Troubleshooting Common Issues With Heating and Air

One day a heating and air system will be invented that will run forever without the slightest problem. Until that time, we have to make do with what we have. Let's face it, though: what we have is pretty good. As long as you can afford to install a decent system and pay the electric bill, you never have to spend a single night sweltering from the heat or shivering in the cold. That is, until that precarious system stops working. Then you have to scramble to get a professional out to fix it. Before you do so, here are some troubleshooting hints that may allow you to get things working again a bit more quickly.

Unit Not Working It's a bad feeling when your unit stops. You wake up an hour or so before your alarm goes off in the morning, wondering why you're suddenly so hot. Or maybe you come home from a dinner out to realize your house is a bit colder than you would have preferred. You walk over to the thermostat and realize that your heating and air system isn't working at all. Here are some things you can check before you head to the phone. First, make sure electricity is getting to the system. Check your circuit breaker box (or fuse box) to see if anything has been blown. Check to make sure the thermostat is set correctly and has power.

No Heat When the weather starts kicking up a cool wind outside, you want to make sure your heating and air system can provide you with warmth when you walk through the door. If your system isn't providing heat, here are some things you can check. Start with the thermostat. Someone may have changed your preferred settings or turned it off altogether. If there is a reset switch, you may try pressing it. If it is snowing outside, make sure snow has not accumulated against the outdoor unit, preventing it from working properly.

No A/C If the unit itself is working, but you're not getting cold air out of the vents, there are a few things that could be wrong that are easily fixable for the average homeowner. First, if cool air is coming out but your home isn't improving its temperature, make sure it isn't escaping through open doors or windows. Once again, check your thermostat and make sure it is set correctly. Take a look at your filter and see if it needs to be changed. If it is clogged, you may not get the efficiency you need out of your heating and air system.

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Heat Pumps Vs Solar Water Geysers

Heat pumps and Solar Water Geysers have been created for the same purpose of maximizing environmental resources and reducing electricity bill while providing heat to a home or an office space. Heat pumps use the heat from an outside source to transfer it to an inside space while consuming very little energy in doing so.

A Solar Water Geyser on the other hand provides for hot water using a free source of energy - the sun. If you're wondering what would be the best one to purchase for your home, read on to gain a few more insights in helping you making a choice between the two.

Heat pumps transfer heat from the air, ground or water into the house using a certain amount of electricity that is used to enhance the heat. Solar water geysers use the sun's heat absorbed from panels installed on the roof. Heat pumps use electricity, while solar water geysers do not use any at all. Both systems have been proven to save energy but savings from using a solar water geyser is proven to be higher in comparison to using a heat pump.

However, savings for the heat pump is more consistent compared to the solar powered heating system and this is because sunlight hours vary, therefore it's not able to provide 100% of its function all the time. In the summer, solar water geysers can function perfectly, but during winter when there is a difference in the solar irradiance and when people need more heat, they are unable to function as perfectly.

Heat pumps can be used day and night and is not weather dependent while this might not be applicable to solar water geysers whose main energy source is the sun. Backup electric heating features are installed on solar water geysers to compensate for this problem but of course this affects its energy saving potential.

In terms of the cost for putting up either system, it may depend on the size and quality of the device a person wants. Solar geysers are basically made of simple materials so they are quite cheaper compared to the cost of heat pumps. The price of installation for the solar geyser may be higher considering that the solar panels have to be installed in multiple locations all over a house and it might even require some renovation to be done.

Heat pumps are easier and faster to install and there's no need for renovation or major changes. Even if you want to cover a large area, you just might need to install another unit and that's it. In choosing which heating system to install, the size and design of the house should also be considered to determine which unit and what type would be most suitable, also because solar water geysers may not be fit for any type of roof.

Solar panels are susceptible to damage from freezing and other weather conditions as they are usually placed on the roof. They are presumed to have a shorter life-span compared to a heat pump which has an average lifespan of 10-15 years. Either system would be a good investment and would serve the purpose of providing heat, helping preserve the environment, and reducing electricity consumption.

