Ceramic Wood Stoves

Wood stoves are a popular addition to any home, whether for cooking, heating or for decorative purposes. These stoves, which use wood as a primary fuel, are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Customers can purchase them either at household stores or on the Internet.

Of the many different types of wood stoves available, the ceramic wood stove is one of the rarest. The stove comprises of ceramic tiles. It was popular in 19th century Europe where it is believed to have originated. The status of the people was often measured with the costly ceramic wood stoves present in each household. Today, these types of wood stoves are rarely produced. As a result they have become very rare and classify as antique pieces which only the true art connoisseur tries buying at most times.

Very few companies deal with antique ceramic wood stoves. They have very beautiful and authentic ceramic stoves of very high aesthetic value and sometimes at surprisingly affordable prices. They are also available in the freestanding variety. Most customers are concerned about the broken tiles of some old stoves as this mars their beauty. So these companies try and fix these faults with similar quality tiles with absolutely no visible difference as compared to the old tiles. This brings back the lost art in these stoves and restores its original beauty. However, these companies refrain from restoring all the tiles and limit their repairing to only twenty five percent of the tiles. That means that if a wood stove has more than 25% of damage they do not sell such stoves.

These antique ceramic wood stoves are available at many local antique shops and showrooms. It's essential for customers to check the authenticity of these stoves to be sure of their age-old quality. These stoves are designed in such a way so as to tolerate the intense heat and still remain intact and undamaged. They are generally found in big houses and grand themed hotels.

Mixed Reviews on Amana Heat Pumps

Do you know of anyone that has a heat pump installed? Are they happy with how it works? There are many popular brands on the market including Amana heat pumps. Do you research extensively before making a major purchase? Since a heat pump is a major purchase, you should conduct some extensive research first. 

If you spend some time looking over the consumer reviews of Amana heat pumps, you will notice that there are quite a few negative comments regarding these units. Do not ignore the negative comments. However, keep in mind that there will be negative remarks about almost every type of heat pump on the market. 

The important thing is that you compare all the reviews and make your own assessment. Which company has the best service plan and warranty coverage? Since it is a mechanical device, it will require service at some point. Does the company stand behind their product? 

Another good tip for researching your potential purchase of Amana heat pumps or any type of heat pump is to speak to someone who owns one. Do you have any friends or family members that have one of these units? First hand, information is excellent information. 

If you are a person who prefers to buy American products then maybe Amana heat pumps are the way to go. They have been around for close to a century and they are a trusted name in the HVAC industry worldwide. 

If you are interested in Amana heat pumps, then visit their website or even give them a call. They have several different models available. You should have an idea of the size of the unit you require. A large house will obviously require a larger unit. All heat pumps are quite expensive, so this is not a minor investment. Since it is a major home investment, it is very important to do your homework before buying anything. 

All heat pumps including Amana heat pumps have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. Therefore, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is.

Humidifiers, Varieties and Benefits

The quality of air has increasingly become a concern for us in the age of industrialization and pollution. However, we tend to ignore the same issue in the places where we live and spend most of our time: our homes. Humidifiers play an important role in improving air quality in our homes and workplace. Being of varying benefit to different environments, winters are primarily when humidifiers are needed most. Heaters dry up the air from 44-55 percent humidity to an average of 5-10 percent, leaving us vulnerable to respiratory ailments that include cold and allergies besides skin problems.

Humidifiers can improve humidity and increase moisture in the air. Ideally, humidity levels should be 30 to 50 percent. There are lots of humidifiers but all work in the same way i.e. water flows into a tank and injected into the air.

Of all the varieties of humidifiers, warm mist humidifiers are the most common and warm water before discharging it into the air. Cool mist humidifiers use fans to blow water and evaporate mist into the air. Warm mist humidifiers don't need a filter as the mechanism eliminates bacteria. Alternatively, steam humidifiers boil water and release the moisture and steam into the air and medicated inhalant can be added for colds and coughs.

Humidifiers are different in size, area served and capacity. For example, a tabletop humidifier is designed for only one room. They can be either of a cool mist or warm mist type. Console models are bigger and are used for more than one room. Furnace humidifiers are installed in furnace ducts and are used to treat the entire house. Though costly they need less maintenance and are cheaper to run in the long term.

While deciding the type of humidifier the type of unit as well as the size of your home and the hardness of your water has to be taken into account. Furthermore, it is important to clean a humidifier. Filters must be changed and cleaned too, failure of which could result in germs and bacteria spreading through the air. Such lack of maintenance can be worse compared to the problems related excessive amounts of dry air.

An important feature is the automatic shut off which is a safety feature that enables humidifiers to shut off as soon as the water tank is empty. Due to risks of fire a model with a an automatic shut off feature is better. If you've determined that you have low humidity in your home or work space, and that you need a humidifier; your choice will mostly depend on your circumstances.

However, the proven health benefits are more than enough justification to treat it as an essential item of a household, especially in dry, cold or allergy prone environments. Besides health problems, a dry environment can make paint chip from walls and wall paper to peel. Furniture and different electronic appliances are prone to damage from overly dry air as well due to more static in the air.

What is Ductless Air Conditioning?

Have you heard of ductless air conditioning? Not a lot of people of have heard of it. It is an air conditioning unit that does not have any ductwork. These devices are quiet compared to other units and they are very efficient. Another name for these units is the mini-split system.

Ductless air conditioning units have been around for quite awhile. Indoor units mount on an outside interior wall. A small hole is made in the wall to allow the refrigerant piping, condensation drain and wiring access. The outside unit is compact and can be mounted anywhere on the outside wall as long as it within around fifty feet for the smaller units and around one hundred and fifty feet for the larger units. The length depends on the specific make and model of the unit.

One of the best features of these units is there ability to remove the moisture from the room. One feature that seems to impress owners of ductless air conditioning units is that the unit is permanently mounted inside. This means you know longer have to install it and remove it from a window, which can be quite awkward at times.

The design of these units is quite sleek and attractive. They blend in well in most rooms. They are not bulky and ugly like most window installed units. Ductless air conditioning units are similar to central air systems in that the compressor is outside the house. This eliminates much of the noise from the home or office.

These devices also feature a variable quiet blower and a thermostatic control as well. A wireless remote LCD hand control allows for easy operation. These units are also quite energy efficient. They usually operate with a SEER rating of 10 to 11.

In conclusion, ductless air conditioning units are not for everyone. Check with your local air conditioner dealer and find out what the installation costs are. These may vary depending on the size of the unit and the brand of the unit as well.

The Difference Between Flexible and Rigid Chimney Liners

Cylindrical metal chimney liners are available in rigid and flexible forms. Rigid liners are assembled from sections of pipe and lowered inside the flue. Flexible liners are made of continuous lengths of corrugated tubing which are installed inside the flue. Differences between flexible and rigid chimney liners include cost, ease of installation and situations where each is appropriate for use.

A metal chimney liner can be installed inside a clay tile chimney liner, or inside an unlined chimney, to seal the flue and prevent dangerous gases from leaking back into the building. A clay tile liner will deteriorate over time due to weathering, corrosive condensation from combustion products and foundation settling. A tile liner can be repaired or replaced, but this requires expensive masonry work. Installing a metal liner is often a better economic choice.

The type of metal liner that is appropriate depends on the physical configuration of the chimney and the type of application the liner will be venting gases from. The metal liner will be extended from the top of the chimney all the way to the vent of the fireplace, woodstove, furnace or other fuel burning appliance. If the flue is straight from top to bottom, a rigid chimney liner may be the best choice. If the flue is offset, or has one or more bends between top and bottom, then a flexible liner would work best.

The materials for a rigid liner are less expensive than the materials for a flexible liner, but you have to take labor costs into account when you are estimating the cost of your chimney liner. For a short, straight flue that will not require a lot of complicated joint work, a rigid liner would be the cheapest. But, a flue with offsets would require skilled pipe fitting and a lot of specialized parts to build a rigid liner that is properly sealed and safe to operate. The labor costs involved in installing a single piece flexible liner in a crooked flue will be far cheaper than the cost of a rigid liner.

