Archive for the ‘Heating & Air’ Category

Electric Fireplace Heaters – Make the Best Choice

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

An electric fireplace heater is an easy and cost effective way to add welcome additional heat and a touch of elegance to any room.

What you won’t be getting is the smoke, potentially deadly CO2 fumes, and the mess associated with a conventional fireplace.

Prices for an electric fireplace start at $299 and can skyrocket to $2,300 for a combination fireplace/home entertainment center. However, there are many well made, attractively designed models in the $450 – $700 range.

The heating unit, or electric insert, includes the blower, log set and controls. Depending on the model, heat output varies from 1,350 to 1,500 watts. This is enough power to comfortably heat 150 square feet.

In general, the electric insert accounts for roughly $200 (retail) of the total price. So whatever you end up spending over $200 will be for decorating and romance, not additional heat.

Fireplace Styles
In addition to the standard fireplace design, corner units are available to make excellent use of wasted space. Other models offer enhancements such as book shelves, curio cabinets or home entertainment centers. The mantel piece itself can be constructed of finished wood, wood with tile inserts, or expensive cast marble.

Fireplace Sizes
Electric fireplace heaters are usually advertised in three sizes: 33″, 28″ and 23″. This measurement represents the width of the fireplace insert at the front; the larger the insert, the larger the log set and flame display.

Usually, a larger insert means a larger mantelpiece. But different combinations of insert and mantel sizes are available to match the size and scale of your room.

The compact design of an electric fireplace makes it well suited for smaller homes, apartments, condos and even RVs.

Quality of Construction
When you shop online for an electric fireplace you’re forced to judge the quality of the merchandise by examining a photograph. Most of the time it’s easy to spot a piece of junk, but sometimes it isn’t.

A sure way to judge the quality of a fireplace is by its shipping weight. All things being equal, you could reasonably assume an electric fireplace weighing 210 pounds [http://www.alternative-heating-info.com/ProComs_Best_Electric_Fireplace.html] is built to a higher standard than one weighing 120 pounds.

Standard Features and Extras
Standard features on most electric fireplace heaters include the mantel, electric insert, 2 speed blower, on/off remote control, and log set. All models plug into a standard 120V receptacle and are completely portable. Also, the flame feature can be enjoyed at any time of the year with or without the heater.

Some of the available extras include hand carved glowing logs, deluxe trim, bi-fold glass doors, dimmer control and thermostat.

No matter which electric fireplace heater you finally decide to buy, it’s important to read the complete product description to find out exactly what’s included in the price and what’s going to cost extra.

Looking for the perfect space heater? You’ll find it at Sam’s Guide to Small Space Heaters – Updated for 2010!

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Brief Explanation of Solar Hot Water Heaters

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

In the 1970’s and 80’s Solar Energy first emerged as a potentially viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating sources such as fuel oil, natural gas, coal, wood, and electric. Unfortunately, these first generation solar collectors were expensive, inefficient, and delivered long payback periods and lower returns on the initial investment than expected.

In the following decades leaders in the Solar Energy Industry went back to work, striving to create more efficient, more affordable, and more cost-effective Solar Water Heaters that would not only be a viable alternative to traditional heating sources, but would be able to supplant the majority of our heating needs, lowering the world’s dependence on non-renewable energy sources, which cannot be replaced once they are depleted.

Today, there are three main types of Solar Water Heaters available. These collectors are for more efficient and cost-effective than their predecessors, and are well-suited for a number of applications such as small residential installations and pool heating, all the way to large commercial, industrial and municipal installations across the United States, and around the world. These three collectors are Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors, Flat Plate Solar Collectors, and Unglazed Solar Collectors.

Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors – these collectors are typically the most expensive of Solar Thermal Collectors. The unique tube design of these collectors makes them extremely efficient at collecting and transferring heat energy to your home’s hot water. Because of the unique design, Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors, unlike Flat Plate Collectors, are great at operating at high efficiency earlier and later in the day than other solar technologies, and during the winter months when the days are shorter and the sun is a far lower elevation in the sky. This makes Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors far more cost-effective in these climates and locations.

Flat Plate Solar Collectors – these collectors are typically less expensive than Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors, but in warmer, southern climates, can just as, if not more efficient and cost-effective. Flat Plate Solar Collectors are not particularly freeze protected, and like a Solar Panel for PV Energy, require the sun to be directly overhead at as close to a 90 angle as possible in order to operate with decent efficiency.

