Improve Your Home Comfort This Spring

Your boiler has worked hard all winter, and has hopefully kept you warm and cozy without any major problems. Although you're probably using less heating as spring approaches, this time of year can be an excellent chance to carry out essential maintenance. This will help ensure your heating system remains in good order, and also means you won’t be left frantically trying to book an appointment with the service technician during the fall and winter months when things get a whole lot busier. There are lots of things you can do to help ensure your home heating system remains at optimum efficiency, and this will help deliver the greatest energy savings. Some of these things need to be done regularly, or at least annually, while others only need to be done every few years or so. While it might be tempting to leave these things until the fall, it's worth remembering that if you have a heating and cooling system then having it work at optimum efficiency during the hot summer months will help save you money.

Getting Your Ductwork Inspected

It is all too easy to overlook the ductwork in your home, and to imagine it just keeps going without any maintenance. However over a period of years the ducts can become clogged up with dirt and debris as well as dust and allergens such as pollen. The degree to which this happens can vary from household to household, but is generally recommended that you have your ducts inspected every two years or so. The process of duct cleaning is quite straightforward, but does need to be done by a trained professional as it involves the use of specialized equipment to vacuum out the vents, while compressed air is used to loosen dirt and dust. Your home will be protected with dust sheets during the process, so it will be just as clean once the duct cleaning is completed.

Improving Indoor Air Quality during the Warmer Months

Although it can be nice to fling open the doors and windows during the warmer months of the year, this can bring about its own problems. Many people suffer from allergies and find it more comfortable to use air-conditioning to get clean air into the home. However unless you've been changing air filters in your home at the recommended intervals, you may simply end up re-circulating dust and pollen. It is essential to do this task at regular intervals, and to try to make a note to stick to a regular schedule. If you have a programmable thermostat it's quite possible it may give you a nudge when it's time to change them.

Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Once you've got your heating and cooling system properly maintained and working to optimum efficiency, and have changed all the filters, then you might think there's little else to do to help improve your indoor air quality during the warmer months.

What is the Best Way to Make Energy Savings in the Home?

Heating a home during the winter months can often be a compromise between home comfort and energy costs. While no one can afford to throw money away these days, there's little worse than being cold in your own home. Although one solution is simply to wear more layers of clothing, or to wear warmer clothing this doesn't exactly increase the feeling of being warm and cozy. The answer may lie in investing a little bit of money on upgrades to your home heating system. These don't necessarily have to cost a fortune, unless of course you're really in need of a new boiler or heat pump.

Changing Air Filters to Help Improve Home Comfort

Provided your boiler is in relatively good condition, there may be a number of things you can do to help improve its efficiency. During the winter it's especially important to make sure you are changing air filters at the recommended intervals. The reason for this is because your heating system is likely to be on for a substantial amount of time, and if it's constantly drawing air through dirty filters then it will be less efficient. In addition your system will have to work harder, increasing energy costs and decreasing the lifespan of your equipment. Regularly changing air filters is such an easy thing to do but is something that many people overlook. If you find you forget to do this essential task then think about setting up a system to remind yourself. This might mean entering it into your calendar on your computer, so hopefully it alerts you whenever the air filters are due to be changed. Otherwise you could simply try writing it on any calendar you might have in the home, or in your diary.

Upgrading Your Thermostat

Another way to improve energy savings during the winter months is to fit a programmable thermostat. This can be especially efficient if you're out of the house during the day and don't require your home to be at the same temperature all the time. Programmable thermostats can be pretty sophisticated, especially if you have a fairly regular routine. They can be set to take into account your regular working hours, and also other times when you're out of the house, for instance when you meet up with friends or play sports. There's little point in heating the home when you're away from it, but a programmable thermostat means you'll never come home to a cold house. It's a great way to make energy savings without reducing your level of comfort.

Getting Your System Serviced

You're generally recommended to get your heating and cooling system serviced during the fall to make sure it doesn't break down during the colder winter months when you need it most, but if you didn't get round to it this year then it's certainly not too late to get it done now. A heating and cooling system that is well maintained will run far more efficiently and will help you get the most out of your system. Sticking to your manufacturer required maintenance schedule will help ensure that it lasts longer and will greatly lessen the chances of you having uncomfortable home during those cold or hot days.

