If someone is looking for an environmentally friendly way to heat their home, they may want to consider replacing a forced-air furnace or boiler system that is powered by fossil fuels with one that is fuelled using biomass fuel sources. The most well known of all of these systems are those that use wood pellets as a fuel source but others are available that use the following as fuel sources:

• Solid wood pieces such as logs
• Corn

Advantages to using biomass as a fuel source

There are many different advantages to the use of a biomass fuel source. One thing that many people appreciate is the fact that the fuel used to power them is often much more affordable than it would be to power a system with an equal amount of a fossil fuel. Here are a few other advantages to using biomass fuel sources to heat a person’s home.

• They are carbon neutral. As plants grow, they absorb carbon. The only carbon that is emitted when the fuel is burned is that which was absorbed while the fuel source was growing
• They can be produced locally. Corn and wood pellets are easy to produce locally and their sale supports the local economy. Because the fuel source does not need to be transported a long distance to get to the end user, it also cuts down on the amount of pollution linked to this fuel source
• The fuel is compact and easy to store. Corn and wood pellets are very easy to store. They are compact. Wood pellets contain very little moisture and can be stored for quite some time without worrying that they will break down
• They are renewable. Unlike fossil fuel, there is an unlimited source of biomass fuel available. Wood pellets can also be created using the waste from the lumber industry making it a very efficient and environmentally friendly fuel source

Types of biomass heating systems

There are many different types of biomass heating systems on the market. Stoves are available which can heat an entire home. This is done in a way that is very similar to a forced air furnace system. These heaters can often use direct venting systems making them easy to install in a variety of different settings. Boilers can also be used to heat water which will then be pumped through radiators or through radiant heating systems.

If you are considering a biomass heating system for your home you may want to see which systems are available in your area and choose the system that meets your needs the best.

If you live in an extreme climate, you may worry that it will not be possible to heat your home using solar energy. Some concerns that people have are the availability of sunlight when days are at their shortest, inclement weather, and extremely low temperatures which can make the drain on heating systems much more severe. It is possible to use conventional active solar heating systems as long as there is a back-up system in place but when that is not desirable, you may need to consider a high-efficiency solar system instead. Here is a look at these new, reliable high efficiency systems.

How high efficiency systems differ from conventional systems

High efficiency solar heating systems will often utilize evacuated tubes in their construction rather than a standard solar panel design. An evacuated tube has the following advantages over a traditional flat panel system:

• They can collect heat even when the outdoor temperature is extremely low
• Their shape makes it easier for them to collect heat throughout the day, reducing the need to store heat or use a back-up system
• They can reach a higher temperature than is possible with a traditional flat panel system

The heat from the evacuated tubes is transferred to the building’s hot water supply or heating system. This is then used throughout the home in order to provide heat and keep the home or office at a comfortable temperature.

If you are considering a high-efficiency solar heating system

If you are considering a high-efficiency solar heating system you may want to speak with a qualified and experienced installation expert. The systems are easy to install but you want to make sure that you are dealing with someone who is experienced with installing and maintaining these systems. They will determine which size of system will meet your needs and where the best area for installation would be. They can also educate you about the routine maintenance and checks that you will need to perform in order to make sure that your system is working at peak efficiency.

By choosing a solar-powered hot water system for your home you will be able to enjoy a constant and affordable supply of heat for your home or office. Even in a country or climate where other solar system may be unable to meet heating demands, the evacuated tube structure of a high efficiency solar system can ensure that you have the heat that you need no matter how cold it gets outside.

Many people want to be able to use environmentally friendly methods to heat their home but are not sure which technologies fall into this category or how to choose the method that is right for them. Here is a look at exactly what a “green heating method” is, as well as some of the more common methods that may fall into this category.

What makes certain heating methods environmentally friendly?
There are several reasons why a particular heating method may be considered to be environmentally friendly. It may use energy to heat a home very efficiently. It may also use fuel that does not release more carbon into the air than was absorbed while the fuel was being produced. A good example of this is wood. As a tree grows, it absorbs carbon from the air. It will only release an amount of carbon that is equal to that absorbed by a tree while it was growing. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, do not absorb carbon while they are being produced and will emit large amounts of carbon when being burned as heating fuel.

Some green methods of heating your home can include:

Passive and active solar heating systems
Solar energy is a viable way to heat your home even if you do not live in an area that receives massive amounts of sunlight each day. Passive solar homes are usually positioned in such a way that they take maximum advantage of natural sunlight. They are fitted with large, energy efficient windows that are capable of holding heat in. Active solar heat will use solar panels to heat water that is then circulated through a boiler or through radiant heating systems.

