Archive for the 'Heating & Air' Category

Dec 28 2009

Tips On Buying A Bathroom Heater

Published by under Heating & Air

On those chilly winter mornings, don’t you always wish that after leaving your snug bed you could walk into a warm, cozy bathroom as well? Well there are many options available today to make your wish come true. With Bathroom Heaters, you can keep your bathroom warm all day.

If temperatures plummeting is a natural occurrence where you stay, a bathroom heater has to be an essential component of your home. A good heater not only provides warmth to keep you from catching a cold when you are undressed or wet from bathing or taking a shower, it also provides comfort and is necessary for general well being and health.

If you have a heater in the bathroom, it can cut down on the chill in the air, but it can also help to evaporate the humidity or moisture that collects in bathrooms. Due to this, it helps to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in your bathroom. It also helps to keep your bath linens from getting mildewed when you leave them behind by drying them out while it dries out the rest of the bathroom.

Bathroom Heaters are available in a far greater range of styles than most homeowners realize. These come as overhead or wall mounted heaters. The Overhead ones are the standard fare and usually consists of a radiant heater, fan and light combination. For most people these units are more than sufficient for their bathroom heating needs. Bathroom Wall heaters are ideal if you’re looking for something more stylish. These thin, contemporary heaters can be installed on any wall, anywhere in the room.

Radiant heat models are most common, though there are standard Electric Bathroom Heaters available as well. These heaters are great for generating heat in specific areas, like the toilet, and for heating up floors if you get a model with a fan that distributes heat downward. Towel Warmers are essentially an added accessory to your bathroom. There are a number of attractive and luxurious heaters that double as towel warmers. It’s like having a towel fresh out of the dryer every time you hop out of the shower!

A Masterful Torch is a new, innovative kind of heater for bathrooms. This compact heater can be installed sufficiently high enough to be out of reach of children and is particularly suited to positioning above mirrors or vanity units to prevent fogging and radiate heat downwards for personal warmth.

You can then control all heaters from the one heater by way of a master control.

Once you find a safe way to heat your bathroom, you will also want to check with local building codes or rules, to make sure that yours complies with any regulations regarding how bathroom heaters should be installed or work. It’s always advisable to consult a professional to get it installed, as most heaters involve either electricity, which interacts dangerously with water, or with gas or other rather hazardous chemicals that need to be properly ventilated for good safe use. Talk to an electrician or contractor to make sure your new heaters are installed safely and correctly. Be it cold nights or chilly winter mornings, you can’t beat a good bathroom heater when it comes to enhancing your bathroom experience.

Any heater allows for a room to hold more moisture so your mirrors won’t fog up as quickly, and heater/fan combos do a nice job removing excess moisture from your home. In the end, however, the primary reason to install a Bathroom Heater is personal comfort. With that in mind, think about which creature comforts sound best to you so you can make your bathroom experience as pleasant as possible. You may want to browse through the Heater Store to have a look at the choices available.

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Dec 27 2009

Energy Saving Tips in Water Heating

Published by under Heating & Air

It is a fact well-proven that water heaters are one of the best users of energy in a household. Whether you are out looking for a water heater, or are looking for a new one to replace your old unit, make sure you consider the energy consumption of water heaters and how this affects your bills. Aside from choosing a water heater that does not consume too much energy, you can also save energy once you install any kind you chose.

First of all, if your water heater is old enough, you should start thinking about replacing it. Don’t wait until it breaks down. This will put you in a rushed and pressured situation where you have to choose a water heater in such a short time. This is not good, since choosing one should take time. Also, in case you have some problems with your old water heater, you can take that into consideration when you choose a replacement. Then, when you’re out shopping for a water heater, don’t go right ahead and buy the cheapest one you can find. The initial price you pay is not what matters. The operating costs are more important. Think long-term, not short-term.

Also, once you bring home that water heater, don’t go and install it just like that. There are still plenty you can do to save energy, such as placing insulating jackets around the tank and the pipes. This will help save energy and costs by reducing the amount of heat that gets lost through the walls of the tank and the pipes as the water is stored there. Insulating jackets are way cheaper, considering that using them can reduce your energy consumption by up to 40%.

Here’s another tip, and one that you won’t instantly think about when your attention is all on your water heater. Well, you must be forgetting that your water heater works directly with your shower equipment. The amount of water that comes out of your shower heads affect your water heater’s energy consumption. Aside from insulating, you also have to make some revisions with your shower equipment. Consider installing shower restrictors that can limit the amount of water that gets through your shower head. The less water you consume, the less heating the water heater needs to do. And this equates, of course, to lower energy consumption and, yes, less expenses that you need to pay.