Because of these factors, Flat Plate Solar Collectors particularly ineffective during the winter months in northern, cold climates where freezing is a problem, the days are extremely short, and the sun is at extremely low angles every day. However, in southern climates where winters are mild, the days remain long, and the sun remains at a relatively high angle, because of their lower initial cost, Flat Plate Solar Collectors are one of the most cost-effective Solar Water Heaters available.

Unglazed Solar Collectors – these collectors are specifically designed for Solar Pool Heating. These collectors are effective for Pool Heating because they are low-temperature (about 120-150 F) and high volume heaters. These collectors are the lowest cost of all Solar Water Heaters, often costing under $200 per collector, and are generally constructed of flexible tube like material that can simply be rolled out and mounted directly to a roof, fence, or the ground in a matter of minutes. These collectors are extremely efficient and powerful in all areas of the United States during the summer months, but are not rated to stand up to winter weather such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. If you are looking for an affordable way to heat your pool and extend your swimming season earlier in the spring and later in the fall, regardless of where you live, Unglazed Solar Collectors may be the right choice for you.

Any of these Solar Water Heaters can save the average American homeowner hundreds of dollars a year, and thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the system once it is installed and operational. Today, home and water heating costs account for almost 40% of our annual energy bills, and these Solar Water Heaters can replace 65-80% of these costs for an initial investment of just a few thousand dollars. In fact, purchasing and installing a Solar Water Heater often costs as much as installing a new traditional heater, but through energy savings, will pay for itself in as little as 3-5 years.

If you would like more extensive information, or would like help discovering the financial benefits of installing a Solar Water Heater in your own home, I recommend that you contact a Solar Hot Water Professional for a Free Home and Cost-Benefit Analysis today. Silicon Solar Inc, manufacturers of the SunMaxx Solar Water Heaters, the lowest priced Solar Collectors on the market, can be found at http://www.sunmaxxsolar.com

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Air Conditioner – Cool History

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Air conditioning: On a hot day, some people feel like they would not survive without it. It does not only refer to controlling the temperature of an indoor area (cooling), though. It also refers to controlling the humidity and sometimes even the purity of the air in an interior. When you are cruising down the street on a blistering day with the AC cranked up or freezing in a frigid movie theater watching the latest blockbuster, do you ever wonder who came up with the idea of air conditioning? It may have started earlier than you think.

The Ancient Romans invented sewers, public baths, and pottery which prove how innovative their society was. They also came up with the idea of circulating aqueduct water through the walls of houses to cool them. The Medieval Persians used a complex system of cisterns and wind towers to cool their civilization. A cistern was a large open pool in a central courtyard that collects rain water. The wind tower had windows that caught wind and internal vanes to direct the airflow down to the buildings, over the cistern and out through a downwind cooling tower. When the water in the cistern evaporated, it cooled the air in the building.

The process we currently think of as air conditioning got its start a little later. In 1820, Michael Faraday, an English chemist and physicist, discovered that compressing and liquefying ammonia could chill air when the liquefied ammonia was allowed to evaporate. In 1842, John Gorrie, a physician in the United States, used compressor technology to create ice. He dreamed of using his ice-making machine to regulate the temperature of buildings and eventually entire cities, but died before his dream came true.

Willis Haviland Carrier, in 1902, was the inventor of the first modern electrical air conditioning. He got the term air conditioning from a man named Stuart W. Cramer. Cramer controlled the humidity of his textile mill by combining moisture with ventilation. Evaporation of water in air to provide a cooling effect is now known as evaporative cooling. After the demand for modern electrical air conditioners went up, Carrier formed the Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America which is currently the largest manufacturer and distributor in the world of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

New developments in air conditioning continue to this very day. Now there is a priority on increasing energy efficiency and improving indoor air quality. So, when you are kicking back on your couch, covered with a light blanket as the sun blazes outside, you now know who to thank for your satisfaction with the surrounding environment. That may be the very definition of cool.

Erin Lynn is a marketing writer with vast knowledge of different types of cooling.