Pellet stoves and boilers
There are stoves and boilers on the market that use wood pellets as a biomass fuel source. The fuel is carbon neutral, and is inexpensive, renewable and readily available. Boilers heat water that will then run through radiators or through a radiant heating system. Pellet stoves can heat a room directly or through a series of ducts like a traditional forced-air furnace.

Geothermal heating systems
These use the residual heat that is found in the earth to heat a home. Fluid is exposed to the heat that is naturally present in the earth and then pumped back into a home to heat it. Heat can also be obtained from water as well. These systems use a heat exchanger to transfer the heat into a home and fans to move the heat throughout the home.

Speaking with a qualified professional about your own heating needs may be the best way to find the right method for you.

Solar water heating systems are becoming very popular to meet the water heating needs but there are some points to be paid attention to while chosing them. They are:

1. Economics
   Like all purchases, solar water heating systems require a good economic analysis. Solar water heaters may cost more than conventional water heating systems but they are generally more cost effective in the long run. The money you would save depends on your hot water needs, system efficiency, your solar resource and of course the costs for a conventional system. However, roughly speaking it can be said that a solar water heating system can save you 50% to 80% of your water heating bills. Besides, since sun is free you will not be affected by price increases due to fuel shortage.
2. Your solar resource
   Since sun is the fuel for your new heating system, you may want to know how much you can find it. Before installing a solar water heating system, you first should know how much sun – free fuel- you have throughout the year.   Slar water heaters can be used even when the weather is overcast. If your solar panels are installed in unshaded faces, you can consider it having good solar resource.
3. Sistem Size
   Sizing a solar water heating system basically includes determining the total collector area and the storage volume.  A god system would be able to meet 90% to100% of your hot water needs during the summer. Solar system contractors use worksheets and computer programs to help determine system requirements and collector sizing.Storage Volume again depends on your hot water needs. It is also related with the collector area so there will not be overheating or underheating.
4. Solar Water Heater Efficiency
   For a solar water heating system, solar energy factor (SEF) is used to determine its energy efficiency. It is the energy delivered by the system divided by the electrical or gas energy put into the system. The higher the number, the more energy efficient. Solar energy factors range from 1.0 to 11. Systems with solar energy factors of 2 or 3 are the most common.



5. Annual Costs
   Before deciding for a solar water heating system, it is possible to  estimate annual operating costs and compare it with other ystems  so you can calculate the payback period and decide for the best system.
6. Installation and Maintenance Costs
   When comparing solar water heating systems, you should also consider installation and maintenance costs. Some systems might cost more to install and maintain.
7. Local regulations
   While deciding you should first check f there are any local regulations or codes for installing a solar water heating system.

As you can see, there are many elements while deciding the best system for your hot water needs. While deciding for a relatively new technology, a solar water heater, you may need assistance from experts. If you want to learn more about our services you can contact us here.

Did you know that, in order to be able to control the temperature in your house, you don’t have to turn on and off your heater? A temperature control system can do this job for you and more accurately than you.

The temperature controlling devices are based on a thermostat, a heat-sensitive switch, which is the basic control that regulates the temperature of your home. It senses the temperature level in your home compares it with the set value and turns the heating system or air conditioner on or off so that you can maintain the desired temperature in your home.

The system definitely brings a lot of comfort for the household since the house would never be too hot or too cold. The temperature controlling device is going to ensure that the temperature you set in the system is maintained all the time.

In addition to this, you can have your system turned on or off at a desired time. Think that your heating system is turned on when you are still on your way back home from work or it is turned off a few hours after you go to sleep. This way you are not going to have to turn your heater fully on to make your house warm in a short time and waste fuel or you are not going to have to operate your heater all the time in order to have a warm house for only a few hours.

If you have a humidifier device in your house, you can even connect it to the control system so that you will be able to have the same level of humidity at all times. The device connected to the system will measure the humidity level and just like the controller device compare it with the set level and turn the humidifier on or off.

A control system does not only sense the temperature of the air. You can use it for your hot water, too. You can set your hot water temperature at a level of your choice and the system will prevent overheating, thus too much fuel consumption.
A temperature control system is a perfect device to maintain comfort and save fuel. You can never imagine how much extra fuel you spend while manually adjusting the air or water temperature in your house. Once the heater is turned on, it starts to heat air or water and without a controlling device you can only realise that it became hot after it is too hot. During this time your heating system already spends lots of extra fuel and causes loss of comfort in the house.
If you want to know more about Home Heating Controls and what services we offer, you can contact us here.