Now you’re ready to go on and install your water heater. Once it’s up and running, however, you should still exert some effort to save energy. There are two surefire ways to do so. First, lower the temperature while you’re using one. This can help save some energy. However, the best thing you can do is still to conserve water as much as you can. When you conserve water, you can never go wrong.

Of course, there are a lot more you can do. However, the tips enumerated above are the easiest and cheapest ways to save energy when you’re using water heaters. After all, in the effort to save on energy consumption of your water heater, you should not waste your own energy on difficult methods and techniques when you can save a lot of energy using the hassle-free tips above.

James Brain is the marketing associate for Fast Water Heater A repair and installation service company specializing in traditional and tankless water heaters. We service Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.

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Oct 06 2009

Gas Hot Water Heater – Is a Gas Hot Water Heater Right For You?

Published by under Heating & Air

It is never fun to have to replace your hot water heater but when that time comes it is important to realize you do have plenty of options available. The most likely choice is a gas hot water heater as they seem to stand out from the rest of the options available. Once you read this information you will likely decide a gas hot water heater is right for you as well.

We all like to be able to cut costs every where we can. With a gas hot water heater you will save energy and that means you will save money every month. Having an electric water heater is going to cost you much more to operate. Considering the amount of time the average hot water heater lasts, that amount of money each month really adds up.

If you are interested in finding out how much a particular model of gas hot water heater can save you annually talk with your local gas company. They can help you compute the savings because they know what numbers to compare against each other. They will be glad to offer this service at no charge to you because they know once you see the financial savings you will invest in a gas hot water heater and that means more revenue for them.

You will find gas hot water heaters offered in a variety of sizes and shapes so you won’t have any trouble getting one that fits the unique design of the area where it has to fit. This may be in a closet, basement, under the stairs, or even in the garage. If you can’t find what you are looking for it can be custom ordered for you from your local gas company.

The capacity for gas water heaters is from twenty gallons to sixty gallons. In addition to calculating the amount of space you have to store the gas hot water heater you want to make sure you get one with the capacity for enough hot water for your entire family on a daily basis.

If you switch from an electric hot water heater to a gas one you will quickly find that the water heats up much faster. This is great for morning showers on a cold day or if you have several people who need to shower in a given time frame. As you can see there are several advantages to investing in a gas water heater the next time yours needs to be replaced.

If you found this information on Gas Hot Water Heater useful, you’ll also want to read about Natural Gas Fireplace

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Oct 05 2009

Solar Powered Gable Ventilators – Save On Bills And Easy To Install

Published by under Heating & Air

With energy prices rising at above average inflation just recently, there is increased interest in using energy that is cheaper and is sustainable. Solar power fits this criteria perfectly. After an initial upfront investment, the energy returned is free and it’s source, the sun, is the source of all other energy resources that we currently use. If the sun was to go out, worrying about energy bills would be the last thing on our minds. With this interest in solar power there are a number of different products being developed for the home and garden that use solar power. One such product is the solar powered gable ventilator. This article will discuss why you need a gable ventilator and how a solar powered version can save you money.

All homes are built with some form of ventilation. In the summer the system of vents helps to keep air circulating and make the house cooler. In the winter the vents allow air to circulate and rid the house of heat generated moisture, mold and other by-products that can damage the structure of the house or the health of the inhabitants. The attic and lofts of many buildings suffer the most in winter because heat rises. Much moisture that may form in the attic can settle into the structure of the house and set off bouts of dry rot.

Solar powered gable ventilators can help to solve the problem of dry rot and help to circulate the air throughout the house. The basic structure of solar powered gable ventilators is the fan, the solar panel and a DC motor. The solar panel charges the DC motor that powers the fan. Depending on the type of system, anything from 800 to 1200 cubic feet per minute of air can be moved.

Installation of the gable ventilator requires no electrical wiring and is easier to install than other types of ventilation. The system is a stand alone product – simply connect the panel to the motor, motor to fan and the system will run (provided there is some sunlight). The fan fits in the gable end and free up space in the attic for whatever you want to put there. The solar panel is fitted to the roof. This can be done by the owner or a professional roofer.

Once the system is running it will cost no money. The solar powered gable ventilator may be a bit more expensive to buy than standard ventilators but it should be cheaper to install if you do not have electricity in the attic. It will never add to the cost of your utility bills either. Most ventilators will last anywhere between 5 and 25 years depending on price.