Are Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems Efficient During Winter?

The interest in geothermal heating and cooling systems is growing, as people are increasingly looking for ways of achieving energy savings on their heating and cooling bills. However many people are still unsure of exactly what a geothermal heating and cooling system is, how it works, and its efficiency during the winter months. The truth is it can be extremely effective during the colder winter months, and when you think about how it works this makes perfect sense. These types of heat pumps are designed to extract stored energy from the earth, and as this is where most of the solar energy is conserved it makes them extremely efficient. The Earth's temperature remains relatively constant so this type of system is perfectly able to extract sufficient heat during the winter.

What Makes Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems so Effective?

These types of systems have either a closed or open loop to extract heat from the Earth. They can be installed in a number of different ways to suit your situation, and to make the most of the location and soil and rock type at the installation site. These types of heating systems can be installed just about anywhere as they can be placed under the yard, under driveways, or even under the actual house. If they're being added to a house that is already built then it may be possible to use some of the ductwork already in place. Most people choose a closed loop that circulates antifreeze or water through pipes buried underground. In the winter, heat is collected in the fluid and carried through the system into the house. In the summer the process is reversed. 

Geothermal Heat is Efficient, Safe and Saves Money

The system can produce heat and hot water, and could reduce your hot water bill during the winter months through its ability to preheat the water tank. The system is very low maintenance and could actually reduce the energy consumption of an average home. Another advantage of this system is that it is extremely safe as there's no exposed equipment outdoors, and no need for dangerous fuel storage tanks, open flame or any kind of flammable fuel. Although the initial cost of installation may seem higher than other more conventional systems, the average householder should recoup the cost within just a few years through energy savings and reduced maintenance costs.

The Environmentally Friendly Way to Heat a Home in Winter

There is little doubt that this system is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to heat a home during winter without sacrificing home comfort. It could be far more efficient than other systems, and will save money in both operating and maintenance costs. You may even find it possible to claim a rebate when fitting a geothermal heating and cooling system, and some manufacturers offer special finance deals. If you are considering a new home heating system it is well worth asking your installer for advice as to whether this would be suitable for your house. Of course one of the nicest things about this system is that warm feeling you get from knowing you are doing something to cut emissions and to conserve other non-renewable fuels.

Can Programmable Thermostats Really Help With Energy Efficiency?

These days everybody is interested in heating and cooling their homes in the most energy efficient way possible. While it's obviously important to have an efficient heating and cooling system, and to make sure the manufacturer requires maintenance schedules are kept up-to-date, it can also be beneficial to make small changes to a system such as installing a programmable thermostat. This is a thermostat that is able to be preprogrammed so it can turn on and off at certain times during the day. It allows the house to cool down at times when it's really not necessary for it to be warm and comfortable, for instance when everybody is at work or at school, or out enjoying hobbies. It can also be programmed to turn off the heating when everybody has gone to bed, before turning it back on in the morning before everybody gets up. Allowing the temperature to drop naturally overnight can also be beneficial for sleeping, as most people sleep more deeply when a room is cooler. Another advantage of keeping the home cooler overnight is that the temperature difference between the inside and outside will be less, reducing the energy loss. 

Sophisticated Modern Programmable Thermostats Are Very Versatile

Modern programmable thermostats are really quite sophisticated and can be hugely versatile. They can allow several different temperature settings throughout the day, so each period of heating can be programmed to the temperature most appropriate at that time, as for instance it may be preferable to have it a little cooler in the mornings, and much nicer to have it warmer in the evenings when everybody is sitting down and not moving around very much. Some may have a separate weekday and weekend schedule, while others will have separate settings for every single day of the week. 

Extra Features Often Found on Programmable Thermostats

Certain models will include separate programs for heating a home during winter and cooling it during the summer, and may even allow the air blower to be turned on for extra circulation even when the system isn't actually operational. This can be very useful if hot air in the home has risen and separated from the cooler air in the lower part of the home. Another useful function is that many of the most modern programmable digital thermostats also have a built-in air filter change reminder. Lots of homeowners frequently forget to change the air filters as often as they should, preventing the system from working as effectively and efficiently as possible.

