Electric Heating Systems

Gas hot water heaters have been heating the water for many businesses and households for many years. In fact when people turn on their hot water faucet to shave, shower, wash dishes, wash clothes or wash their hands, it is safe to say that not many individuals think of their gas hot water heater.

However, if that flow of hot water stopped it would be a different story. This is because having hot water is a convenience that not many people think about until it is no longer available.

Therefore, it may prove beneficial to have a little knowledge regarding a gas hot water heater. Specifically, how a gas hot water heater works and what are some things that could go wrong to make this type of heater inoperable.

How A Gas Hot Water Heater Works

A gas hot water heater is a modern day appliance that quietly functions in some remote place within the building. Specifically, the holding tank for the water comes in different sizes. Some of those different sizes could include a 10, 20, 30 or 40 gallon hot water tank. The tank is connected to two water lines. The one line leads into the tank and allows the flow of water. The other pipe leads away from the tank and carries the hot water throughout the facility.

In addition, this type of tank utilizes natural gas as the main energy source to heat up the water in the tank. The temperature of the hot water is controlled by a thermostat. When the water in the tank falls below the setting of the thermostat, the thermostat sends a signal to the gas burner to engage. This process then heats up the water in the tank until that temperature setting is reached. Once the temperature setting is reached the thermostat then sends another electrical signal to deactivate the gas burner.

When there is a demand for hot water within the facility the water then flows from the outgoing pipe to where the hot water is required. Once there is an outflow of hot water from the tank there's a corresponding flow of new water into the tank which then repeats the thermostat process of heating up the water to the required temperature.

Things That Could Go Wrong

As with any modern day convenience, there are a number of things that can go wrong with the natural gas water heater. One of the primary things that can cause a disruption in the hot water service is for the thermostat to malfunction.

Another item that could go wrong, but is less costly concerns the pilot light. The pilot light is that particular part of the natural gas water heater that constantly is aflame. Once the thermostat signals to the heating unit that the water needs to be heated the gas then begins to flow and the flame ignites the gas that flows throughout the burner system. Therefore, one of the less costlier things that can happen to stop the flow of hot water is for the pilot light to go out.

The reason why greenhouse heaters are so important is due to the fact that the temperature changes on regular basis through out the day and night. At some stage it could drop to a low point that would not be very healthy for the plants.

That is the main reason why it is vital to keep the temperature at a suitable level so that the plants growth will be successful. When you choose a greenhouse heater it is very important that you also take into consideration not the fact that it can keep a good temperature during cold winter nights but making sure the costs of installing and running it are not to high

There are numerous kinds of greenhouse heaters

Gas Heaters - Due to the fact that these heaters are fueled by either bottled or natural gas you will find they will be much less efficient that electric greenhouse heaters.

Another factor to remember is that the waste that is created is released into the greenhouse which will then require you to have a ventilation system in place. Gas heaters are not as safe and will need to placed in a very safe location, they will also need constant check ups and you will probably need to replace it every now and again.

Electric heaters - These type of heaters are suited best for the smaller greenhouse structures. Electric heaters are able to efficiently maintain the chosen temperature level. The best part about these greenhouse heater is that they do not produce any fumes so there will be no need for installing a ventilation system when these heaters are in use.

Paraffin heaters. This kind of heaters is the most basic among the three. Paraffin heaters need constant refilling and wick-trimming. They also need fuel to run, thus, fumes are again discharged into the greenhouse and would need ventilation. However, paraffin heaters can reduce the risk of frost damage and act as emergency standby.

Heater Mounting

Hanging - This type of heater is mounted directly onto the ceiling or it can also be hung from it. The main advantage of using it is due to the fact that it will take up no floor space. The correct level for it to be hung at is just high enough to make sure there is no obstruction.

Wall - This type of heaters is mounted directly to the wall and vent towards the outside of the greenhouse. No floor space is required but the area in front of them should be clear.

Floor - This kind of heater is not mounted as they will have their own stand and are able to be placed anywhere on the floor in the greenhouse. That is the main disadvantage of type of heater and it will take up a lot of space

Heater Combustion

Open - This kind of heater uses air inside the greenhouse for combustion. As long as the air does not have contaminants in it, this will work just fine. Flammable liquids should not be placed near an open combustion heater, though, because its burner is not sealed.

Separated - A gas greenhouse heater will use this kind of combustion method. Where it will use the air from outside the greenhouse for combustion. It burner will also have been sealed to trap all of the air from the outside of the greenhouse. The exhaust pipe will then be run to the outside of the greenhouse structure

Sealed - This kind is a lot similar to the separated combustion type. The burner is completely sealed inside and there is no access to air inside the building. Sealed combustion heaters use direct vent both for exhaust and intake.

Heater Vents

Unvented - Being unvented heaters, combustion-produced gases are directly released to the heated area. Unvented heaters are only for temporary use because of the sensitivity of some plants.

