The way that your HVAC system operates is your home is quite fascinating if you've never really taken the time to understand it. Furnaces produce heat through combustion of natural gas within the burner. The heat that is produced is transferred to a heat exchanger, which warms the air as it is forced through your ducts. The cooling process is much the same but uses a coil in the process to cool the air. While this is the general principle, other factors in heating and cooling systems set them apart from one other.

When it comes to furnaces, ensure you check three critical points. Point one is the energy efficiency of the furnace. Energy efficiency is measured by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or its AFUE. If a system is operating at say 80% AFUE this means that for every dollar spent operating the system, 80 cents is going to actual heat generation. 80% AFUE units are pretty standard. Old furnaces used to operate at more like 60% AFUE. There are systems on the market now that can operate at 95% AFUE or higher. Amana has a line that is at 96% as does Bryant Heating And Cooling Systems.

The second point to check is the reliability of the product. You want your system efficient while it is running but you also want it to last. It is helpful also to understand the maintenance schedule of any new furnace you are considering purchasing. And keep in mind the possible repair costs. Rheem is a company that has good reviews for the longevity of their furnaces. Check other company customer reviews to gain further insight into what people are saying who are already experiencing the product you are considering.

The third critical point is air quality. Your HVAC system has the unique ability to directly affect the air quality of your home. Check if a particular brand has a process included in their systems that clean the air as it is forced through. For instance, an installed filter that catches pollutants, dust and other particles. Clean air is not only important for your breathing environment but also for the ongoing operation of your furnace.

If you like to hold outdoor parties or simply like to spend more time outdoors, a patio heater may prove a very handy device for you. Patio heaters come in different styles, sizes and fuel options. So you can choose one keeping your particular requirements in mind. Previously, the steep prices of these heaters mostly kept them out of general use. But due to greater demand, the prices have come down in recent years and these days you can get a decent propane heater for as low as $150.

As for fuel options, these outdoor heaters come in three different types - propane heaters, electric and infrared heaters, and gas heaters. Propane heaters are the most commonly used type since they do not need any extension cords or outlets and can be placed in the exact location the owner wants. For gas heaters, which are fueled by natural gas, and electric heaters, you will however have to have a nearby natural gas or electrical outlet near to the heater stand. Because of this, it is often not possible to install electric or gas heaters in the location you want without installing a new outlet.

Propane patio heaters come in two different styles - the stand alone and the table top models. If it is a small area and the guests will mostly remain seated, the table top heaters are a good option. It is recommended to place the heater at a lower level than the normal seating arrangements. Since the heat will mostly be directed upwards, this will be a more comfortable arrangement. Some of these heaters, however, come with a mushroom top that reflects a part of the heat downwards. The fuel option for these heaters is the disposable propane canisters. A single bottle can last from two to three hours, so if you are planning to spend a longer time outdoors, it is best to go for stand alone heaters.

These heaters are placed on top of a post and can be fueled by disposable bottles or an LPG hose that will be connected to a larger propane tank. These heaters can operate for longer times and the heat is spread over a larger area. You lose the portability option, but you will save more on fuel since disposable propane bottles result in greater fuel costs.

As for the fuel costs, you can save the most on that by using gas heaters. But since they require professional installation and cost significantly more than the propane heaters, people generally shy away from using them. Electric heaters cost less in fuel than propane heaters, too.

So if you are thinking about buying one of these heaters, keep these factors in mind. You can shop for patio heaters online or at local retailers. Be precise about your requirements and finding the right outdoor heater will not be difficult.

Needless to say, our forefathers didn't worry too much about heating their log cabins. Big fireplaces had no problem warming up the one or two rooms they lived in. Of course now that log homes are family-sized, people often have the impression that there is something different about how they are heated, and the good news is that a standard system will work as well in a log home as a traditional structure.

Almost all log homes are built with at least one fireplace. Initially, we thought that our beautiful soapstone woodstove would heat the whole house, and we would use our forced-air propane heat as a backup. Alas, we were all wrong. Because we have a cathedral ceiling with a big loft, the heat from the stove goes directly upstairs, requiring two ceiling fans to recirculate the warm air. We expected this, but we also thought the heat would expand sideways into the rest of the open floor space (dining room and kitchen). Not on your life! Even sitting on the couch about 15 feet from the stove, I need a coverlet. I'm uncomfortably chilly in the kitchen. I think that if we had a regular ceiling, the heat might have gone where we expected it, but the volume of the cathedral ceiling threw off our calculations. Also, the soapstone stove is designed to be run 24/7, and because we both work for a living, the stove doesn't get fired up until the evening. This woodstove needs to be heated up slowly at the risk of cracking the stone, so by the time it's really cooking we're ready for bed.

