November 18, 2019

The Pros and Cons of Space Heaters

Space heaters offer an easy and affordable way to heat up your home on cold nights. But did you know that space heaters can also be dangerous? Before you buy a space heater, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of using such a unit in your home. Pro: Space Heaters Are Affordable If you’re on a budget, you can purchase a space heater at an inexpensive price. Many affordable space heater units are equipped with adjustable heat settings and timers. The cost to run a space heater is also inexpensive. Pro: Space Heaters Are Easy to Install Buying a space heater doesn’t require you to hire a technician to install it. Once you take it out of the box, simply plug it in and turn it on. If you would like to transport your space heater to another room, you have that option. Con: Space Heaters Cause Home Heating Fires According to a recent report by the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters cause 43 percent of U.S. house fires. Most of these fires occur because the heaters were too close to other objects. Con: Space Heaters Must Be Carefully Monitored It is not a very good idea...

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March 21, 2019

The Heating Process of a Furnace

Most older homes will rely on a furnace for heat in the winter. Furnaces are among the oldest types of heating systems for residential buildings. They were originally heated by wood or coal. However, most modern furnace systems use propane, gas or electricity to create heat in the home. These units are more energy efficient than other heating systems. Do you want to know how furnaces operate? Here is a quick guide on the heating process of a furnace. Forced Air Heating Electric, propane and gas furnaces all use forced air heating to warm your home. The system moves the heat throughout the home with air pressure. The blower fans push the air through a ductwork system in your home. This air then moves out through the vents. The furnace will use the same ductwork as the home’s air conditioning system. There is no need for additional ductwork. Natural Gas Furnace Natural gas furnaces use a pilot light to ignite burners in the combustion chamber. The heat from the burners enters a heat exchanger. From this point, the warm air is transferred and heats the ambient air. The blowers push the air throughout the ductwork system. Furnaces that use propane...

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February 21, 2019

The History of Home Heating

Throughout our time on this planet, human beings have never ceased to overcome obstacles in order to inhabit every part of the world despite the local climate. Thousands of years ago, people bundled up in furs and animal skins to navigate through the ice-cold regions near the Arctic. They’d take shelter where they could, often in caves, and huddle around a fire at night. Learning to make fire was one of the great breakthroughs of human history, but it was thousands of years before our ancestors improved on the technology. In recent centuries, people finally began to develop what we now call a furnace. Humble Beginnings In the time of the Roman Empire, people would burn fuel under a brick and mortar building. The heat would rise to warm the structure. As time went on, the chimney was invented, making a safer alternative. The fire could then be isolated to one area of the building. This minimized the possibility of the flames spreading. The fireplace eventually gave way to the much more efficient Franklin stove, and the population switched from wood to coal late in the 19th century. The furnace was finally devised to more efficiently use this fuel and...

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December 18, 2018

How to Save Money on Heating Bills this Winter

As the cool winter months arrive, heating and gas bills often increase depending on your home’s insulation and the condition of your current furnace. Knowing how to save money on heating bills this winter is a way to reduce energy waste while staying comfortable even in the coldest nights of the year. Wear Weather-Appropriate Clothing and Accessories Bundling up in the winter is one way to reduce your monthly heating bill. Wear socks, long sleeves, and layers to avoid feeling chilled and uncomfortable when moderate and cooler temperatures begin to arrive. Keep slippers, robes, and other warm accessories nearby for chilly evenings to avoid overusing your thermostat and furnace. Use Fans Fans help to circulate both warm and cool air throughout homes, regardless of the time of year. Use your home’s ceiling fans to ensure the warm air coming through your vents is properly circulated. Only Heat Rooms You Use Frequently Only heat the rooms you and your family use most in your home. Close and block off additional vents in rooms that you do not spend time in. Only heating rooms you frequent most is a way to minimize the amount of energy required to keep your home warm...

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