"Jim did a great job. He quickly assessed the problem and then took our unit with him to work on it more. When he got back to us, the fix would have cost more than it was worth. He gave us options for a new or refurbished PC. We felt the refurbished was a good deal and chose that. He came back and set that up and we are very happy with it. He then took a look at my laptop and again took it along. He tuned it up and installed a speed upgrade we wanted. Of course, we paid extra for the new unit and upgrades, but we thought the price was very fair. Jim seemed very knowledgeable and responsive. We will definitely call him again if we need any computer services."
"AHS is ok. They cover repairs of most everything under the roof of your house. The companies that contract with them are not always the best. You call AHS with the issue, they send a fax to the repair company and give you the contact info. If they don't contact you within 24 hours, you call them. Sometimes they answer, sometimes they don't. When they arrive (usually three days or so later), they service the item. if it has issues within the 90 days, you call AHS again, they are sent out with no charge. If the serviceman decides the unit is unrepairable, AHS will allow you to choose a replacement from their listing (usually not as good as what you have) they will install and remove your old item, or give you wholesale amount to buy and install your own. Prices vary on what you want covered and what you want the copay to be, plus where you live. For me it is 49.99 per month with a 75.00 time of service order. You can have more than one item serviced at the same time under the same fee. If you have a SEAR product the repair guys are great. Not that wild about the other ones they send out. But it is a big savings compared to calling someone on your own. The cost of service is only the 75.00 copay."
If you want to have hot water in your home and part of your plumbing system, you'll need a hot water heater. An alternative may be to heat water as you use it, such as by boiling what you need on the stove. But that's much less efficient and takes considerably longer than hooking up a water heater. Another option is to rely on appliances, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, that heat the water themselves.
The cost-efficiency of baseboard heaters depends on the type and how you use them. Generally, standard electric baseboard heaters can be expensive to run because they use electric resistance heating, which is less energy-efficient than systems like forced-air or heat pumps. However, hydronic and gas versions are typically much cheaper to operate. Hydronic models are more energy-efficient because they heat a liquid that retains warmth longer, preventing the thermostat from turning on and off as often. The overall running cost is also influenced by local electricity rates, your home's insulation, and your usage habits. To increase efficiency, you can use baseboard heaters for zoning, meaning you only heat the specific rooms you are using.
Propane is more cost-efficient than natural gas on a per-unit basis because it produces twice as much heat energy as an equivalent amount of natural gas. But propane is not ideal if you already have a gas line installed. The best choice for your home depends on the efficiency of your appliances and the amount of installation required of your fuel choice.
If your boiler is 20 years old, it’s time to get a new one. Although it may seem to be working fine, it’s likely eating up more fuel than it should. Also, compared to a brand-new boiler, one that’s 20 years old is probably not working as well. When you get your new unit, you’ll notice that your home is heating more quickly, and the heat is consistent throughout all the rooms.
The average lifespan of a boiler is typically between 15 and 20 years, though some may last for as little as 10 years while others can reach 30. A boiler's longevity is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the unit, proper installation, and consistent professional maintenance.
The material also plays a significant role. Older boilers made from durable cast iron can last for over 20 years, with some functioning for up to 50 years. However, it's important to consider their lower efficiency, which can lead to higher utility bills. Modern boilers, often made from steel alloys, are designed to withstand high pressure and temperatures and have an average lifespan of about 20 years.
To maximize your boiler's lifespan, ensure it is installed correctly, have it professionally maintained each year, and address any necessary repairs immediately.
The Saint Michael, ND homeowners’ guide to boiler installation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The average boiler installation cost depends on size, system type, and other factors. Keep reading to learn the cost of a new boiler in Minneapolis, MN.
HVAC replacement costs in Minneapolis, MN, depend on a lot of factors, like unit type, size, and labor. See what you can expect to pay for HVAC replacement here.
Discover the average electric boiler installation cost, key price factors, and ways to save. Get transparent, expert-backed estimates for your project.
