Carrier Air Filters

Carrier is one of the most well knowned companies and a trusted name in providing HVAC systems. In 1902, Willis Carrier invented the basics of air conditioning and since then Carrier company had been a world leader in manufacturing air conditioners and heating systems. They manufacture a wide range of cooling and heating systems and their various parts. If you are purchasing an air filter Carrier would definitely be a good choice. They manufacture filters in all sizes and different materials.

If you reside in a area with little pollution then you can purchase a disposable panel filter. They need to be replaced every 30 days and is very efficient in trapping larger sized particles like dust, ash, sand and other debris. If you want a higher level of protection against pollution  a electrostatic pleated filter which would ensure maximum protection would be a better choice. This AC filter effectively prevents harmful microbes, smokes and pet danders and will provide you with cleaner air. It is perhaps the best way to remove pollutants which are as small as 0.01 microns.

The Carrier filters have high MERV rating and they will enhance the air quality of your home. They are easy to replace and are designed to give improved performance. They also keep your heating and cooling system working efficiently. They are durable and consume low energy. Another advantage is that they only need to be replaced every 2 to 3 months.

Getting Your Furnace Ready for the Winter Weather

November is here, the cold weather season is upon us. In fact many of us are already dealing with snow and freezing temperatures. This is the season that many people love. I mean who doesn't long for the brisk chill of a cool November day? Cold weather, cuddling by the fire, hot chocolate..  That said- winter has a way of sneaking up on us.  As a result, it's imparitive to take quick action to ensure that your home is a warm, comfortable living space during what could be a very cold winter.

Neglecting your hvac system can lead to disastrous results. If you aren't careful your living room could turn into the Arctic Circle. The cold weather, as much as we love it, belongs outside. You look forward to the wondrous benefits of winter: hot cocoa, crackling fire in the  fireplace and family gatherings. Well, in order to enjoy these traditional winter activities you should make sure that your heating system is serviced and running properly.

If you have a older, outdated heating system whether it has performed wonderfully or questionably, have it inspected soon. Even if it worked without a problem during  past winters, there may be hard-to-detect problems, the result of wear and tear from years and years of use.. If you're hesitant to spend money on a heating system evaluation, consider it an investment in your peace of mind. Having a factory-trained HVAC technician perform a system evaluation can lead to more energy efficiency and lower heating bills over the next few years. Maintaining your heating system will not only bring a financial savings on your heating bills, but also help you avoid  future repairs that may have been prevented if caught when they were minor issues.

It's important to schedule regular servicing to guarantee uninterrupted cold-weather operation. In addition to having a seasonal check-up performed by a certified HVAC technician, there are additional steps homeowners can take to increase the efficiency of their heating systems. Change the air filter's at the beginning of every heating season and check it every few weeks tthrough the winter. Also, inspect the heat exchanger for holes or cracks and make certain there are no carbon monoxide leaks.

Keep your eyes open for red flags. If your house isn't being heated evenly you should figure out why, and if you are also having humidity problems, your system could be malfunctioning.

If your furnace appears to be on it's last leg it may be smarter to invest in a energy efficient model than to be dumping money into a sinking ship. Remember, it's an investment. So do your research.

In the event that you need to purchase a new furnace, take a deep breath and contact your local HVAC company. They can solve your heating problems well in advance of winter's cold weather. This is why it is important to take preventive measures as opposed to waiting until the last possible moment to take action, or worse, putting it off completely.

Remember, don't rely solely on your judgment to diagnose heating problems call your local heating professional. With his expert service and your own regular maintenance checks you and your family will enjoy a safe, warm home all winter long!

How to Save Energy During the Winter Months

Energy saving tips for the winter season will help to keep more money in your wallet and save energy during the cold season. Most techniques below are cheap and pretty easy to implement. Other methods require energy upgrade investments from your local HVAC company that will pay off over time in energy savings.

To manage your heating bill, turn the thermostat down when you are not home, when you go to bed at night or when you have a house full of guests. Before winter hits , make sure that your thermostats are functioning properly. Set the temperature at the most 68 degrees. With a programmable thermostat you can schedule when you would like to have your heating on.

If you are able replace single pane windows with double-pane windows.  If you can't replace your windows you can reduce drafts by attaching a clear plastic film or heavy-duty, plastic clear sheet on your windows.

Heavy curtains or blinds will help to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Weatherstripping is another simple step in keeping the warmth inside the house. Besides weatherstripping your windows you should weatherize your pipes, vents, doors and water heaters.

The attic and basement are usually where you will find air leaks. Evaluate whether your attic is sufficiently insulated. If it has the insulation of less than R-30 (11" for fiber glass, 8" for cellulose), it needs to be enhanced. You should also check if you need to add the insulation to your basement and your crawl space. Call your local HVAC company to have your insulation performance checked. 

Have all your heating equipment checked by a professional contractor. It is a wise decision to replace older equipment with an energy-efficient model.

Warm air travels up and builds up near the ceiling. Switch your ceiling fan to run in a clockwise direction to dispense the air and move warm air around the room.

If you tend to stay in one room of the house for most of the day, you might consider a space heater for that room only. Close the vents in the rooms you are not using. You could also invest in a new zoned heating thermostat so that you could set the temperature for each room idividually. 

Clean air filters in your heating system to increase energy efficiency and airflow. These filters need to be checked once a month, and replaced when dirty- it may be monthly or every other month.

19% of an average electricity bill comes from water heating. You can lower the bill by using less hot water, turn down the thermostat, insulate your water heater, or investing in an energy-efficient model. When installing the insulation make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations or hire a licensed contractor.

By following these winter energy saving tips you can keep your home more comfortable during winter, save money and help the environment too.

4 Benefits of Regular Duct Cleaning and Repair

The drive home from work: traffic congestion, hard on the lungs- all the smoke from semi trucks and other big vehicles. After a full day inside a cubicle, you may look at the city you live in and see nothing but air pollution. How do you survive breathing the fumes of what you and your fellow neighbors have created?

You can't wait to get inside under a cool air conditioner and breath in some clean air for a change. Maybe that is what you expect to happen. But if it is, sorry to deliver some bad news, you are not breathing in the clean air you think you are..

