The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is set by the U.S. Department of Energy under the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987. The rating is expressed in percentages. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the heating system and less energy is needed to heat your home or hot water. For example, a new, high-efficiency furnace with a 94 percent AFUE provides 94 cents worth of heat from every energy dollar.
If you install a residential warm air furnace at 90 percent AFUE vs. 80 percent AFUE, the estimated annual savings in energy costs is $115 with a simple payback of 2.6 years.
If you install a residential warm air furnace at 90 percent AFUE vs. 80 percent AFUE, the estimated annual savings in energy costs is $115 with a simple payback of 2.6 years.
Services
Here you will meet the people of NWP&H, highlighting what they each contribute to make us your #1 choice for plumbing and heating in the Boston area. Narrow Way Plumbing & Heating has been a successful business for over 25 years. Matt started our company in 1984. He oversees the day to day operation of the company; however, he much prefers the hands-on work and customer contact he gets in the field. He has a knack for solving issues with older homes and loves to problem solve. He enjoys finding reasonably priced solutions for all his customers.
How to use this web page:Go get your monthly water and sewer bill, you will need both your account number and access number. When you openm the page your will see a space to log in and view your account, we highly recomend this. Spend some time looking through the resourced on the BWSC page i promise it will save you money. Do you have questions about your heating system or would like to just learn more about it and understand how heating systems operate?
The Johnny Footpad is an adjustable toilet base trim plate positioned between the toilet and the floor providing an attractive and level covering over discrepancies in the flooring surface. This product solves an increasing problem among conservation companies and plumbers who are retrofitting old high water volume toilets with new low flow water saver models. When the bathroom flooring material is installed around the toilet base, a "footprint" of the old toilet remains when the toilet is removed.
All plumbing jobs start at the foundation and extend through to the roof; yet most of a home's plumbing is never seen by the homeowner. This is where our company's quality workmanship and integrity becomes important to you. NWP&H has the experience and confidence to handle all your plumbing needs, large or small.
Reviews (18)
Nate Jackson
Oct 17, 2021
I had an emergency situation where my outdoor hose spigot was leaking aggressively and pooling at the foundation. I had to turn off the water to my house since I didn't have a control valve for that spigot alone. So it was urgent, I called and they were able to send someone out that morning! The plumber came with the parts needed, finished the work efficiently, and even came in to help with an unrelated clog/slow drain. The work was great and the price was more than fair, very happy with the work.
Jameil Brathwaite
May 08, 2021
David Lam
Apr 29, 2019
Prompt, transparent, and reasonably priced! I have used other plumbing and heating businesses in the area but Narrow Way is the best when it comes to reasonable pricing and good craftsmanship! I had an issue with a newly delivered dryer and needed the vent to be reconfigured in a tight closet space. They were upfront on how they would charge when I called and showed up in the time window. Highly recommend!
K. Benghanem
Apr 10, 2019
I reached out to Narrow Way to help with the plumbing of a kitchen remodel. I spoke to Mary who was very cheerful and promptly helped me set up an appointment. They sent me Mario to take a look at the work and he was very helpful in his recommendations. He never followed up with the actual pricing, even though he called me to tell me he would. Fast forward a few days, I call and speak to Mary again who prompts Mario to call me with pricing.
We spoke and committed to a date and time of when they'd complete what was needed. This is where it goes downhill. When it came time to actually get the work done, they sent Steve who showed up an hour late (without reaching out to let me know that). When he showed up to do the work, he was inside looking at things etc. He me that he needed to leave to go get a part.
When he came back, he informed me that his supervisor advised him to stop the work because there were unexpected things (based on pictures he sent in) and that the quote they gave me wasn't enough to cover the work and they needed to bill me by hour instead. So 2 hours in, nothing was accomplished. They insisted that another supervisor needed to come out and assess the situation which happened on a Friday afternoon.
After this supervisor's visit, I was told that I'd have an appointment for the following day, Saturday at 7:30 AM. I get a call from Jose at 8 AM to let me know that he won't be able to come until 10 AM because he's dispatched to an emergency. 2 hours later and he still no showed. Backdrop to all this is that I had to arrange for other parties to be there (contractor to install cabinets after plumbing is done) along with an electrician to hook up the dishwasher.
Due to their flakiness and lack of commitment to their word, I had to pay everyone for 2 days worth of work for nothing being completed. Even though they present a good front when comes to talking, they lack the professionalism and substance to be reliable to actually get the work done - which is what matters in the service world.
