Owning a home gives you a sense of control and responsibility over your property. You should be pretty comfortable performing basic maintenance and repairs around your home, especially if you want to save money. Yet, there are some home repair projects that should never be performed by anyone other than a licensed professional. If you need help deciding what to DIY and what to leave to the pros, here are some factors you should always consider.

Your Project May Require a Permit

If you’re a homeowner, it may not seem like such a big deal to build a brand new fence around your property. After all, owning a home means having more flexibility when it comes to updating and improving your property. Certain home repair projects, however, require permission from the local government in order to proceed without fines or interruptions. Working with an experienced contractor on these projects will take the guesswork out of permit needs. Most licensed contractors will apply for these permits for you, or at least include the cost of necessary permits in any estimates they provide to homeowners.

You Could Cause Extensive Damage

There are so many repair and maintenance projects you can take care of on your own. It’s fairly simple to paint walls in your home or perform routine cleaning tasks, so you should feel confident tackling these projects without help from pros. What you don’t want to do, however, is to feel so confident that you take on home repairs that really should be left up to pros. For example, those electrical wires in your outlets can look like they are easy to work with, but a faulty repair or connection could result in devastating damages to your home or serious injuries. The same is true for roof repairs, major plumbing issues, and any project that requires skilled know-how and tools to complete. If you attempt these projects on your own, you are putting the integrity of your home, the well-being of your neighbors, and your own personal safety at risk. Even if a DIY project is not dangerous, you could still cause more damage to your home. If you have stains on your carpets, for example, you may be tempted to rent a steam cleaner to remove them. The use of heat, however, actually causes some stains to permanently bond to the fibers in your flooring. So, when in doubt, always call a professional.

Your DIY Repairs Could Impact Your Insurance

When you own a home, having proper insurance coverage is vital to offset repair costs or even to satisfy the conditions of your home loan. Getting the best coverage and rates is the best way to ensure you can maintain the appropriate policies. However, if you attempt any major home repairs yourself, you could actually be violating your homeowners insurance policy. Repairs done out of code or without permits are considered violations of your insurance agreement and could result in the cancellation of your current coverage. Furthermore, even DIY repairs that do not completely void your insurance may lead to denials in coverages in the future. Not taking the proper precaution to prevent more damage, including hiring bonded contractors, is often considered neglect by insurance companies. In addition to not reimbursing or paying for the costs of repairs, your insurance provider can still use neglect as a reason to cancel your policy. That’s why it’s always smart to avoid the hassle and hire a professional contractor to perform major repairs and renovations on your home. Make sure to research local contractors and get price quotes online. DIY repairs can help you save money, but they are not always your best move. For complex home repairs, you are always better off contacting a professional contractor. Going with a licensed professional will most certainly guarantee professional results and give you more resources if further issues arise in the future.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), more than 100 million homes across the country are equipped with air conditioning systems. That’s a full 87% of the US population. And as temperatures rise, so do the costs that come with running these cooling systems. In fact, the EIA also estimates that cooling accounts for approximately 6.2% of the annual energy use in most homes. The good news is, you don’t have to sit back and just accept that your utility bills will continue to climb. In fact, there are several things you can do to reduce your energy consumption and actually lower your summer cooling costs. Let’s take a look.

Upgrade Your Cooling System

Today’s modern air conditioning systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind. In fact, they are so efficient that they are capable of cooling a home that is 30% bigger for the same cost as a smaller house with an older unit. The keys to ensuring maximum efficiency are correct sizing and seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER). Newer systems – i.e. the most energy efficient ones – are SEER rated at 13 or higher. If your current system is 10 years or older, upgrading to an energy efficient unit could reduce your energy consumption by up to 50%.

Have Your Existing AC Unit Serviced

If you’re not yet ready to make the leap to a brand new cooling system, or if your current system isn’t that old, the next best thing for reducing costs is having your unit professionally serviced. A service appointment just once per year ensures that your system remains functioning at its best, subsequently improving its efficiency. Annual service appointments also allow technicians to identify and address potential issues before they develop into a more serious and costly problem. Investing in a service call could reduce your AC energy usage by 20% or more.

