Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The heating season is upon us and every year we are asked similar questions by our customers. These are just a few. If your question is not answered here please feel free to call, e-mail, or stop by and we will be happy to help you.

Q. How can I save on fuel?

A. There are many ways. The first and most important is to eliminate all drafts in the home. If you have a drafty window it will suck all the heat out of the house and cost more in heating than any other condition. For more ways please contact us for a phone survey of your needs.

Q. Should I switch from oil to gas or from gas to oil?

A. Many people have switched and they will all tell you that they saved on their fuel bills. However, the reason they saved was not the switching of fuel but the updating of equipment. If you have an old oil boiler chances are you will save fuel by putting in a new boiler either gas or oil. We recommend staying with your existing fuel source. There are certain costs involved with converting that offer no return on investment. The fuel savings obtained by updating your boiler are the same regardless of the fuel source. Before you do anything first get an efficiency rating on your existing equipment to determine if it really pays to update. Contact us to find out how.

Q. I have a steam heating system and one room is always cold and another is always hot. What can I do?

A. There is a product on the market called a thermostatic radiator valve. This unit is easily installed in place of the air vent and allows you to set each room to the desired temperature. This has two great advantages. First you get a more comfortable heating system in every room and second you save on fuel.

Q. I have a hot water heating system and every year I have to bleed the vents or the pipes have a benging noise or my baseboard doesn't get hot. What can I do?

A. This is the most common problem with hot water. When fresh water is introduced into the heating system it contains air. This air wreaks havoc with your heating system and must be eliminated. The conventional way to do this is by bleeding your radiators. The new and improved way is by installing a device known as a Spiro Vent. This eliminates the air as it is being introduced to the heating system thus eliminating th need to bleed forever.

Q. My water heater is old. Should I buy a new one?

A. If it ain't broke don't fix it. That is the general rule. However, many people are concerned that their heater is going to burst and create a flood in their newly finished basement. This rarely happens. If you would like recommendations on how to extend the life of your water heater please feel free to contact us.

Family owned and operated for three generations by The Bieder Family, Westchester Square Plumbing Supply has been serving The Bronx for more than seventy years.

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