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Posts Tagged ‘heating’

Efficient Central Heating Solutions for Your Home

November 20th, 2009 No comments

With the winter season quickly approaching, central heating for your home becomes a priority. In order to keep your home warm, all components of your central heating system must be in proper working order. However, there are some typical faults with the system that tend to happen at the worst possible time. One such common problem is frost damage, which can damage and sometimes destroy boilers and pipes.

In previous years, the central heating system was designed with the frost thermostat located near the boiler. Its job was to start the boiler when the air temperature dropped and stop the boiler when the air temperature reached an acceptable level. If the thermostat detected excessive heat escaping from the boiler or surrounding pipes it quickly turned off the system, in order to conserve energy and prevent excessive heating of the home.

Modern central heating design has solved the problem of heat escape through improved insulation but in doing so, created another problem. The boiler and pipes are now much more insulated, in an attempt to conserve energy. Unfortunately, the frost thermostat is no longer capable of accurately determining the temperature. As a result, wasteful overheating can easily occur.

Installing a pipe thermostat can solve this problem. A pipe thermostat is typically placed on the outside of the boiler return pipe, measuring the temperature of the pipe (assuming copper pipes are good heat conductive materials). Its purpose is to turn off the boiler before overheating occurs. There are several new products that contain both a frost thermostat and low limit pipe thermostat, providing standard room temperature setting capabilities along with frost protection capabilities.

The new thermostats are easy to install and set up. Complete installation and wiring guidelines are all contained in one box making it simple for the installer. The frost thermostat is set to a typical temperature of 5C and the pipe thermostat is put to a typical temperature of 25C. Extra frost thermostats can also be installed to provide complete defence, if the pipes are exposed further around the property (e.g. in a shed, in a garage etc.).

If the pipe thermostat fails to meet your needs, there are other solutions. A fully programmable room thermostat is one option. These devices can be installed in a number of locations throughout your home, usually in a living room or bedroom. Their job is to measure and monitor the temperature of the room. The thermostat can be set to change the room temperature several times a day, depending on the homeowner’s needs. There are several kits that operate by means of radio signal, from the thermostat to the boiler. These Radio Frequency (RF) thermostats require no wiring, which makes them very easy to install.

However, it is important to note that a thermostat is not the only way to heat your home in the most effective way. Adjusting the zones where heat is distributed can be a big energy saver. Focus heat where most time is spent and allow rooms that are not frequently used to remain cooler. This simple change will impact the efficiency of your central heating system greatly and help you reduce your heating bills.

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boiler, central heating, plumber Coventry, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.

Spray On Foam Insulation, When Is It Used And Why?

November 17th, 2009 No comments

Many have heard about spray on foam insulation but only a few knows t the specifics. I will explain what it is and how it works. There are different costs and benefits for this product, which is especially effective to use when installing attic installation.

Spray on foam insulation is ecological safe insulation spray foam containing either polyurethane or urethane combined with a foaming agent. It comes out in liquid form and expands to fill cracks. Because it does not contain formaldehyde or other harmful chemicals it is thought to be environmental friendly.

Once it is installed in your home you will have noise reduction, better quality of air. You will see a decrease on condensation which will also decrease the chance for harmful molds. Your utility bills will lower. Your home will be sturdier and less likely to flood. Installing attic insulation will stop heat from escaping.

It has many uses for instance; installing attic installation, ceilings, floors, walls and roofs. Restaurants use them in their walk-ins’ and freezers. Sailors use them on boats and boat docks. Some have even strengthened plane wings with the spray on foam insulation.

Spray of foam insulation comes in user friendly bottles which allow contractors to get to tight areas that you couldn’t get to with the fiberglass insulation. SPF’s durability can be used in most any temperature climate successfully. This makes it ideal when installing attic insulation.

How is spray on foam insulation applied? It is sprayed into the area and left to dry, generally a few min. Once dry the contractor would then cut off the excess and apply a thermal barrier.

The cost is $1.25 to $2.25 a square foot, depends on wall thickness and type of insulation used. Although cost may seem a bit high you should consider other variables; since it produces an air tight seal there is no need to winterize. Second Spray on foam insulation can be applied over top the old material, so you do not need to spend time and money tearing out the old. Thirdly the difference in utility bills will show a dramatic savings. Lastly you will be surprised how much heat you save after installing attic insulation.

Spray on foam insulation is a liquid foam insulation that has many uses. These range from installing attic insulation to walk- in coolers. Seaman and pilots also use this product. SPF is easy to use and is useful in all types of climates. When installed, you will see changes in noise reduction, condensation, and utility bill. Spray on foam insulation may cost a little more, but the improvement is worth it.

More interesting stuff on expanding foam insulation and similar subjects is available at AtticInsulationGuide.com – click a link and you will be in the right place for all attic conversion queries and related matters. Click on a link now !