Heating Issues


Hi all,

I have a question about my heating system. In the past couple of weeks or so, I’ve noticed that my gas heat randomly turns on and off despite my thermostat settings.

For example, last night it went on when my apartment was approaching 70 degrees and the thermostat was set at 50 or below. It’s hard to hear it turn on, but I heard some bubbling and the radiators were warm to the touch and emitting heat.

What could be causing this? I have a very new boiler but an old thermostat. Do I need a new thermostat, or could it be a problem with the boiler and/or its connections to the radiators?

Also, any recommendations for a type of thermostat (and a good contractor to install it) if I were to get a new one?

Thanks for any help!!
-C

Categories: Heating
By collin85 | 11/20/2009 10:13 AM | Comment

Gas Heat — Random Start/Stop


Hi all,

I have a question about my heating system. In the past couple of weeks or so, I’ve noticed that my gas heat randomly turns on and off despite my thermostat settings.

For example, last night it went on when my apartment was approaching 70 degrees and the thermostat was set at 50 or below. It’s hard to hear it turn on, but I heard some bubbling and the radiators were warm to the touch and emitting heat. It didn’t get below 50-55 or so yesterday, so there’s no reason it should’ve turned on at all.

What could be causing this? I have a very new boiler but an old thermostat. Do I need a new thermostat, or could it be a problem with the boiler and/or its connections to the radiators?

Thanks for any help!!
-C

Categories: Heating
By collin85 | 11/20/2009 9:57 AM | Comment

Removing Paint Mist from Window?


Hello,

A few months ago, my co-op’s ironwork was touched up and repainted, a process that included the security grating outside of my windows. Unfortunately, after thoroughly cleaning my windows the other day I’ve realized that there is a good deal of paint mist / residue on the window leftover from the job.

The ironwork people are obviously long gone and I’m assuming that talking to them would be futile, so does anyone have a recommendation as to how I might be able to remove the paint? I sincerely doubt that a razor would do the trick, since it is a fine mist rather than actual gobs of spilled paint.

Thanks for any help!

Categories: Windows
By collin85 | 07/20/2009 11:07 AM | Comment

Built-In Shelving?


So, I’m looking to install some built-in shelving between a decorative fireplace and a window wall. Could anyone recommend a carpenter or handyman who would do this sort of job? (I don’t trust myself to do it right) Also, if anyone has had this done and knows what I should expect cost-wise, I’d definitely appreciate any insights.

Thanks!
C

By collin85 | 06/04/2009 11:46 AM | Comment

Fan Safety?


So, this might be a stupid question, but I was wondering if it’s normal for a ceiling fan to wobble back and forth a bit while spinning (and also seems a bit ‘loose’ when I pull the starter). It came installed in the apartment I bought, so I’m hoping I don’t have to get it checked out / replaced. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
C

Categories: Appliances
By collin85 | 05/01/2009 3:18 PM | Comment

Water Heater – price, recs, etc?


Hi all,

My current boiler provides both heat and hot water to my studio apartment, but I am considering getting a seperate water boiler installed so that I can turn off the boiler responsible for heat for most of the year. Since I rarely use heat, this could save me hundreds of dollars annually, given that the price of maintaining the boiler at 160+ degrees seems astronomical when compared to the what I actually use.

So, does anyone have any recommendations for types of water heaters, contractors who would install it, etc? Also, doesn’t National Grid offer a credit for doing such projects?

Thanks everyone.

Categories: Heating
By collin85 | 04/09/2009 3:21 PM | Comment

Window Cleaners?


Looking for recommendations for a Brooklyn window cleaner. I only need two windows cleaned, both on the first floor with security grating. I’d do it myself normally, but there is some spillage on one of the windows due to recent ironwork re-painting.

Can anyone point me to somebody who charges reasonable rates? Also, do you think this is something I’d have to run by my co-op board?

Thanks all!

Categories: Windows
By collin85 | 04/07/2009 9:03 AM | Comment

National Grid Bill?


So, I’m extremely confused about my recent gas bill from National Grid (use Con-Ed for electric). For this past 33 day period, I was charged $80 for 37 therms. I barely used my heat that entire time (read: once or twice), so presumably hot water and cooking gas should be the only charges, and $80 seems extremely high for that…plus, I didn’t use my oven – only the burners.

Does anyone else have experience with odd National Grid bills, or have any ideas as to why it’s so high? This is only my third month dealing with them, and so far they have been supremely unhelpful over the phone.

I appreciate any advice!

-C

PS – I don’t know my type of boiler per se, but it is small-ish with an electric control panel.

Categories: Utilities
By collin85 | 03/27/2009 9:13 AM | Comment

Good Buy? (Prospect Heights)


Hi all,

I’ve never posted here before, but I’m interested in getting everyone’s feedback on my recent co-op purchase. It’s a studio in Prospect Heights on Underhill Ave (north of Sterling but south of Bergen), probably about 350 sq feet. It was listed at 400, but I have my doubts about that number. Purchase price was $185,000 in December.

A few things to note:
-Has an eat-in kitchen (read: kitchen is a room seperated from the rest of the studio by a hallway)
-Gated common garden / recreation area (plot is about the size of a building or two)
-Prewar building with decorative fireplace (including ornate ironwork covering)
-Installed a murphy bed b/c of space limitations

I fell in love with the place and am very comfortable there, but I’d nevertheless be interested in people’s opinion as to its value in relation to the neighborhood / Brooklyn market / etc.

So, good buy or bad buy?

By collin85 | 03/24/2009 3:05 PM | Comment