Find out more about solar powered gable ventilators at http://www.solarpowerappliances.com There are a wide range of features on common home and garden products powered by solar energy on the site, including solar shades Adrian Whittle writes about using solar power and appliances that can utilize renewable energy sources.

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Oct 04 2009

Providing You Comfort With Window Air Conditioning

Published by under Heating & Air

It is important to realize that the temperature in your home can make a huge difference in the comfort level. A window air conditioning unit can be wonderful for anyone who has to spend time in warm rooms.

Capable of processing and cooling the air within an average-sized room, a window air conditioning unit can make everyone comfortable. People who are comfortable, sleep better and generally enjoy themselves more indoors on hot days. They tend to be happier and more productive at work as well. Floors are easier to clean when they are not covered in humidity from the air.

Having a window air conditioning unit can make things cooler and more pleasant. Homes require heating systems, especially those in colder climates. However, not all of them can afford to have larger air conditioning systems. Window air conditioning units can be used throughout many homes, helping to cool the house room by room. This system helps to make sure that the people inside the house are kept cool and comfortable. The units available at your local home supply center feature a variety of options.

Window Air Conditioning Units And Your Comfort

As with any major purchase, it’s important that you do the proper research and find out the availability of specific models and types of window air conditioning unit that’s best for your home situation. Models that are too large will not work efficiently if the room is too small, and conversely, if the unit is too small for the room, it will be in almost constant operation and may burn out the internal parts. This is why it’s important to pick the window air conditioning unit that’s perfect for you.

It’s also important that the unit removes the humidity from the air as well as cooling it. If the unit turns itself off prematurely the humidity level may still be high though the room feels cool. Taking out the humidity from the air inside the house is as important as cooling the air in order to provide a comfortable environment.

You will also save money on your energy bill by using a window air conditioning unit, which is always a bonus. Many of these units are very energy efficient and are good for the environment. The best (and usually more expensive) models can save a substantial amount on your monthly power bill. There are several consumer reports concerning the benefits of using window air conditioning units and you’d do well to research them and see what all the talks about. Though many of these units look similar and have the same features, they are not all created equal so be sure to look them over and compare them before buying.

You can also find more info on Air Conditioner and Air Conditioning Filters Knowairconditioner.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Air Conditioner.

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Aug 28 2009

Tips On Warming Up Your Bath

Published by under Bathrooms,Furniture,Heating & Air,Interior Decorating

Nothing is more luxurious in winter than a warm bathroom. Happily, almost anyone can achieve this luxury without sacrificing period style or overrunning your budget. So many of the more desirable options are completely affordable. For instance, plug-in electric towel warms are under $150, and overhead rain shower fixtures begin at only $60. A good pressure-balanced mixer can be had for as little as $200. However, if you have money to spend, you can find luxuries such as jetted pedestal tubs and steam shower systems that will set you back a few thousand dollars.

If you’re in the market for a towel warmer or radiator, they come in two basic styles: the traditional round tube shape and the flat-panel “Euro” style. If your bathroom is cramped, one option is a tubular towel-warming basket, which can be mounted to keep your towels hot and within easy reach.

Every towel warmer generates heat. But surprisingly, many of the hard-wired versions are powerful enough to be considered radiators. Even the inexpensive electric models that put out 100 watts or so are a wonderful addition to your bathroom. Not only do they dry the towels, but they also reduce dampness and mildew in the room. The more powerful hard-wired electric or hydronic towel radiators will easily heat a larger space if they’re sized and placed properly. If you’re worried about safety, neither version gets too hot to touch. Electric towel warmers only reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas hydronics range between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on how hot you keep the system. These radiators provide your very own zoned heating.

Visit your local dealer to help find the perfect unit for your space. You need to consider variables such as the amount of tile or stone, the type and location of existing heat sources (steam radiators or forced air), and the number of windows. For those of you will really tiny bathrooms that won’t even fit a small towel warmer, you can probably find room along the baseboard to put a couple of horizontal radiator panels.

When it ultimately comes down to it, it’s the water in the bath or shower that’s most important. Especially if you are upgrading the shower anyway, be sure to install a pressure-balanced or thermostatic mixing valve. If you’re looking for something inexpensive and simple, consider a pressure-balance valve, which keeps the water pressure in the shower constant, preventing sudden fluctuations in water temperature, as often occurs when the toilet is flushed, for instance.

