Archive for the ‘Heating and Cooling’ Category

 

LPG Gas Heating

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013

LPG Gas Heating - Heating and Cooling

These days, many people are looking for clean, green, energy-efficient fuels. While still wanting to enjoy the highest level of comfort in their own homes, people think more about how to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce their home energy costs. Is Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) a reliable substitute for more mainstream fossil fuels? Over the last few years, LPG gas heating has become increasingly popular, due to its incontestable advantages.

Reasons to Consider Investing in an LPG Gas Heating System

Do you want to opt for a cleaner, greener, more affordable fuel? If so, an LPG gas heating system could be a good choice for you and your family, bringing you considerable financial savings, and allowing you to breathe easier over your carbon emissions.

An oil-condensing boiler requires a complex maintenance program and is not as effective as you might expect. LPG boilers are up to 95% more energy-efficient than their oil-based counterparts, reducing your power consumption by up to 40%.

Finding and Implementing the Ideal Hot Water Systems for Your Home

Choosing the best hot water system for your home can be quite challenging, especially if you know very little or nothing at all about your main options. When in doubt, contact a heating and cooling expert, who will help you purchase the most convenient LPG system.

Afterwards, just identify a trustworthy LPG supplier in your area and install all the components of your hot water unit, including the gas pipes, gas regulators, and cylinder connectors.

Call an Expert Today

A good specialist should be able to get your new system up and running in no time. Find the most competent ones in your area by consulting TalkLocal, a free service introduced to help you make excellent decisions and successful home improvements worthy of your time and money. Talk Local will connect you with the right professionals in just minutes.

Pellet Stoves vs Wood Stoves

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Pellet Stoves vs Wood Stoves - Heating and Cooling

Some of the newest, most sophisticated heating systems are not always received with great enthusiasm by potential buyers who choose to rediscover the advantages provided by simpler, greener, and more economical residential heating solutions.

Most prospects are striving to solve the pellet stoves vs wood stoves dilemma by consulting various sources of information. Keep reading to discover which type of stove would actually be suitable for your own property.

Pellet Stove vs Wood Stove

Should you buy a pellet stove or should you invest in a wood stove? To simplify your decision-making process, analyze the pros and cons of both types of stove, in terms of installation costs, maintenance, operating costs, fuel requirements, back-up options in case of power outages,  emissions, and various other aspects that might matter to you.

Installation Costs

Both types of stoves usually require professional installations. However, wood stoves demand a fully insulated, complex chimney system. Pellet stoves only need a small-scale, simple, inexpensive chimney system and thus, trigger reduced installations costs.

Operating Costs

Wood stoves can burn fire logs and scrap wood. On the other hand, pellet stoves only burn wood pellets.

In order to determine how much you would actually have to spend on fuel supplies, you have to evaluate how long they would last. Nonetheless, differences in operating costs become negligible for families requiring more than three tons of wood pellets.

Maintenance

It’s always easier to clean pellet stoves, because you don’t have to sweep wood chip or bark all day long. Moreover, pellet stoves produce a reduced amount of emissions and ash.

Back-up Options in Case of a Power Outage

Pellet stoves stop functioning when the power goes off. You’d have to purchase a back-up generator to address this impediment. On the other hand, wood stoves continue to heat up your room even during power outages.

Ask an Expert

Can’t solve the old pellet stove vs wood stove dilemma on your own? In this case, discuss your options with a reliable heating and cooling expert. Find the best one in your area with TalkLocal, your trusted, free service designed to help you meet dependable professionals in your area.

Hearthstone Wood Stoves and what You can Burn in them

Friday, November 29th, 2013

Hearthstone wood stoves are a durable, sturdy and popular brand of wood stove. They burn wood evenly and distribute heat throughout a room well. Unlike electric heating  living flame lookalikes, these wood stoves use real wood to heat your home.

Hearthstone offer a wide range of wood stove models, including Equinox 8000, Mansfield 8012, Heritage 8021, Phoenix 8612 and many more. Each of these are good quality wood stoves that will last you a lifetime, if you look after them, of course.

So, it is important to know how to maintain Hearthstone wood stoves and also what types of wood or materials you can burn in them. In this article, we will discuss the materials that you really should not try to use as fuel for Hearthstone wood stoves.

BioBricks

BioBricks can’t be burned in Hearthstone wood stoves because these stoves are made for natural wood only. Man-made products such as BioBricks can burn too quickly and too hot, causing your wood stove to overheat.

