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Winters Home Services Encourages Homeowners to Consider Water Heater Replacement Prior to Design Changes

Winters Home Services, an award-winning provider of plumbing, heating and cooling services to the greater Boston area, alerts consumers of new energy efficiency mandates on residential water heaters, which will ultimately affect the size and cost of these new systems.

Essentially residential gas, electric, and oil fired water heaters (that are sold in the U.S. market) manufactured after April 2015 must conform to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) new energy efficient standards.

“The DOE, which is looking to further improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, has set a new mandatory standard,” explained Tim Flynn, owner of Winters Home Services.

The new manufacturing standards create a number of challenges for homeowners:

Space constraints – The newly manufactured water heaters are not going to be the same dimensions as the current standard water heaters, but may be a couple of inches wider and/or taller. This is due to the extra insulation that will be required in order to make the unit even more energy efficient. In addition, some of the venting may be larger. Installation of a new water heater may create challenges for some homeowners who have space constraints, such as a small water heater closet.

More expensive – New design configuration and additional materials used during manufacturing (in particular, insulation) to make the units more energy efficient will ultimately drive up the cost of new water heaters.

Electronic ignition – It is anticipated that the new gas water heater models will require electronic ignition. That means that a homeowner who currently has a standing pilot, will have to hire an electrician to install an electrical outlet when they replace their water heater with one of new models.

“Homeowners need to be aware of these changes. Water heaters cost approximately $1800-2200, but will essentially double in cost and take up more space as well as require homeowners to put in a new electrical outlet,” explained Flynn.

This is a significant economical issue for consumers. Typically, the life span of a water heater is seven to 10 years. Consumers should be prepared and consider replacing an older water heater now, prior to the changes in water heater design.

Replacing an oil fueled hot water heater? Be sure to check MassSave.com for residential rebates. For Winters’ complete step-by-step on maintaining a water heater, visit http://wintershomeservices.com/extend-life-hot-water-heater/. To schedule a water heater consultation, visit www.wintershomeservices.com.

About Winters Home Services 

Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, and home monitoring services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. Tim Flynn, owner, was recently named a Boston Power Player, helping Boston residents meet their real estate goals. Flynn has shared plumbing, HVAC and home monitoring tips on New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) Radio, Boston.com Real Estate Talk Boston and WPLM-FM 99.1. For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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Winters Home Services Sponsors Arlington Elks Golf Tournament

Winters Home Services, an award-winning provider of plumbing, heating and cooling services to the greater Boston area, is sponsoring the Arlington Elks Rally for the Cure® 8th Annual Member Guest Golf Tournament on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Wayland Country Club in Wayland, MA. The tournament raises funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Winters Home Services is committed to making an impact in the fight against breast cancer and is showing their support through sponsorship and participation in the Arlington Elks Rally for the Cure event. Tim Flynn, owner will be playing on a team. Leah Schanda, Winters’ office manager serves as Rally Ambassador for the Arlington Elks.

“Rally for the Cure is an important cause that we feel strongly about as it raises awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection,” explained Flynn.

About the Arlington Elks

The Elks is a fraternal order with nearly a million members, a 141-year history and a network of more than 2000 lodges in communities all over the country. To learn more about Arlington Elks Lodge 1435, visit http://arlingtonelks.com.

About Winters Home Services


Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, and home monitoring services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. Tim Flynn, owner, was recently named a Boston Power Player, helping Boston residents meet their real estate goals. Flynn has shared plumbing, HVAC and home monitoring tips on New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) Radio, Boston.com Real Estate Talk Boston and WPLM-FM 99.1. For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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Winters Home Services Offers Homeowners Helpful Plumbing Tips to Save Water & Money

Tim Flynn, Winters Home Services
Tim Flynn, Winters Home Services

An average household of four uses about 400 gallons of water per day. From showers and toilets to washing machines, dishwashers and more, that’s a lot of water. But, if you have a leak or have to wait for your water to heat up, you may be using many more gallons and paying dearly for them on your water bill.

Winters Home Services, an award-winning provider of plumbing, heating, cooling, and drain services to residents throughout the greater Boston area, offers helpful plumbing tips to save water and money:

Repair leaks promptly – If you have a leaky faucet, toilet or pipe in your home, fix it immediately before it becomes a much bigger and more expensive problem. Even if it’s a slow leak, such as a dripping faucet, it can account for more than 10 percent of your water usage.

If you don’t know if you have a leak, your water meter readings can provide the clue. When water is not in use, check the meter twice in a two-hour time span. If the readings change, then there is a leak somewhere in your home.

