Showing posts with label electric heater. Show all posts
Showing posts with label electric heater. Show all posts
Friday, October 29, 2010
A Few Words About Home Heating
Some Key Points About Heating To Keep In Mind Before Winter ArrivesGenerally speaking, most people usually don’t have major troubles with their home heating systems. But as Murphy’s Law states, “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” And with home heating systems, that is usually in the middle of winter...and at a time when you least expect it or that is inopportune.
Preparation and prevention are the best ways to deal with Murphy and his law. The autumn months are always a good time to familiarize yourself with the essential workings of your home heating system. Before grief strikes and you experience a heating system breakdown, take some time to review your system’s manuals and paperwork for proper operational instructions as well as simple adjustments that you can make yourself. Also, take some time to visit the manufacturer’s website; it’s always a great place to pick up a few tips on both operation and maintenance so the worst is less likely to happen.
Nothing Beats a Pre-Season Tune Up
During the year, your heating system accumulates dust and dirt, making it less efficient and costing you additional money in utility bills. The vast majority of heating service calls and repairs are caused by lack of regular heating system tune-ups and maintenance.
A pre-season tune-up, inspection and cleaning of your heating system is an easy way to prevent costly furnace and heating system breakdowns BEFORE they occur and to assure that your heating system is performing at peak efficiency throughout the winter. Without a doubt, it’s the smartest thing you can do to guarantee a warm, worry-free, energy-efficient home during those cold winter months. You wouldn’t think twice about giving your car a tune-up before a long trip; doesn’t it make similar sense to give your heating system a tune-up before the long winter ahead?
Use All Your Senses
Energy efficiency in home heating systems is a natural result of good maintenance, and regardless of your system type there are certain general rules which, if observed, can save you time and expense in the long run. Now’s a good time to stop, look, listen and feel; give your heating system a complete inspection using sight, sound and touch to see if something is out of place or if something odd is going on.
In terms of maintenance, there are a number of factors to bear in mind when seeking to keep your home heating system in good working order. Regardless of the system, always keep an eye on the condition of the chimney and the vent connection pipe. Problems with the chimney can be a real pain and expensive to sort out. The heat exchangers in boilers leak water, which is pretty easy to pinpoint. With furnaces it is a bit more serious as combustion gases will be mixing with air in the house, and this is why it’s especially important to have furnaces regularly inspected for leaks.
Make sure that the controls are always set appropriately to provide the recommended air and water temperatures. This will assure that you are not putting unnecessary stress on your heating system, as well as maximize your energy efficiency and comfort.. Consult the manual if in doubt.
Air quality is also an important factor in connection with home heating systems. Unintended air leaks in many homes provide some of the combustion air for the heating system, and a number of the combustion by-products can be harmful to health. Making sure that the chimney is properly cleared and maintained -- and that the system is adequately ventilated -- will reduce these risks. Purchasing a sealed-combustion unit is often recommended for safety and optimal efficiency.
If you have one of the old horizontal, plastic venting systems this should be replaced with a steel vent pipe, as all horizontal venting was recently recalled due to risks of gas leaking into the domestic air.
Upgrading Your Home Heating System
Autumn is also a great time to upgrade from an old heating system to a more modern, energy-efficient heating system. Nothing provides more peace of mind than going into the winter season with a factory fresh heater!
Furnaces and boilers are the main heat sources for homes in the United States. Furnaces distribute hot air through ducts, whereas boilers use hot water through pipes. The efficiency rating of both is measured in AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency).
Older furnaces and boilers can be upgraded for increased efficiency, although it may work out cheaper to get a new one. Fuel bills can be reduced by installing one of the modern systems which typically have energy ratings of around 97%. A heating contractor can recommend the type of furnace or boiler you’ll need after you optimised your home’s energy efficiency. Choose a unit of the appropriate size for your needs, and go for a sealed-combustion model which is more efficient.
Related Home Heating Information from Horizon Services...
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Ten Safety Tips for Your Electric Furnace
Keep Warm, Keep Safe, Keep Zap-Free!For some homeowners, an electric furnace is a practical, affordable home heating solution. But electric furnaces do pose a number of safety hazards, including the risk of electrocution and fire. If you are thinking of installing an electric furnace this winter or already have an electric furnace in your home, please be sure to keep these important tips in mind for optimal performance and safety:
Purchase a Certified, Name Brand Electric Furnace.
An electric furnace is a significant investment and will be essential in keeping your home warm and comfortable during cold weather. Never buy a furnace from a company you’re not familiar with; look for name brand units with a trusted reputation. Ask your friends and neighbors for references, and compare companies that have been in business for several years. Only buy a furnace that has been thoroughly tested and certified by an independent, recognized professional.
Make Sure Your Electric Furnace is Installed Correctly.
Proper installation is crucial to the efficient, safe operation of your electric furnace. Short circuits or loose connections can cause dangerous power surges or electrical fires. To ensure your electric furnace installation is conducted properly, hire only a licensed professional contractor or electrician with a solid reputation.
Clean and Change the Furnace Filter Often.
The filter keeps dirt and airborne pollutants out of your home. An electric furnace filter should be cleaned or replaced every three to four months. This will maintain good air quality inside your home, will keep your electric furnace operating efficiently, and will prevent overheating.
Schedule Yearly Professional Maintenance.
Even an electric furnace that’s running well should be checked by a professional at least once a year. Regular maintenance and tune-ups will keep your electric furnace in top condition, alert you to any potential problems, and address minor issues before they turn into major damage. Make sure the technician you hire is qualified.
Keep Your Electric Furnace Clean.
The area around your electric furnace should be clean and free of clutter. If possible, leave about a five foot clearance around your electric furnace on all sides.
Keep Combustible Materials Away from Your Electric Furnace.
Storing flammable materials like paper or volatile chemicals near your electric furnace is extremely dangerous. Having these items near your furnace dramatically increases the chance of fire or explosion. To prevent accidents, store things like paint, newspaper, wood, gasoline, chemical cleaners, and cloth as far from your electric furnace as possible.
Leave Electric Furnace Repairs to The Professionals.
Electric furnaces are complex devices. If your electric furnace seems to be malfunctioning or is not working properly, never attempt repairs or parts replacement on your own. Contact a certified professional to avoid the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Wear Proper Safety Gear.
When you clean your filter or electric furnace, always wear protective gear like safety goggles and thick gloves. This will protect your eyes and skin from sparks, heat, debris, and other potentially harmful materials.
Disconnect the Power Supply.
Before you go near your electric furnace for any reason, always be sure to disconnect the unit’s power supply. This will prevent the risk of electric shock, which can be extremely painful and potentially deadly.
Use Caution When Installing Other Whole-Home Systems.
Central air conditioners, home humidifiers, and air purification systems can all be connected to most electric furnaces. Still, these additional units should always be installed by a professional, who will ensure that the devices are compatible and safe to operate together.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
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