The Most Complicated Thermostats Work Hard to Keep Your Home Cozy

The more complicated programmable thermostats are able to actually calculate when a home heating system needs to come on to reach the programmed temperature at a particular time. This means if it has got particularly cold overnight then the thermostats will tell the heating system to come on a little earlier to make sure the correct temperature is reached by the time everyone wants to get up. These types of programmable thermostats make sure the temperature is kept completely stable, increasing the home comfort levels.

What is The Best Way to Test Indoor Air Quality in the Home?

Indoor air quality can be affected by a number of different things, and poor or polluted air can be
quite detrimental to health. It is a good idea to have the air quality in your home regularly tested
to ensure your family remains healthy. Air pollutants can come from any number of different
sources, as the air can contain harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and radon, while mold
and mildew are a common problem in many homes during winter. The spores from mold can be
very harmful, and can begin forming within 24 hours of soft furnishings or building materials
becoming damp.

Carbon Monoxide Leak Detection in the Home

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous as it is almost impossible to detect without having a
proper warning system in place. It doesn't have any smell and is completely colorless so it is
possible for people to be overcome with fumes before they know what is happening. It is caused
by gas generated by the incomplete combustion of fuel used in common household appliances
including fireplaces, stoves, furnaces and water heaters. Once carbon monoxide enters the lungs
it inhibits the transfer of oxygen throughout the body. The best way to detect a carbon monoxide
leak within the home is to buy a small carbon monoxide detector. This sounds an alarm if levels
rise dangerously. A lot of these detectors plug directly into the electricity system, but it is
essential to test them regularly and to make sure they are properly situated to be effective. It is
also a good idea to have a full furnace tune up and to make sure any manufacturer required
maintenance schedules are kept up-to-date, so appliances within the home are all working
properly.

Detecting Radon within the Home

Radon is another very dangerous gas that also is very difficult to detect without having the home
properly tested. The gas is completely odorless and colorless and is able to enter the home
through the basement and through drainage systems. The best way to ensure your home is free
from radon is to call a company with the proper qualifications to deal with this gas, and they'll
also be able to offer radon mitigation services to clean the home. It is essential to do this, as
radon is thought to be one of the main causes of lung cancer.

Detecting Mold, Mildew, Viruses, Bacteria and Pollen

Mold and mildew love to grow in damp conditions, so if your home has areas where
condensation is a problem, or you have recently suffered a water pipe leak than it is worth doing
a visual inspection to see if you have these problems. Mold and mildew can also create a very
distinctive smell. If you find your home has been contaminated then it is essential to clean the
area very thoroughly to ensure all the spores are killed off. Bacteria and pollen can often be
controlled through the use of ultraviolet air cleaners and filters attached to your heating system.
It is essential to make sure these are properly maintained and cleaned out regularly, and that
filters are changed whenever required to ensure the indoor air quality remains the very best it can
be. This is especially important during the winter months when homes tend to be sealed up more
tightly and there is a general lack of ventilation.

What are the Different Types of Garage Heaters?

If you like to spend a lot of time in your garage during the winter months, then you'd probably
appreciate having effective garage heaters. Lots of people use their garage for hobbies, or for
simply spending time with the kids when the weather is too bad to go outside. Temperatures in
garages can often get pretty low due to a lack of insulation, so important considerations can
include the portability of the heating unit, the type of energy used, and of course the price. There
are lots of different types on the market, so which is best and which would be most effective for
your situation? Some people prefer to rely on kerosene heaters, while others recommend forced
air heaters or electric heaters. It also depends on the type of hobbies you want to do in the
garage, as obviously if you intend to create a lot of dust or to do a lot of painting then you need
to choose a heater that has a separate combustion chamber that burns fresh outdoors air.

Using Forced Air Garage Heaters

Forced air garage heaters can be gas-fired or powered by electricity. Installers may recommend
that they are mounted on the ceiling, and they should be rated for residential use. It isn't
acceptable to install an industrial style unit in a residential garage. It is best to get these
professionally installed as the process can involve electrical work, or hooking up gas lines. The
thermostat for this type of heater should be mounted on the wall between the garage and the
house, or if the garage is detached it should be mounted just below the heater. This type of heater
does tend to be slightly more expensive than others, but provided the manufactuer required
maintenance schedules are met, it should last for a considerable amount of time.