Future maintenance costs are another consideration in choosing between a rigid and flexible liner. Since rigid liners are assembled from shorter joints of material, they have more places to develop future leaks than a single piece flexible liner does. Rigid liners have smooth interior surfaces, so they do not accumulate creosote as easily as the corrugated interior of a flexible liner. Some manufacturers offer smooth walled flexible liner material at a little higher cost.

Some chimney specialists believe that the expansion and contraction of the corrugated metal in a flexible liner actually keeps creosote from building up by cracking it and breaking it loose from the grooves as it accumulates. In either case, a flexible liner with smooth bends is easier to clean than a rigid liner if the rigid liner has one or more sharp angles between top and bottom.

If you are confused about the best type of liner to install in your chimney, your local chimney cleaning professional can give you advice during your annual chimney cleaning.

The Ultimate Gas Furnace Troubleshooting Guide

Looking for some quick tips on how to keep your gas furnace in tip-top shape this winter? The Ultimate Gas Furnace Troubleshooting Guide will answer all of your questions, including how to turn on a furnace, how to change a furnace filter, how to test a furnace's airflow, what to do if a furnace doesn't ignite, and much more.

We hope you find this guide to be useful - and we hope you stay warm this winter!

A) How to Turn On Your Gas Furnace

It sounds easy, but believe it or not, many people don't know how to turn their furnace on or off. Here's a simple, step-by-step breakdown:

* Find the breaker for your furnace. It's part of the electrical panel, which is usually located in your basement, utility room or garage. The breaker should be clearly labeled with a gas furnace sticker. Turn the breaker to the "On" position.

* Locate and turn on the furnace switch. It is typically somewhere near the bottom of your basement stairs - sometimes in the ceiling, sometimes in the furnace room itself, and usually at eye level or slightly higher.

* Set your thermostat. Check that the furnace is on and then make sure that the selector switch is set to "Heat". Finally, adjust your set point temperature, and that's it - your furnace is turned and ready to heat your home!

B) How to Check and Change Your Furnace Filter

Proper maintenance of your furnace filter can help optimize airflow from your furnace, which will keep it running efficiently and economically during the coldest months of the year. To prevent burnout of your furnace parts, we recommend inspecting your filter monthly and changing it every three to six months. Here's how it's done:

* Begin by carefully opening the furnace's external rack or panel door.

* Remove the furnace filter by sliding it out. Take a look at the filter to see if there's any darkness or discoloration.

* If you can't see through the filter, it's definitely time for a new one. Slide the new filter into the furnace, making sure that it is installed in the direction of the airflow. And that's it - you're done!

C) How to Test Your Furnace's Airflow

If a room in your house is too cold during the winer, it might be because your furnace isn't supplying enough warm air through the registers in that particular room. There's a simple way to test the airflow from your furnace registers to make sure they are working properly -- the garbage bag airflow test.

The test is a quick way to estimate airflow by determining how long it takes to fill a common plastic garbage bag. While it is not a precise measurement, it is better than no measurement at all and will give you a good ideas as to whether you need to call a technician to look at your ductwork.

To do the garbage bag airflow test:

* Tape the mouth of the garbage bag to a coat hanger or piece of cardboard to keep it open.
* Crush the bag flat and place it over the register or exhaust hood.
* Count the number of seconds it takes for the bag to fully inflate.

If the inflation time is:

* 2 seconds = 37 L/s (75 cfm)
* 4 seconds = 20 L/s (40 cfm)
* 10 seconds = 10 L/s (20 cfm)

If the measured airflow is less than 10 L/s, the furnace is delivering only a small amount of heat to a room and needs to be further inspected to determine why the heat is not going through.

The garbage bag airflow test is also useful if you have changed your heating or cooling systems or have made major renovations to your house.

D) If Your Gas Furnace Fails to Ignite

If you can hear that your furnace is on and the fan is running, but all you're getting is cold air, you likely have ignition failure. Try resetting your furnace by turning the switch to off for at least ten seconds, then, turning it on again. If that doesn't do the trick, give your HVAC contractor a call.

E) Furnace Troubleshooting Checklist

Think your gas furnace has quit? You could save yourself the cost of a no-heat service call by checking the following:

* Is the furnace switch in the on position? It may have been turned off by mistake.

* Is the thermostat properly set to the "heat" position and the temperature set to your normal heat setting?

* Is the furnace venting blocked by snow or ice? If so, try to remove the blockage.

* Are the programmable thermostat batteries fresh?

* Is the circuit breaker in the electric panel in the proper position?

* Is the furnace door properly closed?

* Has the filter been changed recently? If you've checked everything on the list and your furnace still isn't working, give your local HVAC contractor a call, and they'll get your furnace back up and running as soon as possible.

F) How to Properly Remove Vent Blockages

If you become aware of a furnace problem that might involve the exterior vent, do a quick inspection and see if any snow, ice or some common household item might be blocking the vent. If so, before removing the obstruction, head inside first and turn the off the power to your furnace. Now, you can safely clear away whatever is blocking your exterior vent. Once you're done, turn your furnace back on using either the breaker or the switch.

A lack of airflow through the furnace's interior vents could mean your furnace fan motor has seized. If this has happened, don't try to fix the problem yourself - contact the expert furnace repair technicians at your local HVAC contractor.

G) How to Stop Air Leaks and Prevent Heat Loss

Air leaks account for a significant amount of a home's heat loss in winter - resulting in increased heating costs as your furnace constantly tries to replace the warm air that has escaped from your home. Fixing these leaks will save you money on your heating bills.

To stop leaks around windows and doors:

* Remove the trims carefully.
* Fill large cracks or gaps with foam backer rod, oakum, or expanding polyurethane foam.
* Replace the trims and caulk along the edges.

To stop leaks along baseboards:

* Caulk along the seams without removing the baseboard.
* Remove the baseboard and caulk between the wall and the floor.

To stop leaks around electrical outlets on outside walls:

* Turn off power to the outlet and remove the outlet cover.
* Install a foam insulating pad.
* Replace the outlet cover turn the power back on to the outlet.

To stop leaks in an unfinished basement:

* Caulk under the basement sill plate and around the joists with a rubber-based caulking or acoustical sealant.
* Caulk any gaps where ducts enter a wall or ceiling.
* Insulate ducts with preformed wraps or duct-taped insulation batts.

To stop leaks in your attic:

* Seal any cracks.
* Weather strip your attic door and close it tightly.

H) If a Gas Smell is Detected

In the unlikely event that you smell something like a rotten egg smell, you could have a gas leak. Don't turn on any electrical switches and open all of your windows. Then, go to a neighbour's house and contact your HVAC contractor or your local gas provider immediately.

Simple Steps to Move on With Your Fat Loss Goals

Are you desperate to lose weight? Do you think that you can go up to any means so as to lose weight? Well, you don't need to work on to hard, just follow the simple steps included below and you are sure to attain your fat loss goals.

1. Make sure to set a weight loss goal and try hard to attain it. Unless and until you are setting a goal of how much fat you wish to lose and how much muscle you wish to gain, you are doing nothing but dreaming. You need to set specific goals and jot them in pen and paper. For instance, if you want to lose fat, then you need to do so by hook or by crook. Get real and let your body know that "yes you will lose fat". If you don't think in this way then it is quite likely that you are not serious about your weight loss plan.

2. Have you ever doubted the significance of water? If that's so, then just stay without water and see how it feels. Water plays a viable role in weight loss and you need to keep your body hydrated no matter what. Make sure you drink a minimum of one gallon of water, if possible a bit more. Always keep a bottle of water by your side.

3. Ensure consuming five or six small meals in a day comprising of low fat, moderate carbs and high protein food. This is the best possible way through which you can increase your rate of metabolism and burn your calories. Grazing on your meals constantly after every three hours will allow your body to shed off the excessive fat. The way in which you eat plays a dominant role in determining how well you will lose weight and gain muscle. By consuming 1 or 2 larger meals you are in a way slowing down the rate of metabolism of your body. In fact, by skipping meals you are in a way storing fat in your body.

