Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for HomeStyle, a nationally syndicated home improvement/design section published weekly in newspapers across the country. I’m looking to interview home remodeling experts, interior designers/decorators, and homeowners who have recently remodeled their home for the following article:
STORY: KEEP THE HOME FIRES – AND FURNACES – BURNING. This story would examine why it’s important to properly maintain your heating system and fireplace, what is involved annually, and how to find the right professionals. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time, Wednesday, July 6.
QUESTIONS:
1. (THIS QUESTION FOR HOMEOWNERS ONLY) What do you do to properly maintain your furnace and/or fireplace every year? Do you hire a professional or do you do it yourself? Have you ever had a cold season when either your furnace or fireplace was inoperable – if so, what did you do? What tips would you provide other homeowners as to why maintaining your furnace/fireplace is important and how to best go about it? What is your full name, and city/state location?
2. (NEXT QUESTIONS ARE FOR THE EXPERTS) Why is it important for homeowners to properly maintain and have inspections done annually on their (a) furnace/heating system and (b) fireplace (if they have one)? What are the risks and ramifications for not doing so properly?
3. Why is it important that these inspections/maintenance be performed by a professional instead of a do-it-yourselfer?
4. What is involved with inspecting/maintaining a furnace? What will the professional you hire do, step-by-step?
5. What is involved with inspecting/cleaning/maintaining a fireplace? What will the professional you hire do, step-by-step?
6. Why is it also important to have your heating ducts inspected and cleaned? How often should this be done? What is involved with an inspection/cleaning?
7. What should homeowners budget for (low to high range) for each of the following services: (a) furnace inspection/cleaning/maintenance? (b) fireplace inspection/cleaning/maintenance? (c) heating ducts inspection/cleaning?
8. If a professional recommends a new furnace, what should homeowners consider carefully, including the newest features, efficiency rating, cost, return on investment, etc.? When is it better to have the old furnace repaired versus paying for a new furnace to be installed and vice versa?
9. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?
10. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
Keywords
home remodeling experts, interior designers/decorators, homeowners
Share with your colleagues, friends or anyone