Using Kerosene Garage Heaters

Kerosene garage heaters have the advantage of being portable and easy to use, and some models
don't even need to be invented though this is probably recommended. Kerosene garage heaters
can knock out a considerable amount of heat, but there is a disadvantage that you need to go and
pick up the kerosene to keep the thing running. The advantage of choosing a portable heater is
that it can always be used in the home in the event of an emergency, but should be properly
vented and situated to avoid any risk of fire.

Using Electric Garage Heaters

Using an electric garage heater is probably the easiest way to keep this space heated effectively.
There are lots of different models available and they are very easy to install and use. It is worth
considering the type of model before you buy it, as some include fans that can be a little noisy.
Most garage heaters will heat a space of around 500 sq. ft., but it's also worth checking the
amount of power required before purchasing the heater. It is best to leave these units unplugged
when not being used, and to make sure they are used according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.

Facts about Infrared Heating

Infrared heating is really quite interesting and complex, and is likely to be something you learned
about in science classes in school. Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye, and the warmth
produced by infrared heating is absorbed by our clothes and skin. There are several different
types of infrared heating available, as some are focused on directing infrared light into a room or
space, providing heat to any object that it touches. Others have several different parts such as
using infrared light bulbs with a heat exchanger combined with a fan. In this instance the fan is
used to blow air onto the heat exchanger and to circulate it around the room.

Using Infrared Heating

Infrared heating can use several different sources of fuel, including electricity, natural gas and
propane. The infrared heaters can also be made out of different materials, and some are easily
portable. Most have protective covers over the actual heating element, and some of these can be
quite decorative and made out of materials such as copper or brass. There are many different
types of infrared heating appliances on the market, and some are more suitable for general use
than others. The heat output can differ considerably, and certain models include timers.

Going Green with Infrared Heating

Many people are concerned about the environment, and the effects of using appliances such as
infrared heating, but in spite of this it still necessary to keep warm. Infrared heating appliances
can be reasonably green, as for instance electric heaters don't release any harmful fumes or
omissions into the atmosphere. These electric heaters also don't rely on fossil fuels or natural gas
that can be irreplaceable. In contrast, electricity can often be generated using green methods such
as hydroelectric power. In addition some types of infrared heaters are designed to ensure they
don't remove humidity from the atmosphere, and that they don't remove oxygen rich air. This can
be well worth considering if anyone in the home suffers from ailments that could be aggravated
by a lack of oxygen or a very dry atmosphere.

Using Infrared Heaters as a Supplement to Central Heating

Although modern infrared heating can be very effective and cost efficient, these types of heaters
aren't generally designed to provide warmth to an entire home. They are best used in areas that
frequently lose heat, or which have cold spots. They'd be especially good as garage heaters as
these tend to be larger areas with large doors. They would also be good for use during the winter
when the weather gets particularly cold. It can be very unpleasant to go through a cold snap
feeling chilly at home, and having an infrared heater could be the perfect boost to indoor
temperatures. Infrared heaters would also be good for use when the weather gets a little chilly

during the summer months, and might save putting the central heating on for a relatively short
period of time. The fact that many of these heaters are extremely portable makes them very
versatile, and they’d be a useful addition to most households. Infrared heating is a very efficient
way of warming up, and is becoming more widely used.

Furnace Upkeep to Consider

Your furnace is one of the most important investments you will make concerning your home comfort and indoor air quality. Therefore it is important to protect that investment by performing regular manufacturer required maintenance. Keep in mind that there are many things you will need to let one of our professional technicians do during a scheduled maintenance check, since they have the training and the tools for the job; do not try to perform any furnace maintenance you have not had the training for. If you routinely check your furnace and schedule appointments to have it professionally checked, you will be saving money on costly repairs, especially since many furnace warranties lose their validity if you cannot prove that you have been performing the manufacturer required maintenance checks.

