Posts Tagged ‘home heating’

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Fuel For Your Pellet Stove: Pellets And How To Pick The Right Ones

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

So you have came to the conclusion that a pellet stove is a good buy. Realize to start with that you have done something extremely wise. From an economic perspective, your month to month home heating charge definitely will drop greatly. You will find your new stove will undoubtedly be both effective and reliable. It is no wonder we are witnessing an up-tick in the level of popularity of the pellet stove.

Pellets, of course, will be the fuel on which your stove will run. That means it is time for one more good selection; getting the correct pellet stove pellets. They might all seem very much the same, however they supply very different heating experiences. Very good pellets can keep you nice and warm all winter. Horrible smelling fumes and less warmth will probably be your pay back for purchasing pellets that are not good quality.

So, how do you pick pellet stove pellets? Just follow this handful of hints. Always keep these in mind and you should enjoy low priced and comfortable warmth for some time.

Remember first to buy a years supply of pellets at the same time. This makes a lot of sense if you think about it, although at the outset it may seem like a costly way to begin. For starters, there is security here. You know you will have warmth all winter. Let’s say a blizzard comes in when your supply is low? How will you get out to get some more? In addition your pellet stove pellets may cost you less when you purchase in bulk.

To ensure that you do not get inferior quality pellets make sure you do your research. As in any field, there are manufacturers who will cut corners, which indicates the potential is there to buy poor quality pellets. Obviously these substandard pellets won’t yield the warmth that you need, but even worse, they might actually damage your stove. And do not forget about the risk of some unpleasant fumes also. It is actually not too difficult to find out what is poor and what is not. Seek the advice of your heating expert and study consumer reviews online.

Next, look for a company who has been in the business for a while. Pellet stoves aren’t new. They’ve been around for more than twenty years. There are vendors who’ve been delivering pellets for a long time. They have passed the test of time because they are known for producing constantly good pellet stove fuel. It is dangerous to rely upon someone new and unproven to deliver you satisfactory pellets for warmth. It’s probably recommended if you, prior to making your yearly purchase, try a sample pack. At least ensure that you are purchasing from a high quality supplier if you’re not likely to sample first.

In order to totally love your pellet stove it really only comes down to a few simple factors. Research before you buy, make an annual purchase, and buy from someone having a track record of developing high quality pellets. The time to think about this is before it begins to get cool. The pellets you utilize can make a big difference.

To learn a lot more pertaining to pellet stove pellets be sure you pay a visit to our web site at PelletStovePellets.org. You’ll also see how pellet fireplace inserts can look great and help save money on your home heating bills as well

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Passive Solar Heating For Energy Efficiency

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Most of us don’t live in Southern California where they have climate instead of weather. Because of that our winter heating costs can be astronomical. Who doesn’t want to save energy and money? You get the cachet of energy efficiency in these green-conscious times and you save a little extra money to use however you want. One thing people seldom consider when it comes to alternative home heating is the use of passive solar heating.

Even on those truly frigid days in the dead of winter, the sun still emits a noticeable amount of heat. The only factor that precludes the accumulated snow from melting is the long night and short daylight period. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could use the sun’s heat when it’s available without needing to significantly modify your house?

Passive solar heating works best and most economically in climates with clear skies during the winter and where traditional heating sources are relatively expensive. Passive solar design is very energy efficient and reduces energy demands for lighting, heating and cooling.

There is an answer to some of the heating costs. It’s called the Trombe wall. It is made of material that is used for thermal mass, usually stone or concrete. It is insulated with glass and an airspace to help keep the heat in at night. There is also a shade that lets direct low winter sun enter, but keeps the glass from being heated too much from the high summer sun to help keep your cooling costs down.

The room behind the Trombe wall receives slow, even heating for many hours after the sun sets. Rooms heated by a Trombe wall will often feel more comfortable than those heated by forced-air systems because of the radiantly warm surface of the wall, even at lower air temperatures.

Many of us are interested in pursuing more energy efficient heating alternatives such as passive solar heating. Whatever alternative you choose the cost of installation may be expensive. Whether you are seeking a custom designed home or renovating an existing structure you have options. One advantage of passive solar heating is that once installed continued use expenses are nominal.

You should also think about how the Trombe wall was invented in the 19th century, and became popular in the 1960’s. This wall has been installed in many existing homes. If you want a new, energy efficient home, you can still consider older designs because they can be green as well.

