Don't Overspend on Your Heating and Energy Cost!

No matter what time of year it is, when it comes to heating and air one of the most standard complaints is the cost. Sure, we want to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but we would rather not pay exorbitant prices to do so. As a result, we have products like programmable thermostats, extra insulation, radiant heating systems, solar panels and many other energy efficient items installed in our homes in hopes that we can keep energy costs low and comfort levels where we want them.
Unfortunately, despite our efforts it still seems that energy costs are not getting that much lower. This is often because while we are feverishly working at the things we can see or perhaps know to look for, there are a number of steps we have overlooked. So, to bring those common energy spenders to the forefront, be sure to avoid the following:

• Leaving the furnace or air conditioner salesperson talk us into a larger unit than is necessary. In reality, this actually makes the system inefficient and wastes energy.
• Having a gas or electric comfort system that is not as powerful as it should be; this is especially common in older homes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, an all-electric heating system should have an AFUE rating no lower than 78% and no lower than 75% for gas heaters.
• Not having the ducts checked for leakage when having a new heating and cooling system is installed. If there is air seeping out, then it's money you could be saving!
• Thinking that since heat rises, it is not necessary to use insulation in the attic, this includes not fully insulating the floors over a basement or crawlspace, or between walls and windows.
• Not using ceiling and portable fans to improve the comfort levels. These types of fans use very little electricity and help to keep the air circulating. In most regions of the country, you can actually set the thermostat to 85 degrees and still keep the home comfortable. Just by circulating the air in your home you can set the thermostat 5 degree higher than you normally would.
• Not checking the caulking around doors and windows on a regular basis. If there are any cracks, then you are losing cool/warm air.

A few things to do, to lower energy cost are:

• If you have an older refrigerator, consider replacing it with an energy efficient model. Studies show that older models (pre 1983) actually cost 2-3 times more to use than newer models. Also, if you have a refrigerator in the garage, consider either getting rid of it or moving it indoors as its location alone requires it to work harder to keep cool.
• If you have windows on the west and south side of your home, plant deciduous shade trees and plants as they will help keep out heat during the warm months and help retain heat during the cooler ones.
• Replace traditional light bulbs with CFLs.

Learn more about saving on heating and energy or request a free estimate from Northern Air Plumbing & Heating of Aitkin, MN. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Northern Air Plumbing & Heating. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

The Pros & Cons of Having a Tankless Water Heater

If you are interested in alternate heating sources, chances are, you have considered a tankless water heater. After all, like many of the alternative heating solutions, tankless water heaters are touted as a great option. But are they really right for you? If you are still trying to determine what type of alternative energy system is best for your home then consider these pros and cons of a tankless water heater.
Advantages of the Tankless Water Heater:

• You have unlimited hot water. Since the water is heated while passing through the system you don't have to worry about the tank getting emptied. However, flow rate is determined by how much hot water can be produced without letting up.
• Tankless hot water heaters require less space. They can be mounted on a wall or internally in a building's structure.
• There is less risk of water damage. Because water is stored in a tank then you don't have to worry about leaks or ruptures. However, it is imperative that the lines to the tank are properly and correctly secured and mounted so be sure to have a tankless water heater professionally installed.
• You have consistency of the water's pressure and temperature. You will need to talk the installer to ensure that the unit is set according to your needs and preferences, though. Regarding the temperature, like a traditional water heater, the tankless system is inversely proportional to the rate of the water flow- the faster the flow the less time the water spends being heated.
• Tankless water systems are not dependent on the water pressure that is going to the shower, faucet or other location. Unlike an underground system which often has lines that require the water to go against gravity to get to a location, a tankless system is not affected by gravitational challenges so the system does not have to work as hard to "transport" the water thus saving you money.

Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater:

• Hot Water! When you turn on the faucet in a home that has a tankless water heater, be prepared for scalding hot water. You will need to turn the hot water incrementally-especially for bathing or dishwashing.
• The cost of installation is high-especially if it is done after the home is built- and it can take as much as 10 years for the installation cost to be offset by the usage costs. In addition, it can be necessary to change over the valves, voltages, BTU and other aspects of an existing water heating system.
• It can be difficult to get cooler temperature water as there is sometimes a gap between the cold water and hot water system.
• A tankless water system is not always compatible with recirculation systems as the tankless water heaters are inactive when not in use and to be implemented to work with convection based systems will use more energy and defeat the purpose of having a tankless system.

Contact Northern Air Plumbing & Heating to receive a free plumbing & heating estimate.

Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Northern Air Plumbing & Heating. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.