4. Ensure carrying out intense cardiovascular workouts at lease three or four times in a week. This is one of the best ways to burn your calories. You need not do cardio workouts for hours and hours, instead you can do them for only twenty to thirty minutes. However, before starting off with the cardio, it would be better to do a warm up for five minutes followed by a high intensity pace for twenty minutes. Sweating, turning red, puffing, huffing and panting are some of the good signals that indicate that yes you are losing weight. Don't do exercise just for the sake of doing it, be motivated and the results are sure to be in your favor.

5. Prefer carrying out intense weight training for a minimum of three or four times in a week.

6. Ensure estimating your routine energy expenditure and try lowering it gradually.

These are some simple ways that will help in fat loss and also help you in building muscle. Try them out and see the results!

Retrofitting Your Furnace Pilot Light

Do you know how energy efficient your furnace is? Most homeowners don't really know. A central heating furnace's efficiency is measured in terms of annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The U. S. Federal Trade Commission forces manufacturers of new furnaces or boilers to display their AFUE on their product so that consumers may compare heating efficiencies of various models.

AFUE expresses how efficient the appliance is in the energy in its fuel over the course of a typical year. To be more precise, AFUE is the ratio of heat output of the furnace compared to the total energy consumed by a furnace. An AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for the home and the other 10% escapes up the chimney and elsewhere. AFUE doesn't include the heat losses of the duct system or piping, which can be as much as 35% of the energy for output of the furnace when ducts are located in the attic.

You can figure a system's efficiency not only by its AFUE but also by its equipment features and type. For example, older, low-efficiency heating systems have a continuous pilot light, heavy heat exchangers and an AFUE of around 68%-72%. Newer, high-efficiency heating systems feature condensing flue gases in a second heat exchanger for extra efficiency, and with sealed combustion chambers, attain 90%-97% AFUE.

Don't worry, you aren't stuck with old money-pit furnace forever. Furnaces can be retrofitted to raise their efficiency. Upgrades improve both the safety and efficiency of otherwise sound, older systems. The costs of retrofits should be carefully weighed against the cost of a new furnace, especially if replacement is likely within a few years or if you wish to switch to a different system for other reasons, like adding air conditioning or going all-gas from electric power.

Vintage model furnaces with a continuous pilot light can be retrofitted with intermittent ignition devices. These are difficult to install, however, and only should be installed by certified professionals. Costing about $250, they characteristically have a payback period of less than 10 years. Even though intermittent ignition devices can save you some in fuel costs, they are not always that cost effective when installed on old equipment. Turning off a furnace's pilot light in the spring and turning it back on again in the fall can usually save the same amount of money as you would with one of these devices. Not all continuous pilot light furnaces can accommodate this solution, though, so check with your furnace manual or heating contractor first.

How to Please Your Woman in Bed - 3 Powerful Tips to "Prime" Her For Wild Screaming Orgasms

There is more to becoming a better lover than just the mechanics of sex. A man needs to be both the bad boy as well as a sensitive man in order to please most women. There are techniques that will work in various circumstances that any man can use and will turn any guy into a Don Juan. If you are ready to be the type of man who can please any woman in bed and prime her for wild screaming orgasms, then read on...

"Seductive Orator"

Tell her you want her. Sounds simple enough, right? But so many men just jump right into sex without even saying these words. Tell her how much she turns you on, that you were thinking of her all day and how much you want give her an amazing time in bed. Get into the head of a woman and you will be the lover she has always dreamed about!

"Sensual Kisser"

You cannot kiss her enough. Most women complain that they receive too little kissing from their lovers. In order to be the man of her fantasies, make sure you do not neglect her in this department. Light up her erotic passions through her lips and mouth. And put your tongue to good use! Kissing is a great prelude to sensational sex and can turn on the "orgasmic furnace" in a woman like nothing else can.

"Whimsical Lover"

Lovemaking can get mundane for both you and her after a while. That is the last thing you want in bed. In order to keep sex exciting, you need to be a bit unpredictable in the bedroom. One way to do this is to break out of your routine and do something new. A new position, a new place to have sex - anything will do! No one wants the same old, same old when it comes to sex. And an unpredictable move on your part is bound to light her passions and orgasmic fire!

Rob Nevin's Skinny Switch Secret - Menu and Meal Plan

The Skinny Switch Secret weight loss plan is marketed by Guthy-Renker, one of the largest marketing companies in America. They show their info commercials all over the United States.

Rob Nivens, a self professed weight loss guru from Connecticut originated the plan.

His plan uses a method of confusing one's metabolic system by changing what and the amount of food eaten on a daily basis.

And every third to fifth day is called a load up day where anything can be eaten.

Allegedly, eating in this manner doesn't allow the body to grow accustomed to the daily calorie levels and food choices which trigger a higher metabolic rate thus burning more calories then normal.

There is no science behind this plan, only speculation that because it makes sense, it should work. We believe that any positive results are due to a member eating fewer calories then burned up which result in weight loss.

The members of the Skinny Switch Secret, after logging in, navigate to the meal plan section of their web site.

Questions concerning food likes and dislikes are asked. When completed with the questionnaire, the weight loss program generates a 3 day meal plan and shopping list.

The shopping list is comprised of all the foods in the generated meals. At first thought, this seemed like a good idea until reading the list. For every minuet ingredient, it's listed on your shopping list no matter on small a quantity is used.

For example, if butter is used in the meal (how did butter get on a diet plan?), the shopping list will show it as one tablespoon butter.

This really clutters up the list and makes it practically useless.

Fat Burning Furnace Diet Program - Does the Fat Burning Furnace Diet Program Really Work?

Tens of thousands of people worldwide have used the Fat Burning Furnace program and report excellent results. With so many positive testimonials it's no wonder that this diet and fitness plan has become so popular.

However, the fact that it has worked for so many people doesn't mean that it will work for you too. If, for example, your goal is to build huge muscles, then this program is not for you. But, if you just want to lose fat quickly and easily then Fat Burning Furnace is the perfect choice.

This system was designed by a guy named Rob Poulos who used to be overweight himself. After failing many times to lose weight, he finally discovered a formula that helped him achieve his goal. He managed to lose 50 pounds of fat and he decided to share his program with other people.

Of course, some skeptics will argue that Rob Poulos is not a nutritionist or a doctor, so his system should not be taken seriously. However, I think that it's very important that this person was overweight himself, which means that he knows what he is talking about. And all the glowing reviews actually confirm that this system works.

FBF consists of a diet and an exercise guide that are very easy to follow. You also get access to the "Fat Burning Furnace Ultimate Success Toolkit" which includes some very useful tools such as the Workout Logs and Progress Tracker, Body Fat Percentage Analyzer and Metabolic Rate Calculator.

The workouts outlined by Rob Poulos involve circuit level training. However, you don't have to be afraid that you will look overly muscled. The workout will just help you get a lean body. By using these short interval weight training routines, you will force your body to expend energy in order to repair your muscles and you will burn a lot of calories in the process.

Another benefit of adding some lean muscle mass is that you can increase your metabolic rate significantly.

Every pound of muscle mass burns 50 calories per day, without you having to do anything.

FBF is a solid diet program. I know that many people are very frustrated for having spent their time and money at programs that don't work. At first these programs look really good, but soon you realize that they don't bring you the results you were expecting. Then you become so disappointed that you fall even deeper into your previous unhealthy eating patterns.

This vicious cycle stops now. It's time to embrace a lifestyle that includes a diet full of nutrient rich foods and the right type of exercise that can help you get your dream body as fast as possible.

Converting Your Home to Run on Solar Power

Our need for electricity is increasing every day, solar power is becoming a suitable alternative to burning fossil fuels. The sun is extremely powerful, if we could collect all of this energy for a single day and store it in batteries it would be able to supply everyone in the world with enough electricity to last a whole year! This gives you a good idea just how powerful the sun is and why you should consider converting your home to run on solar power.

The sun will be there for a very long time to come, and so why shouldn't people take advantage of it and start using it for energy? It is completely renewable as it will never run out. Solar power is becoming more and more popular because it is continually being made more efficient. There are some important advantages that you should know about it before you decide whether it is right for you or not.

