Showing posts with label boilers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boilers. Show all posts
Friday, September 10, 2010
Green Home Heating
Alternative Home Heating Systems Offer Exceptional Energy EfficiencyThe green movement has spawned an entire industry full of products and services designed to help homeowners make upgrades and improvements that will benefit the environment and reduce their monthly utility bills. One of the best and most effective ways to green your home is with a quality, energy-efficient heating system.
Traditional furnace or boiler systems start with cold air and cold water that have to be heated up to comfortable levels and are then distributed throughout your home. Alternative units simply reuse air and water that has already been heated, circulating it through your home over and over.
There are several different types of energy-efficient home heating systems to choose from. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, but a qualified professional can help you decide which is right for your home.
Solar heating uses specially-designed cells to collect energy from the sun that is then transferred to a holding tank. Water is heated in the tank and is then distributed throughout your home, providing heat.
Radiant floor heating is an increasingly popular option for many homeowners. Water is heated and circulated through special pipes below the floor. As the floor warms, heat rises and makes your entire home more comfortable.
Geothermal and recirculating hot water heating systems use warm water and energy-efficient pumps to distribute heat throughout your home.
Traditional heating systems require huge amounts of energy and the burning of fossil fuels to function properly. Alternative heating systems actually conserve energy by redistributing it through your home again and again. By capturing and reusing warm air and hot water, these eco-friendly heating systems don’t have to work as hard to warm the air and water inside your house. This results in substantial energy savings, reduced dependence on limited natural resources, and more money in your pocket.
While it’s true that these green heating systems cost a bit more than traditional forced air, boiler or furnace units, they bring a valuable return on your initial investment in just a few short years. Paying more up-front will result in major savings on your monthly utilities over time, and alternative heating systems generally last longer than traditional models, which saves on repair and replacement costs. And as the green building movement continues to gain momentum and utility costs continue to rise, homes with alternative heat sources are increasingly hot commodities for buyers. For current homeowners, that could mean more money for you when it comes time to sell.
Not all eco-friendly heating systems are the same, and not every system is right for every home. A trustworthy professional certified in alternative heating systems can help you navigate the complex world of circulating pumps, solar panels, geothermal heat exchangers, and radiant heat units. An experienced contractor will explain the types of systems that will work best for your home, help you locate the best quality equipment and supplies, and will see your project through from design to installation to teaching you how to use it properly. Taking your time with the process will ensure that you and your family can enjoy affordable, environmentally responsible home heating for years to come.
Related Green Home Heating Information from Horizon Services...
Friday, March 26, 2010
ENERGY STAR Rebates for New Appliances in 2010
This Year, Buy Heaters, Air Conditioners and Other Products That Make a Difference!In the market for a new heater, air conditioner or any kind of electric appliance for your home? If so, why not get paid for your energy-efficient purchase? Throughout 2010 the federal government’s Energy Star program is offering all kinds of rebates and incentives to purchasers of new, Energy Star-rated appliances.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (President Obama's economic stimulus program), states and U.S. territories have been authorized to use funds from the $300 million stimulus payout to provide compensation to consumers who choose to replace old appliances with new, more energy efficient models that carry the Energy Star rating.
More than 70 percent of the energy we use in our homes comes from the operation of heating and cooling systems, appliances and electronic devices. Energy Star appliances can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills while diminishing your impact on the environment.
While the rebate program will vary from state to state, participants have been instructed to choose from the following list of qualified appliances in deciding which products to include:
- Boilers
- Washing machines and dryers
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Dishwashers
- Air conditioners
- Furnaces
- Heat pumps
- Water heaters
Consumers can expect rebates of around $50 to $250 depending on the type of appliance purchased, the purchase price and other factors. Most states plan to offer refunds at the point of purchase in the form of cash returns, product discounts or credits, while some states may require a form submission before a check can be mailed to the purchaser. More specific information about how each state will handle the Energy Star rebates should be available very soon.
Energy Star rebate programs will be fully functional in most locations by early 2010—if not sooner—and will last as long as states can support them with the Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. The stimulus legislation says that all monies must be spent by February 2012, but it is probable that funds will run out well before then.
Only new appliances purchased during the program’s duration qualify for rebates. Energy Star-rated appliances cannot be included retroactively so if you’re in the market for a new refrigerator or washing machine, best to wait until your state’s rebate program begins.
The federal government is also offering other incentives to citizens who make a commitment to reducing their energy consumption at home. These incentives come in the form of tax breaks for things like energy efficient new home construction, home improvement projects, new windows and doors, water heaters, and heating and cooling systems. Consumers are permitted to benefit from all of the incentives they qualify for, even if the benefits are related to the same product purchase or service. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency can provide more details about particular programs in your area.
For more information about the Energy Star rebate offers available in your state, check with your state’s department of energy or visit Energy Star's list of Approved Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Programs.
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