Coal

Coal can’t be burned in  Hearthstone wood stoves because it burns at very high temperatures. Additionally, coal forms clinker as it burns, which will clog up the grate with ash and fill up the firebox. Also, as coal burns, it releases sulphur compounds, which will damage the ceramic glass on your Hearthstone wood stove.

Cord Wood, Corn, or Grass Pellets

These types of materials shouldn’t be burned in your Hearthstone wood stove. The wood stoves were designed to burn only premium grade wood pellets made from softwood or hardwood trees. Using cord wood in the wood stove is dangerous because it may cause a fire which is uncontrollable. Corn and grass pellets produce a lot of ash and residue, and should also be avoided.

Need Help with Your Hearthstone Wood Stove?

Are you interested in outfitting your home with a rustic-looking wood stove? Contact TalkLocal today and let us help you find the right professional near you!

Lennox Wood Stoves Troubleshooting Tips

Thursday, November 28th, 2013

Lennox Wood Stoves Troubleshooting Tips - Heating and Cooling

Lennox wood stoves are high-quality wood stoves that people have been enjoying for many years. These stoves have a timeless appeal and they distribute heat evenly unlike portable gas heating, for example. Lennox wood stoves provide heating that is cozy and traditional while making use of cutting-edge technology.

These are just some of the reasons why people choose Lennox wood stoves. Here, we show you how to troubleshoot the most common problems that you may encounter with your Lennox wood stove.

Symptom 1: Black coating forms on the glass or firebox

The usual cause for this is improper placement of logs. It may also be that the flue is blocked or that the air shutter setting is incorrect. The solution for this problem is to check for obstructions in the vent pipe and adjust the air shutter settings.

Symptom 2: Whistling or humming from the fireplace

This could be just normal operating noise, or there could be dirt in the burner orifice. The noise can sometimes be reduced by turning the flame down. Cleaning the burner orifice regularly should also alleviate any excessive noise.

Symptom 3: Change in flame appearance or burner operation

The cause of this may be a change in gas pressure or improper installation of the logs and embers. In this case, check and adjust the gas pressure settings according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, and check the owner’s manual to make sure you have the logs and embers positioned correctly.

These are some symptoms commonly encountered with Lennox wood stoves. Wood stoves make a great addition to any home, although they do have some cleaning and maintenance requirements that other heating solutions, such as electric heating radiators, do not have. However, if you don’t mind lavishing a bit of care and attention on your stove, in return for a traditionally styled, but efficient source of home heating, then Lennox wood stoves are certainly worthy of consideration.

Need Help?

Contact TalkLocal today and we can find a professional to assist you within minutes of placing your call! We’ll connect you to reliable professionals in your area for free.

Electric Stove Heater Guidance

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

As the winter months draw closer, we want to invest in durable, aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient products designed to keep our rooms warm without inflating our utility bills. An electric stove heater can be a great option to consider, especially if you are looking for an affordable, low-maintenance solution. Here are a few things that you should know before purchasing one.

Reasons to Invest in an Electric Stove Heater

You may be wondering why you’d need an electric stove heater in the first place. There are several benefits that you should consider.

1.First of all, they are easy to use and can heat an indoor area measuring up to 500 square feet in no time.

2. Secondly, they are inexpensive, and you could definitely find an appealing model for under $100.

3. Moreover, electric stove heaters are energy-efficient, powerful, and help you gain from significant financial savings.

4. Last, but definitely not least, they are available in different styles; so you can choose one to match your interior design theme.

How to Find the Perfect Electric Stove Heater for Your Home

Before investing in one of these heaters, think about what matters the most to you. Are you looking for energy-efficiency, amazing design, or innovative features?

For instance, you could get an appealing, 1,500-watt, customizable model that resembles a Television, with digital display, remote control, 12-hour timer, and other jaw-dropping features, for less than $200. If you prefer durability, vintage design and realistic flame function, the models marketed by Muskoka could be an ideal choice.

Make an Inspired Decision with Expert Help

Finding the right heater for you can be quite challenging, mostly because there are so many factors to consider, including features, costs, design, and energy savings. Simplify the decision-making process by consulting a heating and cooling expert. Meet the best ones with help from TalkLocal, a free service that connects you directly with the right professionals, in just minutes.

Electric Baseboard Heating

Tuesday, November 26th, 2013

Electric Baseboard Heating - Heating and Cooling

If you want to invest time and money in a useful home improvement project conducted to help you turn your property into a warm, welcoming, cozy environment, start by discovering the benefits of electric baseboard heating.

Analyze Your Options

Different kinds of high-quality electric baseboard heaters are used by homeowners as a secondary source of heat. Usually, 240V or 120V heaters are installed in workshops and basements and are seldom used as primary sources of heat, only by people who live in areas with a warm climate.