Are you aware that the Environmental Protection Agency estimates household air is up to 70 times more polluted than what you breath in everyday during your work commute?

70 TIMES!

Most of this indoor pollution exists because people fail to get their ducts and furnace cleaned as often as they should.The cost of ignoring basic maintenance on your HVAC system can produce  pollution worse than anything you will  encounter outside, and could lead to expensive air duct service - or more serious, duct replacement.

You can't afford to take air duct cleaning for granted any longer.  Here are 4 benefits of quality air duct cleaning and care:

1. Your health. Inside your current ductwork, there are actually all sorts of unwanted critters waiting for yourself to uncover. Harmful bacteria, fungus, mold and mildew spores, animal dander, as well as pollen, consistently collect to contaminate the quality of your own clean air. Through air-duct cleaning and heater cleaning, you can remove these factors before they take control of you by way of allergies, asthma, or or other illnesses.

2. Energy savings. The EPA estimates that it doesn't even take one-tenth of an inch of dust buildup on a heating coil to negatively affect your energy efficiency. 

3. Less work around the house.  By engaging in routine maintenance and air duct cleaning you can greatly reduce the time you spend on menial chores like dusting.

4. Longer life expectancy of your heating and air conditioning equipment. By regularly engaging in good quality air-duct cleaning, or hiring an HVAC specialist to ensure your ducts are getting the treatment they need for maximum overall performance, you help reduce the possibility of air duct repair or air duct replacement, that will certainly be awaiting you down the road otherwise. 

It is best to stay on top of the problem before it is too late. But if it is time for an air duct replacement, act quickly. The money you can quickly make up for in a more efficient energy system and future awareness that will prevent serious problems before they occur.

What Does a Heat Recovery Ventilator Do?

For those who have bought a house, are purchasing a house, or if you're renovating your home you may very well be familiar with the topic of a heat recovery ventilator or HRV. Brand new houses typically come with one, however older properties usually do not  have them unless the climate control system was modernized. Rather simply, an HRV works to preserve heat while eliminating stale indoor air.


Back before the ever increasing rise in energy costs began, heat retention would not have been needed in the same capacity as it is today. Now we've got air tight doors and windows, each crack is filled with caulk and our walls are insulated much better than at any time before. All this works fantastic to assist in decreasing our heating bills, but it can be a nightmare for indoor air air pollution. We may be comfortable, but our health can be at stake with allergens and micro organism increasing.

Although some steps could be taken such as electrostatic air filters, they decrease the amounts of airborne contaminants, but do absolutely nothing for the gases for example carbon monoxide or excess moisture. This is where a heat recovery ventilator  will come into play. The most effective approach to keep the indoor air pure is always to remove the polluted air and substitute it with new, dry air. This needs a system with two supporters, 1 to push bad air out and an additional to drag the nice air in. A heat recovery ventilator will do this and more. Not merely does the air get cycled through for cleanliness,  it also goes through a high temperature exchange core which heats the outdoor air before it circulates indoors. 

Up to 85% of the heat from the inside air can be moved to the air being brought in from the outside, which is much more cost effective than opening windows. Filters are used to capture dust, pollen along with other air substances from entering with the fresh air. An HRV can be very useful in the summer months as well but they are most helpful in the winter months.

Interested in learning more? Contact your local HVAC company. 

6 Ways to Reduce Your Winter Heating Bills

It has been another difficult year economically but now it's time to gear up for the holidays and plan for next year. We spend a lot to heat our home, now it's time to come up with a plan to reduce those heating bills. I know you don't like throwing your money away. A family spends approximately $2000 a year for winter heating, this amount can be even more if you do not take care of little things that can increase efficiency of your heating system.

Insulating

The first step you should take is making sure your home is properly insulated.  Proper insulation will keep your indoors warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are various forms of insulation like spray foam, fiberglass, rigid foam and cellulose and many others. Once your home is properly insulated your winters will be more comfortable and you will be saving money on the cost on heating for those cold days.

Plugging Air Leaks

Whether your home is new or old, before winter hits you should check every window and door for air leaks. A leaky home will allow cool air to get inside and warm air to go outside and that will increase your heating bills. Your HVAC system will have to overwork to keep your home warm which will mean more fuel and maintenance expenses for you.

Here are a few tips to check and fix the air leaks in your home.

1) Check out the weather stripping around the windows and doors

2) If your insulation has leaks then use the insulation tape to seal them.

3) If there are rooms in your home that you do not use frequently, make sure to apply sheeting to the doors leading to them.

4) Install vent blocks in the rooms your don't use.

5) Seal all the cracks in the walls.

6) Try to prevent constant running in and out of the house (remember your parents constantly reminding you to stop running in and out of the house when you were a kid?). Everytime you open the door you are letting in cold air and letting out warm air. 

These are some simple tips that can greatly reduce winter heating costs. You should also call your HVAC company to come in and do a routine winter servicing of your heating system and make sure that there are no leaks in your duct work. Don't forget that lowering your thermostat by even 1 degree will save you money over the long term. 

How to Test Your Heating & AC Ducts for Leakages

Developing a home that's energy-efficient has numerous benefits. It'll lower your carbon footprint, therefore making your house more eco-friendly. It'll make your house more energy-efficient, therefore costing you less every single month in your energy bill. There are many areas within your home that you should pay attention to in order to find air leaks that wreak havoc on efficiency and your wallet. Certainly one of the individual areas is the air conditioning (heating, ventilating, and ac) unit's ductwork. Even when your house is new, but particularly if it's old, air leaks can exist through the system.

Checking and repairing any air conditioning leaks within the ductwork is crucial to keeping the system, as well as your home, efficient. A lot of the ductwork inside a house send either heated or cooled air in to the different spaces of the house. Usually, there's one large duct that functions as the return to the heating/cooling unit itself. Each one of these ductwork should be correctly sealed from air leaks to be able to function correctly and effectively. Many houses, however, frequently have significant problems like shredded insulation, damaged duct junctions, even holes chewed with the insulation and ductwork by rats and/or rodents.