Regularly Replace Your Air Filters

Changing out the air filters in your cooling system takes just a couple of minutes and will only cost you around $10 every few months, but doing so could potentially reduce your AC’s energy consumption by up to 15%. During the summer months, when the air conditioning unit is running all the time, we recommend changing out the filter at least every two months. For maximum savings, replace your air filters once a month.

Use Ceiling Fans

In addition to running your AC, using fans can help keep your home cooler without using more energy. That’s because fans help draw moisture out of the air and when there is less moisture in the air, our bodies naturally feel cooler. This enables you to turn the AC down a little. Fans also help to better circulate the air, making rooms feel more comfortable. Just be sure to keep the blades turning in a counterclockwise direction and turn your fans off when not in the room to conserve energy. Using fans along with your AC can reduce energy consumption by up to 12%.

Switch To a Programmable Residential Thermostat

Both the EIA and Energy Star recommend the installation and use of programmable thermostats as a method for reducing energy use. With this type of thermostat, your AC system can be set to automatically increase the temperature at times when you aren’t home or when you may not need the air to be as cool, such as when you’re in bed. Most thermostats allow multiple programmable settings. For the highest efficiency levels, we recommend keeping the temperature at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home and need cooler air, and 85 degrees during the night or when you’re away. Using a programmable thermostat can reduce your system’s energy consumption by up to 10%. Keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summer months doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The five strategies listed above should help you not only keep cooling costs at a minimum, but actually reduce the amount of energy you’re using so you can spend less than you expected.

Could your home cooling system use an upgrade or a little TLC? Give us a call – that’s what we’re here for - 978-433-5373.

It is that time of year again when we are starting our oil budget program for the upcoming winter, which will be here before we know it. If you’re interested in learning more about our Easy Pay Budget Plan, here’s how it works and why it’s something you should consider taking advantage of.

What is an Oil Budget Program?

A heating oil budget plan essentially takes the total estimated cost of your heating oil and spreads it over 10 months. That way you’re not on the hook for higher heating bills only in the winter. Wilson Brothers’ Easy Pay Oil Program starts in August and runs through May.

How an Oil Budget Plan Works

Let’s say you normally use around 750 gallons of heating oil during an average winter and the estimated cost per gallon is $3. On a budget plan, you’d pay $225 over the course of ten months. That’s much more manageable than having a handful of $450 bills during the winter months – especially when the holidays roll around.

Benefits of an Oil Budget Plan

Taking advantage of the option to budget your heating oil costs offers a number of great benefits, as follows: Save Money – Customers who choose the Easy Pay plan automatically receive the 10 cent discounted price, so right off the bat you’ll be saving money. And with the colder-than-average winters we’ve been experiencing here in the Northeast, those savings can really add up. Less Stress – With a budget program, you’ll get a monthly payment based on your usage, avoiding large delivery costs during the winter months. This provides peace of mind knowing that you won’t get any surprise bills when the temperature drops. Headache-Free – Our Easy Pay Oil Program is convenient and hassle-free. Each month, your debit or credit card (you can also pay by check if preferred) will automatically be charged and you won’t have to worry about your oil deliveries because that’ll be handled automatically as well. You’ll receive statements outlining your delivery charges and payments so you know where you stand each month. If this is something that interests you, now is the time to take action. If you wait to sign up, you’ll have to pay a larger initial payment to catch up. To take advantage of our Easy Pay Oil Program, call us at 978-925-4211 or fill out our contact form.

July 2, 2018 Dear Tom, Thank you so much for your company's Co-Sponsorship of the Loaves & Fishes 5th Annual Golf Tournament, held on June 11, 2018 at Shaker Hills Country Club. Your company's generosity and continued suppo1i for Loaves & Fishes is very much appreciated. And I do look forward to working with you on next year's tournament! This year's tournament was co-sponsored by Catania Oils (Ayer), Maugel Architects (Harvard) and Wilson Brothers HY AC, Inc. (Pepperell). We had perfect weather, a great meal, lots offun and with your help, we raised $10,400. 100% of the net proceeds from the tournament goes directly to the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry whose mission is to provide nutritious food, in an atmosphere of kindness and respect, to individuals in need who reside in Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton and Shirley. We could not have achieved this level of success without the support of local businesses and friends like you. From the Board of Directors at Loaves & Fishes and from all the members of the 2018 Golf Tournament Committee, Thank You! Jim Hanlon Golf Committee Coordinator July 3, 2018 Dear Tom, With your help we met our Annual Appeal goal! Thanks to your generosity and that of other local businesses, we were able to meet our goal of collecting $18,350 in matching pledges! The residents in our service area were clearly inspired by the commitment exhibited by our local business community and they knew that their hard-earned dollars would be doubled. As of today, we have raised over $48,000, one of the most successful Annual Appeals in the history of the Pantry! These funds will go a long way towards helping our neighbors who are struggling with food insecurity. Again, my sincere thanks to you for partnering with Loaves & Fishes on this very important effort. Together, we will continue to support our neighbors in need with the basic necessity of food. Together, we will continue to provide our community with hope! Have a happy and safe summer. Sincerely, Patricia A. Stern Executive Director