Choosing the best electric baseboard heating for your indoor space can be quite difficult, taking into consideration the plentitude of options currently available on the market. Some of the most advanced products, launched by A-list companies like Cadet or QMark, are intelligent, function smoothly, and are much more efficient than older, outdated models.

Convection Baseboard Heaters versus Oil-Filled or Hydronic Baseboard Heaters

Convection heaters based on electric coils are the cheapest models that you will find in stores. The good news is that you won’t have to spend more than $40 on a brand-new product of this kind; the bad news is that its interior heating elements and steel case can’t preserve and distribute heat for a long period of time.

On the other hand, oil-filled baseboard heaters and hydronic ones perform better, but take longer to provide the desired amount of heat. They also carry heavier price tags, ranging from $175 to $250. Convection heaters heat the air directly, while the second type of heaters raise the temperature of oil or water that gradually heats the air.

The Advantages of Electric Baseboard Heaters

All types of electric baseboard heaters have their share of advantages: they keep your basement warm, operate silently, and heat up in approximately half an hour. They don’t expose users to radical temperature variations. Moreover, baseboard heaters do not stir up allergens like debris or pollen in the room; therefore they represent a suitable option for people affected by severe allergies.

Ask an Expert

Want to make the most of cost-efficient electric baseboard heating? If so, spot the best heater for your basement with help from a heating and cooling expert. Identify dependable, competent professionals in your area by relying on TalkLocal, your direct connection to the best, local professionals.

Pellet Wood Stove

Monday, November 25th, 2013

Homeowners who are looking for a reliable, green, energy-efficient primary or secondary source of heat want to learn everything there is to know about pellet wood stoves. A modern, appealing pellet wood stove offers its owners numerous benefits worth considering. They also have a few disadvantages that should be analyzed by all prospects who want to make an informed decision.

Why Are Pellet Wood Stoves Considered a Great Alternative?

Pellet wood stoves are considered an excellent long-term investment for a number of reasons, including the following:

– They are relatively small, don’t occupy a lot of space, and are easy to store.

– They are easy to use; all you need to do is to insert the wood pellets and ignite the flame.

– They emit a reduced amount of pollutants, compared to traditional wood stoves.

– You can purchase pellets in smaller quantities, according to your unique heating needs, and save some money in the process.

What Are the Main Disadvantages of Pellet Wood Stoves?

Despite the fact that they display a long list of advantages, pellet wood stoves also have a few drawbacks that you should factor in before making a final decision.

– Pellet wood stoves are relatively expensive. Newer models are priced between $1,700 and $3,100.

– Professional installations are usually required; meaning that you’ll have to call your local heating and cooling specialist and take more money out of your pockets.

– If you can’t find pellets in your area, you’d have to order them online and handle shipping costs.

– Stoves require electricity to operate; to be able to cope with power outages, you’d have to invest in a backup generator, which could be pretty expensive.

Ask an Expert

Is a wood pellet stove actually worth the trouble? Only a competent heating and cooling expert can give you the most accurate answer to this question. To find the best professionals who live and work in your area, consult TalkLocal, your free connection to the right professionals, right now.

Wood Stoves Heating

Friday, November 22nd, 2013

Wood Stoves Heating - Heating and Cooling

As winter approaches, most homeowners learn the advantages and disadvantages of some of the most popular heating systems currently available. Most of them are looking for heating solutions designed to be economical, efficient, and eco-friendly at the same time. Could the wood stoves heating option live up to your highest expectations? Is it the best alternative to HVAC systems? Keep reading to find out.

Discover the Benefits of Wood Stoves

Numerous people who own and utilize a wood stove as a primary or secondary source of heat benefit from a wide range of advantages, including the following:

– Financial savings, taking into account that wood is cheaper than electricity, propane gas, and fuel

– Wood is a renewable, eco-friendly resource

– Wood stoves enable households to become self-sufficient and reduce or eliminate their electricity and gas needs

– Wood stoves are aesthetically pleasing and can make your living room seem more inviting and appealing

HVAC System vs. Wood Stove

Lots of families who want to heat their house, lower utility bills, and embrace a greener lifestyle choose to invest in an efficient, modern, attractive wood stove. The question is: are wood stoves reliable and powerful enough to compete with HVAC systems, in terms of financial savings and performance?

Wood stoves are perfect secondary sources of heat and they are appreciated by most users due to their remarkable cost-efficiency. Nonetheless, they require a considerable wood supply, which raises storage problems. In addition, they demand regular maintenance that should comply with strict safety guidelines.