Benefits

This is so popular because it doesn't cost any money. You do have to make an initial investment to buy the panels and get them fitted. Solar panels should last for a very long time which will mean you should pay off the cost of the investment fairly quickly. They are also environmentally friendly, burning fossil fuels releases pollution and greenhouse gases into the environment. It's no surprise that people are adopting solar power as a result of these benefits. Make your walls more attractive in color by reducing drywall tapping.

Considering The Cost

You should carefully consider all of the costs involved when installing solar panels. Forget about the benefits for a second and just focus on the costs. Although the costs associated with installing solar panels are extremely high, you should consider that it's actually like you are paying up front for a number of year's electricity. Once you have paid for the installation cost you won't have to spend any more money for quite some time to come.

However you must remember that you will still need to use an electricity company to supply you with electricity at night. Another thing that you can consider is selling your power back to the grid if you make more power than you use, this causes your meter to spin backwards which can offset the electricity which you use.

Our demand for electricity increases every year, the problem with this is that to keep up with demand more fossil fuels are being burnt. When fossil fuels are burnt they release pollution into the air. This damages our planet, and puts it under more pressure. Solar power is becoming cheaper and more affordable every day, not only this but it is also becoming much more efficient. As it becomes even cheaper more and more people will start to convert their homes to run on solar power.

Heating System Inspection For Winter Warmth

Along with routine maintenance, a home heating system will need to be inspected annually, usually before the cold winter months, to make sure it is working properly and will be able to keep you and your family warm. A heating system inspection should be done by an experienced HVAC professional. This inspection will ensure that your furnace is running efficiently - saving you money on energy bills and adequately heating your home.

A heating system inspection should be done before the cold season begins. There are specific things a professional HVAC contractor will look for, depending on your type of heating system. If you have oil, electric, boiler, natural gas or heat pump, a licensed HVAC professional will make sure your unit is able to provide the right amount of heat for your home.

An HVAC inspection usually starts with the fuel source. An inspector will check for leaks and cracks in the pipes that deliver the fuel to your unit. It is easy to spot leaks if you use oil as your heating fuel, because you will be able to see the drips. However, if you have natural gas, a leak detector will have to be used to locate areas that show leakage. An inspector will check the pilot light to make sure it is burning a steady blue flame. If it is a yellow flame or is sputtering, the burner is not operating properly. If your unit is electric, the inspector will check for frayed or corroded wires at the point of furnace contact.

The next thing an HVAC inspector will look at is the ventilation system. If the system is not ventilated correctly, it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and illness. The ductwork and/or chimney will be checked for any loose connections or cracks.

Once the system is running, they may notice issues with the thermostat, blowers, pumps and controls. Having your heating system inspected before the winter months will give you adequate time to have the necessary repairs made before it gets too cold.

You can make sure your system passes inspection by performing routine maintenance on your HVAC system all throughout the year. The easiest way to keep your system working properly is by regularly changing the air filter. It is amazing how much damage dust and dirt can do to an HVAC system, so be sure to replace filters every 1 to 2 months. The more you use your system, and various factors such as the dustiness of your home and whether you have pets, can determine how often you'll need to change the filter.

Make sure your vents and registers are clear of dirt and debris, and not blocked by furniture. Blockages in the ventilation and registers will cause your HVAC system to work harder, costing you excess money.

With routine maintenance and an annual home heating inspection, you can expect a longer, safer and more efficient life out of your HVAC system. The cold of winter will be no match for a properly cared for heating system.

Do Furnace Filters Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Furnace filters are mistakenly thought to be expensive when they are not. Truth is, they can be purchased at low costs and are sold in bulk packs, which even saves you more money. You are advised to replace furnace filters at least once a month. Replacing the filters helps your furnace to function or run efficiently since you avoid accumulation of dirt and other tiny air particles which leads your furnace getting clogged. Clogging consequently interrupt the free flow of air making the furnace to work difficult. Also, the filter becomes so dense it loses its ability to capture troublesome air particles.

Further benefits from regular replacing of furnace filter include saving money, saving time, and protecting your health, your respiratory and immune systems in particular. Regular replacing of filters ensures efficient function and durability of your furnace thus you avoid the hassles of getting a technician to repair it. Repair may take longer and even cost you more than what you have thought.

Most importantly, consistent managing of the furnace filters reduces incidence of asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.

Having a direct or positive relationship

There is a plain direct or positive relationship that exists between furnace filters and indoor air quality. Positive action given toward furnace filter, such as replacing it regularly, eventually results to various benefits, mainly health-wise benefit.

Furnace filters and indoor air quality concerns have also become an important issue nowadays. Keeping homes clean and dust free has become critical, especially when either you or members of your family suffer from respiratory or immunity problems. You definitely will do everything you can to keep any cases or symptoms from occurring and reoccurring.

Information dissemination about furnace filters and indoor air quality matters is continuously being carried out. This is with the hope everyone becomes aware and educated with regard to furnace filters and indoor air quality issues. You learn not to take things lightly or take things for granted. You gain better understanding and learn new attitudes toward improving both furnace filters (e.g., replacing it on a regular basis) and indoor air quality (fresh and clean air is achieved).

Furnace filters basically are effective for the efficient operation of your furnace. These filters help you to saving time and money that can be involved it getting the furnace repair. By making your environment filled with fresh and clean air, both your respiratory and immune systems are strengthened.

Some helpful tips

You have to know first the accurate dimensions of filter you are currently using before making any purchase. You have to know the length, width, and thickness. For filters with odd dimensions, you can consult from online suppliers for specific custom made sizes. The newly purchased filter should effortlessly slide into the furnace filter track.

Being mindful of matters particularly those that have direct effect on your health is fundamental. Health is wealth. How can you possibly continue dreaming, achieve and realize the things you want in this life with a health that is frail and diminishing?

Fat Burning Furnace - Ultimate Fitness System Or Not For You?

Fat Burning Furnace has been used by tens of thousands of men and women worldwide. It is enjoying a remarkable popularity as one of the primary diet and fitness programs online. But just because something has worked for other people doesn't mean that it will work for you. Is Fat Burning Furnace an ultimate fitness system or just not right for you?

There is no such thing as an ultimate system because no program or system works in a vacuum. This kind of program is merely a guide for you to follow; it cannot do any of the work for you, only steer you in the right direction. Consider this as a map. It will lead you to the right place but only if you follow it to the letter. In that respect I do believe that Fat Burning Furnace does contain the necessary guidelines to steer you to a long term fat loss.

However, this program may not be for you if your goals aren't those to which the program administers. This is primarily a fat loss program. It is not a muscle building program. You will build some muscle mass as a natural result of the program and the workouts included, but it will not be a lot. If you want to be a body builder, this isn't for you.

In addition, there are no specific guidelines for developing muscles on this body part or another. This is not an abs program or a chest muscles guide, or a lower body workout guide. You will lose fat all over your body through the program, but no body part will get special attention.

Therefore, if you're looking for a solution for a specific body part you might or might not find it here.

In addition, you do need to be physically able to follow the workout guidelines in the Fat Burning Furnace program. If you're injured or otherwise unfit to exercise, then this program isn't right for you. You can have some form of disability and still be able to benefit from part of the exercises if not all of them.

Apart from that, I do believe that Fat Burning Furnace system can be the ultimate way for you to lose body fat, increase muscle tone, boost your metabolism, and tone your body.

However, it will only work if you're ready and willing to work hard yourself. If so, this is an excellent guide to follow.

Owning a New Trane Gas Furnace

This year, I simply have to invest in a new heating system for my home. I purchased this property about ten years ago. At that time, the furnace was already ten years old, so now it's truly on it's last legs, and in need of a dignified burial. My brother installs heating systems for a living, so I asked him for his advice on which company to go with. He recommended that I purchase a new trane gas furnace. I visited with him the next day and picked up whatever literature he had available on their product lines. Based on the total square footage of my home, I opted to purchase the Trane XV80 Variable Speed Gas Furnace.

