Built in the 50's and on heating pipes I would say with confidence it is asbestos. Highly recommend contacting a remediation company which will recommend the best course of action. The sealing/wrapping they do is 100% effective and affordable it also will not hinder your future chances of selling the home (if this is an important factor). Asbestos sealed by a licensed remediation company (Licensed is CRITICAL) will pass FHA guidelines etc.

I have had a couple of clients that went the heat pump route with awesome success. Bosch makes a great unit that is good down to -4 degrees now. I don't think you will be able to exclusively use a heat pump system in CT but you may only have to flip your oil burner on a couple times a winter.

The best! But I don't think its what they are looking for, SDW cooks standard size hot dogs.

Naugatuck is one of the highest taxed towns in the state.

Modern definitely sells theirs and its the best I've had.

Naugatuck state forest on the west side of Route 8. I actually think someone posted the view from one of the overlooks recently on this sub. One of the best foliage spots as well. Depending on the trail you take some of them run along fast flowing water as well as Spruce Brook Falls.

Parking lot is at the end of Spruce Brook Road in Naugatuck. Easy to see on Google Maps.

Walk around Gillette Castle and a coffee/light lunch at Higher Grounds? Although I think higher grounds closes on the earlier side.