In deciding which one to install on your home or office, consider the following: the size of the home/office, the capital you have for the initial purchase and the estimated or projected savings that is expected to get afterwards.

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The Big Deal About Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps are being discussed frequently around the water coolers at work, and in the clubs when people are enjoying casual conversation, and just about anywhere that people gather to socialize. What is the big deal about ground source heat pumps, and why are so many people talking about them?

Energy is created under the ground when matter that is in the soil decomposes. Some of this matter is from plants and some of the matter is from animals. The sunlight shines on the ground and increases the temperature of the dirt beneath us. The ground is like a huge electric blanket that holds the heat it has in and does not let it escape quickly. This means that the temperature beneath the surface of the earth stays pretty close to the same all year round. It rises a few degrees and lowers a few degrees, but basically the temperature is constant.

This constant temperature means that there is a constant source of heat below the surface of the earth's crust. All we have to do is install ground source heat pumps to enable that warmth to be transferred from beneath the surface and into our homes.

The big deal about these items and using them to heat our homes in the winter and cool our homes in the summer is that the warmth they provide to our homes comes at no additional cost. If you have a gas burning boiler you must buy supplies of gas to power that boiler. The boiler needs a steady supply of gas to function.

Some companies make their living selling the gas that the boiler will need to the consumer that wants it. Sometimes gas is piped underground through the town and the customer connects to it by paying the company that takes care of the pipes that carry it. There will be a meter at the customer's location that the gas company comes to read once a month in order to determine the amount of gas the household used. Sometimes the gas is delivered to the homes of the customers in large trucks. The truck has fittings on it that allow it to transfer gas from it to a smaller tank on the property of the customer.

The warmth beneath the ground occurs due to natural processes and therefore, it does not cost the person that uses it any money. The installation of the equipment necessary to extract this heat from the earth and transfer inside the home is slightly expensive. You have to remember that once you have everything installed you will not have to pay anything else to have heat inside your home. This also works for the cool air you want in the summer time. The process is reversed where the air temperature inside the home heats the fluid inside the pipes and when the fluid flows through the sections of pipes that is under ground the fluid is cooled. When the cooler fluid comes back into the home it cools the air temperature.

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Are There Any Problems Associated With Underfloor Heating Systems?

Lately, there has been an increase in the popularity of underfloor heating because many homeowners have realised how effective these systems are at keeping their homes warm. Making the decision to install this type of heating, however, often causes homeowners to ask a number of questions about its effectiveness. One of the more common questions surrounds the occurrence of problems with the underfloor system. There are actually a number of things that could go wrong, and they have been outlined below.

Insulation: If your home has been properly insulated and has had the correct underfloor heating system installed, you should be able to effectively save energy. If your home hasn't been properly insulated, however, you may find that your electricity costs actually increase and that you experience moisture problems (even mold growth if you're really unlucky). This is especially prevalent when being installed in floors with absolutely no insulation. Flooring: Before making the decision to install underfloor heating in your home, you should carefully look at the types of materials that you have used to cover your floors. Parquet flooring, for example, will actually block the warmth from entering the room above. Timber floorboards are known to crack over time because the heating dries it out. If you don't have hard and heavy materials (like natural stone and ceramic tile) you might find that your system is lacking. Life Expectancy: If your underfloor heating system has been properly installed by a professional, it should last for at least 30 to 40 years, and maybe even longer. Some parts may need to be replaced after about 15 years, but this should be fairly inexpensive and easily completed. If your heating system has not been properly installed, however, you might find that it only lasts a short amount of time. You could also find yourself spending extra cash on repairs.

Whilst there can be no denying that there are a few problems associated with underfloor heating, it should also be noted that these problems will only occur if you don't choose the correct system for your home or you don't have it installed properly. Providing that you contact a professional and ensure that your flooring is not a porous material, you can rest assured that your underfloor system will be able to provide your home with the warmth and comfort that you have long desired, as well as helping to save you money.