Now that the awareness of green issues is commonplace, people are becoming aware of the costs involved in heating our homes, both financial and environmental. Ideas from our ancestors, both ancient and not so ancient, solutions such as passive solar heating, are being looked at as viable because not only do they have a benefit environmentally, but they save us money as well.

Two things people seldom consider when it comes to eco-friendly home heating is the use of passive solar heating and Trombe walls.

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Radiant Floor Heating For The Modern Home

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Your home is your refuge, and you want it to be a pleasant place at any time. You cannot properly enjoy your home if it gets too cold during the winter; you need your home to stay warm and cozy even during the coldest weather. Many Christmas cards depict people and their pets looking cozy and warm while outside, the snow is falling and the wind is blowing.

There are many different ways that it is possible to heat a home. For example, a wood stove or a fireplace can burn wood to provide heat. Other homes are installed with natural gas furnaces. Other homes can implement in floor radiant heat. Floor heating can be used as stand alone heating or in conjunction with another form of home heating.

If you should opt for in-floor radiant heating, the decision must be made as to whether you prefer to purchase a home that already includes it or whether you prefer to adapt your home to have it installed at a later date. It is important to be aware that radiant floor heat installation is both a costly and complicated process.

Forced-air heating arrangements are thousands of dollars less expensive than in-floor ones. Earlier, homes were almost impossible to adapt for this purpose because the tubes involved in these systems were enclosed in concrete. For this reason, dwellings having in-floor radiant heating needed to be planned to accommodate the heating layout. Nowadays, given the new developments in heating technology and up-to-date construction materials, one can place a radiant floor heat installation more simply and at a more reasonable cost either when the house is being built or at a later date.

If you are an ambitious do-it-yourselfer and can work with a willing contractor, you can significantly reduce the cost of radiant floor heat installation. If you are willing to install the radiant tubing yourself based on a design from a contractor, you can dramatically save on your labor costs. The contractor can then install the boiler for you and take care of the piping and controls.

During installation, work closely with your contractor who can consult with you on what kind of materials you should use for tubing. Choose from among the many available professional with the credentials to work with your radiant floor heat installation. As with anything else, you should ask others who they’ve worked with in the past and check your potential contractor’s references. Carefully read and review any contracts before signing. It’s quite possible to enjoy in-floor heating without going broke installing it.

Radiant floor heating can be installed using a ‘dry’ or a ‘wet’ method. A dry installation involves panels mounted to the flooring or subfloor. The wet method uses tubes which have a material poured over to cover them.

Radiant floor heating systems will not circulate dust or allergens and reduces heat loss unlike forced air systems. Forced-air systems pressurize the home which causes warm air to escape through any small openings such as doors and windows. A radiant heated home will not be pressurized so more heat will stay in your home.

There are many ways to heat your home, but one of the most luxurious is in-floor heating. Discover how comfortable and convenient radiant floor heating can be.

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Geothermal Heat Pumps: Cost Effective And Environmentally Sound

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

A device that extracts heat from beneath the Earth is called a Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP). The GHP functions based on the principle that heat will move from higher to lower temperature materials, by either conduction or convention (air currents). These pumps absorb energy from both the ground and bodies of water and uses it to provide space and water heating. This is able to occur because the Earth absorbs 50% of the suns heat that reaches the Earth’s service.

Ground source heating and cooling provides high-comfort and cost-effectiveness with an environmentally friendly technology that makes use of the Earth’s capacity to store energy in the form of heat. Geothermal Heating Systems move heat from the earth or water into a building, or from a building back into the earth. A small amount of electricity is used to operate pumps, fans, controls, and small compressor.

GHPs utilize the relatively constant temperature of the ground or water several feet below the surface as a source of heating and cooling and are appropriate for both retrofit or new homes. In addition to space heating and cooling, geothermal heat pumps can provide hot water with virtually no additional energy requirements because GHPs don’t create heat; they merely move it from one area to another. This is a relatively new technology that can save homeowners money

Even though the cost of installation of a geothermal system can be several times that of traditional heating and cooling system, the additional costs are returned in energy savings in 5 to 10 years. The life of such a system is estimated at 25 years for the interior components and 50 or more years for the ground loop piping. Approximately 50,000 geothermal heating systems are installed in the US each year. Geothermal heat pumps are practical in most areas. They can use the Earth as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer.

Many new residential systems are equipped with desuperheaters which transfer excess heat from the geothermal heat pump’s compressor to the home’s hot water storage tank providing very efficient water heating. However, the desuperheater will not provide hot water during the spring and fall when the geothermal heat pump system is not operating. But because the geothermal heating system is so much more efficient than other means of water heating, some manufacturers are offering ‘full demand’ systems that utilize a separate heat exchanger to cost-effectively provide for hot water needs.

