Search found 2418 matches

by wilked
Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
Replies: 59
Views: 4025

Re: Another 'should I get solar' question

madbrain wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:48 pm
wilked wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:42 pm Looks like a win if you are there 7+ years.

Don't forget to 'size up' for an electric car, even if you don't think you'll get one I'd size up for one
You can use micro inverters and basically add any capacity you want over time. I did 3 separate solar installs in 14 years.
With string inverters, there is less flexibility.
If there is shading, micro inverters make a lot of sense.
Is this true?

I understand the micro inverters, but ultimately everything comes to a common A/C bus, yes? And the size of the A/C bus determines max size of the array?
by wilked
Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
Replies: 59
Views: 4025

Re: Another 'should I get solar' question

Looks like a win if you are there 7+ years.

Don't forget to 'size up' for an electric car, even if you don't think you'll get one I'd size up for one
by wilked
Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
Replies: 59
Views: 4025

Re: Another 'should I get solar' question

Just as an example, my house has the pin on it. It *screams* 'get solar!' If you had one of the orangish houses, harder call

Image
by wilked
Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
Replies: 59
Views: 4025

Re: Another 'should I get solar' question

Have you used Google Sunroof?

https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/

It's a good way to visualize your sun exposure

With your numbers I would say yes, but would do cash. It has a quick payback - no need to finance
by wilked
Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please critique my portfolio
Replies: 3
Views: 334

Re: Please critique my portfolio

nomorework wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:00 pm
wilked wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:43 pmany kids?

Ahh.. yes.

Both out on their own with 4 year degrees.
Impressive at 45!

With the kids out and on their own you're in fantastic shape.

To your question on if you should slow saving.... I'd say revisit the question when you cross $1MM in investments.

You asked if $85K is reasonable for retirement....only you can say though. You'd need to rough up your budget. Search within this forum for others' budgets and you can modify. For instance, we have no idea if you prefer to eat out every night or eat out only once per month (or of course, somewhere in the middle). Maybe you want to retire in Hawaii, at which point $85K / year might not cut it. Etc.
by wilked
Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please critique my portfolio
Replies: 3
Views: 334

Re: Please critique my portfolio

any kids?
by wilked
Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to fix sewer back up?
Replies: 28
Views: 1652

Re: How to fix sewer back up?

Have you had the sewer line scoped? That is step #1
by wilked
Mon Mar 18, 2024 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another 'should I get solar' question
Replies: 59
Views: 4025

Re: Another 'should I get solar' question

It looks like from other posts you are in Connecticut.

Their program is here https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/conne ... nt-program

From what I read, it's basically net metering...
by wilked
Mon Mar 18, 2024 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: navigation system for car
Replies: 51
Views: 2179

Re: navigation system for car

I looked on ebay - tons of replacement for the Lexus dash for $100-200
by wilked
Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?
Replies: 23
Views: 1714

Re: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?

psteinx wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:11 am
Crimsonandclover wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:02 am Recommend #3.
Do a search for “floor mounted electrical raceway”.
Yeah, "raceway" seems to be the right term for this.

I could presumably order over the internet, but if I wanted to see/buy it in person, is it typically available at an electric supply specialty store, or what?

Ideally, I'd have the ability to put a 90 degree bend in it at one point (corner piece).
I would use the wall raceway to add a wall outlet in the right place (or just add an outlet through the wall), then do a straight shot via raceway. In other words, try and avoid the 90 - that is much less common and unclear if it's available.
by wilked
Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?
Replies: 23
Views: 1714

Re: Electric wiring along/through basement floor slab?

Crimsonandclover wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:02 am Recommend #3.
Do a search for “floor mounted electrical raceway”.
This would be a cost effective solution that I would try, before going to the best/ most effective (and costly) solution which involves jack hammering the slab.
Besides, if you ever change furniture arrangement in the basement you got this receptacle stuck in the middle of the floor. I just abandoned/covered up a receptacle in my living room so that there were more options for furniture arrangement.
Agreed.

https://www.amazon.com/Legrand-Wiremold ... B0006VAWFG

This is pretty cheap and would serve you well. Pair it with an appropriate thin extension cord that is rated for your needs
by wilked
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3-Way (3-pole?) Dimmer Switch Install
Replies: 11
Views: 1335