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The Importance of Heating Oil Tank Maintenance

As the nights begin to draw in and the temperature drops to an uncomfortable level, the attentions of the many that warm their house with heating oil turn to stocking up. However before making that call to your favoured supplier, it's important to ensure that your heating oil tank is serviced and properly maintained. In this article, we'll take a closer look at why it's important to maintain your tank before the winter sets in.

They say that time is a healer, however for many operational products, it's the complete opposite. Time, usage and the weather all combine to increase the probability of operational problems and reduced efficiency. Fuel tanks are no different and neglect will lead to an increased chance of something going wrong. However when handled the right way, noticeable decline in a tank's performance can be easily avoided.

Running an annual service on your heating oil tank is the obvious way to maintain its performance. While fuel tanks are designed to last a number of years, the peripheral parts that are in regular operation have a shorter shelf life and are prone to wear and tear. This servicing will pick up any signs of parts coming towards the end of their life, thus preventing future breakages or faults occurring. Often, the cost of replacing a worn part is less than locating and fixing it, should an issue occur caused by it being non-functional.

Ensuring that all parts are operating as intended will improve efficiency and guarantee you receive full performance. The service industry has reported a growing problem with heavy winters and wet summers corroding tanks and their lines, resulting in lost and spilled oil. As much as 5% of a tank's contents can be lost in this way, which equates to a sizable amount of money, given the price rises in heating oil.

Alongside the personal expense is the potential cost to the environment. Spills have resulted in contaminations that have affected local soil as well as rivers and ultimately drinking water. It is an owner's responsibility to ensure that spills don't occur and if they do, they are liable for its cleanup. Failure to do so can result in large fines and potentially the removal of the tank.

The best time to run servicing on your tank is when it's low on heating oil, often towards the end of the summer months. This is when you get better access to the working parts and can really test the lines for signs of leakages or damage. If the tank is external, it's best to carry out maintenance before the leaves fall from the trees, as this is all too often a cause for blockages and problems. During this season it's important to remember to clear away debris and ensure lines are clean and free from obstructions.

Similar to a car engine, a heating oil tank's efficiency will decline if it's not looked after, so careful maintenance will extend usage and reduce the chances of problems occurring as they begin to age. The small cost of an annual service will prevent larger costs occurring in the future.

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How To Choose The Best Furnace Repair Contractor

Though the furnace is an important part of the house we seldom give it much thought until we are in need of furnace repair. Most of the times, it is an emergency situation which could mean no heat on a cold night and you are left with no option but to settle for any contractor who is willing to take on the work at the earliest. Unfortunately a hurried choice could mean that you end up either paying more or choose a contractor with substantial work ethics. To avoid this you can ensure that your furnace is periodically checked. The other thing to do would be to do some research and select the contractor beforehand.

Ways to choose the furnace repair contractor:

Tip #1 - Study the problem - It helps to know a bit about the problem so that you cannot be taken for a ride. Spend some time to learn the basic mechanism of the furnace yourself. This way when the contractor comes in, evaluates the problem and gives you a report you will know whether he is an honest mechanic or just out dupe people.

Tip #2 - Check for licenses - A certified furnace repair contractor will come armed with the necessary state required licenses and registrations. These are produced readily if the customers ask for verification. The easiest way to ensure that you are getting an experienced and verified contractor is to choose them from the local directory or association.

Tip #3 - Get references - Once you have shortlisted the contractors ask for references of past jobs. You can make some calls to find out how good they are at their jobs and if they are fit for your budget and need. Those who have the strongest word of mouth publicity make the best and safest choices.

Tip #4 - Study the process - One way to know if you have the right guy is to see how he works. Any contractor who takes ample time to study the problem and work out a solution is a serious mechanic. Someone who is too busy and hurriedly takes a look will not just do a hurried job but will also be overpriced. In the end you will just get a few months respite before your furnace breaks out again.

