Which Heating System is Best for your Home?

Which Heating System is Best for your Home

In today’s age of advanced technology, it’s easy to take heating systems for granted. It’s been a long time since the wood or coal fueled fireplaces and furnaces were once critical for staying comfortable in winter in the winter. Having a good understanding of the different types of heating system will help you understand which one may be right for your home.

1. Mini-Duct Forced Air System
Also known as the Unico System after one of the companies who manufacture it, mini ducts are usually made for air-conditioning, though the system also can be used for heating with an optional electric furnace. It blows treated, high velocity air through flexible nylon tubing and out through vents. It can be very valuable for your home to have this system because the vents create little impact on the walls and framing. The tubing can be snaked through and around objects, avoiding many problems caused by large, solid ductwork.

2. The Modern Fireplace
The traditional fireplace can be updated and improved by using propane gas fire, and also using new types of inserts. Many attractive decorative, metal inserts for coal or wood fireplaces are made with optional matching mantelpieces. Electric heat inserts with faux flames upgrade the old fireplace without having to use any gas piping. Some fireplace manufacturers offer a variety of gas-fired inserts, which provide heat through power outages.

3. Hot-Water & Steam Radiators
These were common in the late 19th century and standard until recently, radiators provide a good amount of heat and are pretty easy to install. After the arrival of central HVAC systems in the 1960s, hot-water radiator installations began to disappear, yet the repair and refinishing of old radiators and the sale of antique ones became a thriving business. For residential heat, steam was used less than hot water, but both systems are easily repairable.

4. Radiant Heat
Hot water pipes embedded in the floor became popular after World War II, especially for slab-on-grade houses. Radiant heat provides comfortable warmth which is different from the fixed-point heat of radiators. Frank Lloyd Wright famously used radiant heat in his Usonian houses. However, those early installations were prone to leaks, usually because of pipe corrosion, and originals are difficult and expensive to repair. But modern radiant heating is much improved. Electric under-floor radiant systems are also easy to install under wood or tile floors. These are especially useful in small installations like kitchens and baths because they don’t need a separate powered heat source.

5. Forced Air
Forced-air heating systems also can provide ventilation and cooling, and for the past 50 years have been the preferred system in new houses. However, installing large, insulated ducts in an older house can be difficult or require giving up a lot of closet space. One solution is to use floor registers on the first floor with the fan-coil unit in the basement, and ceiling outlets on the second floor, with a separate unit in the attic.

Boiler Safety

Boiler Safety

The safe and efficient operation of boilers and domestic water heaters is necessary for the operation of most residential and commercial facilities. Improvements in designs and control systems have made modern units safer and more efficient than before.

But there are other factors to consider to ensure safety and efficiency. In addition to a well designed system, scheduled inspections and testing done by a technician or service professional could keep your boiler running safely and efficiently.

Safety Devices

All boilers and domestic water heaters have a variety of built-in devices to help ensure their safe operation. Like other components of major appliances, they require scheduled maintenance to make sure they’re operating properly. Boiler technicians and professionals pay close attention to three key safety devices to protect the safe operation of your home’s boiler:

Safety valves. The safety valve is the most important safety device in a boiler or domestic hot-water system. It is designed to relieve internal pressure if a range of failures occur within the system. Although it is simple in design and straightforward in operation, something as minor as corroded or restricted flow inside of the valve and its related piping can affect the overall operation.

Water-level control and low-water fuel cutoff. Many systems combine these two separate boiler-safety functions into one unit. They’re designed to make sure the water level inside of the boiler never falls below a certain amount. If that ever happens, the system is designed to shut down the boiler by cutting off its fuel. Proper functioning requires operators to make sure there is no build-up of sludge or debris within the system that would interfere with its detection and operation.

Water-gauge glass. Even with a functioning water-level-control system, it’s important for your service professional to verify the actual level of water in the system. Here, too, a build-up of sludge and debris can give false level indications.

Different Types of Thermostats and Which one is Best for You

Different Types of Thermostats and Which one is Best for You

Thermostat are the devices that control the temperature of your air conditioning system. The device is important in making sure that the heating and cooling system in your home is working properly. Using the thermostat correctly can save you an enormous amount on your energy bills.

One important factor to look for when you purchase a thermostat is the ENERGY STAR symbol. And when it comes to the types of thermostats, they are categorized into two basic types, Line-voltage thermostats and Low-voltage thermostats.

Line voltage thermostats are used in single heating systems like baseboards and radiant systems. These thermostats are installed in series with heaters. In this kind of connection, the electric current flows through the thermostat and the heater. However, when the thermostat reaches the set room temperature it shuts off even before the heater brings the room to the set temperature.

Low voltage thermostats are probably more efficient in controlling the flow of electric current. These kinds of thermostats are mostly used in central heating systems that use oil, gas and electricity. A low voltage thermostat not only helps you control current but also allows you to easily use the programmable controls mainly because they operate at 24V to 50V.

1. Programmable thermostats

A programmable thermostat helps adjust the temperature in your house automatically according to preset times. This allows you to conserve energy because it minimizes the temperature when you are away from the house and maximize the temperature when you’re home. These thermostats are available in several models. Simpler ones let you to program different daytime and nighttime temperatures whereas the more advanced ones can be programmed to adjust the temperature in different ways for a number of days and times of the week.

2. Mechanical thermostats

These are line voltage thermostats that are pretty easy to use. These thermostats operate by being triggered by metal bars that heat up or cool down. These are the easiest and the cheapest thermostats available. They have either vapor-filled bellows or bi-metallic strips that react to different temperatures. However, mechanical thermostats are considered to be unreliable, especially the cheaper ones that use bi-metallic strips.