Re: 3-Way (3-pole?) Dimmer Switch Install

spacemanspif wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:04 am
Don't do any work in boxes without a NCVT. They are $20 and are an absolute must before you touch any wires.
This is sage advice. One of the best 10-20 dollar tools I have ever purchased. A must for any DIYer that does any electrical work.
I'd expand this to say a must for anyone doing electrical work, not just DIY. My FIL is a retired master electrician and taught me clearly - on/off/on before working in any box (first test a known live wire to ensure the tester is working, then test the wires you are working on to ensure they are dead, then test the known live wire once more to ensure the tester didn't stop working in the middle).
by wilked
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3-Way (3-pole?) Dimmer Switch Install
Replies: 11
Views: 1335

Re: 3-Way (3-pole?) Dimmer Switch Install

Don't do any work in boxes without a NCVT. They are $20 and are an absolute must before you touch any wires.

In multigang boxes like these with new tech like these dimmers, space gets tight. If you are not experienced in electrician work you can get yourself in trouble. This may be a case where hiring a pro is worth it. Once you get your NCVT, pull the finish covers off and take a look inside, potentially pull existing switches out. Once you see how busy the boxes are you can make your call on whether to tackle the project
by wilked
Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Giving (unequal) money to adult children
Replies: 90
Views: 8258

Re: Giving (unequal) money to adult children

toddthebod wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:03 am
TN_Boy wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:59 am
toddthebod wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:41 am It's your money to do with as you please. Besides, your other children shouldn't even know about the gifts you've made.
Well, until maybe they find out later and are not pleased with mom "punishing good behavior" by only helping the one in trouble and not the responsible ones. Whether that is a reasonable view or not is a different question and obviously purely a relationship issue.

But depending on family secrets to remain a secret may work out badly.
If the other kids have a problem with mom giving $7,000 to her struggling child with "physical and mental health problems," they deserve nothing in the first place.
exactly this
by wilked
Fri Mar 01, 2024 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Faucets for Bathroom Sinks?
Replies: 19
Views: 1778

Re: Best Faucets for Bathroom Sinks?

My plumber said Delta or Kohler (he prefers Kohler). Said no to Moen
by wilked
Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Front License Plate Mount
Replies: 29
Views: 2742

Re: Front License Plate Mount

What kind of car?
by wilked
Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best water heater with solar
Replies: 55
Views: 5240

Re: Best water heater with solar

https://www.supplyhouse.com/ I don't see your $500 water heater in there (and trust me - don't buy one from HD / Lowes). If I'm an electrician it's probably about $500 to add a 220V outlet (assuming you don't make me pull a permit, which you shouldn't). I think you're $700-800 on a decent baseline electric heater. I see about $1000 more for a heat pump version. At least in my state you get $750 back as a rebate for the heat pump as well as getting 30% back from the feds (in this case let's call that $500) so you are ahead $250 with the heat pump. As noted it will dehumidify the surroundings (is this in your basement?). Dehumidification makes the area feel cooler, which is what is noted above. Have you been changing your anode every 5-7 year...
by wilked
Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 24 year old- money problems
Replies: 50
Views: 6387

Re: 24 year old- money problems

Tundrama wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:27 am Feel free to PM me. I’m a retired Fed and I think you should at least consider Federal employment. I’ve assisted many, many folks to gain federal employment, including family members. Anyway, let me know if you’d like more advice.
This looks like good advice... I would take her / him up on it
by wilked
Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has anyone ripped out a deck and replaced it with a patio?
Replies: 26
Views: 3464

Re: Has anyone ripped out a deck and replaced it with a patio?

Suggestion: For topics like this, a photo is a godsend...
by wilked
Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
Replies: 64
Views: 4354

Re: College cheating, what would you do?

She already recognizes that reporting her could come back and bite her. But she’s brought it up several times to me because it really irritates her, which I completely understand. She’s having her eyes opened to the reality of lying and cheating for the purpose of self advancement, something I’m happy to say she has not learned or seen from my wife or I. Two options.... - she should report the potential issue , it is not her job to prove anything. - replace her housing situation that does not include her current roomate. I always like to challenge anyone who reduces things to two options to come up with at least two more :D I had a weird roommate freshman year. He wasn't my favorite person by any stretch and we really couldn't hang around ...
by wilked
Fri Feb 23, 2024 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
Replies: 64
Views: 4354

Re: College cheating, what would you do?