Tip #5 - Compare prices - One very important criterion is the price. Instead of opting for the first furnace repair contractor who makes his bid, accept bids form several and compare their prices as well as service offerings. This does not mean that you choose the cheapest option. Weigh the price against their service record and references before you decide on one.

Tip #6 - Sign a contract - Never go ahead with a job without first signing a contract. This way both parties are liable to abide by their words. In case a problem arises in the job - whether it is bad service or late payments, no action can be taken without a signed contract.

Tip #7 - Comfort factor - Strange as it sounds, it pays to choose a furnace repair contractor you feel most comfortable with. Of course, he needs to be a thorough professional and do a good job. But you are letting a stranger into your home so you have every right to choose someone who feels safe and trustworthy.

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HVAC Water Damage

Unbeknownst to most, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a common source of water damage. The very mechanics of your HVAC system produces condensation (water) that has the potential to escape from the HVAC system and into your home. The biggest risk of an HVAC leak is that the leak may not be detected immediately thus potentially exposing you and your family to mold, structural damage, and costly repairs.

The risk of mold is well known and well documented and it is a real concern to a healthy home. Should your HVAC leak into your structure, mold can be introduced into your HVAC system, which, in time, can germinate and be spread throughout the entire building so that your exposure is maximized. Water is classified in to three categories: categories one, two, and three which defines the level of contamination and how to professionally address each water category.

In truth, albeit unfortunately, there is no practical or safe way for a layperson to remove mold or bacteria from an affected area as the technology, skill, and technique required is not common knowledge and is a skill of craft. While anyone can apply an antifungal and wipe a visibly effected area clean, such action can, and most likely will, aerosolize microscopic spores thereby spreading the risk opposed to eliminating it which is the primary reason for special care.

Mold, however, is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to HVAC water damage. An undetected leak could silently but relentlessly ravage the building from within the walls thus damaging the building's core. In the real world, many homeowners have no indication that their HVAC system is leaking until they find water coming out of a wall or hear a dripping sound that seems to be without source.

For reasons such as these, we recommend that you have your HVAC system inspected by a professional on a regular basis. Should the HVAC inspector inform you that there may be a leak or issues with mold then it would be prudent to call your local independent water damage restoration company for help.

While we honor the American Can-Do attitude and it's Do-it-Yourself philosophy, there are some cases that are beyond the scope and ability of a Do-it-Yourselfer... this is such a case. Only an independent, professional water damage restoration company has the requisite education, experience, equipment, and certifications and licenses to safely and completely remove mold from your home and to return your home to its preloss and premold condition. Any attempt to handle mold or an HVAC leak without professional assistance can turn a controllable situation into a nightmare scenario.

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Things to Consider When Choosing a Boiler to Cut Down on Repairs

When you are considering a new boiler, you have several things to consider. You want to find one that fits in your budget, but other aspects are as important as the price. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you look to replace your current boiler.

Questions to Ask

To know the right type of boiler to buy, ask yourself some questions about the product. Do you want one that produces steam or hot water? Should it be low or high pressure? Each type of boiler will have different repairs as it ages and unique problems. Consulting with a repair person before you purchase could give you a better perspective on your new boiler.

How big do you need the boiler to be to provide for your household? Purchasing one too small will result in not having enough hot water when you need it, but one that is too large will cause your energy bill to be higher.

Current Set Up

Unless you want to pay for reconfiguring your home, you will want to buy a boiler that runs the same way as your current one. Before you go out shopping for a boiler, take note of how your boiler works now. Find out what type of fuel it takes, whether it is natural gas, propane, wood, or other source. You can also ask an expert if you can have a choice in your purchase so you can compare the cost of two types of boilers.

Find out how you will vent the system and what kind of combustion system the boiler has. Even if you aren't sure how this works, you can use the information to help you in your purchase decision.

Look at High Efficiency

A high efficiency boiler may cost more upfront but it can save you money over the life of the boiler. The more people you have in your household, the more you will see the savings.