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Solar Attic Fan – The Benefits And Why They Are Useful

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

If you have an attic, then you need a attic fan. This is yet another good use for solar energy. Solar energy fit’s the bill for this job because it allows you to easily install a fan without the need for wiring or expensive electrical work and the rooftop positing is perfect for solar energy use.

Your attic is like a trap for heat and moisture. These conditions are perfect for the growth of harmful molds. By having an attic fan you eliminate the environment mold needs and help to protect your home and your family.

A solar attic fan will help keep the heat levels down and rid the attic of moisture. This fan will work automatically off the solar energy gathered from the sun. You will have nothing to do but install the fan. Solar attic fans require little maintenance since they do not involve complex parts or any electrical parts.

Since there is not wiring, installing your solar attic fan is simple. Part of the reason people avoid installing attic fans is due to the complexity of installation. With a solar attic fan you do not have that hassle. There are no wires to rerun, no concerns about electrical issues at all. Just basic building skills will allow you to install your solar attic fan with ease.

Your fan will consist of a solar panel that will stay on the roof and will gather the solar energy and store it. The fan will then use the energy as needed and any remaining energy will stayed stored for later use. The best part is you are getting free energy, so your solar attic fan will cost you nothing to operate. These fans will pay for itself over time with the money saved on energy cost and will also help save the environment.

The information that comes with your solar attic fan will give you good instructions on how to install it. You should always make sure that the fan you choose is going to be adequate for your needs. It is important to choose the right fan so that all the moisture and heat is removed properly.

A solar attic fan is going to allow you to handle your attic needs. It is going to be easy to install and maintain. You will be glad that you made this choice in an attic fan. In shot, solar attic fans are effective, efficient and worthwhile.

Give it a try!

Learn how you can save money and save the Earth by using the infinite source of energy: Solar Energy. You can find more information at Joseph’s website as he expounds on Solar Energy

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Types of Home Heating Systems

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Selecting the right type of home heating system can be confusing. Here is a basic overview of the most common home heating systems.

Traditional furnaces

A furnace that is used for Home Heating system purpose draws the air from the home into a system of ductwork. Here the air is heated and regulated to the living rooms. Some furnaces also use blowers to circulate the heated air. The air that is to be circulated is drawn through a filter to get rid of dust particles. The furnace may be fuelled by different types of fuel like gas, coal, oil, electricity and wood. The gas and oil furnaces use a power light to heat the heat exchange unit which in turn heats the air that is to be circulated. Heating strips or elements are used by the electrical furnaces to heat the air. A coal or a wood furnace constitutes of a fire box, where the fuel is burnt and a heat exchanger which warms up the air that is to be circulated. The temperature inside the house is controlled by the thermostat that is usually positioned at eye level on a wall.

Steam Radiant Heating System

Steam Radiators are is an old concept and not very much in use today but they have their own advantages. They have cast iron radiators that radiate heat with steam. The steam system may have one or two pipes. In a single pipe system the water and heat flow in the same pipe but the direction of flow is opposite. In a double pipe system separate pipes are used for the flow of water and heat. These heaters are very efficient and they warm spaces quite quickly.

Electric Heat Pump

Heat pumps shuffle heat from one place to the other. They can also be used a air conditioners during warm weather. A typical heat pump extracts arm air from the surroundings like the outdoor air, underground water, surface water or the earth. This air is then heated by the pump if necessary as is regulated into the house. The thermostat of an electric heater is much like that of a furnace but it also has controls for air- conditioning.

Radiant Ceiling or Floor Heaters

Radiant heaters heat up the home as the sun does. It does not use any blowers. Instead electrical radiant elements are installed inside the floors or walls or on the ceiling. Each area has a control that might be marked from lower to higher temperature. However, they do not show the current temperature of that place. Another type of Radiant heating is Hydronic Heating. In this type of heating system hot water, which is heated in a boiler, flows through the pipes or tubes that have been placed at the places that are to be heated. These types of heaters are used under roads so as to keep away the snow and ice from accumulating there.

Space Heaters

The best part of Space heaters is that they are portable. These types of heaters are fueled by gas or kerosene oil. They might be standing free in a space or might be attached to a wall. However these types of heaters are not used to heat large area like a living room.

This article is brought to you by HomeHeatingSystemHelp.com. Find out more about how to choose a home heating system. View the benefits of solar heating, boiler heat, and heat pumps.