Air conditioning ductwork are pressurized, so leaks which exist could be far worse and much more pricey than other air leaks around your home. The quantity of air that escapes via a leak inside a duct is magnified due to that pressurization.

Being able to access all your ductwork could possibly be the trickiest part, although fixing the leaks could be relatively easy. Leaks many times can be seen with just a flashlight. You may also make use of the "wet hands" technique - turn the air conditioning unit on therefore the ductwork become pressurized and ready: a wet hand may lead you directly to the leak. If you have trouble finding the leaks yourself then I suggest calling a qualified HVAC specialist to come out check the ducts for you. If you were able to find the leaks yourself then continue on with how to repair the leaks.

Hardware stores carry various kinds of sealing kits for ductwork. Prior to going towards the store, though, you will need to have the ability to tell the sales representative assisting you what material your ductwork are, and just how they're suspended to be able to find the appropriate repair package.

Duct tape can be used for  a lot of things, however this is somewhere the title states everything! Easily repair rips or tears in ductwork with duct tape. Take this into account when you use duct tape - it doesn't adhere well to dusty surfaces. When the surface where your leak is provides extensive dust (also it most likely will), then you've two options:

1. Clean off the dust (much more difficult than you think)

2. Wrap the duct tape around and round the section in which the leak is and just hide the dust - much simpler than the first option!

If while you are checking the ductwork you see the insulation appears thin, it is simple to add more to the surface of the existing insulation.

Caulk works effectively to seal the air leaks that are commonly found at the junctions between ducts and the registers where the air is pushed out into your home.

Heating Alternatives to Reduce Winter Heating Costs

With the winter season upon us, most people are researching ways to help lower their heating bills. There are many ways to do this, and they can be as simple as a few quick do-it-yourself home improvements or a call to your local HVAC company.

The three most effective and simple steps can be completed in as little as a few hours. 

1. Lower the temperature on your thermostat. 3 to 5 degrees may not feel like much but can make quite a difference in terms of saving money over a period of time, and if you start to get a little chilly add an extra layer of clothing before turning up the thermostat. 

2. Space heaters are fairly inexpensive and can be very energy efficient if you do some research. Heating the 1 or 2 rooms you use the most instead of your whole house can save money on heating bills, and is often recommended by government departments. 

3.  Winterizing your home by adding window seals where needed or using caulk to stop leaks is a simple and effective way to ensure your heating system is not working in vain. If you don't already have them you may want to consider  double-paned windows, although you may need to call a professional to have him install them for warranty purposes.

While the above tips will increase efficiency and lower bills, sometimes it is necessary to discuss some steps that include a larger investment. They are long- term solutions that  will pay off by lowering your heating bills. Here are four heating alternatives to look into.

Natural Gas Conversion: While a natural gas heating solution is a financial investment to install it does have other advantages, such as its ability to be used to run appliances, fuel a fireplace and heat water. However since natural gas is provided by local utility companies it may not be available in all areas so be sure to call your local supplier.

Ground (Geothermal) Heat Pump Systems: Geothermal Heat Pumps have become quite popular as an alternative way to heat residences and businesses alike. They work by relying on the relatively constant temperature of the earth 3-5 feet below the surface. While the upfront costs can be daunting, it is possible to recoup your investment in as little as five years, and to reduce your energy consumption by 44-72% according to the EPA.

Solar Heating Systems: Solar power is economical, renewable, and environmentally friendly, making it appealing to many consumers. While the initial costs can seem to be staggering the long term benefits are worth the work, as the Department of Energy estimates that a properly designed and installed solar system can provide 40-80% of a home's heating needs.

Wood or Pellet Burning Stoves: Wood burning stoves have become more efficient and operate much safer than they did five to ten years ago, and with the increase cost of gas and oil have also been able to provide an economical solution for many homeowners.  The Environmental Protection Agency states that they are one of the "cleanest-burning heating appliances available today" and exempts them from smoke-emission testing requirements.

Insulation - What Types Are Out There?

Insulation is the phenomenon of slowing down the flow of heat, electricity or sound. Insulation can be used both to prevent heat gain and heat loss from the surrounding. Most electrical appliances use insulation technology like Refrigerators, freezers and Heaters. Insulation should be installed in the areas between heated and non heated space.

One of the main applications of insulation is house insulation. An insulated home is more energy efficient, requires less maintenance and is more comfortable as the temperature remains uniform over weather changes. Insulation at home helps in saving energy and reducing utility bills. It makes the house more comfortable. Insulation at home not only helps in keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter but it also prevents damage from leaking water and provides a good thermal resistance. Insulation is very useful to keep the temperature of the house independent from outdoor temperature.

Insulation at home helps in saving energy and reducing utility bills. It makes the house more comfortable. Insulation at home not only helps in keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winters but it also prevents damage from leaking water and provides a good thermal resistance. Insulation is very useful to keep the temperature of the house independent from outdoor temperature.

There are many types of home insulation available. All the different types of insulation have their pros and cons. They are mainly differentiated based on the material used for the insulation. They can be separated into Plastic foam, rigid board, reflective, loose fill, batts and blankets and blown in insulation etc.

Foam insulation is performed by pouring the liquid foam from a container. Foam insulation is a bit more expensive than batt and blanket insulation. Foam insulation is convenient to install while constructing the house rather than going into already built structures. As the foam insulation used to be air tight , it is not generally recommended for attic insulation.

Spray foam insulation is used to insulate the walls and ceilings do keep the house warmer during cold weather and to keep it cool in summer. Spray Foam insulation is a bit more expensive than Fiber glass insulation. This type of insulation can reduce utility and repair bills as your house is naturally warmer and free from bugs due to the insulation. Spray form insulation lasts longer than other types.

Ductwork Insulation is used to insulate ducts and hot and cold water supply pipes, water heaters and air conditioners etc. to control the temperature of air and water. It is not that expensive but can help in high energy and cost saving.

Attic insulation is a must in any house to have comfortable room temperature. A house should have an attic that has a room temperature close to the outdoor temperature. Attic insulation would not be adequate if there is not a sufficient amount of it or it has gotten wet or has become less effective due to gaps or damage in insulation. The houses that have a warm surroundings and environment can have R38 insulation while a house in a cold climate can have R49 insulation.