For more than three decades, Wilson Brothers has been dedicated to keeping New England homes warm and cozy in the winter and cool and comfortable during the hotter months. Over the years, the scope of our services has expanded from the installation, repair and service of heating and cooling systems to include indoor air quality, smart home energy, and now plumbing and electrical work. While our list of services has grown and evolved, however, our commitment to quality workmanship and exceptional customer service hasn’t wavered. There are a number of reasons why choosing a company like Wilson Brothers for all of your home comfort needs is a wise decision. Let’s take a look at three such benefits below.

Savings of Time and Money

When you partner with a trusted service provider like Wilson Brothers to handle all of your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs, you’ll save time by not having to schedule a handful of separate appointments every time you need a service or repair. Plus, with our Comfort+Plus Membership, you’ll also save money in a number of ways. First, by keeping your equipment well-maintained, you’ll extend its life and use. Additionally, as a Preferred Customer, you’ll save 15% on repairs and enjoy zero overtime charges on emergency service. And, of course, with our energy-efficient equipment, you’ll also enjoy savings for months and years to come.

Convenience

As mentioned, when you work with an all-in-one home energy service provider, scheduling service or repair work is much more convenient. Imagine how much easier and less time consuming it would be to only have one number to call, whether it’s to have your heating system serviced, get that leaky faucet fixed or have new wiring installed in your home. That’s the kind of satisfaction and ease of use our customers have come to expect.

Reliability

Do you know who to call in the event that your pipes freeze or your cooling system shuts down? Is there someone you can trust to handle the important task of electrical work in your home? The beauty of working with a one-stop-shop like Wilson Brothers is that you’ll always have someone you can rely on, regardless of what your maintenance or repair needs happen to be. And because we offer 24-hour emergency service, you’ll never have to worry about those situations that occur after-hours. Our work is performed by only the most qualified, service-oriented professionals and backed by exclusive warranties. More importantly, we’ve been meeting our customers’ home energy needs for over thirty years. We’re proud to have earned an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and our reviews speak for themselves. Simply put, if you need someone to handle all of your home comfort needs, Wilson Brothers has got you covered. At the end of the day, you have plenty of choices when it comes to keeping your home safe and comfortable. Why not partner with someone who can handle all of your heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing needs? Not only will it save you money, time and aggravation, but you’ll enjoy peace of mind, and that’s something you don’t come across often these days. Interested in having some HVAC, plumbing or electrical work done in your home? Request a free, no-obligation estimate online or give us a call at 978-433-5373 to book a service call. We look forward to serving you!

Dear Tom, Thank you again for your Annual Appeal pledge of $1000.00. Collectively, your business along with other local companies pledged a total of $18,350 in matching funds. I am certain that this outpouring of business support will inspire individuals and families in our community to generously support our mission - especially because they know that every dollar they donate will be doubled to provide food and hope to our neighbors in need. If you have not already sent your pledge payment to Loaves & Fishes, please take a moment now to either forward your check to: Loaves & Fishes, P.O. Box 1, Ayer, MA 01432 or make your donation on line at: https://loavesfishespantry.org/givehope/. Please mark it "Annual Appeal pledge." We will be back in touch with you later in May to share the results of the Annual Appeal. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (978) 772-4627 x310 or by email at: director@loavesfishespantry.org. My sincere thanks to you for partnering with Loaves & Fishes on this very important effort. Together, we continue to support our neighbors in need with the basic necessity of food. Together, we continue to provide hope! Sincerely, Patricia A. Stern Executive Director

It is time for all of us to chip in what we can. Any amount goes a long way.