Even though the cost of installation of Geothermal Heating Systems can be several times that of traditional heating and cooling systems, the additional expense are returned in energy savings in 5 to 10 years. This is due to the very high efficiency of Geothermal Heat Pumps.

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Pellet Stove Background

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

A pellet stove is a stove that uses biomass and waste plant material to burn and create heat. It works much the same way as a traditional wood stove.

The fuel comes in the shape of pellets that are stored in a hopper attached to the stove that automatically feeds the pellets as desired. That allows you to have a regulated amount of burning and easy temperature control. In the times of the Great Depression, barrel stoves, braziers, and oil drums were commonly used as stoves. The 30s saw the invention of the pellet stove at the same time as a log made from sawdust called the presto log.

Over the years the stoves have improved to the point that they are controlled by thermostats and computers which makes them immensely more effective than wood stoves. The stoves can store more than 50 lbs of pellets in a hopper. The pellets are then fed automatically to the fire by the controls. This means no more fussing and poking at the fire to adjust the heat. On top of that the stoves use a tiny vent hole that only needs to be 3-4 inches wide. Say good by to needing a chimney and put the stove in almost any room you like. You also don’t need to worry about the room overheating like with a wood stove because the stove controls the amount of fire.

There are other advantages to pellet stoves. The first is how adaptable they are. The thermostat mentioned before can even turn the stove on and off on many models. The computer chips in the stoves can monitor internal faults and allow for controlling the stove by remote. The fuel itself burns down to a very fine ash and can be used with a choice of fuels including, the wood pellets, wood chips, corn and grain.

You really should have a pro install your stove. They will be able to select the proper stainless and galvanized steel venting and check that it doesn’t have any dangerous leaks or other issues before you kick back and watch the energy and money savings roll in from your new pellet stove.

Stop giving away your home heating money. Find out how to heat smarter using a pellet stoveat pelletstoveblog.com.

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Your Wallet Will Love Homemade Pellet Stove Fuel

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Pellet stove fuel is a Green and domestically produced fuel. This fuel is designed to go in a pellet stove, which is a stove similar to others that use gas or wood. But instead, pellet stoves use less natural resources as the fuel is generally created from waste or recycled materials that would otherwise be thrown out and does not consume valuable resources.

Because energy costs are going up all the time, it is easy to see that pellet stoves and pellet stove fuel are a more efficient and less expensive way of heating homes. This type of fuel can also be used in a gas or wood heater but is most efficiently burned in a pellet stove.

This type of fuel is not all the same as the fuel is made from different materials. The three main types of fuel are made out of corn, grass, and wood, and each has different uses and advantages. The quality of various pellet stove fuels is evaluated by seeing the amount of left over ash and therefore less ash equals higher quality.

If a pellet stove is the way you decide to go, there are a few tips that can help you save money and be more economical by making fuel on you own. With pellet stoves sales taking off recently, you might find it hard to find pellet stove fuel, especially as winter comes closer. Making your own fuel might just keep you from freezing if things get tight.

To get going you will you need access to raw materials along with a pellet mill. A pellet mill is used to bind the materials that you are using to make your fuel. The mill works by compressing the raw materials you have into the pellet shape through dyes. You can buy a pellet mill for around $2,600.

Several different raw materials are useful in producing this fuel. They are fruit pits, corn cobs, barley star, different types of grass, wheat, and also cardboard or sometimes paper can be used. The raw materials you select should work with the fuel your pellet stove needs to work best. So you need to check the kind of stove you have to properly match the pellet stove fuel and the stoves requirements.

Learn more about pellet stoves. Stop by Alan McDonald’s site where you can find out all about pellet stove fuel and what it can do for you.

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Learn About Importance Of Using The Right Furnace Filters

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Furnace filters come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. The original purpose of these filters was to protect the mechanics of the machine from dust and debris. As time has moved on filters are now not only designed to protect the furnace or air conditioner, filters are also designed to catch dust and airborne pollutants.

Filters used in factories and other industrial environments are specifically designed to stop harmful substances getting into the atmosphere, as well as protecting the furnace from damage. Filters used in private homes are of similar design and basically do the same job.

Today it is rare for filters to be a permanent fixture, now most filters are removable for cleaning or are disposable. The latter is recommended to ensure the efficient running of the furnace or air conditioning unit.