If you want your water a more precise temperature, than a thermostatic valve is a good choice. This valve actually mixes hot and cold water together, bringing it within one degree of the setting. These valves regulate fluctuations in the incoming water pressure as well. *These truly luxurious valves go for at least $1,000, although you can certainly spend more. Whatever your décor, many of these mixers are available in suites that include period-inspired shower heads and cross-handled knobs or levers. Higher-end valves even come with memory settings, allowing each family member to choose and record a preferred shower temperature.

If you can’t get enough humidity in winter and you love your shower, a steam shower is another great option. You’ll probably need a major retrofit to install one. The generator needs its own space, and usually modifications need to be made to accommodate the steam shower doors. But on the plus side, a twenty-minute steams uses very little water: only about two gallons. But be prepared. A basic system (including generator, steam head, and temperature controls) starts at about $3,000. If you’re going to add an extras such as stereo speakers, light or aromatherapy packages, expect that price to be higher.

Are you one of those people who prefer an old-fashioned tub for your bath? Prices for reproduction roll-top designs with claw feet start at about $1,000 for either cast iron or the more environmentally friendly acrylic. These deep tubs are the ultimate soaking paradise. They also come in double-ended styles to accommodate two (or multiple children). You can specify claw feet in the style and finish of your choice, so your new tub will complement any décor. If you’re looking at high-end options, you can find custom-made tubs in copper, steel, marble, and even teak.

If you’d prefer a traditional tub that also accommodates a water- or air-jet system, your best option is a pedestal or Roman tub. Strategically placed jets will turn any bathtub into a home spa. And don’t worry, the skirt will conceal the tubes and motor. A fully equipped air-jet tub isn’t cheap. Expect to pay upward of $4,000.

Leon Tuberman owns and manages a furniture store that specializes in American made solid oak furniture like an oak night stand and elegant Amish crafted dining chairs.  For over six decades they’ve offered the best in wood furniture that’s built to last a lifetime at affordable prices.

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Jul 14 2009

How to Install a Hot Water Heater

Published by under Heating & Air

Hooking up a hot water heater is one of the more common home repair jobs and is easy to learn. But, be sure to read all of the directions before beginning. You do not want to find that you are stuck with no hot water.

Obviously, the first thing you must do is disconnect and remove the old hot water heater. Be careful, though, as it is still full of hot water. Turn off your gas or electricity, whichever is connected to the water heater. You then need to drain the water from the old heater. A drain valve should be on the heater for this purpose. For a gas heater, separate the vent pipe from the draft hood which should life off after you remove the sheet metal screw holding it. Confirm that the pilot light is out, disconnect the gas line at the heater and cap it.

You will next need to remove the water heater from the pipes, but be careful since the water pipes may still have hot water in them which is still hot enough to burn you. You may need to use some pipe wrenches to remove them, but there should not be many pipes connected so this step should take little time or effort. Once completed, you can remove the water heater and dispose of it. Keep in mind, though, that may local and state laws have restrictions on disposing of hot water heaters. Check with the local authorities for any disposal requirements in your area.

It is now time to install the new unit. Do not drag the new unit into your home as there are fragile parts inside that can be damaged if it is jolted too much. Try using a dolly to transport it into your home. Once moved, position the new heater so the piles can easily reach it. If you are using gas, be careful that the gas pipe can reach easily to prevent any gas leaks.

You now need to connect the hot and cold water, which is a simple process. Connect the new water heater to the same connections as the old one, and connect the third pipe to the main water line. If you are confused or there are no connections, refer to the user manual. Connecting the pipes is the most common mistake made during installation. You can test it by turning on the water. If the cold water turns hot and your hot water never warms, you will need to switch the pipes.

Next, you must locate the relief valve on the new hot water heater. The temperature and pressure relief valve is an important part of the system, as it releases excess heat and pressure automatically so that the unit does not explode. This is a valuable and important safety feature that is standard on all units. Finally, connect the new hot water heater to the power. Connect it either to the gas line or the electricity so the water can be heated. The instruction manual can explain how to do this.

Being particularly interested in cordless tools and power tools, Greg Hansward was authoring many informative papers in the area. You might see his abstracts on ryobi tools over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com/ryols/index.html and different sources for ryobi tools information.

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Jul 13 2009

Cooling Your Home – Money Saving Methods

Published by under Heating & Air

Looking for ways to drop your thermostat without raising your energy bill? The goal is to minimize sources of heat and remove built-up heat from inside your home. Following money saving methods for cooling your home.

