Ductless/Mini-Split AC


Looking for professional advice on installing a ductless/mini-split AC system. Anyone have recommendations for HVAC specialists in this? Anyone you’ve used? Anyone have recommendations for specific systems, and what we should be looking for (ie, what kind of SEER is realistic?)

Thanks!

Categories: A/C
By bkrules | 02/14/2010 3:39 PM | Comment

Radiator Covers’ Impact?


Does anyone know the impact of radiator covers on the effectiveness of old-school cast iron radiators in a hot water system? These are the standard wooden ones with a solid wood top and a metal grating on front.

I like the exposed radiators, the spouse likes them covered. I feel like they’ll heat the room better if they’re uncovered.

Am I right? Is he right? Or does covered vs. uncovered really not amount to a hill of beans, so people should just do what they like best aesthetically?

Thanks.

Categories: Heating
By bkrules | 10/14/2009 1:55 PM | Comment

Curved Bannister


I am desperate–we need a piece of bannister/railing to match our brownstone stairs railing. Specifically, the piece that you see between floors when the railing curves about 180 degrees to continue along the stairway for the floor above.

It doesn’t have to be the old mahogany–even oak would work, we could stain it very dark.

Does anyone know of a place where they sell this? Online, or in the city?

By bkrules | 09/09/2009 7:37 PM | Comment

Skylights?


Just took down a wall and discovered that we’ve got an enormous vent (something like 3′ x 3′) in the roof above our top floor bathroom. Would like to swap out ridiculous metal vent for a skylight–any recommendations as to where to get a skylight that works on a flat brownstone roof?

Thanks!

By bkrules | 08/02/2009 9:49 PM | Comment