Self-Performed Maintenance

Aside from the professional maintenance checks, there are a few things you can do to make sure your furnace is running at top condition, saving you money on energy costs. First, you should make sure your furnace filter is fresh, changing it for a new one if it has become saturated with dust and debris. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to keep your furnace running at its peak efficiency. Second, an even cheaper way of keeping your furnace working efficiently is to keep the area around it clean and clutter free. Too much dust and clutter build up can affect your furnace’s performance and the indoor air quality of your home. While you are doing these simple checks, you can also look around your furnace to make sure it does not have any cracks or leaks, which can cause it to run less efficiently while pumping dangerous carbon monoxide into your home.

Manufacturer Required Maintenance

While self-checks are a good practice to maintain, they are only a form of upkeep until the scheduled maintenance checks by a professional technician. When a technician comes into your home for the manufacturer required maintenance, you can expect the technician to check your furnace’s fan belts, blower, and burners. He will also make sure the wiring is in good condition and the thermostat is working properly. Other things he may do are check for gas leaks, make any necessary adjustments, and do a general cleaning of the furnace unit. All of these things will elongate the life of your furnace and, potentially, the life of its warranty, so make sure to schedule at least one of these checks a year to guarantee your furnace is in the best shape it can be.

Furnace Replacement

Eventually, every furnace, no matter how well cared for will need to be replaced. Hopefully, this time will not come soon, especially if you have recently installed a new furnace in your home, but if you are living in an older home with an older furnace, sometimes it may come to that point when regular maintenance is no longer enough. In that case you will need to purchase a new heating system that will last for years to come and will hopefully be more energy efficient than the last. But until that time comes, even if you are working with an older furnace, abiding to the manufacturer’s required maintenance standard will help keep your furnace running safely and efficiently for many years to come.

Infrared Heating for Your Home Comfort

A lot of people don't consider having infrared heating, but in fact it's a very efficient way of increasing home comfort and can even lead to lower fuel costs. There are numerous advantages to choosing this type of heating, as it's very efficient and safe and is able to put out heat that can be evenly distributed. It's been estimated that your heating bill could be reduced by up to half, just by using an infrared heater that is capable of warming up to 1000 ft.² of living space.

How Does Infrared Heating Work?

The way infrared heating works is really quite clever, and is one of the things that make it so efficient. A lot of heaters warm up a room unevenly, but you'll find this is never a problem with infrared heating as the warmth will surround you, greatly increasing your home comfort. The reason it is able to do this is due to convection heating. Once the air is heated on the infrared heating elements, it's pushed back into the room through using fans. This means the heat can be evenly distributed right throughout the room, and unlike a lot of heating systems there's no need to use ceiling fans to push the heat back down. There's another advantage to choosing infrared heating, as of this type of warmth works by heating up objects in the room, so once you turn the heat off the objects will continue to emit heat back into the room. This is much more efficient than merely warming up the air in the room, as once the heater is turned off the air quickly loses this warmth. 

A Safe and Effective Way of Heating Your Home

Infrared heating really is a safe and effective method of heating your home, and if you're looking for a portable heater and then this would be an excellent choice. This particular heating system uses infrared waves they cannot be seen by the naked eye to heat up objects which is very similar to the way the sun operates. On a hot sunny day many people choose to wear light-colored clothing to reflect back to heat, as dark clothing tends to absorb the warmth. This is a perfect example of the way infrared heating warms up objects such as clothes, making you feel much warmer. This method of heating doesn't rely on anything being burnt to produce the warmth, so it's extremely safe. The better quality heaters have a built-in air filters that can trap up to 97% of dust particles found in the air, as well as allergens. Some of the more sophisticated models even have ultraviolet air cleaners that help to get rid of viruses and bacteria that are airborne. Infrared heating is the perfect way to stay warm while staying healthy.

Save Money by Using Infrared Heating

If you are worried about energy prices then you'll love having an infrared heating system as you should enjoy lower fuel costs. Infrared heating is a very efficient way of warming up a room, as they need relatively little energy, and certainly less than a heating system using propane, wood, kerosene or electricity.

Will a Solar Heating and Cooling System Keep My Home Warm during winter?