Although the air we breathe may look clear and clean, there are a whole host of microscopic particles which cannot be seen by the naked eye. If these particles are inhaled they can cause lung damage and respiratory problems. A good filter can trap any airborne particles in the home, helping to prevent health issues related to the inhalation of dust particles and other tiny bugs we cannot see.

Is it believed that an average person can inhale over one million particles each day, this is the main reason why filters should be in good order and constantly effective. A well maintained furnace or air conditioning unit will help to keep the air in your home clean and help to reduce related health issues.

There are a wide range of filters available, and knowing which one is right for your needs can be difficult. Essentially all filters do the same job, and have similar designs with some performing more efficiently than others. One of the most popular types of filter is the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA), this filter is one of the best available, and it is able to remove unwanted pollutants such as pollen, mould spores and dust mites from the air.

Pleated filters are another popular choice for removing unwanted substances from the air. As indicated in the name they are made up of material folded into pleats, this gives the filter a greater surface area making it more efficient. Charcoal filters contain activated carbon, this is a porous substance and is very absorbent. Carbon filters are often used in industrial applications where chemical gases are involved.

The Electrostatic filter is another favorite; it is made from a thinner material than other filters. This filter is still very efficient despite its thin material, this allows for more unrestricted air flow through the furnace. When air passes through the filter static electricity is produced, this static attracts the unwanted pollutants and traps them making the expelled air much cleaner.

Your furnace or air conditioning unit is only as good as the filter installed in it. When it comes to deciding what filters to use you should always use a recommended brand with a quality assurance mark. Filters should either be cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturers specifications to ensure the effectiveness of the filter. Taking these precautions will keep the air your breath cleaner and reduce the risk of inhaling unwanted particles.

Locating the right size of furnace filter can be difficult and expensive! Now you can choose from a wide selection of furnace filters and get the one that will keep your system running perfectly throughout the year!

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Should You Install Electric Fireplaces In Your Home?

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Electric fireplaces are a convenient alternative to the traditional wood-burning fireplaces. This product is one of the hottest to hit the market in the last few years. An electric fireplace will add a feeling of warmth and coziness to your home.

If you are thinking about adding a fireplace in your home, the electric fireplace will be much simpler to install. Sold as a kit you will only need a drill, clean rag and glass cleaner to install a unit in a timely manner.

The first products that came out did not look real but advanced technology has changed their look and feel. Manufacturers are creating mantel pieces that have an authentic look, making these fireplaces more desirable to consumers. Fireplaces have always been the focal point of entertaining rooms, to be able to display one that looks and feels like the real thing will make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Homeowners do not have to worry about cleaning out the ashes after every use because these fireplaces do not need to be cleaned. There is no wood to gather or chimneys to sweep, just sit back and enjoy the warmth from the illusion of ‘fire’ coming from the logs of your electric fireplace.

There are no harmful fumes or carbon dioxide emitted from these units. They are environmentally friendly. The newer models have remote controls that work like a central heat and air control box. You can program them to turn off when the room reaches the temperature you programmed into the remote. Some even come with an air filtration system that allows even distribution of heat throughout the room.

Relying on an electric fireplace to be your only means of heat is going to end up costing you a lot of money when your electric bill comes. Basically, it is just a fancy looking space heater. If you live outside city limits then you may want to think about installing a traditional wood-burning fireplace to save on the cost of electricity.

The traditional wood-burning fireplace will always have the smells and sounds associated with burning wood and that is something that is hard to replace. Sitting in front of the fireplace watching the fire dance across the logs instills a feeling that cannot be duplicated with an electric log and an illusion of ‘fire’. Electric fireplaces are for those people who do not have time to enjoy the little pleasures life has to offer.

Discover the right Dimplex Electric Fireplace Heater by looking online. You will find several Electric Fireplaces Central New Jersey to look into. Head online today and find out more.

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The Choice Of Wood Burning Stoves

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Wood burning stoves have been around about as long as fire. They have been used for generations. They provide not only, physical warmth, but a feeling of comfort as well. In the past, they were usually used because they were the only heat source available. Now, however, even with the many other choices available, they are extremely popular today.

The economical benefits are one reason for the growing popularity. Wood for burning is abundant in most areas. The modern ones have precision engineering which means there is more heat and less waste.

They are classified as space heaters. They are manufactured for use in spots or locations of a certain size.

Placement of the units is the place where you most often spend your time. Placement in basements is discouraged because their heating efficiency can be lowered because of heat absorption by the basement walls.