On the other hand, a central heating system based on electricity or gas triggers higher monthly utility bills, require lots of space, displays minimal flexibility in terms of remodeling work, is designed to address changing heating demands, and installations are quite expensive. However, a central heating system ensures ideal thermostatic control inside all your rooms.

Ask an Expert

Are wood stoves heating the best choice for your family? Only a heating and cooling expert could provide the best answer to this question, after inspecting your property. Find the best specialists in your area with TalkLocal, a free service introduced to help you meet competent professionals who are just a few miles away.

Gas Wood Stove

Thursday, November 21st, 2013

Gas Wood Stove - Heating and Cooling

Experienced hikers appreciated the benefits of a modern, simple, yet incredibly reliable gas wood stove. The idea of being able to pack a stove that won’t force you to carry fuel is brilliant.

Indeed, those who plan to spend at least one week in the wilderness would have to transport heavy isobutene canisters or denatured alcohol to be able to cook their daily meals and stay warm. On the other hand, a gas wood stove enables them to use scrap wood as fuel, save big, and reduce the weight of your backpack.

Check out the Main Advantages of Gas Wood Stoves

Last-generation gas wood stoves display numerous advantages that definitely please even the pickiest campers. These products are well-liked for a number of reasons, including:

– They are lightweight and easy to carry around (most models weigh between 5 and 11 oz.)

– They are inexpensive (reliable, modern models cost anywhere from $28.50 to $100)

– Some models occupy less space, since they can be stored flat

– Enable users to save money and go green by using scrap wood

Analyze the Main Disadvantages of Gas Wood Stoves

Of course, even the most sophisticated gas wood stoves have their fair share of disadvantages.

Preparing a meal with a wood gas stove is a lengthy process. You have to make the fire and “babysit” it; this means that it could take you more than half an hour to cook the simplest lunch or breakfast. On the other hand, you could boil water in a matter of a few minutes with an isobutene canister stove; the whole process is time-efficient and much simpler.

Wood fires get soot residues all over your pot and stove. Cooking with a gas wood stove is definitely far from being a memorable experience. Wood fires will produce a considerable amount of soot residue that will inevitably land on your stove and pot. To minimize damages, you could always cover your pot with tin foil. But then again, how many people remember to pack tin foil when they go camping?

Ask an Expert

Should a gas wood stove be considered a smart investment? If you need a second opinion, ask a heating and cooling expert. Find the best one with TalkLocal, a free service created to help you meet competent experts who operate in your proximity.

Types of Radiant Heaters: Convectors

Wednesday, November 20th, 2013

Types of Radiant Heaters: Convectors - Heating and Cooling

A radiant heater that uses convection, heats air when it comes into contact with the heater’s surfaces, causing air temperature to increase and consequently warming a room. Some of these types of radiant heaters have a fan that draws in cool air.

Residential Convection Heaters

There are two general types of radiant heaters using convection – electric and gas. The common types of radiant heaters that use electric convection include wall-mounted panel or fan heaters, standalone fan heaters, night storage heaters (using minimal thermal mass), and ducted central heating systems (where the heated air is delivered through a duct network).

As for the types of radiant heaters that use gas-fueled convection, the common ones are balanced flue gas heaters, boilers that supply hot water radiators, wall-mounted gas furnaces, and ducted central heating systems.

Use of Thermal Mass

Thermal mass refers to any material that is capable of absorbing and storing thermal energy for later use. There are certain types of radiant heaters that utilize convection heating with thermal mass, such as hot water radiators, night storage heaters, underfloor heaters, and solar hydronic heaters. A heater with a high capability to store heat usually does not become as hot on its surface as a heater with low heat storage capacity, and therefore can produce steadier heat.

What does a convection heater do?

A convection heater will:

– Heat up a room vertically from top to bottom. On larger spaces or areas with tall ceilings, it will take a bit of time for the heat to get to the level of occupants.

– Increase the room air temperature faster than other radiant heaters, although the temperature changes steadily, so the room becomes warmer gradually.

– Require more energy to reach the same change in temperature as that achieved by radiant heating in bigger areas.

– Need adequate air circulation to distribute heat evenly, since it works by warming the air immediately around it.

– Create gradients in temperature and convection flows as warmer air rises from the heater.

Need Help Heating Your Home?

If you have a convector heater at home and need service or repair, call a trusted heating expert in your area and have it repaired fast. TalkLocal would be glad to help your search. We can connect you to up to three local heating professionals – no hassle or charges to you. Try Talk Local now!