Most companies who provide home services charge a flat rate called a “diagnostic fee” or “service fee” before they start the actual repair. This fee can be frustrating for some customers because they feel that the technician hasn’t actually done any work towards the repair – they’ve simply diagnosed the problem. These customers believe that the diagnostic fee is just a way for the service company to make more money – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Here’s what you should know about diagnostic fees: A Diagnosis Has Hidden Costs In actuality, most home service companies don’t make

Geothermal systems use the energy that is absorbed by and stored in the earth to heat and cool your home in one of the most energy-efficient ways possible. There are a number things to consider when determining whether or not a geothermal system is right for your home.

Are your heating bills costing you an arm and a leg? An energy-efficient heat pump may be able to save you money on your utility bills — especially if your home heating system is currently powered by a propane or electric furnace or electric baseboard heat. How, you may ask? It all comes down to the most efficient (and effective) way to use the electricity that you buy. First… A short science (and math) lesson. If you have an electric furnace or use electric baseboard heaters, every watt of electricity used generates just over 3 BTUs of heat. In northern