Eric Comforth is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics.There's plenty more insulation information at Sandium.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Comforth

5 Places Your House May Be Leaking Air

Air leaks through the building envelope- the walls, foundation, and roofs-can possess a substantial effect on durability, even when compared with water leaks. Not only can air leaks carry moisture into framing cavities, leading to condensation that causes mold and rot,  it is typically responsible for a sizable portion of a home’s energy use and indoor air quality challenges.

Where are the leaks?

When developing a new structure, paying close attention to a tight and continuous air barrier need to be a top rated priority. There are well-established (and oft-neglected) very best practices for “building tight,” but acquiring leaks in current buildings is really a diverse challenge. Your caulk and spray foam can are ready to go- where to look for leaks?

You have to think like the air, and air molecules are like mice: it is unbelievable what they could fit through. Here, in no certain order, are my 5 most likely suspects for air leaks on existing properties. One key concept is the fact that air leakage pathways are generally interconnected-and so are a number of these five.

1) The chimney chase. From the basement up through the  roof, the chimney chase can be a perfect venue for the “stack effect,” in which warm, buoyant air floats up and out of your residence, with cold outdoors air becoming pulled in in the bottom to replace it.

An unfilled gap among a brick chimney and the wood framing is prevalent in old houses, building a jet engine of air leakage. Seal it wherever you'll be able to access it-in the basement and attic, at least-using fire-safe components. A lot of old homes have unused chimneys. Check that the cleanout door and any other chimney openings are adequately sealed.

2) Light fixtures and plumbing. Plumbing is often routed in “chases” operating from the basement up via the first and second stories. Though not generally operating by means of the attic like the chimney does, this once more represents an excellent opportunity for stack impact air leakage, which air will never fail to capitalize on.

When the air motion reaches the second story and is looking for any path by means of to the attic and beyond, it turns to light fixtures, wiring penetrations, smoke detectors, and bath fans, all of which are typically cut by means of the attic floor. It could appear like that globe light is firmly attached towards the ceiling, but air can very easily discover some cracks by way of. To make matters worse, these holes are normally buried under attic insulation, generating them tougher to fix. Applying spray foam from the attic side, and only then piling on insulation, would be the most effective answer.

3. Interior wall cavities. Interior walls may well be among your home’s worst culprits for air leakage. An power audit which includes a blower door test, can prove the point, but if you’re still putting that off, obtain a spot in your home where there is some cracked or missing plaster or an old wall register that is not hooked up anymore. On a cold, windy day, place the back of your hand or possibly a lit match up against the crack and feel the cold breeze.

Because of how homes are framed, particularly balloon-frame homes (built up till the mid-1950s), interior walls communicate together with the floor structure, which communicates with all the exterior wall, often at a place with no insulation or air seal. Plaster repair, spray foam, or caulk might be proper fixes based on the setting.

4. Windows and doors. Remember, we ask a whole lot from windows and doors. We put these holes in the building to let in light and air-but then we place up blinds to help keep the light out and we get upset when the windows are drafty in the winter.

New, higher quality windows shouldn't be leaky, but most current homes do not have new, great top quality windows. Older windows can be reconditioned, and executing so is generally cost-effective. Through an energy audit I identified considerable leaks in the bottom of my double-hung windows, and at the point inside the middle exactly where the sashes meet. I installed new weatherstripping, which cut off the leakage pretty much totally.

We hope that the door started out airtight, but with all the opening and closing, putting stress in the middle with the door, they effortlessly get warped out of shape somewhat, pulling away from the weatherstripping-and the weatherstripping gets old. New weatherstripping can often repair the problem, but if the door is definitely bent out of shape, it may possibly not be sufficient.

5. Basement masonry and sills. The above-grade portion of basement walls, plus the junction amongst the foundation along with the wooden sill are commonly huge air leakage holes. (As a rule, any junction between systems or materials is really a weak point.) A foam “sill seal” is ordinarily utilised right here in new construction, but in current properties the wooden framing is frequently sitting on a brick or block foundation, plus the slight crack among the two, multiplied from the building perimeter, is enough to leak many air.

Add to that the masonry itself: cracks in the stone, brick, or block will leak. Also, concrete blocks may possibly appear solid, but all those little pores can let a great deal of wind through. Use of either spray-applied foam, rigid foam, or a combination, is often a frequent method to defeat these problems.

To have your home checked for air leaks contact Sandium.Com to set up an appointment for a energy audit.

Radiant Heat Panels: Red Hot Retrofit

Red hot as in sales, that is. The reasons behind the increasing popularity of radiant heat panels are ease of installation, quick warm up, dust free heat, and low cost relative to other retrofit heating systems.

For the same price as a pellet stove, you could heat a 1,500 square foot home and not have to deal with locating, storing and lugging 40 pound bags of wood pellets.

A U.S. Department of Energy sponsored study found that radiant heat panels were 52% less expensive to operate than electric baseboard heat and 33% more cost effective than air to air heat pumps. The study concluded that "energy savings would be obtainable in a great portion of U.S. households".

Radiant panels are about 1 inch thick, and range in size from 2'x2' to 2'x8'. They are textured to look like the ceiling and can be painted to match the room's decor with a quality water based acrylic paint.

The panels operate at 150-170 degrees F. and radiate heat to objects and people in the room. The panel itself reaches operating temperature in only three to five minutes.

Advantages of Radiant Heat Panels
Heat loss from ducts, even insulated ones, reduces the efficiency of forced air systems. Additional leakage is created by the internal air pressure generated by forced air systems. No ducts, no pressure, no leakage problems.

Since the need for a blower to circulate heat is eliminated, so is the cost of electricity to run the blower motor. Without a blower, there are no filters that need to be replaced.
Heating without moving air also eliminates drafts and prevents dust and pollen from circulating while maintaining the air's moisture content.

Radiant heat panels require no maintenance or service because there are no moving parts.
With separate thermostats for each room, zoned heating is easy as turning a light switch on and off. Significant energy savings can be realized by allowing only the occupied areas to be heated. The quick response time of radiant panels will return an unoccupied room to a comfortable temperature in minutes.

