"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."
Hydronic and standard electric baseboard heaters differ in how they operate, their cost, and their performance. Standard convection heaters use electric coils to heat the air directly, while hydronic heaters warm a contained liquid like water or oil, which then radiates heat into the room.
In terms of cost and efficiency, hydronic heaters usually have a higher upfront price but are more energy-efficient and cheaper to run over time. This is because the heated liquid retains warmth, allowing the heater to continue providing heat for a while after the thermostat turns it off. In contrast, electric heaters provide heat more quickly but are less efficient.
Ultimately, the better choice depends on your priorities. If you need a room to heat up fast and have a lower initial budget, an electric heater might be suitable. If long-term energy savings are more important and you don't mind a slower heat-up time, a hydronic heater is likely the better option.
An HVAC system typically lasts between 10 and 30 years, with an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years. The longevity of the system is influenced by factors such as the quality of the unit, usage frequency, local climate, and how well it is maintained. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, filter replacements, and professional inspections, can help maximize its lifespan. Different components within the system have varying life expectancies. For example:
Furnaces: 15 to 30 years
Boilers: 20 to 35 years
Air Conditioners (AC units): 12 to 20 years
Heat Pumps: 10 to 20 years
Ductless Mini-Splits: 10 to 30 years
Costs depend on issue severity, parts needed, and labor rates.
If you want a new boiler that’s going to help lower your fuel bills, you should buy one that has a high energy-efficiency rating. For example, a boiler that is rated “A” uses at least 90% of the energy created by the boiler. And in order to enjoy the best performance, it’s important to have it installed properly by a highly-rated tech.
Costs depend on system size, efficiency rating, and additional features like zoning or smart controls.
The Hoven, SD homeowners’ guide to boiler installation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the average electric boiler installation cost, key price factors, and ways to save. Get transparent, expert-backed estimates for your project.