Choosing a green and renewable energy source to heat and cool your home is all very well, but are they really that efficient and will you be kept warm during winter? The quick answer to this is definitely yes, and solar energy can be a great way to lower fuel costs and actually get something for free, which is quite remarkable these days. It's an excellent way of lowering your dependence on fossil fuels, and it's always a good feeling to know you are doing something to help everyone have a cleaner environment. There are various types of solar heating and cooling systems, so you can choose the one that will do the most to increase your home comfort, and which will give the greatest energy savings.

Choosing a System That Is Tied in to the Electricity Grid

This is the type of system that will be suitable for most people. It can be extremely effective, and is the least costly of all solar and heating systems that can be used for residential homes. The idea behind this system is that you can use your own electricity, generated by your own photovoltaic cells to lower fuel costs, but if your own system doesn't produce sufficient electricity for your needs then you're tied into the national grid so there's never any concerns about being left without power. Another huge advantage of this system is that if your photovoltaic cells produce excess electricity, then this is fed back into the grid. This particular system is called net metering, and will give you the wonderful experience of seeing your electricity meter turned backwards. These types of systems often have rebates available from the government or local utility companies which can make them highly affordable and efficient.

Choosing a System That Isn't Tied into the Electricity Grid

These types of solar heating and cooling systems are often referred to as being off the grid, as they aren't tied into any type of local electricity grid. The idea is that they are capable of producing all the power needed by the home. This type of system is much more expensive, and is only really suitable for homes in remote locations that don't have access to local power lines. Although most people wouldn't choose to have this type of standalone system, it can be an excellent way of being more self-sufficient in a remote location.

Finding Out More about Solar Heating and Cooling Systems

If you are thinking of installing a solar heating and cooling system to keep your home warm and cozy this winter then it's essential to get the correct advice from a properly qualified installer. They'll be able to assess your home and decide where the photovoltaic cells should be located. They can also perform tests to assess how much electricity your home will be able to produce on a monthly and annual basis. You also need to have a roof that is sufficiently big enough for the solar modules, and you'll need to find out if there are any restrictions on solar installations in your neighborhood. Once your solar heating and cooling system is installed, then you can look forward to many years of free electricity production.

What Are Air Exchangers and Why Might I Need One this winter?

Fresh air is essential for a healthy home, and while it's easy to get fresh air into the house during summer, it can be something of a problem during the winter months. This is especially true for newer homes that have been built with energy savings in mind, and are often sealed up tightly to prevent heat loss. While energy savings are always good, a lack of ventilation can have a huge effect on the health of your family. If your home is sealed up tightly, then the air within it can be up to ten times more polluted than the fresh air outside. This might sound like a staggering figure, but when you think about it it's easy to see how it could happen. It's easy for pet dander, plant pollen, and other airborne microbes to build up. Even worse, some homes may be at risk of radon which is a very toxic gas. All this can have a detrimental effect on the health of your family, and at the very least can increase the risk of suffering from allergies and asthma. This is where an air exchanger comes into play, and can be hugely beneficial in keeping your home environment fresh.

Different Types of Air Exchangers

There are various different types of air exchangers on the market. These include air exchangers that only remove stale air from the home, and which are called exhaust only air exchangers. These are generally suitable for rooms that might suffer high levels of pollutants such as the kitchen and bathroom. Another type of air exchanger uses a fan to push outside air into a home, and is typically used to ventilate the rooms that are used most such as bedrooms and living rooms. This type of system is called a supply only air exchanger. The most sophisticated air exchanger uses both of these systems to remove stale unpolluted air and to replace it with fresh air from outside, and is called a balanced system. This kind of system works in conjunction with your HVAC system, and although vents can be installed in every single room in the home, most people choose to only have them in the bedrooms and living rooms, as well as other rooms that may have higher levels of pollutants. 

Does This Type of System Cool down a Home?

While you have been reading this you might've been wondering whether you’d just be better off opening a window or door to let in fresh air, as it sounds as if these air exchangers result in a home losing heat. In fact balanced systems utilize a way of recovering heat from the air extracted so it can be introduced into the cold air from outside. During the summer months the system works in reverse, producing a cooling effect and helping to lower fuel costs.

Air exchangers can incorporate Filters

Air exchangers often have filters in them that are very effective at removing dust and pollen from the inside air, and which will filter incoming air to make sure you and your family remain as healthy as possible. These can give your family year-round protection, and can help keep your home relatively dust free.