You will also want to consider how much water you will use at one time. If more than one person will take a shower at the same time, you will have to account for that in your choice of size. A professional can look at the setup of your home and ask you the questions they will need to determine the model that is best for you.

How the boiler is serviced is an important consideration. You will want to find out if the company that sells the boiler also makes repairs or if your current repair person can work on that type of boiler. While you may not think about a boiler repair when buying a new one, it will be important in the future.

Buying the right boiler now can help you reduce the costs of repair in the future if you choose a high quality product that is well-suited to your home and is the right size. Talking to a repair person is as important when purchasing a new one as when you are fixing an old one.

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It's 3 A.M. And Your Heat Just Quit Working - What Next?

Many of us enjoy the coming of winter, cool nights with extra blankets and sweaters, maybe a fire in the fireplace. The cool weather brings additional reasons for hot chocolate, soft scarves and the opportunity to cuddle. But it's nice to know those aren't our only ways to stay warm. Having climate controlled indoors and thermostats allow us to ensure comfortable homes year-round. Whether it is central gas heating or electric heat, a toasty home is a happy home.

A happy home until the heat goes out. Inevitably the heat goes out in the middle of the night, causing you to wake up because no matter how you burrow into the covers or snuggle up, you are colder and colder. Cold, tired and in the dark is no way to frantically try to fix a thermostat. Being prepared will help get you warm faster and maybe even prevent a cold and frosty awakening.

First, if you believe your central gas heat isn't working, the first thing to do is to make sure your thermostat is set to heat mode. As simple as it sounds, this is often a culprit. If your thermostat is indeed on heat, assuming it is batter operated, change the batteries. For an electric thermostat, check your clocks-are they blinking? Did the power go out mid night? If so, your thermostat may just need to be reset.

If your thermostat is electric and doesn't respond after being reset or turned off/on, you will need to check your circuit breaker. Make sure that furnace fuse isn't blown. If the circuit breaker is working, you should next check your furnace's power. Typically the furnace power switch is either inside or next to the furnace cabinet. Turn on the power and wait a few minutes for the furnace to restart. If the power is on or does not come back on, the furnace may have overloaded.

If your furnace has overloaded, you will need to reset the motor. Don't panic, this is actually a very simple task! Every furnace has a reset button for the motor; simply press the button to reset. If the motor does not turn on, wait thirty minutes and try it again. If none of these tips work, you will need to examine your main electrical panel. Look for a fuse on the main power switch, it may be blown. If so, you will need to follow the instructions manual to change it. If none of these steps work, you will need to call an HVAC repair center or contractor.

All of the above steps are best followed when your central gas heat goes out, in the order presented, as the flow from simplest to most involved solutions. Although it is good to know how to return your heat when it goes out, it is an even better practice to maintain your system. Having your HVAC system checked each spring and fall can prevent failure on the coldest day of the year as well as saving your money by ensuring it runs efficiently and effectively every day, regardless of the temperature!

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Hydronic Heating: An Ideal Solution for Your Home

There is no denying that hydronic heating has seen a spike in interest over the last few years. This heating system allows water that has been heated to be pushed through pipes in the home, providing warmth throughout the home. Sometimes called a forced air heating system, this setup is designed to be an option that is better for the environment.

One thing you will find with the use of hydronic heating panels is the fact that they will reduce your energy consumption in the home. This reduction in non-renewable energy is going to reduce your power bills while reducing your carbon footprint. This of course makes it a greener solution for your home.

Of course, the type of power you choose to fuel this system can also be adjusted. While some people may have access to things like natural gas, petroleum or even solar power, others may have access to the power company. No matter what power source you have, you are going to discover that there are available options for any type of hydronic heating systems you may be interested in. It will be important to consider all your options to determine the system that will best suit your needs.

Another benefit many people experience with this type of heating is that their home is going to be significantly quieter. Most homeowners who use the system have reported a noticeable reduction in noise levels and that creates a peaceful living environment. Best of all, you do still experience all the same warmth that you would expect from a traditional heater.