* When cool air is delivered to your rooms, it should move freely so arrange furniture and drapes so they don’t restrict airflow from registers.
* Circulate the air in the room by utilizing a whole-house fan or ceiling fans. Or, use the “fan only” setting on your heating/cooling thermostat. Constant air movement will make you feel comfortable in a room that is 2 or 3 degrees warmer than a still room. Raising your thermostat by one degree equates to a 2% savings on your energy bill.
* Keep drapes and shades closed, or install awnings over windows that face the sun. Also, consider installing inexpensive heat-reflecting film on windows. This will keep your house cooler and will reduce glare and ultraviolet rays that damage furniture and floors.
* Clean and replace the air filters in your furnace to increase efficiency.
* Install a programmable thermostat if your system doesn’t have one and learn to use it properly. Program the thermostat to increase a few degrees when you’re at work. Turn off the air conditioner while out of town.
* Since air conditioners work hard to remove moisture from the air, try to reduce humidity inside your home. Minimize washing and drying clothes, showering and cooking during the day, if possible. Turn on ventilating fans but be sure to turn them off when you’re finished so that they don’t extract cooled air unnecessarily from the house.
* Reduce losing cool air by weatherizing your home with caulk, weather stripping and insulation to cut back on the movement of air from inside to out and vice versa.
* Talk with an air conditioning contractor about installing dampers to restrict the flow of cooled air to rooms you rarely use. Also, close doors or registers in those rooms but ask a professional about this to be sure it won’t affect the efficiency of your system.
* Old equipment may be using far more energy than necessary to cool your home, so update your air conditioner if it’s old.
* Reduce the transfer of heat through the roof and walls by insulating your attic. This will give you the greatest comfort for the least amount of expense.
* Install a foil radiant barrier in the attic. Staple it to the underside of the roof rafters, allowing an air space between the foil and the roof sheathing. Place staples about 3 inches apart. Position seams between sheets of foil centered on the rafters and seal the seams with a bead of caulking compound. Plant trees, large bushes and vines to provide shade. Choose deciduous varieties if you want to allow the sunlight to warm the house during the winter. Be sure to plant them in places where they will not block breezes.
* Turn off incandescent lights and heat-generating appliances unless you absolutely need them. When it’s time to cook, opt for the barbecue instead of the oven and cook top.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find home improvement tips and resources at http://homeimprovement.myguidesusa.com/

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Jul 12 2009

Electrical vs. Hydronic Underfloor Heating

Published by under Heating & Air

When it comes to deciding which is the best underfloor heating system, you have two alternatives to choose from: electrical and hydronic systems. Both are intended to provide your floors with a warming sensation, preventing the uncomfortable cold characteristic of some floor finishing’s.

Diy underfloor heating systems are the way to go for heating a home with an electric device that warms floors more evenly that underfloor heating, which is powered by an hydronic system, this is a system that requires water.

Hydronic heating systems have the inconvenient of providing heat that diminishes as the water travel further away from the boiler. However, underfloor heating systems only require about 65% to 85% electricity in comparison to Diy underfloor heating systems, powered 100% with electrical supply.

An electrical system is efficient in any environmental circumstance, including the same performance and efficiency at higher elevations, while traditional underfloor heating systems are less effective at any elevation higher that sea level.

Compared in costs, Diy underfloor heating systems does not require other maintenance that keep the power cord and heating cable in good conditions. While underfloor heating systems need annual maintenance and the change of filter to keep the water running smoothly, even though, electricity costs are dramatically increased by electrical systems.

Because the water circulates through the floor by means of tubing, pipes may require changing over time. In the case of water heating systems, the heat is produced by different devices that also could need additional maintenance, such as wood stoves, water heaters, heat pumps, solar collectors or on-demand water heaters.

Installation of heating systems also have pros and cons for each one. A diy underfloor heating system can be installed in any floor section, including a small one, because the heat is radiated from its location throughout all the floor. A typical underfloor heating system requires more localized floor space to disperse the heat concentrically

Whether you choose one system or another, both are easy to control but electric systems are more reliable, and the thermostat enables full access to heat control, while the temperature is harder to maintain when it comes to water underfloor heating systems.

Deciding on an underfloor heating system or a diy underfloor heating system depends on your need, cost you can afford and extension of floor that will be covered by the heating system. If you observe the manufacture’s indications and proper care, both systems are safe to use.

Natalie Aranda writes on home and gardening. When it comes to deciding which is the best underfloor heating system, you have two alternatives to choose from: electrical and hydronic systems. Both are intended to provide your floors with a warming sensation, preventing the uncomfortable cold characteristic of some floor finishing’s. A DIY underfloor heating system can be installed in any floor section, including a small one, because the heat is radiated from its location throughout all the floor.

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