We spoke and committed to a date and time of when they'd complete what was needed. This is where it goes downhill. When it came time to actually get the work done, they sent Steve who showed up an hour late (without reaching out to let me know that). When he showed up to do the work, he was inside looking at things etc. He me that he needed to leave to go get a part.
When he came back, he informed me that his supervisor advised him to stop the work because there were unexpected things (based on pictures he sent in) and that the quote they gave me wasn't enough to cover the work and they needed to bill me by hour instead. So 2 hours in, nothing was accomplished. They insisted that another supervisor needed to come out and assess the situation which happened on a Friday afternoon.
After this supervisor's visit, I was told that I'd have an appointment for the following day, Saturday at 7:30 AM. I get a call from Jose at 8 AM to let me know that he won't be able to come until 10 AM because he's dispatched to an emergency. 2 hours later and he still no showed. Backdrop to all this is that I had to arrange for other parties to be there (contractor to install cabinets after plumbing is done) along with an electrician to hook up the dishwasher.
Due to their flakiness and lack of commitment to their word, I had to pay everyone for 2 days worth of work for nothing being completed. Even though they present a good front when comes to talking, they lack the professionalism and substance to be reliable to actually get the work done - which is what matters in the service world.
Summer Zheng
Dec 10, 2018
Narrow Way knows heating systems. I have a heating system with a pump running all the time. I called the company who installed the system several years back. The technician couldn't pinpoint the problem, but he suggested me to replace the control board for $1300! and say let's start with that. I am so glad I called Narrow Way. Mario came out and figured out the issue right away, now the problem has been fixed and I am so happy. From now on whenever I get boiler issues, I will always call Narrow Way first.
David Williams
Nov 24, 2018
I have been working with Narrow Way on a number of jobs around my house, an old! Boston house; jobs have ranged from putting in a laundry sink to plumbing a bathroom. They are very reliable; they come when they say they will, they complete the work they say they will in budget. If they can't do it in budget they let you know why and they have options.
They know how to deal with old homes and the surprises they bring to any job. And they treat the customer like a partner instead of the opposition or a brainless impediment (or worse). I recommend them.
They know how to deal with old homes and the surprises they bring to any job. And they treat the customer like a partner instead of the opposition or a brainless impediment (or worse). I recommend them.
Greg H.
May 04, 2018
They came out to fix a gas leak and heating problem a couple of years ago. I was so-so on them -- they came out at the last minute which was great, but the work seemed very shoddy. They were able to create a temporary fix for my heater (good) while they ordered parts, with plans to come back and fix it correctly in a week or two. But from there on out, they were impossible to get in touch with.
They wouldn't answer phone calls, return messages and would make promises (we'll have the part next week) and then you wouldn't hear from them for a month. So overall, terrible customer service. They didn't close the loop on anything and never came back to fix the problem. They also tried to fix a small gas leak I was having. Instead of either replacing the pipes, or properly tightening the connection points, they put this low-quality putty all over the place.
Every one else that's seen it said that's a terrible way to fix a gas leak. Fast forward to today: I had someone else here to fix the problem and they said the work done was nothing short of terrible. They didn't properly fix the leak and failed to take basic measures (like fully tightening the pipes). So the leak continued. for almost a year. No wonder my heating bill has been astronomical. So if you're looking for good service and quality workmanship. there are much better options.
They wouldn't answer phone calls, return messages and would make promises (we'll have the part next week) and then you wouldn't hear from them for a month. So overall, terrible customer service. They didn't close the loop on anything and never came back to fix the problem. They also tried to fix a small gas leak I was having. Instead of either replacing the pipes, or properly tightening the connection points, they put this low-quality putty all over the place.
Every one else that's seen it said that's a terrible way to fix a gas leak. Fast forward to today: I had someone else here to fix the problem and they said the work done was nothing short of terrible. They didn't properly fix the leak and failed to take basic measures (like fully tightening the pipes). So the leak continued. for almost a year. No wonder my heating bill has been astronomical. So if you're looking for good service and quality workmanship. there are much better options.
Caleb Nelson
Jan 08, 2018
It's my Dad's plumbing company, so. He's good at fixing old systems, and likes taking on the odd complex problems that pop up in old plumbing and heating systems in the basements of Boston. He puts a lot of thought into crafting new high efficiency heating systems too, and likes to save energy in the long run by putting in nessisary effort upfront to reduce heat loss.
David Simons
Dec 05, 2016
Narrow Way has been helping us for almost 17 years and they are great to work with. Professional and courteous, Matt and his team have answered our prayers on more than one occasion. They have fixed leaks in sinks and ice makers, replaced parts in toilets, installed custom basins and faucets with difficult metric fittings, swapped out water heaters and installed our current tank-less unit. They are trustworthy, accountable and their work is warranted and reasonably priced. These guys take care of our problems on time and on budget. I highly recommend them.