Gravity - The exhaust fumes from this kind of heater will rise through the pipe and then will be released outside. That is the reason why the vents should always be vertical. The air that is replaced must be placed by the outside air.

Power - These power vented heaters have a blower that pushes air through the pipe and outside the structure. The vents may be arranged vertically or horizontally, and the vent pipes are smaller making it more efficient.

Direct - This kind of venting is special to sealed combustion types. It has only one vent pipe with both the inlet and exhaust; one pipe is inside the other. The amount of air that leaves the pipe is the same amount that it pulls as intake. There is no additional air outside needed to replace the expelled air.

One more thing that you must take into consideration is the greenhouse heaters output range or it can also be known as the measure of the heat output. Make sure that you consult with the nearby greenhouse store and check to see what range of output you will require.

This will be determined on the area your greenhouse will be in and a few other factors. There are also a few sites on the web that will be able to do this calculation for you.

There are a wide range of greenhouse heaters around which can often make it hard to choose one. Before you decide to make a purchase of a heater make sure to take into account your current greenhouse structure and its needs.

There are many greenhouse experts around who would be more than happy to consult with you and give advice on the greenhouse heater that would best suit your needs.

Source: Free Articles

Discover all the important aspects to greenhouses that will ensure you grow beautiful flowers all year round. Visit http://www.greenhousegrowingtips.com. To read articles on greenhouses then visit http://www.greenhousegrowingtips.com/greenhousearticles.html

The reason why greenhouse heaters are so important is due to the fact that the temperature changes on regular basis through out the day and night. At some stage it could drop to a low point that would not be very healthy for the plants.

That is the main reason why it is vital to keep the temperature at a suitable level so that the plants growth will be successful. When you choose a greenhouse heater it is very important that you also take into consideration not the fact that it can keep a good temperature during cold winter nights but making sure the costs of installing and running it are not to high

There are numerous kinds of greenhouse heaters

Gas Heaters - Due to the fact that these heaters are fueled by either bottled or natural gas you will find they will be much less efficient that electric greenhouse heaters.

Another factor to remember is that the waste that is created is released into the greenhouse which will then require you to have a ventilation system in place. Gas heaters are not as safe and will need to placed in a very safe location, they will also need constant check ups and you will probably need to replace it every now and again.

Electric heaters - These type of heaters are suited best for the smaller greenhouse structures. Electric heaters are able to efficiently maintain the chosen temperature level. The best part about these greenhouse heater is that they do not produce any fumes so there will be no need for installing a ventilation system when these heaters are in use.

Paraffin heaters. This kind of heaters is the most basic among the three. Paraffin heaters need constant refilling and wick-trimming. They also need fuel to run, thus, fumes are again discharged into the greenhouse and would need ventilation. However, paraffin heaters can reduce the risk of frost damage and act as emergency standby.

Heater Mounting

Hanging - This type of heater is mounted directly onto the ceiling or it can also be hung from it. The main advantage of using it is due to the fact that it will take up no floor space. The correct level for it to be hung at is just high enough to make sure there is no obstruction.

Wall - This type of heaters is mounted directly to the wall and vent towards the outside of the greenhouse. No floor space is required but the area in front of them should be clear.

Floor - This kind of heater is not mounted as they will have their own stand and are able to be placed anywhere on the floor in the greenhouse. That is the main disadvantage of type of heater and it will take up a lot of space

Heater Combustion

Open - This kind of heater uses air inside the greenhouse for combustion. As long as the air does not have contaminants in it, this will work just fine. Flammable liquids should not be placed near an open combustion heater, though, because its burner is not sealed.

Separated - A gas greenhouse heater will use this kind of combustion method. Where it will use the air from outside the greenhouse for combustion. It burner will also have been sealed to trap all of the air from the outside of the greenhouse. The exhaust pipe will then be run to the outside of the greenhouse structure

Sealed - This kind is a lot similar to the separated combustion type. The burner is completely sealed inside and there is no access to air inside the building. Sealed combustion heaters use direct vent both for exhaust and intake.

Heater Vents

Unvented - Being unvented heaters, combustion-produced gases are directly released to the heated area. Unvented heaters are only for temporary use because of the sensitivity of some plants.

Gravity - The exhaust fumes from this kind of heater will rise through the pipe and then will be released outside. That is the reason why the vents should always be vertical. The air that is replaced must be placed by the outside air.

Power - These power vented heaters have a blower that pushes air through the pipe and outside the structure. The vents may be arranged vertically or horizontally, and the vent pipes are smaller making it more efficient.

Direct - This kind of venting is special to sealed combustion types. It has only one vent pipe with both the inlet and exhaust; one pipe is inside the other. The amount of air that leaves the pipe is the same amount that it pulls as intake. There is no additional air outside needed to replace the expelled air.

One more thing that you must take into consideration is the greenhouse heaters output range or it can also be known as the measure of the heat output. Make sure that you consult with the nearby greenhouse store and check to see what range of output you will require.