There are many reasons why someone would choose green materials when building or renovating their home. Many reasons have to do with economics. The right products can not only help to preserve the health of the environment, they can also help to reduce the costs of powering and heating your home. But there are reasons other than financial ones to choose green technology for your home. Here are a few that you may want to consider.

They can add value to our home

It may surprise you to learn that many of the green products that are on the market today can actually add value to our home for reasons other than environmental ones. Solid wood flooring, cabinetry and framing can add beauty and strength to your home and may actually help to increase the resale value. Windows can also help to add value to a home. If a purchaser sees that you have replaced old windows with new ones that are more energy efficient, you may be able to sell your home for more than if you choose windows that do not have as high an energy rating.

The same can be said for other elements such as heating systems as well. Radiant in-floor heating systems can be energy efficient and can also be a selling feature especially when they are installed in rooms such as bathrooms and bedrooms. There is something appealing about warm floors in cooler weather regardless of whether they are environmentally friendly or not.

They will not emit harmful gasses

Although many people are using plywood and pressboard in their homes, they may not realize that these products will emit potentially harmful gasses as they age. Even floor coverings such as carpeting and the paint that we put on our walls can emit harmful fumes that can cause significant health problems in individuals with chemical sensitivities. Environmentally friendly products are generally made without additives such as formaldehyde or are designed to be low in volatile organic compounds. These products are much less likely to cause harm to our systems while they are in our homes.

How to add green items to your home

If you are building a new home it is possible to start from the very beginning and choose materials that are environmentally friendly. If you have an existing home, you may be looking for ways to increase the range of environmentally friendly products that you are using.

By reading up on the products you choose for your home it will become easier for you to make your home a greener and healthier place to live and may just increase its value at the same time.

Replacing windows can be a fantastic way to stop the bleeding of energy from your home. Older windows may lack the insulating ability that newer windows do and may even have gaps and spaces around them that will allow direct heat loss. It is estimated that as much as a third of a home’s heat may be lost through the windows alone. A home with newer, more energy-efficient windows can reduce the amount of power that will be needed to heat or cool a home and keep it at a temperature that is comfortable and consistent.

How are energy efficient windows made?

The standard energy efficient window is one that is “double hung” or “double glazed”. This means that there are two panes of glazing material which are set into a metal or wooden frame. The panes of glazing material are set apart from one another and the space in between is filled with gas. This gas prevents the transfer of heat energy through the window in either direction. This means that the internal temperature of a home will remain at a more consistent level than it would with a conventional, single hung window.

There are different types of gas that can be used in between the panes of glazing material. This is one factor that can affect a window’s efficiency rating. The distance between the panes of glazing material and the type of glazing material used can affect a window’s efficiency level.

R-Values or U-Values

There are two main ways that the efficiency of a window can be expressed. The first is an R-value. This value refers to how well a window can resist the flow of heat through the glazing material. The second rating is a U-value. This value refers to how well a window will conduct heat. A window can have its energy efficiency expressed in either of these ways. If you are serious about making sure you’re your windows are as energy efficient as possible you need to look for a higher R-value as these will allow less heat in or out of your home. Low R-value windows may just not retain enough energy to make their purchase worthwhile.

Installation is important

As important as the actual window is, it is also important to ensure that it has been properly installed as well. A window that is improperly installed can still allow heat loss through gaps or spaces around the frame. You want to make sure that you are dealing with a licensed window installation expert who is able to make sure that there are no gaps or cracks and that the area has been properly insulated.

The decision to replace windows can be an expensive one. By choosing the right windows you can lower your energy costs and, in time, they will pay for themselves.

Replacing a furnace can be an expensive proposition. Because of this, people will often wait until they have no other option but to change their heating system. They may wait until their heating system has failed utterly before taking steps to replace it. Here are some factors you may want to consider when deciding whether replacing your furnace is worthwhile.

How old your existing furnace or boiler is

You need to take into account the age of your existing furnace. Depending on the make and model, a furnace can last for approximately twenty to twenty-five years before it needs to be replaced. As it ages, it becomes less and less energy efficient. This means that it will take more fuel to heat a home. Parts may break down, especially if the furnace has not been properly maintained. This can shorten the lifespan of the unit and may cause it to be even more inefficient.