Those suffering from allergies are going to find that this heating system will also be a great choice for them. Unlike traditional heating solutions, there is a reduction in the amount of dust and an increase in moisture both of which can help to address some concerns you may have. Instead, the air circulation provided keeps the air cleaner, while bringing in natural moisture that will aid in the prevention of dry skin.

It will be a good idea to do your shopping in advance before you choose to install any of these hydronic heating panels though. There are quite a few companies who offer these systems and it will be important that you look at more than just the cost that is associated with them. You'll need to pay close attention to the features offered that can have an impact on the experience you may have, along with the amount of area that the system will heat.

When you prepare for this venture, just understand that the process is going to take time. Not only will there need to be an underground system installed, but there will also need to be alterations done to the ventilation system in your home. However, once it has been installed, you will have a system in place that will require little maintenance, while offering you effective heating at a reduced cost.

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Commercial Air Conditioning Service Is Essential

One of the essential items any business will need, especially during the summer months, will be commercial air conditioning. The reason is that if customers are kept comfortable in your store, they are more likely to spend more time in your location, which could lead to more sales. Of course, if your system goes out, it could result in lost sales. It is because of this, that you will need to keep up with your commercial air conditioning service,

To ensure that your system is running at peak performance, it will be important that you do have a technician come out at least twice a year. During this time, they will inspect the system to ensure that the system is running at peak performance.

As part of the commercial air conditioning service, they will check Freon levels and ensure that belts and gears aren't wearing down and needing to be replaced. In addition to this, most companies will also take the time to clean out the unit itself to ensure it remains free of dirt and debris that can potentially cause problems for you later on in the year.

It is important to understand that any service done to your unit must be approved in advance. Before anything is added or repaired on the system, you should receive a quote from the technician that comes out.

What you will find is that by having a professional come out to repair your system can save you money in the long run. The reason is that when concerns with the unit are spotted early enough, you can have them taken care of before they become a costly repair. For example, replacing a belt with wear now will be cheaper than having to repair damage that occurred as the result of the belt breaking.

When choosing any company to perform service on your commercial air conditioning service, you do need to ensure that they have been authorized to perform work on your unit. The reason is that some manufacturers will void a warranty if regular service is not provided by a trained professional. If you have a newer system, it will be essential that you verify that any company you call is authorized to perform service on your unit. This can be done by making contact with the service provider, or you can check with the manufacturer of the system you are using.

There is no denying that it will be essential for you to find a company that offers a detailed inspection of your commercial unit. Take the time to look at reviews for some of the local companies and find someone who can properly care for your system. A good place to start is to find companies that utilize the newer computer technology that allows them to handle digital systems, while focusing on old fashioned costumer service. After all, customer service is going to have an impact on the overall experience you end up having.

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Cutting the Cost of Using Central Heating

With the economy being what it is many people are looking for ways to cut the cost of using central heating in their homes and businesses. Cutting utility costs can allow a family to have more available cash for the other things they may need. At this time of year people start to tighten the purse strings where they can in preparation of the upcoming holidays.

One of the easiest ways of cutting the cost of using central heating is to set the thermostat in one position and leave it there. When you adjust the thermostat controls up and down you cause the unit to have to kick on more often. It is the compressor in these units that pull the most electricity so keeping the compressor from having to kick on saves you money.

When the house seems to be cool to you then you need to put on a sweater to keep you warm. If you are watching television place a throw blanket on your lap to generate some heat, and getting up and moving around will also create warmth in your body. Just keep your hands off of the thermostat. In times when you get a severe chill that you cannot seem to get over you should try taking a warm shower. The hot water of the shower will help to warm you on the inside and the outside as well. Drinking warm liquids like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate also will increase your internal temperature.