This will be determined on the area your greenhouse will be in and a few other factors. There are also a few sites on the web that will be able to do this calculation for you.

There are a wide range of greenhouse heaters around which can often make it hard to choose one. Before you decide to make a purchase of a heater make sure to take into account your current greenhouse structure and its needs.

There are many greenhouse experts around who would be more than happy to consult with you and give advice on the greenhouse heater that would best suit your needs.

Source: Free Articles

Discover all the important aspects to greenhouses that will ensure you grow beautiful flowers all year round. Visit http://www.greenhousegrowingtips.com. To read articles on greenhouses then visit http://www.greenhousegrowingtips.com/greenhousearticles.html

There has been a lot of talk recently about how we all need to do our part to make our world a greener place to live in. A great way to start pitching in is by simply making a few changes right in your own home. Changing out your old hot water heater for a newer more efficient version is both simple, eco-friendly, and goes a long way towards helping our environment.

Older electric water heaters consume larger amounts of energy than either their natural gas or oil fired counterparts. More energy usage creates a higher demand on our local power plants. Studies show that a typical family of four using a traditional electric water heater over the course of one year, uses enough energy to cause a typical power plant to emit about eight tons of carbon dioxide into our air. This is almost double the carbon dioxide fumes emitted by a typical family automobile. A family of four using a natural gas or oil fired water heater over the same period of time will only contribute around two tons of carbon dioxide into the air. By switching from your old electric water heater you can save energy, utility costs, and the air we breathe.

Solar water heaters are also a good choice. Several homes have sufficient access to sunlight to have a solar water heater installed with no problems. They can also work in all climates.

Solar water heaters also offer some financial benefits. Although the initial cost is more, between $1500.00 and $3500.00 for a solar water heater versus $150.00 and $450.00 for an electric or gas water heater, you will immediately see the savings in your electric or natural gas bills. The amount you will save in energy bills will pay for the new solar water heater on average in four to eight years.

Solar water heaters last just as long as more conventional water heaters, on average 15-40 years. After the initial time it takes for your solar system to pay for itself, paying zero in energy costs virtually means free hot water for you and your family. More savings can be found by checking with your tax consultant. Starting in 2005 the US government began offering homeowners up to 30% tax credit off the cost of installing their new solar powered water heater. Restrictions do apply, so be sure to check with you tax professional for details.

If you decide that installing a solar water heater is right for you and your family, be sure to hire a qualified professional to help you with this project. Certified installers will be familiar with any zoning and building codes in your area as well as if you will need a building permit for installation. For help finding a professional in your area, check with Five Star Consumer Referrals, Inc.

Shannon Shimizu is a small business owner of a contracting referral service called Five Star Consumer Referrals, Inc. The Five Star vision grew out of frustration of not knowing any reliable contractors for home improvement and repair projects. The goal of the business was to supply homeowners with excellent contractors who were licensed, insured, bonded and whose references were checked. Homeowners were thrilled with the prospect of having an outside third party who had a vested interest in the outcome of their home improvement project, and contractors were very happy to have a generous source of qualified leads.

In addition to running her business, Shannon is a wife and mother to two young children. Juggling motherhood and a full time business can be stressful, but the rewards of being able to work from home and raise her children is well worth the tradeoff.

For more information on Five Star Consumer Referrals, Inc. http://www.5starhelps.com

If you are interested in buying a tankless water heater, besides reading a tankless water heater review there are a few other aspects that you are going to need to take into consideration as well.

What Type?

One of the biggest decisions that you are going to have to make is what type of water heater you are going to need. You can choose to have either an electric or propane tankless water heater. There are both pros and cons to each, but the propane tankless water heater tends to come out on top in most cases.

Benefits

There are quite a few benefits offered by the propane tankless water heater. For one, a propane tankless water heater will be able to recover hot water twice as quickly as their electric counterparts.

That means that in the long term, by opting for a propane water heater you will end up saving yourself a great deal of money. Since propane is extracted from crude oil and processed from natural gas, the price of propane follows the price of these energy commodities, and this refers in particular to the cost of crude oil.

This can be both a good and bad thing but overall the prices for crude oil and the cost of natural gas have been steadily rising which means that you may end up paying more than you expect.

Keep in mind that while propane is produced year-round, the demand for propane is highly seasonal and causes inventories to increase when demand is low which is usually in the summer, and decrease when the demand is higher which is usually in the winter.

Tips

If you decide to go with a propane tankless water heater, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind. For one, when using a water heater you should turn it down from the standard 140 degrees to 130 degrees, and as a result you could end up saving as much as 10% and even more on your water heating bill.

Another helpful tip is to make sure that your attic and basement are properly insulated. This can end up saving you a great deal of money on your water heating bill.

Protect against drafts in your home by caulking and weather-stripping around the windows, doors and other openings in the house.

These tips will all be very helpful and ensure that you pay as little as possible on your water heating bill every month.