If you can’t determine the source of the leak but your meter readings indicate you definitely have one, call in a professional plumber. You may have a leaky pipe behind a wall, and if left alone, will cause extensive damage that ruins the drywall, deteriorates the framing over time and causes mold growth. A leaky pipe is also an early sign of a burst pipe, which will result in greater damage to your home.

Stop a running toilet – A running toilet can cost you hundreds of dollars and is a major contribution to a costly water bill. It is generally the result of broken internal parts. It could be that a simple repair on the valves is needed, or there could be a larger issue.

“Many people think that showering or doing laundry uses the most water, but actually, the toilet accounts for the largest use of water in a home. If you have a leaky or running toilet, your water bill can skyrocket,” explained Tim Flynn, owner. “If you hear the toilet running or it flushes slowly or overflows often, get it checked out right away. Clogged drains waste water as well and can become a major problem.”

Waiting for hot water – If you turn on the sink or shower and wait anywhere from 30 seconds to over a minute for the water to heat up, precious gallons of clean water go down the drain. You are paying for that water to get hot while it runs. Consider replacing your traditional storage water heater with a Tankless Water Heater or installing a Hot Water Recirculating System. Recirculation pumps will get the water to the faucet faster and keep it hot in the line longer. They usually cost approximately $1000, which can be recouped in about two and a half years. Either system will ensure immediate delivery of hot water when you need it and provide significant water savings.

Winters Home Services shares plumbing tips in a number of videos on their website. Learn more about fixing a leaky faucet, testing your toilet for leaks and more by viewing Winters’ videos at www.wintershomeservices.com/videos.php.

Homeowners in need of professional plumbing and drain repair/service, call 866-482-7586.

About Winters Home Services


Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, and home monitoring services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. Tim Flynn, owner, was recently named a Boston Power Player, helping Boston residents meet their real estate goals. Flynn has shared plumbing, HVAC and home monitoring tips on New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) Radio, Boston.com Real Estate Talk Boston and WPLM-FM 99.1. For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit www.wintershomeservices.com.

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Winters Home Services Supports Billy Falasca Scholarship Foundation

DSC06078 small
The Winters Team

Winters Home Services of Cambridge, an award-winning provider of plumbing, heating, cooling and drain cleaning services to the greater Boston area, has become a contributor to the Billy Falasca Scholarship Foundation.

The Billy Falasca Scholarship, established by the Falasca Family and Friends with support from Winters Home Services, recognizes young people who have demonstrated a spirit of volunteerism to children with disabilities.

The Medford Invitational Tournament, Inc. (MIT), is awarding two Billy Falasca Scholarships in memory of William “Billy” Falasca, who was a member of MIT’s Board of Directors and founder of MIT’s Challenger Day. The Challenger Division of Little League Baseball is a unique part of the organization that provides children with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. On Challenger Day, over seventy Challenger Athletes and their families are invited to take part in a unique Little League championship experience.

Billy Falasca Scholarship Criteria

To meet the scholarship’s criteria, a candidate must be a resident of Medford or Malden; must be a graduating high school student advancing his/her education in college, the trades, or military service; must demonstrate a “Spirit of Volunteerism” that involves children with mental and physical disabilities; and must submit a complete application to the scholarship selection committee by June 30, 2015.

Two, $1000 Billy Falasca Scholarships will be awarded at MIT’s Ninth Annual Challenger Day on August 9, 2015 at the home of Malden Challenger Baseball, Bruce Field.

To learn more about the Billy Falasca Scholarship and to submit a scholarship application, visit www.mitbaseball.com.

About Winters Home Services

Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, and home monitoring services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. Tim Flynn, Winter’s owner, was recently named a Boston Power Player, helping Boston residents meet their real estate goals. Flynn has shared plumbing, HVAC and home monitoring tips on New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) Radio, Boston.com Real Estate Talk Boston and WPLM-FM 99.1. For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

 

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Winters Home Services of Cambridge Hires New Technician

Brian Falasca
Brian Falasca

Winters Home Services, an award-winning provider of plumbing, heating, cooling, and drain cleaning services, based in Cambridge, MA, has recently appointed Brian Falasca, a Journeyman plumber, as a Technician.

In his new position, Mr. Falasca will work with Winters’ master plumbers in serving the plumbing and heating needs of residents throughout the greater Boston area.