Old-fashioned fireplaces traditionally sucked all the warm air out of the room, but modern designs are more efficient at recirculating the heat. The most energy-efficient fireplace is built in the center of the house, so the stack heat is not lost to the outside. Outside stacks can create back drafts if the fire is extinguished, making a new fire more difficult to light. If you are planning multiple fireplaces, putting two of them back-to-back (facing adjoining rooms) will give you the opportunity to build one chimney with two flues. Or you could put a fireplace above your furnace, again allowing two flues in the same chimney. A direct-vent fireplace will eliminate the chimney, but you'll have to figure out how to hide the vent on the outside wall. Or, if you use a wood-stove, you could run the pipe through the wall and straight up the outside, building a box around the pipe to simulate a chimney. Depending on the look you want, you may want to leave the pipe inside the room and send it through the roof. This will give more heat.

It's a good idea to consider your heating and air-conditioning needs early in the design phase. Although log homes are naturally energy-efficient, it's not wise to skimp on your system. You may be able to heat your whole house with a huge fireplace or wood stove, but the township will probably have minimum standards to meet before they issue a building permit. Also, you need to consider resale value. I know of one person who tried to sell a million-dollar handcrafted log home without a furnace, and as you might suspect, the buyer never came along. The house was listed as unfinished, and installing the heating system after the fact was too daunting a task. A similar problem exists if you try to get away without central air conditioning. Yes, log homes do stay cooler in the summer, but those "dog days" of August can give you a perfectly miserable night's sleep, and a potential buyer will probably not be as tolerant as the original owner. Indeed, our mortgage company would not consider granting a construction loan if we didn't include central air conditioning.

If you want to preserve ductwork space, you can use forced air heat, with the same ductwork serving the air conditioner. Propane or oil are usually the fuels of choice in rural areas. If your interior wall space is limited, there are companies that specialize in very small, high-pressure duct systems that fit into tight angles; these systems usually require a much higher initial installation cost. When using traditional ductwork, you want to keep the angles at a minimum, so it helps to design first floor walls that will conveniently carry the air straight up to the second floor. An open floor plan offers a challenge, because you must bear in mind that the upstairs rooms need to be heated somehow, and you will need both supply and return vents to create an efficient air flow. If you want to use full log interior walls, you'll have to find another way to run the ductwork, electric, and plumbing. We made that mistake, and there are not enough return vents in our bedroom. The air is stuffy in the summer time, even with the windows open.

Where do the vents go? Since all our exterior walls are full log, many of our vents were placed in the floor. If your interior walls are sheetrock or tongue-and-groove, you can put the vents where they normally go. One thing I wish we had done was go over the plan with the HVAC contractor, because he put the vents in places I found most inconvenient. Some times it can be helped, and some times it can't.

If you are energy-minded and prefer to leave your thermostat at a minimum, you will find that the southern-facing side of the log home tends to be warmer than the northern exposure. Because the sun tends to sink closer to the horizon on a winter afternoon, it's advantageous to arrange your large windows facing south; during the summer, the sun will cross over the roof, so it won't overheat your house. However, you may find that the northern side of your house - which won't get direct sun at all - could be noticeably cooler. The best solution is to install radiant-floor heating (if you can afford it). Although this system requires a boiler instead of a furnace, the in-floor heating spreads the warmth evenly throughout your home, eliminating the northern-facing blues. With radiant-floor heating, you need to keep the thermostat steady all the time; the system is not designed to be turned down when you go to work. Additionally, you can use the boiler to heat your hot water as well, eliminating the need for a hot-water heater. On the other hand, you will still need to install ductwork for the air conditioning.

Overall, the same considerations apply as in regular construction. We thought we could get by with only one zone of heating and cooling, but in retrospect, two zones would have solved a lot of problems. In the long run, it's cheaper to do it correctly in the first place. Retrofitting a log home is not going to be a breeze!

Portable gasoline-powered backup generators can be a life saver when a power failure occurs. The major problem with relying on a portable backup generator is that only a hand full of electrical fixtures may usually be operated at any one time. Larger power draws from major appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers will likely consume too much power together. The most important appliance, the heating and cooling system, will most likely not be able to be powered by a standard gasoline generator. When a power outage does occur during a winter storm conditions can become deadly for home owners.

Without a properly functioning HVAC system the inside temperature can plummet in the span of just an hour. While adding layers of clothing will help to keep the family warm, the elderly and young are more susceptible to the frigid temperatures of winter. The average space heater should be able to be powered by a gasoline generator, but not for long. There are a number of portable generators available from which an individual may select. Although not an energy efficient solution, only the largest on the market will be able to supply enough power to operate major appliances. Not all generators are created equal.

While most home improvement stores and commercial equipment suppliers should be able to help a home owner calculate what wattage rating will be necessary to fulfill their needs. One major concern with any generator used to supply power to home appliances and electronics, and not often considered, is how sensitive appliances and electronics are to voltage fluctuations.