When the house is warmer than you like you should use fans or ceiling fans to help create a breeze in the room and lower the temperature. The fan uses less electricity than the compressor on the appliance does. A fan cause also isolate the cool air to a location where the person that is too warm is rather than making the entire house a lower temperature.

Central heating is designed to keep all areas of the home or business at the same temperature. So another thing you can do to reduce the operating cost of the system is to close off the vents in the rooms that are unoccupied. If you have bedrooms in your home that are designed for guests to use and are not currently being occupied go inside the room and close the vent cover so that the piped air from the central heating unit does not flow through them. When you require the room to be heated you simply open the vent covers a few hours before your guests arrive. This saves a lot of money on the yearly energy bills.

Think of the other rooms inside your home that may not get used on a daily basis. All of those rooms can have the vents shut off so that you stop heating them unnecessarily. Dens, formal dining rooms, formal living rooms, and sewing or craft rooms, are a few of these types of areas that are not used every day so they do not need to be heated every day.

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Running the Pipes for Ground Source Heat Pumps Through Water

The dirt that makes up the earth holds its own temperature very well. It has a high insulating value and this means that when it heats up it retains that heat for a long time. In the reverse when this dirt is cooled down it will stay cool for a long time. This ability to hold the heat in is what makes ground source heat pumps so effective.

Ground source heat pumps use pipes filled with an antifreeze and water mixture to collect the heat that the ground is storing up and transfer it back inside the structure. The pipes are placed together so that they make loops that connect, the same way that the coils on your refrigerator are looped to allow the coolant to flow through them and created cold temperatures inside the box.

Ground source heat pumps can also extract heat from beneath larger bodies of water. Large ponds and lakes that are fairly deep retain their temperatures much like the solid earth does, Bodies of water that are deep will have different temperatures at the surface of the water than at the bottom. While the surface water may be too cold to get into the deep places in the lake may be nice and warm.

If you have ever been swimming in the summer and found the water to be too hot you knew to move out of the shallow depths to the deeper water. The deeper water would have pockets of cold water and the overall temperature would be less than it was in the shallow. When people run pipes beneath the surfaces of large lakes and ponds the water fluid inside the pipe will take on the temperature of the water. That means where the water is warmer than the air outside the fluid will gain heat. Where the water is colder than the air outside the fluid will lose heat. When the pipes return to the structure they originate from the different temperature of that fluid will cause the interior of the structure to become cooler or warmer accordingly.

The most amazing fact concerning ground source heat pumps is the fact that after the initial cost of installation the appliances are virtually free to operate. People with these items installed in their homes do not have high utility bills. They have utility costs that run pretty much the same all year round. They also have homes that remain a fairly constant temperature all year round.

Lakes and ponds are good bodies of water to use for this type of heating, but rivers make excellent sources as well. Rivers are more likely to be used by large companies that want to install a way to provide a nice indoor temperature and stay environmentally friendly at the same time. This is due to the cost of installing the equipment necessary to create the heat.

This also saves the companies money on their utility costs. We do not always think of how much it must cost a large corporation to heat and cool the buildings they occupy.

Benefits of Running the Air Conditioner   Dynamic Issues of Air Conditioner Repair   Winter Strain on Heaters and Wallets   Why In Floor Heating Should Be Preferred To Forced Air Systems   Some of the Top Reasons Why Your AC Can Go Bad   

The Savings You Can Experience On Your Heating Costs

Considering the high prices of energy, many homeowners are looking for ways to cut costs. Trimming an average family budget means making changes to lower energy bills. Check out how using a heat pump can allow you to save a great deal of money.

Consumers should know that while the initial set-up of a heat pump can be expensive, the savings on electricity bills will certainly make up for it. In fact, in most cases, savings can reach as much as 40%. The type of unit you install determines your initial investment. Geothermal units are generally more expensive to install than air source units.

High quality is important when you consider the price of parts used for this type of heating unit. Choose a recommended brand and manufacturer to make sure you get the one that is going to last you a long time. You also want to make sure you do not have costly repairs in the future. Older, traditional units can cost a great deal when repairs need to be made.