Mr. Falasca graduated with high honors and a plumbing degree from Minuteman Career and Technical High School in Lexington, MA. Mr. Falasca’s leadership ability served him well during high school, where as captain of the hockey and golf teams, he led them to all conference and state tournament victories. Following high school, he immediately became a licensed plumbing apprentice and several years later, a Journeyman plumber.

Encouraged by his father who was a gas technician for National Grid for 25 years, Mr. Falasca continued his education in gas and heating at the Peterson School of Woburn, MA.

“Brian has superior technical and leadership skills along with a very good work ethic. He excels at providing the highest level of customer service and is a great fit for our team,” noted Tim Flynn, owner of Winters Home Services.

Mr. Falasca resides in Medford, MA. He is a part of the Challenger Baseball Division in Medford, and helps the organization host events. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.

About Winters Home Services

Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, and home monitoring services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. Tim Flynn, Winter’s owner, was recently named a Boston Power Player, helping Boston residents meet their real estate goals. Flynn has shared plumbing, HVAC and home monitoring tips on New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ) Radio, Boston.com Real Estate Talk Boston and WPLM-FM 99.1. For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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Winters Home Services Offers Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

DSC06078 smallMay is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and Winters Home Services, providers of plumbing, heating, cooling and air quality services to residents throughout the greater Boston area, offers tips for improving air quality in the home.

According to the American Lung Association, an estimated 40 million people in the nation are affected by allergies, and asthma is the leading chronic illness among children.

Tim Flynn, owner of Winters Home Services explained, “Indoor air quality is crucial because we spend the majority of time indoors, where we are repeatedly exposed to indoor air pollutants. Indoor irritants can trigger an allergic or asthmatic reaction.”

To improve the home’s air quality for individuals with asthma and allergies, it’s important to reduce irritants such as dust and dust mites, mold, pollen, smoke, pet hair and other pollutants.

Air cleaners or purifiers can help reduce pollutants. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to remove 99.97 percent of all airborne pollutants, which includes pollen and dust. Installing an ultra-high efficiency air purifier such as IQAir, one of the highest rated air purifying systems in the U.S. and available through Winters Home Services, can significantly improve air quality.

Water leaks and high humidity can lead to mold growth. Check for, and repair any plumbing leaks promptly. Keep homes dry by using dehumidifiers.

Minimize dust and dirt tracked in from the outdoors by removing shoes at the door to your home. Reduce irritants that settle on your home’s surfaces by cleaning these surfaces weekly with a damp cloth and using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Replace air filters and ensure routine maintenance and repair of air conditioning units.

The fireplace can be a major source of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants. Make sure to have the flue and chimney inspected annually for exhaust back drafting, flue obstructions or cracks, excess creosote or other damage.

Forego the fragrance aerosols and other synthetic fragrances, which can emit various chemicals into the air.

“Improving a home’s indoor air quality can reduce the exposure to allergens and pollutants, which is key in the management of asthma and allergies,” explained Flynn.

Take steps towards better air quality in the home. Have your plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems inspected annually and consider installing an air purifier. Contact Winters Home Services at 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

About Winters Home Services

Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, drain cleaning and air quality services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians.  Dedicated to supporting the community, Winters is a sponsor of the Duckling Day Parade annual Mother’s Day event and a partner of the Friends of the Public Garden, a non-profit organization that works to protect and improve Boston’s first public parks: the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The company is an ongoing supporter of events at Club Café.

For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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Tim Flynn of Winters Home Services Becomes Boston Power Player

Tim Flynn and the Winters team
Tim Flynn and the Winters team

Tim Flynn, Master Plumber and owner of Winters Home Services, an award-winning provider of plumbing, heating, cooling, and home monitoring services to residents throughout the greater Boston area, has become a Boston Power Player expert contributor.

As a Boston Power Player, Flynn joins the ranks of fellow business professionals in helping Boston residents meet their real estate goals.

With 20 years in the business and 60,000 happy customers, Flynn helps home sellers (and buyers) maneuver the complex heating, cooling and plumbing issues that can arise in a home’s sale or purchase. Flynn’s company also provides state-of-the-art CarePlus Home Monitoring, which enables homeowners to monitor and access their home’s most important systems – from water sensors and home energy meters, carbon monoxide detectors and thermostats to lights, door locks and more – through any Smart device. Essentially, Winters Home Monitoring provides home automation and monitoring to ensure the optimal operation and safety of home systems and the maximum in energy savings, backed by “first-in-line” service and accountability that only a local company can provide.

