75.0%), fire injuries (77.1%), and fire dollar loss (43.4%) According to the U.S. Fire Administration. Ensuring your home is equipped with properly working smoke detectors is essential.

Smoke detectors have helped reduce fire deaths by half (NFPA). Yet, in recent home fire deaths, in nearly 40 percent of homes, there was not a smoke detector. (FEMA).

Dorchester Smoke Alarms

Nearly 900 people could be saved from home fire deaths annually if all U.S. homes had working smoke alarms, The Red Cross reported. Having both smoke detectors and sprinklers could reduce an individual’s risk of a fire-related death by 82 percent.

Dorchester Fire Alarms

Factors to Consider When Buying a Smoke Detector

Power Type
Alarm Type
Additional Features

There are a lot of different smoke detectors choose between. A hardwired setup, battery-powered setup, or a combination of both are usually the go-to options. Buying smoke detectors that are hardwired into your home provide the advantage that you won’t have to check batteries constantly as the device is continuously supplied with power.

Dorchester Smoke Alarm Facts & Figures

They might need a backup battery in case of a power outage so a combination of both power sources is the best setup for ease and reliability. Installing battery-powered smoke detectors may be easy but make sure to check the batteries regularly for your safety when choosing a battery-powered smoke detector.

You have a choice between a photoelectric, ionization, or a combination of both types for a smoke alarm. It’s important to keep in mind that there are different types of fires, both types of alarms have their benefits. A photoelectric smoke alarm is designed to capture smoldering and slow-burning fires, while an ionization smoke alarm will detect fast-burning fires. Finding a smoke detector with dual-sensing capability for smoldering and fast-burning fires is the best way to ensure your safety.

Dorchester Smoke Alarm Facts & Figures

LED lighting and carbon monoxide detection are other features you’ll find today with smoke alarms. Smoke alarms that have an LED light that is triggered during an emergency can provide helpful lighting, especially if an emergency occurs in dark places or at night. The hearing impaired could use LED strobe lighting to alert them. Fire and dangerous levels of CO in your home could be dangerous so combination smoke and CO detectors are even better, allowing you to be alerted for both.

Understanding The Difference in Smoke Detectors

Hard-Wired

Hard-wired smoke alarms connect to your home’s wiring and electrical system. They often require professional installation and may not work during power outages.

Battery Operated

Battery operated smoke detectors are easier to install and don’t pose as much of an electric concern.

A hard-wired smoke detector with a backup battery for an interconnected smoke detecting system that still works during an outage is the best bet is to invest in.

Ionization

Ionization smoke alarms respond quickly to fires that arise quickly from flammable objects and liquids, also known as flaming fires.

Photoelectric

Photoelectric smoke detectors work best after a long period of building smoke of smoldering fires. Consider placing dual-sensor detectors throughout the home to detect both photoelectric and ionization using one alarm.

For installing smoke detectors, the National Fire Protection Association recommends right outside of sleeping areas, within 10 ft. of cooking appliance, in each bedroom, on every floor in your home, near stairwells, and in living room areas. These devices need to be installed on the ceiling or high on walls. You should place your smoke detector within 3 ft. of the roof’s peak if you have a pitched ceiling.

To improve fire and smoke safety is the goal of every smoke detector. You should be tailored to what works best for your home, the choices are endless. You can buy a smoke detector as a standalone device or with the choices are endless but Remember to always buy from a trusted manufacturer, and read all manuals before installment. Your local fire department can be contacted for assistance with installing and understanding the smoke detector requirements contact. Here are the most useful benefits.

Easy monitoring. Smoke detector routine checks are often quick and easy. As simple as vacuum the detector free of dust monthly and changing the batteries annually. Most smoke alarms include backup batteries in case of power outages. These regular routines keep the home ready for the first sign of trouble.
Faster smoke detection. Extra seconds to safely evacuate the home could save you from inhaling life-threatening smoke and fumes so the sooner the detector finds danger, the better. Remember to have a fire evacuation plan for a fast and safe exit if the alarm sounds.
Cost-effective fire safety. Smoke detectors with smart technology can be more costly but come with added benefits such as mobile notifications of smoke, voice commands, and easy syncing to other home devices. For just a few bucks, you’ll have peace of mind while preparing your humble abode for the unthinkable. Most common smoke detectors cost less than $15 and can often be purchased in sets of two or more for better cost savings.

Our top 3

Honeywell Wireless Smoke and Heat Detector

Stand-out features include

Easy installation with a durable mounting base to support uneven ceiling surfaces.
Smart signals from the installed control panel to alert smoke detector cleaning.
Green and red LED status indicators to stay up to speed on the smoke detector’s condition.

Nest Protect Smoke and CO Alarm (2nd Gen)

Stand-out features include

Monitor hush alarms via your mobile device and Nest app
Use the Nest Protect mobile app to receive mobile notifications for low batteries and test the smoke alarm
Quickly detects photoelectric and ionization fires using the Split Spectrum Sensor

First Alert Smoke Detector Photoelectric and Ionized Alarm

Stand-out features include

9V backup battery to continue to protect homes from fires during power outages
One-press button to test the alarm and manage nuisance alerts
Uses an ionization detector to prevent flaming fires

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