Here's the thing.... in college everyone cheats, no different than the real world. There is a big sliding scale of cheating, ranging from: -Copying notes on a lecture you missed from a classmate -Running late, can't get all the HW done, scribble down the last couple of problems from a friend -Belonging to a fraternity that keeps old tests from past years, and you study them ahead of upcoming tests hoping material overlaps -Negotiating an extension on your finals / term paper / whatever because of X, Y, Z, when your classmates have to adhere to original deadlines -Getting chummy with the TA who gives you a leg up vs your peers / lets you know the three most important things to focus on before the test (of which he knows the contents) and on ...
by wilked
Fri Feb 23, 2024 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
Replies: 64
Views: 4354

Re: College cheating, what would you do?

I despise cheating. I would get a temporary email account. I would email her professors and the dean with Subject: Reporting potential violation of academic integrity. 1) this person has bragged about using ChatGPT for her papers, 2) suggest they run her papers against a tool that detects ChatGPT, 3) that you have no other evidence and it's possible that its just talk, 4) that she feels its an integrity violation not to report it, and it cheapens her own work (why you are damaged). 5) That she is reporting it anonymously to protect herself from retribution. Don't use the word "roommate" in the email, lol. Do not trust anybody else's integrity to keep such a claim private. Something may or may not happen, but she will have done al...
by wilked
Mon Feb 19, 2024 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying for A Car Boglehead Style
Replies: 64
Views: 7105

Re: Paying for A Car Boglehead Style

Delay gratification, save up cash for it.

It sounds like you have your e-fund too low overall...
by wilked
Tue Feb 13, 2024 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
Replies: 40
Views: 4170

Re: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?

This can be done DIY with sharkbite. You need pipe cutter, teflon tape, pipe dope, two wrenches, marker, sandpaper, ruler, and two sharkbite male adapters. https://www.sharkbite.com/us/en/brass-push-to-connect/fittings/adapters/brass-push-male-adapter Video shows a crimp connector in place of sharkbite. https://dev.willplumb.com/how-to-install-the-flo-by-moen-a-detailed-guide/ Marker, sandpaper, ruler and second wrench is needed for sharkbite connector. The overall install is same as video. OMG - I am still amazed thinking how wrong this could go for me! Starting with the pipe cutter! For what it's worth, the pipe cutter is practically 'dummy proof'. If you can use a pair of scissors you can use a pipe cutter. People could 'practice' this ...
by wilked
Fri Feb 09, 2024 12:16 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Are any BH's not wealthy?
Replies: 165
Views: 25645

Re: Are any BH's not wealthy?

Another way to put it

The vast majority of my savings are earmarked / locked up for my OldSelf, ie late 50s / 60s me. Since it's 'off-limits' I don't get to enjoy it, therefore I don't consider my CurrentSelf wealthy. I prob sleep better knowing my OldSelf will be in good shape, but CurrentSelf is just continuing to live as I've always lived
by wilked
Fri Feb 09, 2024 11:52 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Are any BH's not wealthy?
Replies: 165
Views: 25645

Re: Are any BH's not wealthy?

Stolen and reposted

Poverty is being one emergency away from homelessness.
Poor is having stability, but nothing else.
Middle class is having stability and comfort.
Upper middle class is stability, comfort, and capital gains.
Rich is having enough capital gains to live on, even poorly.
Middle-rich is being able to live middle class on capital gains.
Upper-rich is being middle rich, with children who have capital gains.
Wealthy is when your children are guaranteed to be upper-middle class, even if they do nothing.
Very wealthy is when your grandchildren meet the above criteria, even before they are born.
by wilked
Wed Feb 07, 2024 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quit or stay at my job while searching.
Replies: 22
Views: 2090

Re: Quit or stay at my job while searching.

A couple of comments above say 'continue to coast'

That doesn't match with OP's "I’m mentally checked out at my job", "My boss have been nitpicking my work", and "secretly I’m hoping to be laid off"

My guess - you are about to get fired. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 (severance).

To the OP: I would focus on improving at work, learn how to bring value and make your managers more effective, and in parallel start your job hunt. It sounds like you are being way too passive. You are almost 30, time to step up and be a leader.
by wilked
Wed Feb 07, 2024 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?
Replies: 40
Views: 4170

Re: Automatic Water Shutoff Valves: brands, installation, experiences?

I have Flo

I installed it myself with Sharkbites as noted above. Pretty simple stuff...

