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.

How Clean is Your Air?

Ah....Taking a deep breath of fresh, clean-smelling air is great. And, the cleaner the air is, the better for all. And while most of us recognize that oftentimes the outside air contains pollutants from factories and plants, we may overlook the air in our homes. But whether you live in a home that was just built or a home that has been around for decades, you will find that having an air purifier system installed will greatly improve how you feel.
There are 4 basic types of air purifiers, each with their own perks and quirks. They range in cost and ease of installation, so don't just go out and buy the first one you see. In addition, it should be noted that there is no exact requirements to grade these systems by. However, some basic considerations are cost, maintenance requirements, power requirements, level and source of pollution, room size, and unit efficiency. Here are brief descriptions of each type of air purifiers, though it is not uncommon for an air cleaner unit to work through combining some of the techniques.
Electronic ionizers: These air cleaners use an electronic process to reverse the charge of the particles in the air. They contain collection plates which work much like magnets that attract the particles in the air, as well as from items in the room like clothing, walls, floors and furniture. In order for the electronic air purifiers to best work, you will need to dust and vacuum the room often. Also, keep in mind that this type of air cleaner does produce a small amount of ozone. One of the best examples of this type of air purifier is the Friedrich C-90B because it also uses a strong fan and a HEPA filter.
HEPA air purifiers: This type of air filter uses pleated High Efficiency Particle Arresting filters that trap the particles. This is accomplished by using a fan to pull the air through the filter. These fans are often noisy, but some models are quieter than others. On the more positive side, HEPA filters are touted as being the most effective and they do not produce any ozone.
UV purifiers: This type of air purifier works by using ultra violet light to neutralize biological contaminants. Many experts agree that UV light is effective in destroying microbes such as bacteria, dust mites and mold spores if given enough exposure time. However, units of this type should be combined with a filter and fan to be most effective.
Ozone generators: There are some units that merely produce ozone and in actuality remove none of the allergens from the air. Large amounts of ozone will neutralize strong odors such as smoke odor, but according to the EPA this is dangerous for human health. This product gets around the EPA by not claiming to be a medical device; in addition, these types of air purifiers have been banned in the state of California by the Air Resources Board.
For more information on heating and air, please visit www.northernairplumbing.com or call 218.927.6828.
Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Northern Air Plumbing. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Give Your Sump Pump a Little TLC

Thunderstorms can be very destructive, as we all know. Wind and heavy rains can do quite a bit of damage to any home and the basement is no exception. The unsung hero keeping your basement flood free and dry is the sump pump. Generally, this workhorse plugs along with very little thought from the homeowner. When it does receive attention it is usually because it has a problem and the basement is flooding! Don't get caught in this situation by giving your pump a little TLC from time to time.
The first thing to consider is a temporary power outage. Unfortunately, a common companion to a severe storm is power failure. This is the worst time to have an outage! Copious amounts of water are raining down and this water needs to stay out of your home. If the power outage is severe, you might be without electricity for days or weeks. Frantically running around looking for a solution while your basement fills with water is no fun. Be prepared ahead of time and have a backup system in place. This might consist of something as straight forward as a generator and having reserve fuel on hand. Or maybe you install a small solar array with batteries so that you can have power on an indefinite basis. This option is particularly appealing with the current tax reduction incentive that the federal government is offering. Spend a little money now and avoid the enormous expense of repairing a flooded basement.
Second, inspect your pump from time to time. Examine the components and look for wear and tear. Pumps do not last forever and replacing one before it fails will put you way ahead.
Third, inspect the basin periodically for debris. Over time debris and small objects can find their way into your sump pump basin. These objects can become lodged in the pump and disrupt the pump's on/off switch. This can lead to pump failure as the pump end up running far more frequently than necessary. Be proactive and remove debris from your sump pump basin periodically. On a related note, don't install a pump in a basin with a dirt or gravel bottom as these can lead to debris problems as well.
Finally, even if nothing is wrong with your pump, you might want to consider replacing it every five years. Although they can last longer than this, replacing it before failure is a cheap insurance policy!
Hopefully, these tips can help you avoid a wet basement. Now, enjoy the next thunderstorm that passes through instead of worrying about your sump pump!
For more information on sump pump repair, sump pumps, or any plumbing needs visit www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com or call 218.927.6828
Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Northern Air Plumbing. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

What to Do If You Smell Natural Gas in Your Home

Someday you might be sitting and quietly reading a book when the pungent odor of rotten eggs assaults your nose. Uh-oh! You have gas leaking from somewhere. Time to do a little investigation.

If the smell of gas is extremely strong and abundant you have a very serious problem and should exit the house immediately and then call 911. A home full of gas could explode. However, as is more common, the smell will be rather subtle and it is perfectly acceptable to attempt to locate the source. Be warned, do not use a lighter, matches or any other fire to find the leak. Doing so can cause the gas to ignite. Yes, people have done this - don't be one of them.

First, check your stove to make sure all of the burners are turned off. It is not uncommon for a knob to be bumped and allow small amounts of gas to escape.

Next, check the pilot light on your water heater. Gas might be escaping from this point as well if it has gone out. Relight the pilot light according to your water heater's instructions.

If the stove and water heater are okay, try to localize the smell by the very sophisticated sniff test. Continually sniff the air in the area and keep moving to the sections where the smell is the strongest. Eventually, you are likely to end up looking at a section of gas line or a gas line joint.