Seth M.
Mar 01, 2016
My hot water heater broke and there was a major leak with my boiler. My basement flooded. I called Roto-Rooter and they scheduled me for 8am-11am. They called to say they'd be late. I waited. After several phone calls, they called me at 6pm to inform me they would not be coming. My landlord called Lewis from Narrow Way, and 5 minutes after I got a message saying they were called Lewis came knocking on my door.
Super friendly, professional, and attentive, he noticed there was a second problem within 2 minutes, quickly identified the problem and assessed the situation, communicated everything to me effectively and my landlord. While it was too late in the day to get a replacement for the water heater, he got in contact first thing the next morning and brought a new one.
He installed it quickly, efficiently, and cleaned up after himself - making the entire experience easy and even enjoyable, especially compared to the other company we tried before. Throughout the whole thing he made it clear that his primary goal was to get my water running again, and I'm sure he could have dragged this on for a couple more hours to get paid by the hour, but nothing of the sort happened. Overall this was the best experience I've had with a plumber, electrician, mechanic, locksmith, or tradesman in the 11 years I've been in Boston. A+.
Super friendly, professional, and attentive, he noticed there was a second problem within 2 minutes, quickly identified the problem and assessed the situation, communicated everything to me effectively and my landlord. While it was too late in the day to get a replacement for the water heater, he got in contact first thing the next morning and brought a new one.
He installed it quickly, efficiently, and cleaned up after himself - making the entire experience easy and even enjoyable, especially compared to the other company we tried before. Throughout the whole thing he made it clear that his primary goal was to get my water running again, and I'm sure he could have dragged this on for a couple more hours to get paid by the hour, but nothing of the sort happened. Overall this was the best experience I've had with a plumber, electrician, mechanic, locksmith, or tradesman in the 11 years I've been in Boston. A+.
Carol L.
Dec 28, 2014
We have used Narrow Way for at least 6 years for both of our residences and a 3 family house we managed. They have consistently been reliable, professional, affordable and excellent in services and repairs. There has been many instances that they have gone above and beyond. ( Once Matt researched and found me options in various price ranges for an unusually small sink and cabinet.! ) We have had furnaces installed, sewage pipes, heating, kitchen, sink, bathroom, etc.
I recommend them to my friends all the time because I know they will show up, do a great job, explain things, give options for your budget, not overcharge and not try to do anything other than what is necessary. All of the team members have been great!
I recommend them to my friends all the time because I know they will show up, do a great job, explain things, give options for your budget, not overcharge and not try to do anything other than what is necessary. All of the team members have been great!
Melanie M.
Jan 23, 2014
Unprofessional and untrustworthy. I tried to use Narrow Way Plumbing for a clogged drain but they never showed up. My appointment was scheduled for between 8 and 10am, at 9:30 when they still had not arrived I called them. First the receptionist tried to convince me that my appointment was scheduled for the next day - not true. Then when the receptionist realized her "mistake" she informed me that "Tyrone" a different person from whom I was originally told would be doing the work when I made the appointment, had already come and gone from my house.
Apparently he arrived at 7:30am (30 min earlier than expected) and rang and rang the buzzer but no one answered the door. I live on the 3rd floor of a triple decker with a broken buzzer. I was VERY clear about needing to call me when they arrived. I'm sorry but I cannot spend my whole morning staring out the window waiting for them. At this point I was getting very upset that they could be so unprofessional and not attempt to reach me at all when I failed to answer the door (if they had actually shown up at all).
After expressing my frustrations with the lack of communication the receptionist said she would call Tyrone to figure it out and call me right back. That was 8 hours ago and I still have not heard back from Narrow Way. I realize this was a small job and they probably would not make much money on it but if they had shown up on time and fixed my problem I would have continued to use them in the future.
I live in an old house, things are constantly in need of repair and they would probably have gotten a lot of work out of me and my downstairs neighbors. I just can't understand how companies like this can have such terrible customer service and treat their customers with such disrespect. Stay away from Narrow Way.
Apparently he arrived at 7:30am (30 min earlier than expected) and rang and rang the buzzer but no one answered the door. I live on the 3rd floor of a triple decker with a broken buzzer. I was VERY clear about needing to call me when they arrived. I'm sorry but I cannot spend my whole morning staring out the window waiting for them. At this point I was getting very upset that they could be so unprofessional and not attempt to reach me at all when I failed to answer the door (if they had actually shown up at all).