Radiant Heat Panel Applications
Radiant heat panels are an excellent source of heat for bathrooms (no more foggy mirrors), log homes, gazebos, screened in porches and stables. If you're heating a greenhouse, radiant heat will protect your plants in the absence of sunlight by maintaining root temperatures.

Replacing a wood stove with ceiling mounted panels in auxiliary buildings such as workshops or studios allows the use of all available floor space.

Radiant Heat Panel Installation
The low amperage requirements for ceiling heat panels can usually be provided by existing 120 or 240 Volt circuits. The 30%-70% wattage reduction over electric baseboard heating eliminates the need for dedicated wiring. Wherever a single panel is installed, the existing 120-volt capacity circuit is usually adequate for the additional load.

Disadvantage of Radiant Heat Panels
The major limitation of radiant heat panels is the absence of a cooling function. Installing a ducted central air conditioner would undermine many of the advantages of using radiant panels.

One way around this would be to install a mini-split air conditioning system. The mini-split, like radiant panels, is also a cost effective retrofit solution and can be zoned to cool only occupied rooms.

If controlling heating costs is your primary concern, radiant heat panels offer an easy, cost effective and healthy way to retrofit your home with comfortable, reliable heat.

For more information on radiant heating panels please visit Sandium.Com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Streubel

Radiant Ceiling Heat - How Electric Radiant Heat Panels Work

The best way for one to reduce their energy consumption is to use electric radiant ceiling heat. The most practical thing for homeowner is to use radiant heaters to heat the ceiling mounts. The hardware of this device is mounted over the head making it very practical for homeowner living in small houses. This is a good alternative to houses with central heating system. Traditional heating system use a forced air to heat your home, but the radiant heater is using radiant heat to maintain the warmth inside your home.

Know more about the Difference between traditional and Electric Radiant Heaters.

The traditional method of heating is using a forced air that is also known as whole house system. It uses a central unit that can give warm air inside your home. As you can see there are parts of the house that do not need constant heating, this is the drawback if this old heating system. You can save more energy especially if you are just going around to one part of the house that needs heat. With the use of forced air heating, you do not have any choice, but to heat the entire house.

The electric radiant ceiling heat system is also known as room by room heating system. This is the process where you are going to use different devices to heat different areas of the house. You need to have individual portable heaters inside the house and you can turn them on individually to give heat to the part of the house that only needs heat. One of the best benefits that you can reap out of using radiant heating system is the ability to choose definite locations inside your home where heat is needed. With the use of the system only those areas that you want to heat will be heated.

No energy will be wasted, because you are only heating spaces that are occupied by people. Electric radiant ceiling heat system can transmit heat better, so you will feel more comfortable inside your home even if the temperature is lower. The uniformity of the heat round is also one of the best things about using this new heating system. It has the ability to give off uniform temperature all throughout the entire area that you want to heat.

Electric Radiant Ceiling System Prices

As mentioned above this heating can give you the opportunity to save lot of money every month, because your electrical bill will surely go down tremendously. You can heat an entire place for a very affordable price. Electric radiant ceiling heat panel can only consume energy less than an electric baseboard. That can only cost around $200 to $500. These panels are light in weight that can be installed on a flat surface on your ceiling. You can use or treat as any architectural feature inside your home.

How Does an Electrical Radiant Ceiling System Work

This new system of heating houses uses thermal radiation or also known as radiant heat. It can work the same as sun during the day. The heat is emitted coming from the panels and it will be transferred to any objects below the surface. It can absorb the heat directly, you do not need blowers, open flame or any exposed elements, because electrical radiant ceiling heat coming from the panels is very safe. If you are using a radiant heat inside a room, you can heat and cooled it easily. The panels can heat up quickly once turned on. With the use of a panel that is scattered all throughout the house with thermostat you can easily control and give different level of temperature in diverse areas of the house.

You can leave a worry free life and enjoy the winter without worrying about your next electrical bill. With the help of electrical radiant ceiling system you can only warm up the places where heat is needed. You can also save space because it is mounted on the ceiling without disturbing your peace and relaxation. The only way for one to save energy and money is to reduce consumption of energy without sacrificing the comfort of your family. You can only achieve it with the help of electrical radiant system.

The beauty of radiant heat is that it can be used in any situation now. It used to be a system that was only put into concrete floors. Not anymore. Technology has advanced. You can use ceiling radiant heaters in any room, for virtually any situation. Learn more about all the different forms of radiant heat at Sandium.Com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Tiefenthaler

Comfort and a Drafty House

Insulation is definitely vital in relation to saving power in our households. With far more insulation in our walls, roofs, and foundation, much less heat escapes via conduction towards the outdoors. Insulate properly!

 Ok,  that is pretty clear.

 But insulation isn't  everything. There is also air leakage, which features a enormous impact on both energy consumption and comfort. I don't mind embarrassing myself, so let me use our residence as an example.

 When I purchased our home in 1981, a lot of work was needed. Constructed around 1785, it had been "modernized" some time in the  70s, with drop ceilings, shag rugs, fake barnboard siding around the fireplace, brushed aluminum "tiles" around the kitchen sink and stove, tacky contemporary windows, and extra partitions here and there to create extra guest rooms for the Long Island owners and their buddies coming to Vermont for ski weekends.

 The previous owners had place a good deal of money into the property - though nearly nothing at all to improve its energy efficiency, aside from insulating amongst the floor joists from the basement - and that fiberglass insulation was installed together with the facing around the wrong side so that the majority of it had long since become waterlogged and slumped to the dirt floor within a soggy mess.

 I systematically - if somewhat naively - went by the house gutting it space by space, replacing rotted sills, re-siding the exterior, insulating the wall cavities, adding a continuous layer of interior rigid foam insulation, and putting in new drywall. When I was done, the walls had been reasonably well-insulated (even though I would add much more rigid insulation were I doing the work today).

 However the home remained incredibly uncomfortable. Some years later, now married and having a baby crawling around around the floor, we had to do  something regarding the discomfort. We heated largely with wood, and using a roaring fire inside the wood stove the space might be in the 80s at the ceiling but in the 50s in the floor.