You can test the line by applying liquid dishwashing detergent over the entire section or joint. Wait a couple minutes and look for bubbles. There isn't a leak if bubbles don't form. Try another joint or section until you locate the source of the gas.

Turn off the valve allowing gas to flow into this section of the gas line. If you are comfortable with the task, repair the line yourself. Otherwise, call in the pros.

During this process it is a good idea to open up windows to allow the gas to vent out of the house. Also, don't turn on any appliances or lights as this could cause the gas to ignite. This is a more remote possibility but there is no reason to tempt Fate.

Finally, a bit of trivia. The rotten egg smell is an additive to the gas as a safety measure. Natural gas by itself is odorless. With these simple tips you can quickly diagnose a leak and turn off the gas in order keep your home safe and allow for a proper repair. Happy sniffing!

For more information on services or maintentance of your natural gas heat, please visit Northern Air Plumbing or call 218.927.6828.

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

6 FAQ's About Radiant Heating

If you are considering an alternate heat sources for your home then there are several choices. You may opt for geothermal units, solar heating, tankless water heaters or radiant heat. If you have been thinking about ways to improve your energy usage, then consider these frequently asked questions regarding radiant heating.

1. What is the difference between radiant heating and traditional forced air heaters? Radiant heaters are as much as 40% more efficient as it gently warms the solid surfaces in the room resulting in the air becoming warmer.
2. Will this heating method harm my wooded floors? As long as the building is energy efficient, then under floor heating will not harm the wooden floors. While in years past, radiant heating was not recommended, today's buildings are better built and have the proper insulation to accommodate radiant heating. However, if you have an older home, it would be wise to have professional look at your floors/insulation and determine if radiant heating would be a good idea.
3. Is it possible to combine this method of heating and conventional air conditioning? Yes. However, if this is your choice, it is best to have both systems installed at the same time. Typically, the recommended form of air conditioning is a system that is installed in the attic. It is not recommended that you combine a forced air system with a radiant system (one for heating and one for cooling) as this is not only more expensive, but is not as comfortable in regards to the temperature of the home and the quality of the air. In fact, only 5% of the heat transfer is by convection, ensuring cleaner air than traditional energy sources.
4. Do flooring materials such as carpet, tile or wood have any effect on how well this system works? Ceramic tile, wood and linoleum are great for conducting heat; however, carpet is thicker so it takes more energy to heat through the carpet into the room and often results in heat loss below the house. However, in multiple story homes, carpet is good for the upper stories as the "heat loss" will simply go to the floor below.
5. Can this form of heating have specific zones and how many controls are possible? As a rule of thumb, each floor is its own zone and will have its own control.
6. What type of quality of living features does a radiant heating system offer? Not only is the air cleaner with a radiant heating system, but additional benefits are more even heating throughout the home with no dry heat or hot air drafts to cause shifts in humidity and temperature, the ability to arrange your furniture in any formation you want without regard to where the vents are, the system is quiet so you don't hear it "click" on or off and a radiant heat system will last considerably longer than a forced air system as it is corrosion, impact, crush and pressure resistant.

For additional information on the topic of radiant heating visit Northern Air Plumbing & Heating. Article independently authored by Janet M. 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.

Keep Your HVAC Heating and Cooling System Well Maintained

Even in the Depressed Economy

With the advent of winter and colder temperatures quickly approaching, inevitably many home owners will experience a broken furnace or HVAC system. Without a source of heat to provide warmth it is not only uncomfortable, but down right dangerous. Many older homes will often have more drafts and leaks than a newer home will.
As the economy and home owners continues to remain financially depressed, home owners are constantly on the lookout for the best way to stretch the U.S. dollar. For many home owners retrofitting with new types of insulation or remodeling is not a financially feasible option. Doing nothing, however, is an unwise decision.
The alternative can be a scary scenario. Every year multiple deaths are reported and attributed to freezing temperatures. When an individual succumbs to severe hypothermia, the risk of cardiac arrest is extremely high. Although this is a very sobering thought, it is none the less a real possibility.
The best defense is a good offense. Every home owner and family should be proactive with regards to the home's heating in the winter months. Preventative maintenance is always a necessity, but nowhere is this more important than in regions which experience single digit temperatures, such as Minnesota. Having the furnace or other heating source inspected before extreme colder temperatures arrive is paramount to ensure that the HVAC system is working at an optimum level.
"Before" is the operative word. Left unchecked a furnace or heat pump, which may normally be in passable enough condition to provide protection from mildly cooler temperatures, is severely taxed when the temperature drops near the freezing point. Should the HVAC system fail in the middle of a cold spell it is quite likely that it could be at least a couple of days before it is possible for any service company to arrive. The worst case scenario is to be snowed in when the system fails. By this time it may be too late. Individuals at greatest risk of succumbing to extreme temperatures are the elderly and the young.
Because HVAC systems are not always strictly electrical, but often use re-circulated water as a heating source, many plumbing companies also specialize in heating and cooling. Finding a service company which offers a wide range of services can provide the convenience of a one-stop solution for the home owner. Some of these companies may offer reduced rates per service call when an annual service contract is set up, which can benefit both parties.

For additional information on the topic of heating and plumbing visit Northern Air Plumbing & Heating. Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. 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.