3. Non Programmable digital thermostats

Non programmable digital thermostats are other kind of thermostats that can be controlled with a digital display. They are similar to the mechanical thermostats, but the major difference is they have no metal coil like the mechanical thermostats do, instead they have an electric temperature sensor. A tiny microprocessor that is set inside this thermostat sends ‘start’ or ‘stop’ commands to the heating or cooling system based on the reading it takes and the chosen temperature setting.

4. Electronic thermostats

Most electronic thermostats are low voltage, but you can have them for line-voltage purposes also. These devices have a sensor that can detect when the temperature moves above or below the set room temperature. They come built-in with convenient features like automatic setback and programmability. Electronic thermostats are more expensive than the mechanical ones, but they can keep a room at the particular temperature as desired.

10 Energy Saving Tips for your Air Conditioning

10 Energy Saving Tips for your Air Conditioning 

When temperatures continue to climb, air conditioning isn’t only necessary.. it’s a must. And it’s just as important to save on energy while running your ac. Here are some energy saving tips to keep in mind this summer:

1. Keep your air conditioner lower at night. Overnight you don't need the same level of consistent cool air. Turning your AC down during the hours you’re asleep, if your unit has one, use the "sleep mode" which lowers the temperature on a timer.

2. If you only need to cool a portion of your home, use a window or portable unit in the space you need it. While cooling your entire home ideal, it may not be necessary all the time. Window and portable units use up 50% less energy than a central air unit.

3. Close Off Vents. The basement is normally the coolest room in the home, so try closing all the vents in the lower part of your home. The cool air will trickle down there naturally and by closing those vents, you're forcing all the air up top first, cooling as it comes down.

4. Service Your Unit. Some basic maintenance might be all your air conditioner needs, but will greatly benefit from. Hosing down your ac filter, especially if you're plagued with nearby trees and brush, can keep your ac unit from working harder.

5. Check your ac ducts. Making sure the areas where your ac ducts run through parts of your home that receive no air conditioning, like the attic, are well insulated. This will keep the air coming in as cool as possible. Otherwise it would be like paying for half cool air.

6. Try rearranging your furniture. Furniture that is in the way of air conditioning vents means you could be cooling the back of a chair or the bottom side of your couch. There are plastic pieces you can buy for your vents to help force air in the right direction, but the easiest way is to just rearrange your furniture, even if only temporarily.

7. 78 degrees is a good point for an air conditioner to run at its top performance level. It’s a lot like a car on cruise control coasting on a long, flat stretch of road.

8. Turning the lights off can help reduce the heat in your home, but paying attention to how much light you let in from an open windows can also play a significant role. Although it might seem crazy to open and close your windows every day with the changing of the sun, it makes a big difference on how much heat your ac has to cool down.

9. While you're away from home turn your AC up to 85 and make sure the windows and drapes are closed. Even though it’ll be hot for a few minutes when you come home, the blinds will help keep the sun out and the heat won't be as heavy. This will keep your unit from having to work overtime to cool the room back down.

10. Don't forget to turn on the fan. We rely on air conditioners to keep things cool, but having a few fans on will help. Using them to circulate the cool air means you don't need quite as much help from your air conditioner.

Choosing the Right AC Filter for Your Home

Choosing the Right AC Filter for Your Home

You probably already know that cleaning or replacing your ac filter regularly is important to maintain the air quality of your home as well as help your ac run efficiently. Well now here’s a better understanding of the different types of ac filters to help you choose the right one for your home. But before getting into the different types of AC filters, it’s important to understand MERV rating. MERV is the rating system that measures how effective an AC filter is at removing particles that pass through it. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter.

You probably think that you want the highest MERV rating when buying an AC filter but when an AC filter is too effective, it will also make it harder for air to go through it. This will make your AC system run less efficiently and you probably won’t be able to feel any air going through it. Most residential AC systems should use an AC filter with a maximum MERV rating of 11 to 16. Check your AC manufacturer’s information to make sure.

Fiberglass AC Filters

These air conditioner filters are made of mesh of fiberglass. The mesh doesn’t really do a good job of collecting dirt and debris in the air. These filters will generally have a MERV rating of 1-4 and they only stop a maximum of 10% of pollutants. However, these filters are very affordable and you can pick them up for a few bucks.

Pleated Polyester AC Filters

These AC filters are made up of a zigzag design. This shape let them catch more dust and particles before it gets into the air – about 45% of it. They have a MERV rating of about 10-13 and cost around $10 to $15.

High-Efficiency AC Filters

These filters will remove about 85% of the dust and debris in the air, but they won’t eliminate the tiny particulates. These have a MERV rating of about 14-16. These are more expensive, but they’re worth keeping your HVAC system more efficiently and the air in your home much cleaner. Choose these if you have allergies, respiratory problems, young kids, or you’re experiencing a lot of dust in your home.

HEPA AC Filters

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance and the standards are set by the US Department of Energy. In order to qualify as a HEPA AC filter, the filter must be able to capture at least 97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns. The issue with HEPA air filters is that they are almost too effective. Their extra fine mesh will actually block some air flow. Most home AC systems don’t have sufficient power to get the proper air flow through one of these filters.

Washable AC Filters

Washable AC filters may seem like a good choice because you can just wash them instead of having to replace them, but they’re generally not a very good option. They only have a MERV rating of about 1-4, which means they won’t prevent much debris from getting through. Washable AC filters actually work better when they’re dirty. They are designed in a way which relies on the buildup of dirt and debris to stop more dirt and debris from gpassing through. Therefore, each time you wash the AC filter you are also decreasing its effectiveness.