 With thick slippers, my wife and I were reasonably comfy, but when we picked our year-old daughter up off the floor, she was cold! We felt terrible - and worried about her wellness. The insulation - by early 1980s requirements - wasn't that bad, but the property was anything but comfy.

 Enter the Draft Detective

 I did some asking around and hired Dick Cartelli (a.k.a., The Draft Detective) from Putney, Vermont to determine what was going on. He came in with his "blower door" and tested the home's leakiness. A blower door is set up in an exterior door frame and turned on to pressurize the residence. By measuring just how much air is getting pushed by the blower door and measuring the pressure difference among indoors and out (employing two manometers), the operator can calculate the air tightness in the residence - typically in "air alterations per hour" at the elevated pressure of 50 pascals.

 I neglect the actual numbers, but the residence was leaky - genuinely leaky! Cartelli utilized two cases of caulk and I do not know how quite a few canisters of expanding foam sealant, built an insulated attic hatch door with foam gaskets at the edges, and implemented a great deal of other measures over a week or two to substantially tighten the old residence. By operating the blower door to depressurize the home while he worked, he was able to feel where air leakage was occurring--and seal those holes, cracks, and gaps.

 The improvement was dramatic. The delta-T (distinction in temperature) from floor-to-ceiling went from more than 20° to much less then 10°. That delta-T was further decreased when I insulated beneath our floor from the basement and also a crawl space. We no longer had to maintain the wood stove cranked at complete output to retain affordable comfort. Our daughter could crawl about around the floor and keep warm (though her earlier encounter might have contributed towards the fact that she now, as an adult, lives and works within the mild climate of San Francisco!).

 The bottom line

 Yes, we really should insulate our homes well--don't skimp on adding insulation for those who open up your wall system. But we also will need to spend attention to air tightness. Drafts cause discomfort and they drastically boost heating fuel use by carrying heated house air up and out, pulling in cold outdoors air inside the process. Adding some varieties of insulation, including dense-pack cellulose and spray polyurethane foam, can help to tighten a household, but other measures are often expected.

 Should you have a drafty residence, bring inside a weatherization contractor to measure how leaky your house truly is, and then invest in air tightening. It really is worth it!

To learn more about insulation please contact Sandium.Com

Why Are Tankless Water Heaters Becoming So Popular

A water heater is one of the most crucial  appliances in your home. Very hot showers, clean laundry, and sanitized dishes are just several luxuries that are possible with hot water. Manufactures are consistently coming up with ways to further improve existing technology and generate hot water heating units that are a lot more eco-friendly. Tankless water heaters have grown to be more and more enticing for those buyers seeking an alternative choice to the normal storage tank heaters.

Tankless water heaters have become popular with homeowners for  various reasons. The obvious variation on the tankless product may be the lack of water storage tank that is typical of classic water heating units. Without a large tank, tankless versions tend to be smaller and more compact. This smaller dimension permits for additional flexibility in which the heater is mounted inside of a home. Without a big tank to keep, important closet place is saved.The most advantageous factor of the tankless water heater is  that it supplies limitless quantities of hot water. Simply because tankless models heat water on demand, there exists no shortage of hot water. It could virtually run all day and will not cease creating hot water. Standard storage tanks only include a limited amount of hot water and frequently run out before fulfilling the needs of the home owner.

Tankless heating units run more energy efficient than classic water heating units, making them a good choice for that environmentally aware customer. Traditional models heat water all day long, whether it be needed or not, wasting power and money. As you are not wasting energy by heating water that you do not need to have, a tankless design can save you 30-40% in energy expenses over a period of time. Federal tax deductions for power effective home equipment can be found to save you even more cash.As  there is no water stored in the tankless model, messy and high priced leaks are no longer a concern for house owners. Standard storage tank designs can rust after a while, impacting the purity of the water. With a tankless heater, you recognize your hot water will probably be refreshing and thoroughly clean every time it is utilized.A standard storage tank water heater typically lasts 6-12 years in a home residence. A tankless unit will run twice that time- usually about 20 years.   Storage tank types are difficult to recycle and fill up a large amount of space within our landfills, making the tankless model a far more eco-friendly choice.

Tankless heating units can be used in households and businesses alike. They are obtainable in propane, electric, or natural gas versions. A qualified HVAC technician  can properly put in and maintain your tankless unit.There are a few likely negatives of tankless water heating models. Although they're able to conserve consumers income with time, the preliminary cost of the tankless unit can be as much as three times the amount of a standard unit. Electric models might need an electrician to set up an extra circuit in your house.

Tankless water heating units provide a variety of benefits for customers trying to find an water heating unit that is energy efficient. Although the initial price may possibly be more than the usual standard tank, the personal savings could buy the device as time passes.

The Pros and Cons of Radiant-Heated Flooring

You are renovating the bathroom and desire to add several spa like luxuries. An big tub with pulsing jets, glamorous porcelain tile and cozy furnishings pop into your mind. And even perhaps a heated floor. Many people are looking at radiant-heated floors because of that extra degree of spa-like level of comfort. Before making a decision about a heated floor, you need to know a few of the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of home heating systems. Here is a little run-down about the primary varieties of systems plus the advantages and disadvantages for using this kind of home heating system. Needless to say, any local heating and air conditioning specialist will have more in depth details.

Heater Floor Systems: Which to consider?

There's two main types of radiant-heated floors. First is electric, which supplies heat through electrically warmed up coils. Second is hydronic, providing heat via water-filled pipes. The pipes can be heated in a number of ways utilizing a solar panel, oil, gas or even kerosene. Not sure which to settle on? Ask your local HVAC expert for their recommendation.

The Advantages of Electric Radiant-Heated Floors

If you're installing heated floors in your bathrooms or to the entire house, there are many benefits to radiant-heated flooring. The main benefit needless to say is comfort. There isn't anything like getting out of bed on a freezing morning and putting your feet on warm hard wood floors. Radiant-heated floors also occupy absolutely no extra space. Since this kind of flooring is mounted beneath the flooring, it's totally out of view aside from the thermostat. Usage cost is a pro on top of that. Users of radiant-heated flooring claim that they save about 15 percent to 30 percent in their heating costs, based on the size flooring they've got installed. Sturdiness is another excellent element with radiant heated floors. Shielded by 2 solid layers, these systems were designed to last. And on the plus side, the set up . time is reasonably short. Allergy affected individuals benefit from these systems as well! They supply relaxing warmth without throwing out a lot of dust in the air.