The home maintenance of this kind of heating unit is vital to its effective operation. Changing filters every month is one way you can improve performance while also avoiding other troubles in your unit. Clean air filters maximize air flow, the basis of heating operations. Cleaning coils and fans regularly will help while maintaining a schedule for professional inspections will also.

In the event your unit is experiencing problems, resetting the motor can sometimes solve the issue. You should also check if the thermostat is working correctly. If you still have trouble after these steps, calling a professional repair person is best. Make sure you hire only an expert from a reliable company you have checked out first.

No matter what your residential needs may be, units are available in the size you need for meeting them. Choose a system that is appropriate for the square footage of your home to experience the most comfort and savings. Homeowners can learn all the details by talking to professional retailers and dealers.

The homeowner looking for ways to lower monthly energy bills should consider checking into the savings and benefits of an energy efficient firefly heat pump unit. Learning all you can about lowering your monthly cost of living helps to leave more money for the fun activities you want to do. Making sure you and your family are comfortable is important, thus the best reason to learn more about the choices you have for this kind of heating unit.

Benefits of Running the Air Conditioner   Dynamic Issues of Air Conditioner Repair   Winter Strain on Heaters and Wallets   Why In Floor Heating Should Be Preferred To Forced Air Systems   Some of the Top Reasons Why Your AC Can Go Bad   

Portable Air Conditioners: A Rescue From the Hot Summer Day

There are numerous reasons to opt for a portable air conditioner. Right from the size and the efficiency, it is cost effective and there are no installation hassles like other central air conditioning systems. As the name suggests, it is portable and can be moved easily from one place to the other.

They are a great, affordable alternative to installing those bulky air conditioning systems which requires huge space and difficult installation processes. Portable AC is not just affordable in buying but their energy-efficient features make them easy on the pockets for those who concern about electricity bills.

For buying these ACs, online shopping has become more popular than ever which may account for the increased trend to buy products like books, DVDs, ACs and just about everything on the internet. The driving factors are: convenience, accessibility and the lower running costs on these sites. Internet retailers tend to be more popular because products are generally found cheaper online because of the reduced overheads for online retailers.

One of the main aspects that you should consider while buying is the size of that room the air conditioner is meant to cool. You will have to make sure that you choose the correct size to cool the particular area that you would like to cool. If you purchase one that is too small, you will find that there will not be much of a difference in the temperature of the room. You should also make sure that whichever one you choose is within your budget. You do not want to spend more than you can afford on one of these units.

Every coin has two flip sides. This mobile and portable air conditioner has its own specific pros and cons too -

Pros

1. While installation, you need not to make hole in your wall for it. In addition, they don't block the view of your window. 2. You need not to buy separate AC for every room, just drag it and keep wherever you want cooling. 3. It is much cheaper and energy-efficient than central AC.

Cons

1. It is slightly noisier than the central one or the ductless one. 2. There should be proper ventilation for the hot air to go out via pipe or through a door.

We have to note that, a perfectly sized portable air conditioner is designed in such a way that reduces the room temperature by approximately 4 degrees to that of the outside temperature. And 4 degrees is the perfect degree of temperature to be decreased in room to attain that absolute comfort level when the weather is too hot outside. For example, on a given day when the outside temperature is around 30 degrees, you can expect the room temperature to be approximately 26 degrees and this is a comfortable reduction in temperature, and ideal for our bodies.

Whenever you are going to purchase the AC it is important to consider these points while buying one for your purpose, whether it is the size of the AC or from where you are purchasing the AC i.e. from an online shopping portal or from a retailer. A proper home-work done and a proper research will never make you to make any mistakes while choosing the perfect AC for your place.

Benefits of Running the Air Conditioner   Dynamic Issues of Air Conditioner Repair   Winter Strain on Heaters and Wallets   Why In Floor Heating Should Be Preferred To Forced Air Systems   Some of the Top Reasons Why Your AC Can Go Bad