The specifications of this trane gas furnace are quite impressive. The feature I will enjoy most is the quietness of the system. This is the result of a well-insulated cabinet, a variable speed blower/fan, and two-stage gas heat. The physical size and structure of the unit makes it easy to accommodate. It is a 40 inch high cabinet and 28 inches in depth. It can be positioned in either a vertical or horizontal stance. This system is built to last ! It has a cleanable filter, a 24 Volt fuse that protects the system's controls, a one piece heat exchanger, and the unit's surface is coated in an electrolysized-deposition paint.

This particular model of trane gas furnace is backed by a Twenty Year Limited Warranty on the heat exchanger component only. There is a Five Year Limited Warranty on any internal functioning parts installed after October 1, 2001. For other componenets of the heating system, optional extended warranties can be purchased to cover such things as labor. As technological sciences have continued to advance, the efficiency and reliability of home heating systems continues to improve. Twenty years ago, a gas furnace had only a 60% efficiency rating. Today, gas furnace models such as the XV80, have an 80% energy efficiency rating. Other models of Trane gas furnaces achieve a staggering 97% efficiency ranking. Clearly, there are steady improvements in the field of home heating technologies.

Heating and Cooling Systems - Furnace and Heat Pump Replacement Tips

Sooner or later you will replace your heating and cooling system. Furnace and heat pump air handlers have a useful life of about twenty years. Air conditioning condenser useful life varies between five and fifteen years. The condenser is the outdoor unit. If you need to replace your heating and cooling system, here are some tips to ensure that your system provides safe, energy efficient, and green operation. These tips apply to gas and electric forced-air systems.

Comply with all local building codes and manufacturer's instructions when installing your new equipment. You should obtain a building permit and have the new installation inspected, but this is seldom done. A qualified and licensed contractor should know and comply with local building codes and with manufacturer's instructions.

Install new equipment that has the highest energy efficiency rating that you can afford. The energy savings from a high efficiency system will often save you more over the system's life than the additional cost. Higher efficiency systems qualify as green and add value to your home. They may also qualify for government and utility rebates.

Replace both the furnace or air handler and the condenser, even if the furnace or air handler still works. An air conditioner condenser and evaporator coil (the inside and outside units) are designed to work best as a system. You may not receive the full energy efficiency of the new condenser if it is connected to an old evaporator coil. An improperly matched condenser and evaporator coil may be highly inefficient and result in higher than necessary energy use.

Use mastic to seal all joints. Do not use duct tape. You may use foil tape at joints, but mastic is better. These joints include where: the evaporator coil connects to the air handler, the supply plenum connects to the evaporator coil, the return plenum connects to the air handler, and the air ducts connect to the plenum. Supply and return plenums are rectangular metal boxes where the ducts connect to the air handler. Joints and ducts that leak air can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of your system and increase operating costs.

Connect flexible air ducts to the plenums using both foil tape and plastic straps. Improperly secured flexible air ducts may leak and may work loose from the plenum.

Do not bend a flexible air duct so that it reduces the diameter of the duct. An air duct is like a garden hose. If you kink a garden hose, the water flow is reduced. If you kink a flexible air duct, the air flow is reduced. Reduced air flow can cause the system to work longer to heat and cool your home. Reduced air flow can also cause comfort problems in rooms. Improperly installed flexible ducts are a common problem.

Install an overflow pan or condensate cutoff switch under air handlers with evaporator coils located in attics and anywhere else inside the home where leaking water could cause damage. Extend a ¾ inch diameter pipe from this pan to a visible location outdoors. If you see water coming from this overflow pipe, there is a problem. Call a qualified contractor to locate the problem.

Install a 3/4 inch diameter drain pipe from the evaporator coil to the outside or to a plumbing drain. Slope the pipe down toward the discharge point over its entire run. Insulate this pipe if you live in a warm and humid climate. Water that flows in this pipe is cold and can cause condensation on the pipe's exterior. This condensation can damage materials and provide moisture for mold.

Replace the circuit breakers for the condenser and air handler if the recommended circuit breaker rating for the new equipment is different from that of the old equipment. It is common that new equipment is more energy efficient than the old equipment and needs less power to operate. More energy efficient equipment usually needs a circuit breaker with a smaller rating.

Confirm that the air ducts are the proper size to work with the new system if you are adding air conditioning to a home without air conditioning or if you are changing from one type of system to another. For example, air ducts sized for an old oil-fired furnace may not be properly sized for a high efficiency gas-fired furnace. Improper air duct sizes may affect system energy efficiency and may cause comfort problems.

A new furnace or heat pump can provide many years of safe and energy efficient service when properly installed. By using these tips you can ensure proper installation of your new system.

How To Maintain An Oil Burning Furnace

Oil burning furnaces need maintenance, more than gas or propane burning furnaces need. My own experience says you can go as long as 3 years without servicing it, but that is not advisable because sometimes the failure that results is severe (electrode insulator cracks, and you get the Bessemer Process on the electrode mount, which is to say, it melts). You are far better off cleaning them annually.

Cleaning and servicing them is no big deal, but it is messy since that soot is tarry and stinky.

Turn off power to the system. Remove the oil burner assembly, which will also have the electrodes on it. How you remove this assembly is very dependent on the particular unit; follow the oil line out of the pump to where it goes into the furnace housing and that will give you a good clue. Often (usually) you have to either remove or hinge back the high voltage transformer to get at this assembly.

When you have the burner out, remove the nozzle and replace it. Make sure you replace it with a nozzle with the same spray pattern, though you can vary the gallons per hour (GPH) rating to rate the furnace up or down in capacity.

Spray patterns are described as either solid, semisolid, or hollow - which refers to the distribution of oil in the spray cone, and have a specific angle which defines the angle of the cone of oil that is shot into the furnace. Solid is the most common pattern in my experience and 85 degrees is the most common angle that I have seen.

Wipe the whole assembly down to get the oil and soot off of it. You will need to position and gap the electrodes, but first do a visual inspection of them. If there are visible cracks in the insulators, replace them. If the ends are eroded and pitted, replace them. If in doubt, replace them.

There is a special tool you need to position and gap the electrodes; do not try to do this without that tool. It only costs about $4 at a supply house; I repeat DO NOT TRY TO DO IT WITHOUT THE TOOL!!!! You can have a fire, and in the worst possible case, an explosion that wrecks the furnace if you gap them badly enough. Make sure you gap and position the electrodes to conform to the particular spray pattern of the nozzle.

When you have done all this, take a rag and wipe down the air passages leading into the furnace. Wipe off the squirrel cage on the combustion blower. Wipe off the oil pump, the transformer, and the electrodes on the transformer. Also look for an optical flame sensor (some units have them) and wipe it clean.

Reassemble the furnace and fire it off. The flame should start instantly and quietly - no WHOOMP, no delays followed by a WHOOMP. If it is adjusted right, it will just start, immediately and quietly.

You then need to adjust the air to the flame. Open the inspection port so you can see the flame. Turn down the air until the flame becomes dull yellow and smoky, then increase the air until the smoke just vanishes and the flame "flower" is bright yellow. If the flame "flower" becomes too lean, it will be very bright and tinged with blue. At this point, you are sending too much air in and sending too much heat up the flue. When the inspection port is closed, if the flame roars and the furnace kind of "shudders" a bit, back off the air until that stops, then look again in the inspection port to make sure the flame is not smoky.

When all this is done, allow the furnace to reach operating temperature, then adjust the flue damper. The flue damper should swing freely and not catch, either open or close. If you cannot achieve this, replace it. When you have achieved this, adjust the damper so that it is swinging about half open when the furnace is running and at temp. When the furnace stops and the flue cools, the damper should swing shut on its own.

Beyond this, oil the pump motor, oil the blower motor, change the filters, tighten the belts, replace the oil filter, and you are done. You could also test pump pressure but that does not change unless either tampered with or if the pump is failing; I almost always ignore it.

Although this sounds like a lot, when you get good at it you will do it end to end in 1/2 hour. You will also stink of fuel oil when you are done, so wear old clothes.

Oh yes. Must not forget. You WILL spill a certain small amount of fuel oil over the course of this; have some kitty litter (oil dry) available.