Works as expected. It has alerted to slow leaks (faucet) and long showers (good reminder to yell at the kids to get out), and one time my wife left the house with a faucet running (alerted me, shut the main water off, and when she returned and we restarted the water found the open faucet).

The thing works...
by wilked
Fri Feb 02, 2024 6:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil fired hot water boiler
Replies: 66
Views: 5049

Re: Oil fired hot water boiler

OP, just checking that you got the guidance you were seeking?
by wilked
Thu Feb 01, 2024 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil fired hot water boiler
Replies: 66
Views: 5049

Re: Oil fired hot water boiler

Do you have natural gas service?
by wilked
Mon Jan 29, 2024 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
Replies: 60
Views: 5513

Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?

beernutz wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2024 12:20 pm
Control board and control panel replacements are in my wheelhouse however a leaking dishwasher would almost certainly be a replacement situation.
As noted above though it could be as simple as turning a screw on an hose clamp connecting a drain hose.

If you visually looked and saw a leak coming from a pump casing - ok, maybe time to replace. But to declare replacement the only option without looking to see what's dripping, that seems extreme
by wilked
Mon Jan 29, 2024 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Replies: 90
Views: 13153

Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic

I mean...there is strict dollars and cents of a payback via energy bills. There is also some benefit in being comfortable as well I would suppose. Presumably you're investigating this whole thing primarily based on comfort and not energy bill, no?
by wilked
Mon Jan 29, 2024 5:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?
Replies: 60
Views: 5513

Re: Dishwasher - repair or buy new?

It should only cost you an hour or two at most to pull the unit out and run a cycle while you watch it. Start there and report back
by wilked
Fri Jan 26, 2024 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?
Replies: 16
Views: 1521

Re: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?


In all seriousness, I may try putting up a cardboard wall. I'm mostly interested in how it will change traffic flow in the house and the overall feel of the room.
Practically, we would not be able to judge without photos / layout of the home. Only you could say
by wilked
Fri Jan 26, 2024 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?
Replies: 16
Views: 1521

Re: Awkward den with 2 doorways. Close off one of them?

Enclosing it is very straightforward.

'For 5' open space, that's 60". Studs are 16" on center so 4 studs, wallboard, plaster and new trim, then paint. Probably add an electrical outlet in the process, so some small electric work.

Materials are cheap so it's all labor. Feels like about 20-30 hrs of labor (closer to 30 if you hire out the painting). Matching existing trim could be a little challenging but I'm willing to bet not a big deal. Figure $3K for the job all in, and scale it up or down based on local COL.

Out of curiosity, which doorway would you close?
by wilked
Thu Jan 25, 2024 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hot Water Dispenser
Replies: 8
Views: 1240

Re: Hot Water Dispenser

runningshoes wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2024 1:57 pm Closing this out - new unit arrived yesterday evening, let it sit in the house for about an hour to let it "warm up", 10 minute install, even the holes for hanging it on the side cabinet wall aligned with the previous unit. Used existing filter as in true BH fashion I only replaced it 3 weeks ago and they are NOT cheap.
Nice work!
by wilked
Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hot Water Dispenser
Replies: 8
Views: 1240

Re: Hot Water Dispenser

This is what the SST-FLTR looks like
Image

As you can see it plugs into an outlet, so swapping the power supply is trivial / simple.

The water connection is standard 1/4" stainless NPT so again - very simple to swap

Lastly, the dispensing unit (visible portion) fits through a standard 1 3/8" opening in your counter, again no big deal.

Buy a new unit and install yourself if you are a bit handy, or hire a plumber alternatively to install. It's a simple job and won't cost much.

Insinkerator are the standard and that's what I went with. Should be $200-300 depending on model. If you hire a plumber expect another $300 for install. Good luck
by wilked
Wed Jan 24, 2024 5:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is having insulation blown into the walls of an old house worth it?
Replies: 35
Views: 4231

Re: Is having insulation blown into the walls of an old house worth it?

A couple points of clarification When you blow in insulation to a closed wall you blow in cellulose (looks like this), not foam. If you tried injecting foam you'd just blow the wall up. https://fdinsulation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cellulose_spraying_03-1024x714.jpg To blow in the cellulose you cut 2" or so holes into the exterior of your home and use a hose to blow the loose cellulose in. Often for a typical wall, you have studs 16" spaced apart, so you need to put those holes every 16" or so. You then need to patch / repair those holes. The blown in cellulose is usually fairly effective as insulation and you would notice a clear difference. One thing you'd have to check is your wiring. For older homes such as yours th...
by wilked
Thu Jan 11, 2024 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Replies: 90
Views: 13153

Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic

Agreed, $2800 reasonable. It's a labor intensive job and also very messy (blown in cellulose is a pain in the ###).

