Why does my water heater make noise? It’s a common enough question but not specific enough to diagnose a cause. In general, water heaters and all mechanical devices make some noise, although most are quiet. People often question the noises produced when they are strange or out of the ordinary, like hissing, popping, or rumbling sounds. Sometimes, the sounds you hear are harmless, but other times, they can indicate a need for maintenance or cleaning. Discover the most common causes of strange noises from your water heater and when they are cause for concern. Why My Water Heater is Making Noise ..read more

Property owners in New York City must ensure tenants have an adequate hot water supply. This supply depends on the water heater output and size, but how long does a water heater take to heat up the water to begin with? Many factors go into the overall effectiveness of a water heater. Discover what contributes to heating times and how to preserve the supply of hot water for all your tenants. How Long Does a Water Heater Take To Heat Up: 5 Factors Affecting Heating Time 1. Type of Water Heater An average-size residential water heater takes between 30 and 80 minutes to heat up, depending on its f ..read more

Landlords must ensure all tenants can access hot water 24 hours a day. In some older properties, especially those retrofitted into apartments or multi-family properties, the existing hot water system may not be adequate. To ensure continuity in the hot water supply, you, as the landlord or property owner, are responsible for upgrading the system. That can bring up questions like what size water heater do I need? Determining the size of a water heater is no simple task; you must know the ins and outs of your building, tenant habits, and specifics about your existing water supply. Discover the f ..read more

With nearly 80% of apartments in New York City still using steam heat, boilers are vital equipment for many properties. A boiler is a vessel that heats a fluid, usually water, to produce steam or heat for a property. It connects to a series of pipes that transport the steam or heated liquid through the building, with radiators, convectors, and underfloor systems dispersing the heat. How does a boiler work to produce enough heat throughout your building? How can you ensure the system lasts its expected lifespan of 20-30 years? Discover everything to know about your boiler’s composition and oper ..read more

Property owners in New York City must remain knowledgeable about building codes and local laws to avoid safety concerns and violations. Every year sees changes to rules and regulations, making it challenging to stay informed. NYC Local Law 152 is one example of an evolving law. Passed in 2016 by the New York City Council, Local Law 152 establishes an inspection schedule for gas piping systems to reduce the risk of leaks and pipeline explosions. Discover the current provisions of the law as of January 1, 2024, and how you can ensure your property complies with this ordinance. P.S. Want to be su ..read more

Many properties in New York City use steam heat and steam boilers. Steam systems are efficient and work well when maintained properly. The system heats the feedwater, causing it to transform into steam. Once it reaches the steam phase, the pressure and pumps propel the steam through the pipes to the radiators. The steam cools, condenses, and then cycles back to the boiler for reheating. The system’s efficiency and functionality depend on piping and radiator angles. A back-pitched pipe is the centerpiece of the circular and somewhat regenerative system. Learn more about pipe pitch and why it is ..read more

From showers to cooking and cleaning, hot water is essential for many aspects of daily life, which means a water heater is, too. The devices are not overly complex, but that doesn’t mean they are rudimentary or something for a novice to practice DIY projects on. Water heaters contain several technical components and interact with either electricity or gas, so when something goes wrong, it can go very wrong quickly. Is a leaking water heater dangerous? It can be, so you should always leave repairs to the professionals. Discover the dangers of leaking water heaters, the causes and warning signs ..read more

Most New York City property owners know about the heating season from October 1 through May 31. During these eight months, buildings must maintain an indoor temperature of at least 62°F from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., regardless of outdoor temperatures. Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., property owners must ensure interior temperatures are at least 68°F when exterior temps are below 55°F. Modern smart thermostats can make it easier to adjust the temperature settings than older manual options, but they are not ideal for every system. To find and manage energy-efficient thermostat settings, you must first sel ..read more

Steam heat is integral to the heating season in New York City. Nearly 80% of apartment buildings in the city use steam boilers fired by natural gas or oil. Hot water boilers account for many of the remaining heating systems. These systems are capable, but they can face challenges that affect their efficacy in the winter months. As a building owner, understanding threats to your boiler is crucial to keeping your property habitable and complaint-free. Discover your boiler’s winter vulnerabilities and how regular boiler maintenance can prevent future issues. Boiler Maintenance To Prevent These 4 ..read more

New York City experiences frigid temperatures in the winter. On average, the city experiences lows of 25°F and highs of 40°F. The city’s heating season begins in October and doesn’t end until May. A lack of heat is the most common complaint by NYC tenants, but heat-associated noise is also up there. Noise often stems from trapped air in radiators, but not always. Sometimes sounds can signal other issues that threaten system efficiency. Discover the most common causes of a noisy radiator and how to correct it. Noisy Radiator: Common Causes and Solutions Trapped Air Air is the most common culpri ..read more