"Dirty" power can damage any piece of electronic equipment; even those used inside major appliances and a home's heating system. A voltage regulator is necessary to reduce or eliminate the chances of costly damage. Some of the manufacturers of the largest generators will advertise built-in voltage regulators. The majority of units will not. The home owner should take not of whether there is a guarantee provided regarding any electronics damage sustained while having a voltage regulator.

Other niceties which are available and worthy of serious consideration are electric starting, fuel gauge and the use of a manual or automatic transfer switch. While the investment in a voltage regulator and reasonably rated generator may and will likely be expensive, when the main power is restored the last thing any individual will want to do is have an expensive repair bill waiting due to a damaged HVAC system or other home appliances.

Did you know that you can reduce your heating bill dramatically simply by placing plastic film over your windows. This one simple act can save you energy and money on your electric bill. In the past, many people considered putting plastic over windows to be a bit tacky but that is no longer the case. In fact, using plastic as an inexpensive way to reduce energy waste is such a great idea, manufactures have even created an inexpensive energy efficient shrink film designed specifically for this task.

You hear a lot about replacing old windows, installing new energy efficient heat pumps or some other energy saving appliance to reduce energy waste but not everyone can make these major changes in their home. For example, if you pay rent instead of buying your own home then normally, you wouldn't be allowed to make major changes or you may not be financially able to spend money on these changes right away.

Many people in this type of situation deal with high energy bills year after year. They don't realize there is a simple option that's inexpensive and it can be done even when you live somewhere you're not allowed to make changes. There are two types of plastic films that can be used efficiently to cover the windows in your home. For example, you can buy rolls of clear plastic film or opt for the newly design energy efficient shrink film.

Rolls of Plastic Film versus Energy Efficient Shrink Film
You can buy rolls of plastic film that can be cut and secured over your windows with staples. Using staples will reduce the damage caused by securing the plastic around the windows. They can be applied on the outside of the windows or on the inside, whichever you prefer. However, when placing the plastic on the inside of the windows, it's recommended you cut stripes of cardboard to frame the inside of the frame. Place the plastic down first and then lay a stripe of cardboard over the plastic and staple to the window frame. This will hold the plastic more securely and prevent damage to the window seal.

Your second option is the newly design energy efficient shrink film. To use, simply measure and cut out a piece of film slightly larger than your window. Tape the edges of the plastic to the window frame then use a hair dryer to heat the film. Start in the center and work outward for the best results. The shrink film will adhere to the glass forming a barrier. Trim away any excess film. Clean the window before applying the film and it will stick better.

Benefits of using Plastic Film
You can greatly reduce your heating bill with plastic film regardless of which type you choose. It helps to keep the cold air from seeping in causing the heating system to work twice as hard. This cuts back on the energy needed to heat your home, lowers your energy bill and helps to keep you warm and cozy all winter long. You can even use the plastic over your windows in the summer to reduce your cooling bill.
When you no longer need the plastic, it's fast and easy to remove and there will be no mess to clean up. You simply have to dispose of the plastic properly. Safety is not an issue because if you need to open the window for any reason, the plastic is thin enough to peel away without difficultly. Using plastic film is an excellent way to reduce your heating bill and save energy without spending a lot of money.

When winter cold hits how are you supposed to be environmentally conscious and save energy while heating your home? Sure the inclination is there to just crank up the thermostat and stay cozy and warm while the little electricity meter spins fanatically. But there are many ways you can save energy while heating your home, without causing you to freeze or huddle underneath blankets unable to move about or do anything due to the goose bumps and shivering. A bit of preparation can go a long way toward saving energy while heating your home through the winter cold.

Weather stripping, sealant and plastic can help eliminate drafts, cold air and seeping heat that can escape through doors and windows. Making sure your home is weather tight before the cold weather hits will help you heat your home and still save energy. This also includes sealing up attics and crawl spaces and insulating.

Looking into different heating methods such as a wood or pellet stove or fireplace can help you supplement your expensive electric heat by providing natural heat to certain areas of the home which can be easily directed via fans to warm a whole level of the house keeping the thermostat from tripping and turning on the electric heat. Some families have eliminated electric heat entirely and count on wood to heat their homes.
Small space heaters can keep specific areas warm without causing the heat to runt throughout the entire home. This works if you have a chilly office space and need to be warm to work but aren't going to be out in the rest of the house for several hours. No need to waste the heat in the rooms you aren't using. Closing off unused rooms and areas throughout the winter can also help save energy when heating your home. By remembering to shut vents and close doors when you aren't using a room you are allowing more of the actual heat to be distributed to rooms which need it.

Saving energy while heating your home doesn't mean you have to freeze all winter, it simply means that you need to be responsible with your heating choices and make sure that you home is set up to take advantage of the heat without wasting it. Having some comfy throws and blankets around and dressing in layers will help your family be cozy without cranking the thermostat up to 80.