The Down-side of electrical Radiant-Heated Floors

There are a few drawbacks to using an electric powered heated floor. The first is the heated floor system can't be retrofitted beneath your pre-existing flooring. The HVAC tech will have to remove the old floor, install the heated system and install new flooring. Expect to invest approximately $15 to $20 for every sq . ft .. Additionally, you might need new electrical wiring from the main electric circuit panel in order to properly power your heating system. And finally, radiant flooring won't warm up as fast as a space heater. You have to wait for an hour before your floors are heated.

The Benefit of Hydronic Radiant-Heated Floors

You will see the same advantages as you did with the electric system as well as some fuel-cost savings. Whether you decide to go with solar or oil, these electric alternatives will save you money.

The Drawback of a Hydronic Heated Floor

Add the same negative aspects as the electric version plus one more. While electric systems are durable, with a hydronic heated floor, there is a possibility of having water damage. With a substantial leak there could be damage to your floors, your furnishings as well as your house. 

Not sure which to choose? Contact your local Sandium HVAC technician for their advice. 

Heating and Air Conditioning Duct Maintenance

Your HVAC ductwork is the series of tubes that carry treated air through out the building. If you are thinking about installing a brand new central air or heat pump inside your residence, you should make certain the ductwork that could carry your new higher efficiency air conditioner is up to par with the system. As the air flows by means of these ducts, any leaks or issues will ruin the impact in the whole system. You may believe that the system itself isn't working as it should- when it is really the duct-work that is causing the problems.

When installing or diagnosing a system for HVAC repairs, a good technician will inspect all of the ducts. First off he is looking to determine if the existing duct system will match the new air handler that was installed. This will also show if there are any leaks or other challenges. Lastly, ducts need to be insulated and routed inside a certain way to maintain safety. This approach is known in the industry as: checking for ductwork integrity.

The typical residential HVAC system has some leakage. So it is possible that you may get the same cost savings in just repairing the ducts as you would in investing in a new HE system. If 20% of the air is leaking, then your HVAC unit will need to function harder. This results in larger bills and possible furnace repairs. So it is important to ask the HVAC tech to check the integrity on the ducts. They will not mind- it is what they are trained to do.

To sustain the efficiency of this well sealed ductwork, your local Sandium HVAC company will install insulation around it. The insulation also serves to safeguard the inside of your property from the temperature variations brought on by hot or cool air flowing. At these temperature change points moisture tends to accumulate. As water saturated air below the dew point gets in contact with warm beams, then it'll sweat. This ruins the ducts and may trigger mold and mildew difficulties. To counteract this be sure there is a vapor barrier between the treated air and the outside air.

To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled technicians to check your duct work please visit Sandium.Com or call (408) 894-9072

A General Look At Geothermal Energy And The Pros And Cons Of It

By Octavio Riedman

There is quite a lot of argument going on about geothermal energy but it definitely is probably the most affordable green energy solutions that is available. Geothermal energy is effective throughout every season and it can save lots on your energy costs. It's less expensive than solar panel technology plus its completely clean and sustainable.

The best benefit of geothermal energy is that it works extremely well in all varying weather conditions. It doesn't matter if it's ice cold or very hot outside the geothermal heat pump technique continually works (as opposed to solar power systems for instance for which you require the sun to shine for the solar cells to create something). Geothermal systems need nominal servicing and they're designed to work for decades. They can be scaled according to the demands. It's a wonderful solution for either non commercial or business use.

But what is geothermal energy anyway?

The word "geothermal" is of Ancient Greek origin, that means "heat from the planet". We primarily distinguish two kinds of geothermal energy. The first is geothermal heat that's made out of the magma of the earth, thanks to nuclear reactions. Down the middle of the planet earth conditions are so warm (~7200 °F or ~4000 °C) that stone turns into fluid which then gradually moves towards the surface of the earth. Typically, the temperature rises about 120 °F (~50 °C) with just about every mile (~1.6 km) towards the core of the planet. The other kind of geothermal heat essentially comes from the sun. Sunshine heats up the initial few meters of the surface area of our Planet and this may also be utilized.

So what is in it for me?

Geothermal energy is normally intended for heating or cooling. It can produce heating during winter and cooling is possible by using it throughout summertime. Additionally, it can help satisfy warm water requirements of a household. For sure one can find positives and negatives of geothermal energy, but the benefits typically outweigh the drawbacks.

Pros

Renewable

This is probably the most important advantage of geothermal energy. As opposed to common energy sources such as fossil fuels and coal, geothermal energy is part of the green energy solutions like wind power, solar, wave, and so on... Heat from the planet is just about unlimited. Consequently once a geothermal heat pump system is established, it is going to produce energy for many years, without the need to restore the source of the energy, since it is naturally replenished.

Alternative

Sustainability is definitely the other substantial benefit of geothermal energy. It does not make air pollution of any kind so it does not create long-term harm to our ecosystem. We can have the benefit of this "renewable" energy without having to undermine the capability of our children and grandchildren to fulfill their electricity requirements.

Could help you save a lot of money

Needless to say this can be one of the many pros if we look at it from a financial point of view. Over the long term it can help you save lots of money on our electricity costs. It is calculated that in more or less 5-8 years the original investment pays off so one can really enjoy "costless" energy afterwards (take note that this is with current techniques and prices, this will absolutely go down later on as a growing number of people will start choosing geothermal energy)

Free from harm

Using a geothermal heat pump is absolutely safe (in case set up properly by a skilled technician). There is no need to consider carbon-monoxide poisoning, it will not catch on fire, it cannot explode and it doesn't radiate. No routine servicing or yearly checks are obligatory.

Continual rate of energy

One of the main issues with replenishable energy technologies is usually that they are sort of unpredictable. The wind can easily stop blowing for a little bit, the sun's rays doesn't consistently shine, etcetera... Luckily this is not happening with geothermal energy. One could consistently rely on geothermal heat, because it's virtually continuous (around. 60 °F or 16 °C at the depth of 6 feet or 1.8 meters). The lower the pipes are in the earth the hotter it gets hence providing more geothermal energy.