After expressing my frustrations with the lack of communication the receptionist said she would call Tyrone to figure it out and call me right back. That was 8 hours ago and I still have not heard back from Narrow Way. I realize this was a small job and they probably would not make much money on it but if they had shown up on time and fixed my problem I would have continued to use them in the future.
I live in an old house, things are constantly in need of repair and they would probably have gotten a lot of work out of me and my downstairs neighbors. I just can't understand how companies like this can have such terrible customer service and treat their customers with such disrespect. Stay away from Narrow Way.
Deb B.
Oct 27, 2012
Narrow Way just completed a boiler replacement for me. The process went off without a hitch. They explained in advance what would be involved, came as scheduled, and cleaned up thoroughly afterward. I appreciated being able to talk with Mario about the best way to keep a steam heating system in good shape. He was proactive at offering some really helpful advice.
I have had other, smaller projects done by them before and have always had a good experience, so I figured it was time to write a review. My experience has been that their business is run with the utmost integrity.
I have had other, smaller projects done by them before and have always had a good experience, so I figured it was time to write a review. My experience has been that their business is run with the utmost integrity.
Lindsay L.
Mar 23, 2012
The review I sent directly to Narrow Way Plumbing: Hi, I just wanted to write and say how thankful I am for Mario's expertise this morning. He came over early in the morning (right on time!) and was able to pinpoint the problem that I was having. He was very polite, helpful, and courteous. I will definitely be recommending your business due to Mario's professionalism and overall great service. Thanks! They also responded right away to my email. I could not be happier with their service.
Joe C.
Mar 22, 2012
From talking to the guy who took my call, I thought I was paying a $135 hourly fee plus parts (if needed). The plumber who came out didn't even use a tool, he just pulled stuff out of the drain and had it fixed in 30 minutes. When I called later to question the price, they said it should have been a $110 flat fee and they gave me a 10% discount (down to $100) for the trouble.
I realize their flat fee structure protects them from sending someone out to your house for a 15-minute job which isn't worth it to them. But just make sure you get the price straight up front and keep track of how much time they spend. I'd recommend their services and their customer service/billing people wanted to make it right, but they should probably have someone else answering their phones.
I realize their flat fee structure protects them from sending someone out to your house for a 15-minute job which isn't worth it to them. But just make sure you get the price straight up front and keep track of how much time they spend. I'd recommend their services and their customer service/billing people wanted to make it right, but they should probably have someone else answering their phones.
Susan P.
Dec 25, 2011
Narrow Way has been our plumber for the 20+ years we have lived in our house. They have done everything: snaked drains, installed faucets, hooked up dishwashers and washing machines, replaced a hot water heater. Their work is exemplary, and everyone they have ever sent (and I've gotten to know most of the crew over the years) is professional, personable, and capable.
I recommend them unreservedly. I docked one star because they are not always so easy to reach, especially nights and weekends -- if something goes wrong Friday night, you won't get a human until Monday a.m. I've never quite understood this; at home in Vermont I'm never more than 2 hours away from an on-call service person, day or night, and this is in the middle of nowhere. It seems like this is an issue that could be solved, and if they get a handle on it, I'll be the first to give them 5 stars.
I recommend them unreservedly. I docked one star because they are not always so easy to reach, especially nights and weekends -- if something goes wrong Friday night, you won't get a human until Monday a.m. I've never quite understood this; at home in Vermont I'm never more than 2 hours away from an on-call service person, day or night, and this is in the middle of nowhere. It seems like this is an issue that could be solved, and if they get a handle on it, I'll be the first to give them 5 stars.
David D.
Mar 30, 2011
I have used Narrow Way for several years and in that time they have done everything from installing a faucet to being the plumbing contractor for our new master suite. Matt and his team are prompt, courteous and expert in their profession. Over the years i have gotten to know many members of their team and without hesitation i would highly recommend them.
Rosanne L.
Jan 15, 2011
I have been dealing with Narrow Way Plumbing for over 15 years. They have always been quick to respond to my phone calls and emergencies. The morning my pipes froze and I had no heat, one of the guys was there within an hour. Work was completed quickly. They replaced my heating system a couple of years ago and they were quick and efficient. Getting the job done with minimal impact on my daily life. Matt has always answered my concerns.
His staff is good to work with. Staff is courteous and take the time to ask the right questions. Messages are returned quickly. I trust them enough to have work done while I am away at work.
His staff is good to work with. Staff is courteous and take the time to ask the right questions. Messages are returned quickly. I trust them enough to have work done while I am away at work.