“A house is one of the largest investments we make. Buyers are looking for homes with energy efficient systems that are in tip-top shape and sellers are aware of this.  But equally as important, and a tremendous selling point, is home monitoring technology, which provides significant value and should be incorporated,” explained Tim Flynn, owner of Winters Home Services. “Homeowners are looking for safety and greater peace of mind, which is exactly what home monitoring provides.”

Flynn discusses Home Monitoring with Chris Devin of Real Estate Talk-Boston on Boston.com, in a video entitled “The Ultimate 21st Century Solution To Leaving Your Home in the Winter”. The video is an overview of Winters Home Monitoring technology and service program that keeps homeowners and their families safe while providing peace of mind. Click link to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIwS_IR-028

To learn more about Tim Flynn and Winters Home Services, visit wintershomeservices.com.

About Winters Home Services

Founded in 1994, Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, and home monitoring services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians.  Dedicated to supporting the community, Winters is a sponsor of the Duckling Day Parade annual Mother’s Day event and a partner of the Friends of the Public Garden, a non-profit organization that works to protect and improve Boston’s first public parks: the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The company is an ongoing supporter of events at Club Café.

For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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Winters Plumbing Pros Offer Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing

wintersVans1With artic temperatures and extremely low wind chill this week, Winters Home Services, an award-winning provider of plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality services to residents throughout the greater Boston area, shares tips on how to prevent pipes from freezing.

“Pipes get cold, and they need warmth just like we do. Homeowners should properly insulate them and take steps to avoid pricy disasters,” explained Tim Flynn, owner of Winters Home Services.

Here are a few tips from the Winters plumbing pros:

The pipes under the kitchen and bathroom cabinets are usually not insulated, but those areas are considered “cold space”. Be sure to open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. (Remove any hazardous household cleaners when leaving doors open, so children and pets do not have access to them.)

Turn on your water taps in the kitchen and bathrooms to a slow drip/trickle, as this prevents the pipes from freezing.

At night, leave your thermostat set at the same daytime temperature.

The basement, attic and garage are unheated areas where water supply lines may be located. These pipes need to be insulated in order to prevent them from freezing. There are specific products that may be found at most home improvement stores such UL-listed “heat tape” or a “pipe sleeve” which may be used to protect exposed water pipes. In a pinch, you can also use layers of newspaper to wrap the exposed pipes to protect them during freezing temperatures until you can properly insulate them.

“By taking these measures to prevent your pipes from freezing, your water and heating bills may be slightly higher this month, but you’ll have avoided a very costly repair job due to frozen or burst pipes,” noted Flynn.

If your pipes do freeze, you can safely treat them by applying heat to a section of pipe using a hair dryer on the pipe or by wrapping an electric heating pad around the pipe. Or, instead wrap towels soaked in hot water around the pipe. Turn the tap on while you apply the heat, so as the water starts to flow, it will further help melt the ice in the pipe. Never use any sort of open flame or open flame device to defrost the pipes.

If you need guidance or service for frozen pipes, contact the Winters team at 617-776-5950.

About Winters Home Services

Founded in 1994, Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, drain cleaning and air quality services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians.  Dedicated to supporting the community, Winters is a sponsor of the Duckling Day Parade annual Mother’s Day event and a partner of the Friends of the Public Garden, a non-profit organization that works to protect and improve Boston’s first public parks: the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The company is an ongoing supporter of events at Club Café. For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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Winters Home Services Appoints Molly Chen as Marketing Coordinator

Molly Chen
Molly Chen

Winters Home Services, one of the largest providers of plumbing, heating, cooling and air quality services to residents throughout the greater Boston area, has recently appointed Molly Chen as Marketing Coordinator.

In her new role, Ms. Chen will coordinate all marketing efforts and oversee administrative staff and vendors. She will be primarily responsible for marketing and advertising campaign development, budgeting, sales forecasting, data research and compilation.

Ms. Chen is a 2013 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Prior to joining Winters Home Services, Ms. Chen was employed as an Administrative Assistant at Comark, LLC of Medfield.

She has served as an advertising intern for The Marble Collection in Lakeville as well as a viral marketing intern at Arts Promo in Shutesbury. Prior to that, Ms. Chen was a Customers Service Representative at UMass Amherst Financial Aid Services for four years.

“Molly will direct our marketing efforts and ensure they support our mission. Molly’s knowledge, attention to detail and ability to coordinate a number of projects simultaneously make her a great fit for our team,” Tim Flynn, president of Winters Home Services.

About Winters Home Services

Founded in 1994, Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, drain cleaning and air quality services. Offering 24-hour emergency services and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with 20 trucks on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. For more information, call (617) 776-5950 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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