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Wall Mounted Airer – How It Expands Space

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

The telescopic clothes airer expands to be filled and contracts to allow more space in cramped areas.

Wall mounted airers are set to become a standard part of home equipment. Modern home designers and builders are including laundry airers as a drying system. Among the items considered are solar heating, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, light tubes and of course wind turbines, water recycling tanks, mulching systems, a grass roof as well as energy saving lamps etc. Most of the equipment-based items are expensive to buy and install and the pay back period depends on the number of sunny days per year or the speed of the wind that blows. They are all however, part of a movement known as the Green or Eco friendly movement that is designed to help us reduce CO2 emissions.

The modern wall mounted expanding airer is not expensive and it immediately and permanently contributes to reducing your CO2 usage. Every time you use it you are reducing your usage of a direct heat drying system such as a tumble dryer or launderette.

It also helps create more hanging space and often uses previously unused space in the home such as up in the cornice of the ceiling or in unused rooms. Some wall airers can hang 20kg and expand to take large loads of washing especially on a multi-strand washing line for use, say over the bath. They can be installed on garage walls or outside in a sheltered area as well as in kitchens, utility rooms, bathrooms, and bedrooms or, for that matter, anywhere where there is some unused space.

Space, of course, is a scarce commodity for city dwellers, a large proportion of whom live in apartments or small houses. Portable floor mounted airers are also useful in that the smaller version can be used standing in the bath and, together with a wall mounted washing line holding up to 69 feet of washing, provide a complete drying service for any washing load.

Nothing can be as untidy as seeing all the small washed items strewn on every radiator because of lack of space to dry indoors. The solution lies in a wall mounted drying rack, which can become the centre point for drying all year round.

The search for additional space is often a problem to be faced in the modern home and the clothes airer fills this need easily then folds away out of sight after use.

For a full range of airers click here

Jean Forsyth also writes for Airers4you and has a keen interest in environmentally friendly products

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Central Heating Advances – From Rome to the 21st Century

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

The ancient Romans figured out how to keep their homes toasty warm long before Benjamin Franklin flew his kite and we got busy inventing ways to harness electricity for our comfort.

Roman architects designed a central heating system called a hypocaust. The word, hypocaustum means “heat from below.” The raised floors were held up by short pillars and spaces beneath them and inside the walls were heated with the hot smoke and air from the fire chamber. Walls were fitted with ceramic box-shaped tiles that served as flues to channel the burned air and smoke to the outside, as well as to warm them. The more warmth needed, the closer to the hypocausts they were located.

It was a pretty expensive and labor-intensive method, so hypocausts were reserved for public baths and upper class villas. In about 25 B.C. Sergius Orata figured out how to cut down on the overhead by putting the male and female bathing rooms close to the hypocausts and right next door to each other.

Korean traditional architecture uses an Ondol. This underfloor heating method depends on direct heat transfer from a wood fire maintained underneath a thick floor made of masonry. From the central firebox or stove area, usually accessible from the kitchen or master bedroom, a system of horizontal channels spider out underneath the structure. A chimney on the opposite side of the building from the firebox ensures a decent draft system.

One of the Korean twists is that while traditional masonry is used for the channels and to support the thick floor, they added an additional layer of something impervious to smoke and fumes, such as layers of stone slabs, clay and oil paper. The system works well and is in used today in many of their buildings, notably in an orphanage.

When American missionaries discovered small children sleeping on pallets and babies sleeping in boxes on the floor, they went to great lengths to obtain thousands of cribs. Even after their arrival, the well-meaning folks were baffled to find the children were still sleeping on pallets and babies were still in boxes on the floor. Only after considerable questioning did they figure out that it was the best way to keep the little ones warm since the floors were warmed in the traditional manner.

Today’s furnaces and forced air ventilation systems provide the latest in safe, efficient central heating. Filters ensure that pollutants from the outside are kept at a minimum and the closed heat production part of the system either confines or eliminates any potentially toxic substances.

We’ve come a long way, but the level of comfort we enjoy today stands on the shoulders of some pretty smart cookies who lived a very long time ago.

Bardi Heating and Air conditioning specializes in Atlanta furnace repair and maintenance. They are a local, family owned company with a name you can trust. Bardi hvac technicians are equipped to handle repairs on any brand of equipment any time of day. To learn more their services please visit http://www.Bardi.com.

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