A lot of caring residents of the local communities have gathered to rebuild the new location of the Pepperell Food Pantry.

With volunteers giving up their precious time off to demo the old location of Dr. Spiegelman, and rebuilding it to better serve the needy of Pepperell, to local business giving up their Company resources to refit the space with all the necessary material needs - plumbing, heating, electrical, air conditioning, the underlying need was /is and always will be funds to pay for the never ending need of material and supplies to finish the project and open the doors to start to give back to our neighbors in need. Wilson Brothers has always had a strong presence in all the communities we service, giving of our time and donating dollars and material to assist as much as we can. We have gone to one of our main suppliers, Total Air Supply of 171 East Hollis Street, Nashua, NH, to help refit the new space with upgraded oil heating equipment. Total Air came through with a new comfort air oil fired furnace at no charge. Wilson Brothers is going to some of our other suppliers to provide a new central air system and all new ductwork to allow for the new use of the existing office.

So if we all give a small amount of our expendable income toward this worthy cause, the doors will open on time this fall.

With the fact that the growing need of our local community has made it impossible to continue to operate out of their existing location, we all need to step up and help out in any way we can and donate any amount we can. Make your tax deductible donation of a check to P.A.C.H., PO Box 1247, Pepperell, MA 01463 or by PayPal at pachoutreach.org and be part of the growing number of neighbors who care.

Keep your charity dollars in the local community where 100% goes to our neighbors in need.

Thank you, The Wilson Brothers Team

Over the past three decades, Wilson Brothers HVAC is proud to have become the area’s first choice for the installation and repair of heating and cooling systems. We are excited to announce that now, in addition to designing, installing and servicing heating, cooling, plumbing, and Geothermal systems, we will also be adding a full service electrical division. The fact is, today’s homes are using electricity more than ever before to power everything from washers and dryers to air conditioners to a growing number of home electronics and more. Chances are at some point in the near future, you will need assistance with electrical repairs or upgrades in order to keep your wiring, breaker box, outlets and switches in safe working condition. But what about tackling these things on your own? Or asking a friend or relative who is handy to help out? According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), there are an estimated 360,900 residential building fires in the US each year, resulting in an estimated 2,495 deaths, 13,250 injuries and $7 billion in property losses. The leading cause of these fires? Electrical malfunction.

Not only can Do It Yourself electrical work cost you more money in the long run, it could easily place your family and your home at a much higher risk of potential tragedy.

Over the years, you have already come to trust the Wilson Brothers team for all of your heating and air conditioning services, and plumbing needs. Why not add electrical service to our one stop expert service center? Our licensed, experienced electricians are available to assist with all of your electrical service needs, including but not limited to:

Installation of new service
Replacement of old, loose switches and outlets
Addition of outlets for new fixtures or electronics
Breaker box maintenance, updates and repairs
Installation of wiring for lights and ceiling fans
Rewiring for new renovations, such as adding a home office or game room
Upgrading home electrical service to accommodate new appliances

As always, we take tremendous pride in providing outstanding service to each and every one of our valued customers. Every individual or family we serve is of the utmost importance to our team, from our friendly professional office and dispatch staff to our highly trained install team and service technicians. Our customers are not just the reason for our work, they are the purpose of our work, and the reason we have been in business for over 30 years. We would like to take this moment to thank you for all of your support, trust and business over the years. With our new electrical division, we are thrilled to be able to provide even more comprehensive services to help keep your home or business safe and comfortable for many years to come. To learn more about our electrical services or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 978-597-7016. We look forward to serving you! Tom, Paul John, Josh and Nate Wilson and Our Valued Staff The Wilson Brothers Team!