Goodman Gas Furnace - Discover the Advantages to Buying One

Not sure if you are looking at the right brand of gas furnace to purchase? Then you are wise to search online first about information about different brands such as Goodman. Buying a gas furnace is not cheap, and neither is having it repaired and replaced. So you have to make sure that you know all the specs and how you can benefit from it before making the purchase.

So what's so good about the Goodman gas furnace? First off, based on my experience and from other people's, it has a high furnace efficiency, which basically determines how much you are going to save from your monthly electricity bills because of furnace's fuel efficiency. The models from Goodman have a furnace efficiency that ranges from 80%- 95% which is better than the standard. With furnace efficiency like these, you can begin to feel the drastic decrease in your electricity bills within the first few months, and it should continue to decline in the long run.

Another great advantage about a choosing Goodman are the warranties it has not only for the overall machine, but for the individual parts. For instance, there is a different warranty for the compressor, a different one for when you need some of the parts replaced, and a lot more. This way you can rest assured that your gas furnace will be able to work properly for a number of years to come, and should a specific part break down unexpectedly, it will be covered by its warranty and you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to have the whole machine repaired just because of that one part.

Considering a Forced Air Furnace and Insulation Awareness

When it comes to purchasing a unit to generate heat in your home, you have many choices. There are a lot of different types of heating and furnace technologies available and figuring out just what works best for your particular situation is often the biggest challenge a home owner faces. Luckily, the world is blessed with the internet, the biggest collection of data sources ever conceived. You can pull up a hundred sites on every type imaginable and even see how they work internally. One of the popular choices in many homes is the forced air furnace.

The forced air furnace is a very efficient unit that once installed is pretty easy to maintain. For most people it's get it installed and forget about it (until or unless it breaks that is). Forced air essentially means the air is blown into the home either before or after it's heated. This is a great way to heat your home fast and it works in all weather. It is important that, before installing or upgrading your heating furnace, you check to make sure you have adequate insulation installed in the home. Insulation can be found in the walls (preferably as well) and in the attic. Insulation is what is going to hold all that heat in thus making it possible to turn your heater on and not having to maintain it on to keep the temperature. It does no good to have a great furnace that works well, only to have your heat escape to the outside. Your electric bills as well as your gas bills (depending on which type of furnace/unit your using), will be lower if you can turn it on (or have it come on only when the house reaches a certain threshold temperature) and not have to keep it coming on all the time to "reheat" your home.

Forced air furnace units do generate heat very efficiently and quickly, but they are electrical and use a lot of electricity despite how well built it is, so the trick to saving money is trapping the temperatures inside the home (and blocking outside temperatures from coming in). There are several types of forced air units available, and it only takes a few moments and a Google search to bring all the information you will need to your computer screen. Many great sites, both sites that sell the units and sites that sell nothing but are just built for informative purposes, are available. You can cross reference searches about your home size and needs and the different types of units available. If you take the time to learn all you can you will end up with what you need.

Fat Burning Furnace - How to Follow the Program Without Special Gym Equipment

The Fat Burning Furnace is a program that contains specific details about how to increase the metabolism and promote weight loss. The diet is structured around consuming actual food, not meal replacements or supplements. Calorie shifting is the primary technique used with this diet along with quick and powerful workouts to force the body to burn stored fat cells.

One of the cons about this program is that a complete home gym or access to a gym is required for most of the workouts. This article has a few exercises that can be performed from the comfort of your house using everyday household items.

These exercises are perfect for newbies and more seasoned exercisers looking to boost fat loss and maximize results. For the best results, try to reduce the rest time between sets.

1. Shoulder Press

From a seated or standing position, grab a weight such as a vegetable can in each hand, just above your shoulders.
Push them overhead slowly, then return to starting position.

2. Wall Push-Up

Stand looking towards a wall with your feet one or two feet apart.
Place your hands on the wall, as wide apart as your shoulders.
Bend your elbows and slowly lower your body towards the wall, then push back up to the starting position.
Remember that keeping your body aligned during each rep will give the best results.

3. Biceps Curl

Stand with your knees bent just a little, arms to your side, holding an object in each hand.
With your arms at your side, lift your arms bending at the elbows until the weight touches the upper part of your arm.
Make sure to squeeze your bicep when you reach the top.
Change arms or do together.

4. Bench Dips

Sit on front edge of a chair.
Place hands on the edge of the chair beside buttocks.
Start with feet flat on floor, two feet from chair, knees bent.
Lift bottom until hands support you.
Bend arms, dipping body down. Go down as far as possible without becoming uncomfortable and hold it for a moment.
Push back to starting position, squeezing triceps.
To reduce the chance of injury to your shoulder, keep your back close to the edge of the chair.

5. Standing Row

Hold a weight in both hands, hanging against your thighs.
Keep weights about a foot apart, thumbs facing in.
Pull weights straight up, elbows up and out and close to your body, until almost even with your chin.
Slowly return to starting position.

6. Standing Squat

Place your feet shoulder width apart.
Keeping torso upright , back slightly arched, bend knees.
Go down as far as you can, but do not bend knees beyond a 90-degree angle to the floor.
Using thigh muscles, straighten to starting position. Use chair back only for balance, not to pull up.
When you can perform squats with thighs parallel to the floor not using the chair back, add weight.
To add weight, use a pair of matching containers, like two full milk cartons. {Make sure containers are balanced in size and weight. Hold containers at sides, arms parallel to body, during squat.

How Much Can You Lose With Fat Burning Furnace

I recently got a question from a woman (I can't disclose her name) who asked me whether it is possible to lose 100 pounds with the Fat Burning Furnace program by Rob Poulos.

If you don't know what Fat Burning Furnace is, then you should because it's become a highly popular and effective diet and fitness program.

At first, this question surprised me a bit because you can basically lose any number of pounds with a good diet and fitness program. The reason is that there is no time limit to how long you can use Fat Burning Furnace. You can keep using the guidlines Rob Poulos teaches for as long as it takes to lose all the weight that you want. This isn't a low calorie diet plan or a detox diet which can only be followed for a short time. This is a lifestyle program which can be done for years.

So, you can use this program no matter how much you have to lose. The only requirement is the physical ability to exercise as the fitness part of this program is important to follow.

Let's talk about how long it will take to lose 100 pounds. This will not happen in a day, a week, or even a month. It will take 6 months at least. Probably more. I'd say that it can be done in less than a year. You should know that you will also build muscle mass so it's not all about the number of pounds that you weigh but how they look on your body.

Now a year may look like a long time, but you should see results very quickly. This is a gradual process so remarkable improvement will take much less time. So, while you do need patience, you can expect to see results fairly quickly as long as you're willing to put in the work and follow the Fat Burning Furnace program (FBF for short) as close as you can.

A Fat Burning Plan to Look Great

Doing a fat burning workout is what you need to get slim and look great. The workout program you use to lose the fat is very important. When putting together an exercise program or utilizing another person's program it is very important to find one that fits your needs. There are many things needed in the program to help you burn fat. Some of the things that are needed in a workout include aerobic exercises, weight lifting and proper eating plan.

Aerobic workouts are essential to burn fat. The type of aerobic exercise does not matter it is the intensity and frequency that is key. You want to only do 2 types of aerobic exercises a week any more will hamper your weight lifting program which is used to add muscle mass.

Weight lifting needs to be done in order to add the lean muscle mass. Lean muscle is the calorie and fat burning part of your body. The more lean muscle you add the more calories and fat your body can burn. You will need to have the proper food program to make this fat burning workout work.

The food you eat plays a big part in fat loss. You will not be able to get rid of the fat on the body if your diet is terrible. The key to a food program is to do everything in moderation. You can eat some of the foods that you love but may be unhealthy. The thing to remember is to moderate how much you eat.

You will want to find a program or system that touches all three fat burning factors listed above. The program needs to fit your needs and should have details on workouts to do. Get out there today and get started on burning fat, gaining muscle and looking great.

Furnace Humidifiers - What Are the Benefits

One of the most common health issues that plague our society is dehydration. Most of the tissue in the body is composed of water. If it loses the water, the tissue dries up. It's elasticity goes, and with it function declines. Besides dry skin, the symptoms of dehydration include chronic joint and muscle pain, raspy throat, sore eyes and lack of mental concentration.