If the floor plan of your home is more divided areas with small rooms, one unit will unlikely heat the whole area. If your floor plan is more open, a large unit might be able to heat the area entirely. Choosing the correct sized stove is vital to get the best results. If it is too large for the area, it will become too warm. If it is too small for the area, there will not be enough heat produced. You should discuss your needs with a heating expert.

The stoves come in many designs and styles. They can be made of various materials including, cast iron, plate steel, soapstone, or enameled finished. There is not a huge difference between the material and the units effectiveness. It is usually just the style that attracts one to one material rather than another.

Many sizes, colors, and shapes are also available. You can choose between more antique traditional styles, or more modern styles. Your taste will help you determine which will look best in your home

There are some advantages to using these stoves. They produce much more heat than a traditional fireplace. They are cost effective with less waste than fireplaces. Most will work well even if the electrical power goes off. Some even have cooking elements that can be used when there is no power. They also must meet safety requirements for your particular area. If you have children, make sure that your choice is appropriate for their age group. If all safety issues are addressed, this should cause no problem. Of course, if they are smaller, make sure you do not leave them alone in the room with the unit operating.

Some disadvantages also exist. They can, if not properly installed and ventilated, create certain pollutants. When children, especially small children, are present in your home, they should not be left alone in the room with the stove. The curiosity of a child could cause problems. However, If you follow all safety rules, they can be an efficient heat source.

Pellet stoves are a relatively new type of stove. They function in a similar manner to the traditional stoves. However, instead of using logs, small pellets composed of 100% sawdust is used. These have a lower production of smoke and take less space to store.

Many areas with new construction sites require regulations before wood burning stoves can be used. Some only give approval if they receive EPA-approved phase II (Environmental Protection Agency). If you adhere to all safety and regulation requirements, they might be an excellent choice for consideration if you need a more economical means of heating.

Find a great selection of wood burning stoves today! You can find the wood burning stove that will meet all your needs and will fit your budget fast!

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How Do Furnace Filters Use Electrostatic Charges

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Household dust is not good for you. It can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. It contains molds and toxins that can make you sick. Using high quality furnace filters and changing them on a regular basis is the first step towards eliminating dust in your home. The cheaper fiberglass filters will not reduce household dust. They will protect your furnace’s motor from being damaged by dust build-up but do not reduce dust in your home.

The most effective filters are made of pleated fabric or paper. They have an electrostatic charge that actually attracts dust and retains it. These high quality filters should be replaced every three months. However, you should check them once a month. If you have pets in your house you may need to change them more frequently. A dirty filter can damage your furnace.

Many people are surprised to learn that a major ingredient of dust comes from their own body. A good portion of household dust are flakes of skin. Another source is from clothes, upholstered furniture, and bedding which discharge fibers all the time. Dust also contains toxins, mold and mites. All these contaminants induce asthma and allergy attacks and are thought to cause very serious chronic diseases.

The fibers that our clothing shed make our closets very dusty. To help control dust do not store items on closet floors. Closet floors should be swept or vacuumed often. Clothes stored on shelves should be placed in plastic bags. And clothes hanging up should be hung using garment bags so the dust stays contained.

Another source of dust is the bedroom. Mattresses and bedding absorb flakes of skin. Just rolling around in bed can emit clouds of invisible particles. Once a week all bedding should be replaced and washed. Blankets and pillows should be beaten outside if possible.

Use damp rags or cloths that retain dust with an electrostatic charge when dusting furniture and woodwork. Dry rags and feather dusters just spread the dust around. Rags moisten with furniture oil will attract and hold dust but they leave a residue on your furniture.

Carpets and rugs are like a sponge when it comes to dust. Every time somebody walks on a rug the dust is being released. Wall to wall carpeting are a major source of allergy problems in a home. Vacuum carpets frequently. Take area rugs and smaller carpets outside and beat them. Beating removes more dust than vacuuming and the dust stays outside instead of in your house.

Upholstery not only discharges fibers but it also absorbs dust as well. Clouds of dust are released every time you sit on a sofa or chair. Vacuum upholstered furniture frequently. Cushions should be beaten outside. Room air cleaners are helpful but they are only effective in a single room.

Although you can never completely remove household dust from your home, the simple steps described here will make your home healthier and more comfortable by holding the dust in check. Use high quality furnace filters, vacuum frequently, and eliminate clutter are some the most effective steps to start you off in the right direction towards a toxic free home.

Locate affordable furnace filters that will meet every are looking for fast and easy! When you are looking for a furnace filter that is hard to get, you will get it fast when you visit today!

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