Unlimited capability and quantity

It is usually totally obvious but geothermal energy has unlimited capability. It will never (at least not in the next couple of million years) run out and it is constantly obtainable.

Could be put into use for a wide variety of purposes

Geothermal places are located on all continents and can be utilised from business to household energy generation.

Disadvantages

Initial costs tend to be high

Presently this is more than likely the primary downside. It is more expensive to build a geothermal heat pump system than a traditional system.

Large area required

A reasonably good sized site is necessary to set up a geothermal heating system. Whenever a spacious yard or property is present this will not be such a big problem, but a geothermal heat pump system won't be possible in the back garden of a city house, at least not with horizontal piping. Vertical piping could also be used, but it is significantly more complicated and a lot more expensive to drill vertically rather than horizontally.

Electrical energy is still necessary

A heat pump needs to have electrical power to work. This is really a disadvantage of a heat pump and not geothermal energy itself, but it will have to be considered when deciding if a geothermal heat pump system is the solution.

If you are interested in learning more about geothermal energy please visit Sandium.Com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Octavio_Riedman

Geothermal Energy - Heating From the Earth's Core

By Peter Emson

Geothermal Energy is another type of renewable energy resource that makes use of the large amounts of energy stored as heat in the water deep below the Earth's surface with the most prominent and visual example of this coming from "Geysers" and "Hot Springs" ejecting large columns of very hot water, steam and gases high up into the air. In fact the word "Geothermal" comes from combining together the two Greek words of Geo, meaning "Earth", and Therme, meaning "heat", with the resulting word "Geothermal" actually meaning "heat generated from the Earth", then the expression "Geothermal Energy" literally means "heat energy generated from the Earth".

Geothermal energy is obtained from the hot areas under the surface of the earth that remain at a relatively constant temperature all year around day and night. Once available, geothermal energy can be used either directly or indirectly as an alternative energy resource to both heat and cool our homes. This naturally occurring and free energy is extracted by a series of pipes filled with water buried below the Earths surface. This hot water is then used in our homes for heating, called Geothermal Heating, or to generate electricity, called Geothermal Power.

So how does it work. At the Earth's core, some 4000 miles below the surface, temperatures can reach over 9000 degrees Fahrenheit. This incredible amount of heat originated four billion years ago in a fiery combustion of dust and gas as the Earth was being created. Many scientists believe that radioactive decay of the inner core keeps the heat generating and flowing outward from this inner core to the mantle of harder rock which surrounds the core. When the temperature and pressure is high enough, some of this mantle rock melts. Then, because the melted rock or magma is less dense than the surrounding rock, it rises and moves slowly up to the Earth's crust.

Sometimes the hot magma reaches all the way to the Earth's surface as a volcanic eruption, but usually the magma remains underground and heats the adjoining rock as well as any water that has seeped down through geologic holes, cracks and faults in the Earth's crust absorbing the heat as it travels through these hot rocks. Some of this water, whose temperatures can reach as high as 700 degrees, travels back up through cracks to the Earth's surface and emerges as hot springs, geysers or pools of boiling mud. Far more often, however, the water and magma becomes trapped within the rock, forming a natural underground geothermal reservoir. It is these underground geothermal reservoirs that are able to give us another type of alternative energy resource with incredible potential.

Let us understand that geothermal is NOT mining, as mining removes the mined material forever, it is extraction of the heat from a hydrothermal fluid which is replenished, sometimes over very long periods by the Earth itself. This geothermal energy resources can be used either for direct consumption, heating or for power generation in one of the following three main ways:

Types of Geothermal Energy

1. Direct Geothermal Energy - this is where the hot water is available either on or very close to the Earth's surface and can be used directly for heating, bathing or washing.
2. Ground Source Geothermal - this is where the geothermal hot water is below the ground but not too deep allowing easy access of the geothermal resource using heat absorbing pipes or bore holes.
3. Geothermal Power Plants - these harnesses the extremely hot water or steam using vertical bore holes drilled deep underground and then uses the available super heated geothermal water and steam to generate electricity.

For domestic applications, one way of extracting this heat energy is by the use of a Geothermal Heat Pump. The geothermal heat pump doesn't create electricity, instead it circulates a thermally conductive liquid mixed with water through long pipes called an Earth loop buried up to 12 feet underground, operating on the same principle as the domestic refrigerator but in reverse.

A Geothermal Heat Pump, also known as a "Ground Source Heat Pump", is a very efficient way to heat and air-condition our homes and buildings as it can move heat in two ways: during the colder winter months, low temperature heat is withdrawn from the ground (the heat source) for direct use in heating buildings and other structures. In the hotter summer months, the geothermal heat pump operates in reverse removing the heat from the building and dissipating it back into the ground.

As a result of this simple process, direct use geothermal heating is becoming very popular for the home owner because it provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive oil or gas home heating systems. Energy savings using a ground source heat pump can be substantial over a long period of time.

Geothermal power on the other hand uses extremely hot water heated by the underground magmatic activity which is pumped to the surface and used for electricity generation. Once this super heated water reaches atmospheric pressure it turns to steam where it is used to operate steam-powered turbines and generators. Geothermal power plants are becoming more common in volcanic areas and countries such as Iceland, were it produces over a quarter of their energy needs.

The main advantages of Geothermal Power is that it is clean, cheap, no additional fuel is needed resulting in no greenhouse gases or air pollution. However, some disadvantages include ground water and waste water pollution, geographically restricted and high maintenance costs. But the biggest disadvantage is that the closer you put a Geothermal power plant to an active volcano or heat source, the larger the potential operational problems you can have.

To learn is a geothermal heat system is right for you please visit Sandium.Com

To learn more about "Geothermal Energy" and how you can use it to heat your home, or to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using Geothermal Energy as an alternative energy resource, visit http://www.alternative-energy-tutorials.com today and find lots more good quality and free Alternative Energy Tutorials as well as information and articles about the many different types of alternative energy sources available for the home.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emso
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