There are two ways to combat dehydration, and both are essential; drink a lot of water, and maintain the relative humidity in the home and office at comfortable levels with the use of a furnace humidifier.

How does humidity AFFECT our health?

Conditioning the amount of moisture in the air with a furnace humidifier is necessary for your family's health. Dry air in your home can make your throat feel dry, and cause or aggravate respiratory ailments.

Inadequate humidification during cold weather is one of the major causes of respiratory infections. The heating seasons causes people to begin having repeated attacks of winter colds. Winter is blamed for these problems, but the actual cause is dryness, which develops in the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Relative humidity also has a significant effect on controlling the occurrence of airborne infections.

The one thing we can do about alleviating some of the discomfort of colds, dry noses and dehydrated skin is to install a humdifier in the home, where we spend most of our time. Actually, for many, dry air is an air-quality issue. Dry air promotes the growth of some bacteria, viruses and respiratory irritants that in sensitive individuals cause conditions worse than dry skin. Adequate moisture enables the body's immune system to defend better against indoor respiratory pollutants and irritants.

How will a furnace humidifier affect your comfort?

Humidity in the home will affect your comfort. Since the air in your home is always trying to reach its saturation point, it will absorb water wherever it's found, that means it is stealing moisture from the bodies of you and your children, your pets, your furniture and even your house plants. By giving up moisture to the air, your skin, throat and nasal passages dry out and crack leading to various physical discomfort. That's why many doctors recommend furnace humidifiers for allergy and asthma sufferers.

How does humidity AFFECT my house?

Virtually everything in your home made from wood contains some moisture. As dry air sucks that moisture out, the wood shrinks and cracks. Hardwood floors separate at the seams, furniture shrinks and cracks, and doors warp and no longer fit their frames as the moisture is drawn off.

Also, perhaps the most annoying effect of dry indoor air is static shock. How many times have you shuffled across the carpet, only to be rudely surprised by the crackle of static as you reach for the light switch! It's no fun when it happens to you, and even less so when you reach out and "zap" a loved one. With the capacity to hold a static charge up to 20,000 volts, your body can also wreak havoc on home computers and other sensitive electronic devices. By maintaining indoor relative humidity at 35 percent or higher with the use of a humidifier, static shocks are greatly reduced.

Are there any other BENEFITS to installimg a furnace humidifier in the home?

Yes! Proper relative humidity helps you save energy costs. Warm, humid summer air feels hotter than it actually is because of the moisture it contains. That same principle applies to your home in the winter. By keeping the relative humidity inside your home at an ideal level, you can turn your thermostat down a few degrees and still feel comfortable. Dialing down your thermostat just three degrees can reduce your heating bill by as much as 5%.

Give Your Furnace an Assist This Winter

The cold months of winter can keep homes feeling drafty. In an attempt to stay warm, many people raise the temperature on their thermostat, providing more heat to the house, but increasing their energy bill. Is there another way to stay warm without breaking a budget? There are several techniques that can be practiced at home to keep it toasty during the winter while still saving money.

Most people heat their homes through central air, which circulates throughout the house. The heated air is supplied through various sources, such as heat pumps or gas furnaces. These heating systems will heat an entire house whether the rooms are being used or not. For a family that uses one or two rooms during the day, a space heater, ceramic heater, or electric fireplace can serve as an option to provide warmth.

A space heater is a unit that is portable and is used to heat a small area. Heat is provided by warming an element that radiates heat, keeping the space around the unit comfortable. Space heaters are ideal for situations where only one to two rooms of a house are being used. A ceramic heater works in a similar fashion, although the central heating element is ceramic, making them safer than space heaters.

Both types of heating systems generate similar amounts of heat. An alternative to a portable space heater or ceramic heater is an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces are stationed in a particular area of a room, generally on the wall where they resemble an actual fireplace in appearance. They also generate heat, keeping the room warm and comfortable.

Portable heaters have evolved in recent years. They are safer than ever and come with several security mechanisms, such as automatically turning off if tipped over. They should still be recognized as a source of heat though, and treated carefully. Items such as clothing or curtains should be kept away from these heaters, and they should also be turned off when not in use.

Space heaters and electric fireplaces are useful ways to save money on a heating bill. Instead of turning up the heat in a house for rooms of the home that are not being used, these small heaters will provide warmth to the immediate area. They are inexpensive to purchase and the amount of electricity for operation is much less than that of central heating for the house, and they may be turned off when not in use. Homeowners may even opt to turn down their central thermostat and use a space heater or electric fireplace instead.

The result will be lower energy bills due to less central heating and use of smaller amounts of energy from the portable heaters. Saving money during cold winter months is still possible with some basic energy saving ideas. Keeping the house at a lower temperature and using space heaters or electric fireplaces to warm an area will save money on heating costs. The warmth of a space heater also provides a snug and comfortable atmosphere that will keep off winter's chill.

Fat Burning Furnace - How This Online Program Works

Millions of people suffer from being overweight, yet there is no easy solution for how to lose the weight and keep it off. There are numerous weight loss programs, diet fads and exercise routines available, but it is hard to know which is best for you. Not only are there many programs to choose from, but they require a lot of time and dedication, aside from being costly.

What the Fat Burning Furnace program offers is an easy and reliable way to lose weight, without the use of dieting, expensive exercise equipment or diet pills. Fat Burning Furnace was developed by a couple who struggled with their weight on a regular basis. After doing some extensive research on diets and exercise, the couple found that these elements did not help dieters to lose weight. Instead, dieters would actually fail at their diets because they were being mislead with improper information.

This is why the couple went ahead to develop and found the Fat Burning Furnace, based on what they found did work. The couple is now the program's strongest advocates, and their weight loss successes are what their loyal followers take as indications that the program must really work. And it does -- many of the Fat Burning Furnace's followers have managed to bring their weight to their desired levels, and they did so without having to make any significant changes to their lifestyle.

The program eschews any crash diets and overly strenuous exercise. If you want to try the Fat Burning Furnace out, you'll be pleased to know that all you need is the discipline to make slight changes in your diet throughout the day. The program will recommend foods that are nutritious and filling, even at small servings. This is to isolate the bad fats from the good fats, making sure you only take in the good stuff. This isolation is something that most diets fail to do, which ultimately leads to failure and disappointment.

Of course, some exercise is always good, even when you're not overweight. The Fat Burning Furnace program doesn't involve stressful physical exercise -- only enough to get you moving a few times during the week. The program's followers love the idea that the light exercises can mesh very easily with their daily schedules.

In the end, you'll also be pleased to know that aside from steadily bringing your weight down, you'll also enjoy a healthier immune system, toned ab muscles, and more energy throughout the day.

Take Heating Precautions Now For the Upcoming Cold Season

Heating costs are on the rise and show no sign of decreasing. It is becoming more and more expensive to provide heat in your home during the months in which you need it the most. Many people fear the coming cold season because of the uncertainty of whether they will be able to afford keep their house warm. Those who heat with oil and natural gas know that the costs of resources seem to increase every year. Electricity rates are also sky-high and constantly climbing. Many people turn to alternative methods of heating during the colder season in an effort to combat the high cost of heating fuel, but there are some important things to consider before taking a potentially hazardous measure.

If you use kerosene burners or heaters to keep your certain areas of your home warm, you need to be aware of the dangers they can cause and the great risk of fire you may face if they are used improperly. Space heaters can be a great addition to your home's heating system, but you must take proper precautions to ensure your safety. Not only do you face the risk of fire, but also potential carbon monoxide poisoning and burns to the skin if you come in contact with a working unit.

Other ways to cut down on your heating costs is by making the initial investment in your home's insulation. While weatherproofing and insulating your home may seem like an expensive project, the savings you will experience on your home heating bills will quickly surpass the expense of making sure your house is shielded from the cold. Check for drafts at windows and doors and make sure that you block the cold air from coming in and the warm air from escaping. You can use towels around the cracks in windows and doors to help keep the cold air out of your house.

