Whether it happens in the middle of the night or the middle of dinner, the shrill sound of the alarm going off on your carbon monoxide detector is terrifying. You likely know how deadly this gas is. The fact that it’s also undetectable by smell or sight makes it even more dangerous. Further, exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can result in acute symptoms in a matter of minutes, so your reaction time when you hear the alarm is absolutely crucial. However, in order to act properly and avoid serious effects, you need to know exactly what to do when your detector goes off.

Does your home use a sidewall vent to funnel the exhaust and fumes from your furnace to the outside of your house? Do you ever give much thought to this vent? Most homeowners don't, but keeping your sidewall vent and meter free from obstruction, especially during the winter, is an important part of making your home safe and secure.

Many homeowners throughout the U.S. face water restrictions. You may think that only states with very dry temperatures would set restrictions, but even states like Massachusetts have enacted water limitations. Using WaterSense showerheads throughout your home is one step you can take to lessen the burden on the region's water supply, conserve natural resources and save on utility costs.

Are you considering an investment in a geothermal heating system? The deciding factor for installing a geothermal heat pump may depend largely on its initial cost.

Homeowners in the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts depend on reliable performance from their home-comfort systems season after season. When you need maintenance service or installation, or you just need to speak to an HVAC expert for advice, look for an HVAC technician with the NATE logo on his or her uniform.

Nasty air from your garage may find its way into your home by a variety of means.

Scheduling an annual furnace tune-up ensures that your furnace will be ready to combat the chill that settles in the Massachusetts area every winter -- and hangs around for several months. Homeowners can participate in preparing for and enduring winter weather by checking and changing the furnace filter.

"Batts" in the attic shouldn't startle you. In fact, installing insulation batts in your attic should generally lower your utility bills. Use this guide to assess your insulation needs, and to prepare the proper tools and attire to venture up into the attic.

How ready is your aging furnace for wintry conditions? Replacing your furnace with a premium model offers improved home comfort and lower energy bills.

Here in the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts, many local homeowners share a common home comfort hurdle. Often, seemingly unrelated HVAC problems stem from this one important issue: poor planning when designing a duct system.