Furnace Maintenance – What to Watch For – Part 1
Staying warm is imperative during these colder winter months. Luckily, there are many different ways to heat your home. Furnaces are perhaps the most popular way homeowners keep their homes heated and comfortable. While there are many different sizes, shapes, models and types of furnaces, all of them have to be cleaned and maintained in…
Do I need a Permit, and Does it Really Matter?
A few months ago, we wrote about the importance and some of the legality of having a permit on the job when performing a furnace replacement or installation. We noted that it’s often difficult for homeowners to know if permits are necessary for specific home improvement projects. Furnace installation and replacement sometimes falls into this…
Do You Really Need a Permit to Install a Furnace?
Home permits can be a tricky area for homeowners. While it’s common sense that permits are needed for large construction or other projects, it’s often somewhat difficult to find out if permits are necessary for specific home improvement projects. Furnace installation and replacement sometimes falls into this category. Many who need the work done are…
UPDATE: DOE Will Not Enforce Regional Energy Standards
The regional energy standards saga continues. If you’re a BelRed blog regular, you probably remember reading posts about the rollercoaster energy conservation litigation between the Department of Energy (DOE) and members of the energy industry, including the American Public Gas Association (APGA). As we discussed in the first post on the subject, in July 2011…
No Ruling On Regional Efficiency Standards Yet – Is the End Near?
Earlier in the year, we wrote about the withdrawal of regional energy efficiency standards (mandating installation of high efficiency furnaces in Northern states) set forth by the Department of Energy (DOE). This was based on a lawsuit brought forth by some in the energy industry, including the American Public Gas Association (APGA) and Air Conditioning…
Is Now the Right Time to Replace Your Furnace?
Back in 2007, the United States Congress passed a bill called the Energy Security and Independence Act (the “2007 Energy Bill”). This bill set a new precedent by allowing the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop regional standards for the installation of heating and cooling equipment based on location. In northern states like ours, high-efficiency…