You will also want to be sure that you have proper insulation around your water pipes. By doing this, your water pipes will be able to retain hot water without using excess energy. Also, it prevents freezing and bursting, causing very expensive damage to the area surrounding the pipe and a gigantic pain to clean up. Properly insulating your pipes can save you up to 25% on your utility bills - a savings that you'll notice immediately.

Be sure to have your furnace inspected by your heating and cooling company at least once per year, usually during the fall before the cold weather sets in. A professional can make sure your furnace is free of dirt and grime and will maximize the output of your system while making sure it is running at its highest energy efficiency. Without cleaning or inspecting your system, you risk it running extra hard in order to maintain a certain temperature. The harder it runs, the more energy it burns, and the more money it ends up costing you in the end. The cost of keeping your furnace maintained is well worth the initial investment rather than the extra cost you'll have on your utility bills.

Choosing the Right Furnace Filters Can Save You Money

If you own a furnace then furnace filters should be something that you are familiar with. What you may not know is that the type of filters you choose for your furnace can save you money. One of the most popular choices for filters today are the disposable fiberglass type. This is due to the fact that they are easy to maintain since all you have to do each month is remove them, throw them out and replace them with brand new filters. While this process may be simple, it is also costly in the long term. Compare this to buying disposable plates to eat from. They are convenient as well but costly over time. If you want to save money then you need washable furnace filters.

Otherwise known as reusable furnace filters, washable filters can be reused many times before they ever have to be replaced. You simply remove them from the furnace each month, wash them off and dry them and return the filter to your furnace. As long as the filter is in good condition and not turn or otherwise damaged, it can be reused for a lengthy period of time. Not only do you save money by not having to constantly buy disposable filters, you also save money insomuch that washable furnace filters are much better built and do a better job protecting your furnace from particles and dust in the air.

In turn, this means that the furnace can run more efficiently, saving you money on your monthly utility bill. Furthermore, since reusable filters do a better job at protecting your furnace, you will avoid costly repairs and furnace part replacement that can result from the use of a poor quality filters in your furnace. In the worst case scenario, poor filters can cause such damage over time that they will ultimately shorten the life of your furnace and you will have to buy a new furnace sooner then you would have otherwise had to if you had used better quality filters.

Save Big Bucks by Maintaining Your Forced Air Furnace

Just like any other appliance, your forced air furnace requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently and problem-free. Taking steps as simple as replacing a dirty filter can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.

With the cold weather approaching, spend a few minutes going through this check list for seasonal maintenance of your forced air furnace.

1. Set your thermostat at a comfortable level during your family's wake hours and leave it there rather than adjusting it up and down.

2. Invest in a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when everyone is asleep or away from home. If you have a heat pump in conjunction with your furnace, it is not advisable to continually adjust the temperature, but leave it at one constant setting.

3. During active use, check your filter monthly. Permanent filters need to be cleaned, and disposable filters replaced. It is advisable to set up a regular service schedule with a local professional to check your furnace at the beginning of the season and to explain how you can access your filter for regular inspection. They will give your furnace a seasonal cleaning, examine all the working parts, and make any necessary repairs.

4. Check all your heat supply registers to ensure they are open and unobstructed by furniture or other objects.

If you're a handy kind of person, you may want to venture further and perform some of this basic maintenance yourself:

1. TURN OFF THE POWER TO YOUR FURNACE!

2. There should be a door or panel to the blower unit - some models label it "Filter". Lift it off its hooks or unscrew it.

3. Slide out the filter and decide whether it needs to be cleaned. For disposable filters, take note of the model and size. Permanent filters should have instructions for cleaning. Remember, a clean filter can mean the difference between dollars spent on wasted fuel costs and possible repairs to your unit.

4. When replacing the filter, ensure it slides back evenly on the track and the arrow is facing the correct direction for proper airflow.

5. While the furnace door is open, take this time to vacuum the area and wiping off the fan blades.

6. Inspect the motor and pulleys for worn belts and replace any if necessary.

A well-maintained furnace should provide you with years of worry-free, energy efficient heating for your household.

A Wood Burning Furnace is a Viable Heating Alternative

Have you considered heating your home or cottage with a wood burning furnace? It is not a traditional method of heating a home but it can reduce your energy costs as opposed to heating with oil or gas. It is certainly a viable alternative in this day and age of high energy costs.

Using a wood burning furnace to heat your home allows you to use a renewable resource. It is also environmentally friendly to use these devices for heating.

When choosing a particular type of wood burning furnace, you have three different types from which to choose. You can find a stand-alone style along with a combination wood and electric furnace. Another style is the add-on type.

Another option for heating your home is the outdoor wood burning furnace. Most of the models available will heat an entire house along with heating the water as well. Not all the models are capable of doing this however. Determine what your needs are before making your purchase.

Once you have a wood burning furnace installed, you need to have a full winter's supply of firewood on hand. This can be costly if you plan to buy the wood. Other options include gathering your own wood. If you have a wood lot on your property, you can cut down any dead trees. If there was a storm during the summer that knocked down a tree, cut the wood up for your own use.

Scrap wood from lumberyards is also a good place to look for free wood. As you can see, you do not need to spend any money on wood if you are resourceful. Do not cut down any live trees, as this is not an environmentally friendly choice to make.

Any outlet that sells wood burning furnaces should be able to match you up with a unit that meets your needs. The unit you choose can add value to your home, so choose wisely.

Many heating and cooling supply stores will carry different models of the wood burning furnace. The big box do it yourself stores may also carry a supply. In addition, you can find many online stores that carry a large supply of these units.

Compare the prices of the units and compare the cost of installation before making your purchase. As you can see, there are a number of factors involved when it comes to finding the right wood burning furnace for your home or cottage.

Welcome Winter by Eliminating Excess Furnace Noise

The arrival of colder temperatures is evident everywhere you look-sweaters and scarves have replaced shorts and sandals, the colorful leaves of autumn are long gone from the trees, and breezy open windows have given way to the familiar roar of the home furnace. But for some, starting up the furnace on that first chilly night of the winter season brings a grim reminder of a problem that has been pleasantly absent over the past few months: a disturbingly loud furnace.

Furnace noise originates from several sources. A loud furnace motor can be a major nuisance, and is the sound source targeted in most furnace soundproofing projects. Airflow through ducts can also be a source of unwanted noise, particularly when components are old or otherwise in poor condition. Even with a furnace situated in a basement or remote mechanical room, unwanted noise can travel easily through walls, ceiling and openings and carry throughout the home.

Furnace rooms are usually surrounded at least partly by a system of ducts and pipes within the walls and ceiling of the room. At the inception of any furnace sound reduction endeavor, it is important to realize that the presence of such openings makes it impossible to completely eliminate the transmission of furnace noise into other parts of the home. Therefore, the goal in controlling furnace noise is to minimize unwanted sound transmission by isolating the furnace room from the rest of the home as much as possible. If your furnace is particularly loud, it may be a good idea to rule out any mechanical defects before implementing a sound reduction treatment. Performing preventative maintenance, if needed, is better than an emergency repair on a frigid day.

Fortunately, combating noise from a furnace can be accomplished inexpensively and with minimal effort. Controlling furnace noise involves containing noise within the furnace room, a task that can be approached in a couple of ways. One option for blocking the transmission of furnace noise is lining all wall surfaces with a heavyweight soundproofing membrane such as dB-Bloc, and establishing a disconnected surface by adding a layer of drywall onto a set of horizontal furring strips that have been attached atop the vinyl membrane. The added density coupled with the disconnected wall surface serves to collapse a majority of sound waves before they have the chance to enter adjoining rooms. An even simpler and more popular solution is to line walls with sound control blankets, which can be custom cut by a soundproofing supplier to match the dimensions needed for optimal sound control in your furnace room. Such blankets are a simple and cost effective solution, and can even be customized with openings to fit snugly around pipes and ductwork to optimize results. Such sound control blankets may also be affixed to a ceiling for added noise control.

An important aspect of sound reduction treatments aimed at decreasing unwanted furnace noise is ensuring that adequate protection is afforded for the application. An experienced soundproofing consultant and supplier can provide recommendations as to what treatments would be most effective based on the individual characteristics of your project.