Do it once and do it right adage applies here.
by wilked
Fri Jan 05, 2024 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hot Water Heater (Good deal or did I get scammed?)
Replies: 51
Views: 7248

Re: Hot Water Heater (Good deal or did I get scammed?)

Some things here: 1. Ensure your old tanks are not full of water and are fully drained. This is easy to do (they have a drain at the bottom). Maybe a pain to do a bucket brigade if you don't have a drain up there though. But don't leave them full. 2. $4200 for a tankless is a reasoanable price, no issue there. 3. Given these were in your attic, better to replace early than late (ie 50 gallons of rain on your second floor ceiling). So no issue there replacing the second unit early 4. I personally question why you needed a 40 and 50 gal tanked unit unless your house is really big. From what you describe one 50 gal could easily pick up the load. 5. At this point I wouldn't bother removing the old units unless you need / want the space (assumin...
by wilked
Thu Jan 04, 2024 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Enormous Property Tax Increase
Replies: 66
Views: 9650

Re: Enormous Property Tax Increase

Which state is this?
by wilked
Thu Jan 04, 2024 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Replies: 90
Views: 13153

Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic

Sureshoe, I didn't see a response - have you personally evaluated the insulation in the attic?
by wilked
Wed Jan 03, 2024 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Replies: 90
Views: 13153

Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic

Make a layout of your second floor, with North marked, and post it, noting the “problem children” rooms.

Do you have access to the attic above these rooms? Have you inspected the insulation? What type / thickness of insulation do you have?
by wilked
Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much Xmas gift money is appropriate for teachers?
Replies: 104
Views: 13732

Re: How much Xmas gift money is appropriate for teachers?

I think with recent inflation $100 per teacher is the standard (and something smaller for aids)
by wilked
Tue Dec 19, 2023 11:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Interior paints
Replies: 47
Views: 6136

Re: Interior paints

Remove wallpaper strip and mud. If done right, 80% of the time is on prep and only 20% on paint

As noted get good brushes and learn cut technique

Use fresh roller. I usually have 9" rollers and 4" rollers. 9" covers most of the wall. Cut the edges in, then use the 4" roller to smooth out / blend in the paintbrush marks.

Get good paint, that is not where you want to cut costs. I am a Ben Moore guy, for interior I like Regal Select, others think spending more on Aura is worth it. I think you'll be fine either way.

In your case I would do primer first, then two coats of paint. The second coat will go on easily / quickly so it's not double the work, plus your edging will already be done.

Good luck
by wilked
Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Funding Remodel Options?
Replies: 8
Views: 752

Re: Funding Remodel Options?

I've done projects like this. You don't cut a $250K check on day 1 as I'm sure you know as well. Let's say you don't want to sell investments - ok. You've got $160K to get started. That is at least a 3 month head start. Somewhere in here comes design, long lead materials, basic order of operations (permiting/demo/trades/inspections/finish). If it's historic district then expect permitting to take a little while. In the meantime cut back retirement investing to employee match only. If your gross salary is $500K that is $30K+ net coming into your bank account every month. How much is your monthly expenses? How many months does it take you to save $100K? Do you have any upcoming vacations you can postpone? I'd look to save as much as I can for...
by wilked
Tue Dec 12, 2023 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Burnham Boiler Life Expectancy
Replies: 25
Views: 2600

Re: Boiler Service Interval

You should be flushing the tank periodically as grit will settle out and reduce efficiency by insulating the tank from the burner. The tank may need top offs if you don't have an automatic fill valve, and if you do the valve counter needs logged to make sure you aren't using a lot of make-up water which will corrode your tank. Carbon residue from the burners should be vacuumed off regularly to prevent potential fires and reduced efficiency. If you do a full flush and replace of the tank water, it needs a hard boil to remove oxygen from the water so as not to corrode the tank. Consider a light dose of boiler cleaner such as 8-way as a corrosion inhibitor as well. The bits and bobs connected need inspected occasionally (expansion tank, DHW c...