Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems
Leave a CommentThe application of geothermal heating/cooling, also known as ground source heat pumps, has been named “the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems”, by the Environmental Protection Agency. Read more…
6 Ways to shrink your heating bill
CNNMoney reports on ways to save on your heating bill
- Clean your furnace filter
- Get a programmable thermostat
- Take advantage of the sun
- Turn down the hot water
- Insulate and seal
- Upgrade your windows
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless hot water heaters are expensive. Consumer Reports studies them to see if they are worth the money.
Test your Internet speed
Is it you or your Internet connection? When I am in a hurry, my computer seems to slow down. I don’t know if it is impatience or if everyone in the world gets busy at the same time. Next time you think your computer Internet connection has slowed down…test here.
Handing over control on your climate control
Would you give up control of your thermostat in exchange for cash? A couple of companies focused on “clean technology” are finding out that for some people, the answer is yes. Read more…
Spray on glass
In the future, adding a protective coat of silicon dioxide “liquid glass” to just about anything could be as simple as merely spraying it on. Read more…
Carbon Monoxide Detector Review
If you have gas or propane heat, you should also have a carbon monoxide detector. Read more…
Short cuts can be dangerous
Are you having trouble heating your home? Taking a short cut may be dangerous.
While fireplaces and space heaters help keep home heating costs down, the recent jump in fire claims caused by these devices highlight how costly they can be if installed incorrectly or not used properly,” said Bill Windsor, safety officer for the insurance company. There has been a 16 percent increase in the number of fire claims filed with the company that involve wood-burning fireplaces.
DEP offers money saving advice
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is offering homeowners advice on how to save energy (and money). Here’s their short list:
- Turn down your thermostat
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Turn down your hot water heater
- Open your drapes on sunny days
- Clean your vents and make sure they are not obstructed
- Insulate and seal your duct work
What should you do when you smell natural gas?
If you have natural gas heating, you may have concerns and questions. Do you know what to do if you smell gas?
Natural gas in its pure form is colorless and odorless. A chemical, called mercaptan, is added to give natural gas a distinctive odor – similar to that of rotten eggs – so you can smell a leak immediately and take action. A faint odor of gas may mean that a pilot light has gone out and should be re-lit. Typically you will smell this odor long before the situation becomes dangerous; however, you should take precautions if you have any concerns. A strong odor means you should leave your home at once taking the following steps:
- DO NOT use a telephone.
- DO NOT switch a light on or off.
- DO NOT light a match or use a flashlight.
Go to a neighbor’s house or a safe distance away where there is no natural gas odor and call your natural gas provider.