We are excited to announce that Wilson Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. will be present at this year’s Nashoba Valley Home Show! The two-day event is scheduled to be held March 17 and 18th, at the Boxborough Regency in Boxborough, MA .The hours are Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Presented by the Littleton Business Association, the 2018 Nashoba Valley Home Show will focus primarily on innovation and creativity. Our team will be on hand to talk with home owners and discuss the various energy efficient and environmentally friendly equipment we install and service. Visitors can also take advantage of our 30+ years of hands-on experience by asking us questions and discussing any issues or concerns they may have with their heating, cooling, plumbing or electrical systems. Not sure if the Home Show is worth your time? Here are four reasons that might just change your mind:

It’s everything under one roof

If you own a home, this show is for you. There will be experts, consultants and exhibitors covering every angle, from exterior and interior home improvement and home automation and control products to security consultants, alternate energy solution providers and more. Even if you’re not currently planning on making any changes to your home, you’ll have the opportunity to make valuable connections, learn some awesome new things and collect information that may be helpful down the road. (Here’s a full list of exhibitors in case you’re interested.)

You could win some great prizes

Many of the exhibitors at the Nashoba Valley Home Show will be offering prizes and giveaways. You can collect some sweet swag while you’re there and also enter to win some pretty amazing prizes, including an Amazon Echo, gift cards to local merchants, free services, tens of thousands of dollars in home renovations and much more. And since tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, perhaps you’ll have a little luck o’ the Irish. You don’t have to buy anything, but you can’t win if you don’t play, so what have you got to lose?

There’s fun for the entire family

It’s going to be cold this weekend, so why not bring the kids somewhere warm and fun? This year’s home show is going to feature a wide variety of incredible activities that are sure to be a blast. Experience virtual reality technology, demo state-of-the-art videos and games, create and watch your very own 360 VR video, check out some amazing robotics and much more. Even if you don’t have any little ones, this stuff is cool for people of all ages!

It’s cheap!

Where else can you enjoy an afternoon (or two) filled with education, entertainment, fun and giveaways for only $5 a person? Have little ones? Kids age 12 and under can attend for free! Plus, all ticket sales will be donated directly to FIRST Robotics, a local organization that designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. How cool is that? This event is perfect for home owners who are looking for ways to upgrade their homes to make them more energy-efficient, safe and secure. If that’s you, then the home show is a MUST attend! Grab your tickets here, and don’t forget to stop by the Wilson Brothers booth and say hi! We look forward to seeing you!

We don’t want to kick anyone when they are down. We just want to remind our customers that the Wilson Brothers team installs and services Generac automatic standby generators. Anyone who pays attention can see what’s going on with the crazy severe New England weather.

Our power grid is all above ground and is unreliable.

The weather may be unpredictable but having clean, reliable electricity does not have to be. With an automatic standby generator installed in your home when the power lines go down your electricity stays on. Think about how many times in the last few years that your power went out. Look at how many times weather and/or the above ground old power grid has failed. We have members on our team who own automatic standby generators that have kept power on multiple times over the last several years, including during the recent nor’easters.

Many neighborhoods lost power but their homes were warm and cozy.

If you’re still not sold on why a standby generator is a sound investment, consider the following benefits:

Keep your family safe, warm and protected during storms or other power outages.
Avoid flood damage by keeping sump pumps running during severe rain or other flooding events.
Keep children calm and at ease by keeping the electricity on during storms.
Provide power for home electronics, such as stoves for cooking and computers for working from home.
Power refrigerators to keep food fresh and avoid costly spoilage.

Many people believe that standby generators aren’t necessary for their circumstances. How can you know whether a generator is right for you? If any of the following situations apply to you, investing in a generator is a wise decision:

You have young children in your home
You have someone living with you, such as an elderly relative that is sensitive to extreme heat or cold
Someone in your home uses medical equipment that requires a power source
You travel regularly, especially during the winter, when severe weather and storms are more common
Having to relocate to a hotel during a prolonged power outage isn’t financially or logistically feasible
You have pets at home that would be difficult to bring with you to a hotel or family member’s home in the event of a power outage
Your home is at risk of flooding
You work from home or run a home business

Remember, you never think you’ll need a generator until you have no power. With the odds increasing every year that you will lose your electricity as some point, the low cost insurance of having an automatic standby generator is a no brainer. If you’re tired of worrying about the crazy New England weather disrupting your life, contact the Wilson Brothers team. We can help you avoid the risk and uncertainty, ensure that your family and property remain safe, dry and warm and prevent costly damage or other financial hardships. Call our office for details or a free no obligation estimate at 978-433-5373 - we’ll be there when you need us.

What to Consider When Deciding to DIY or Hire a Pro for Home Repairs