Boilers & Radiators
Why Steam Radiators Bang and How to Quiet Them
Banging steam pipes usually come down to trapped water, high pressure or failed vents. Here is what causes the noise and what fixes it.
Read the noteComfort Notes
Comfort Notes for Providence homes
Plain explanations of the heating and cooling systems in Rhode Island houses, written by Ansel Brigham, our comfort notes editor, with input from the technicians who do the work.
In these notes
- Notes
- 12
- Topics
- Boilers, steam, heat pumps, AC, air quality, planning
- Questions?
- (401) 598-2964
All 12 notes
Boilers & Radiators
What Your Boiler Pressure Gauge Is Telling You
A hot-water boiler gauge shows pressure and temperature. Here is what normal looks like, and what high or low readings usually mean.
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Planning & Upgrades
Heating a Providence Triple-Decker, Floor by Floor
Triple-deckers have their own heating quirks. Separate systems, shared boilers and top-floor heat all call for a plan.
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Heat Pumps
Do Heat Pumps Work in a Rhode Island Winter?
Cold-climate heat pumps keep heating well below freezing. Here is how they handle Rhode Island winters and when backup heat matters.
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Planning & Upgrades
A Staged Plan for Moving Off Oil Heat
You do not have to rip out an oil boiler to cut oil use. A staged plan adds heat pumps first and retires oil when it makes sense.
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Boilers & Radiators
Repair or Replace an Aging Boiler: How to Decide
Age alone does not decide it. Here is how to weigh repair costs, safety, efficiency and parts against a new boiler.
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Air Conditioning
Central Air in an Old House Without Tearing Open Walls
Homes with radiators and plaster walls can still get central air. Small-duct and ductless systems are the two main routes.
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Furnaces
Why a Furnace Short Cycles
A furnace that turns on and off every few minutes wastes fuel and wears out parts. These are the common causes.
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Air Quality
Summer Humidity: Why the House Feels Clammy
A cool house that still feels sticky has a humidity problem, not just a temperature problem. Here is why and what helps.
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Heat Pumps
Keeping a Ductless Mini-Split Clean Between Visits
Rinse the filters, watch for spots on the vanes and keep the outdoor unit clear. Simple habits that keep ductless units fresh.
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Emergencies
What to Do When the Heat Goes Out on a Freezing Night
Simple checks, safety steps and ways to protect pipes while you wait for a technician on a cold night.
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Planning & Upgrades
Why We Size From a Heat-Loss Count, Not Square Feet
Two houses the same size can need very different heating systems. A room-by-room heat-loss count is how we get it right.
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