If you are dealing with a system that is nearing its expected lifespan you may also notice that there are routine issues that begin to pop up. In order to maintain top efficiency, items such as burners or fans may need replacing. This can add up after some time.

What the cost of a new system would be

It is important to consider the cost of a new heating system when determining whether it is the right time to purchase one. There are certain times of the year when it may be possible to save money on a new heating system and you may want to decide whether or not any savings will make the purchase of a new heating system more appealing.

Depending on the type of system you get, there may also be governmental programs that offer rebates on the purchase of an energy efficient system. These may or may not factor into whether or not a new heating system is a good idea or not.

A new furnace can pay for itself

A new heating system can actually pay for itself in time. Over time you will save money on the cost of your heating bills and this will eventually recoup the cost of your system. If you plan to sell your home shortly after installing your system, a new furnace or boiler can increase the value of your home and may just be what you need in order to get your full asking price.

Only you will know whether a new heating system is right for your home. By choosing energy efficient heating systems you can benefit both your bank account and the planet at the same time.

If you have decided that you want to heat your home using wood as a biomass fuel source, you still have a few decisions to make. This is because wood fueled heat systems come in several varieties and some will be better for your needs and budget than others. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your system.

A carbon neutral fuel source

One thing to consider when deciding whether wood is right for you is that wooden pellet stoves are carbon neutral. The only carbon they emit is the carbon that was absorbed by the tree during its lifetime. Because no extra carbon is generated, these systems are known for being extremely environmentally friendly and many countries offer rebates or incentives to try and encourage their use. If you are installing one of these systems you may want to see if there are any programs or schemes you can take advantage of.

Direct heat or indirect heat

One of the first decisions you may want to make is whether you will choose a direct heat system or an indirect heat system. An example of a more direct heating system would be a wood stove or wood pellet stove. These pump out heat that will warm an area directly. The areas immediately surrounding the stove will be heated by the stove itself and other areas of the home can also be directly heated through the use of fans and duct work.

An indirect heating method would involve the use of a boiler that heats water through the use of wood or pellets. This water can work in either a radiator system or through radiant under floor heating systems that warm a home efficiently and affordably.

Manual or automatic feed

One thing to consider is whether you want your heating system to be manually or automatically fed. An automatic feed system allows you to fill a hopper or bin that introduces pellets into the stove or boiler at a predetermined rate. It is not necessary for you to feed the stove or boiler yourself. Automatic feed systems are more expensive in many cases but due to the fact that they are very easy to use, it is no wonder that so many people choose to install them.

Pellet stoves and boilers are an affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly way for you to heat your home and it is no wonder that they are becoming much more widely used. Only you will be able to tell which kind of heating system is right for you.

If you want to heat your home as affordably as possible you may want to consider a low-energy method such as radiant heating. This heating method has a number of advantages that make it a viable alternative to forced air heating systems. Here is what you need to know about these systems and how they can help you save money on your heating bill.

What is radiant heating?

With a radiant heating system, your home is heated from the floor up. A series of plastic tubes allow hot water to travel under the floor and the heat radiates upwards from there. The hot water is then circulated back to the boiler to be reheated and then sent back through again. The water may travel through a system many different times, each time allowing the heat to transfer from the floor into the air.

The heat for the water can be obtained from a number of different sources. Some of the more environmentally friendly methods of heating water include solar hot water heating and wooden pellet-powered boilers. Since the water is part of a closed system and does not come into contact with people it is possible to get the water for a radiant system from rainwater collection systems or grey water collection units.

Why is radiant heating a great choice for a home?

Radiant heating can be an excellent alternative to forced air systems since it does not create any cold zones in a room. The tubes pass under the entire floor which is heated evenly. As well, the heated air is not as dry with a radiant system as it is with a forced air system. This means that a home will feel warmer even when a thermostat is set at a lower temperature which can further reduce the cost of heating a home.

In a forced air system it is easy for dust, mould and air-born pollutants to be spread around the home and this can be a problem for anyone with allergies. In a radiant system, this is no longer an issue. There is also additional flexibility when positioning furniture as there are no floor vents that need to be avoided.

What to consider when installing one of these systems

There are a few things to consider when installing a radiant system. You want to think about the most reliable source of heat to warm the water. You also may want to consider installing a system that allows you to control the temperature in individual rooms or specific areas of a home. While this can add to the cost it will make it easier for you to keep your heating bills under control.